I can partially answer the most asked question this winter:  where are the tax forms?  The library has an ample supply of state tax forms; instructions and forms are in one booklet.  Calls and visits have been constant about federal forms for weeks now.  The library has no control on when the IRS ships forms.  They started mailing out forms in the last few weeks.  Currently we have the instruction booklets for 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ, but only have the forms for 1040 and 1040A.  The forms for 1040EZ should be shipping soon.

          

The IRS has advised us that these are the only forms we are going to get and they will not resupply.  So my recommendation is to get your forms early and do not wait.  We have a handout on how to obtain other forms available at a table to the left of the front door as you enter where you can find the tax forms and instructions.  Please do not ask the library staff for tax information; we are not trained to provide it.  A VITA volunteer will be here by appointment to help, but you must call the Harrison County Senior’s Center to make the appointment.

           

Every year, libraries in West Virginia are asked to fill out the state statistical report.  The results are published each January in time to be presented to the state legislature during their winter session.

 

Comparing libraries is like comparing apples and oranges, but this year’s report provided one interesting fact.  Bridgeport has the highest number of online services in the state of West Virginia, even more than Cabell and Kanawha.  Now Kanawha Public Library had funding issues for the past few years that were resolved with the passage of a county –wide levy so I am sure that next year’s state statistical report will put them on top.  At least for a brief time, Bridgeport Public Library can enjoy being number one.   

           

For those who are interested in what online services we have, you can access them through either webpage,  www.bridgeportwv.com/library.cfm or www.youseemore.com/bridgeport.  Both pages provide links and instructions.  Since some services require passwords that we cannot publish on the web, please call or pick up the database brochure that we have at both desks.  The brochures tell you exactly how to access each service.

           

The three most popular are the WVDELI for downloadable audiobooks and eBooks, Zinio, for magazines, and Freegal for music.  There are several dozen more services that can answer your questions, lead you to new reading selections, help with homework, encourage your child’s reading, and offer you chances to learn more at your own pace.  And these services are available 24/7 and only require an Internet connection and a library card.

           

For instance, Law Depot can answer legal questions.  Mango can teach you languages.  BookBrowse provides digital reader’s advisory.  Atomic Training is a video-based how-to training resource.  A to Z Databases offers reference and marketing information.  ArtistWorks gives online music and art instruction.  Fast Pencil helps with self-publishing while the New York Times gives you access to one of the world’s top newspapers.  Universal Class enables you to sign up for classes in everything from sociology to history to Microsoft Excel.

           

TumbleBooks provides books for children to download as well as helpful information for parents and teachers in how to make the reading experience more effective.  TrueFlix, FreedomFlix and ScienceFlix offer interactive features to make history, science, and non-fiction attractive to children.

           

There is also HeritageQuest for genealogical sources and IndieFlix, a streaming movie service that offers award-winning short films, feature films and documentaries normally shown at film festivals.

           

So please take advantage of all these resources especially when it is snowing and icy and you are stuck inside.  We would rather that you be safe at home enjoying our resources than out on the road.