LOCAL AUTHOR TO DISCUSS WEST WING AT SML (3/23)![]()
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On Thursday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m. the Signal Mountain Library will host a presentation and book signing by local author David Graybeal. The Signal Crest United Methodist Church pastor will discuss his book, Faith in the West Wing: The Portrayal of Religion in a Primetime Presidency, an exploration of biblical themes in the popular television drama.![]()
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The event is free of charge and open to all. Copies of the book will be available for $20.00 each (cash, check, or Venmo).
SML BOOK NOOK TEMPORARILY CLOSED![]()
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If you’ve visited the library this week, you’ve probably noticed that our heat & air conditioning system is undergoing a complete overhaul. It’s been very cold in here! As a result of this work, our lower level has been closed off to the public—and this will likely continue into early next week.![]()
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Alas, the same goes for our fabulous Book Nook.![]()
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When the time comes, we’ll be glad to extend the current sale (half-price for all nonfiction titles) to make up for the hiatus. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience and trust that we’ll all appreciate the new system once it’s up and running.![]()
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Stay tuned for further updates!
SM TREE BOARD EVENT AT RECYCLE CENTER (3/18)![]()
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On Saturday, March 18, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. the Signal Mountain Tree Board will be giving away trees at the Recycle Center on Ridgeway Avenue.![]()
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Available options: White Oak, Silky Dogwood, Elderberry.![]()
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Also, there will be a native plant sale featuring woody shrubs and herbaceous perennials.
LOCAL AUTHOR TO DISCUSS WEST WING AT SML (3/23)![]()
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On Thursday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m. the Signal Mountain Library will host a presentation and book signing by local author David Graybeal. The Signal Crest United Methodist Church pastor will discuss his book, Faith in the West Wing: The Portrayal of Religion in a Primetime Presidency, an exploration of biblical themes in the popular television drama.![]()
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The event is free of charge and open to all. Copies of the book will be available for $20.00 each (cash, check, or Venmo).
NONFICTION HALF-PRICE SALE AT SML BOOK NOOK![]()
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From now through Thursday, March 30, all nonfiction items for sale in our Book Nook will be half price.![]()
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Also, we’ve just received a donation of a full set of children’s educational volumes called Ready-Set-Grow. (See photo below.) These books, published in 1979, are in excellent shape and feature 23 individual titles on such subjects as money management, health, social skills, and more. We’re selling the whole set for $20.![]()
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(To keep it intact, we’ll store the set in our office upstairs. If you’d like to look it over, feel free to ask one of our helpful librarians.)![]()
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Don’t let the March winds blow you off course! Make a beeline for the Book Nook and save some money today.
READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY AT SML![]()
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Tomorrow (Thursday, March 2) is Dr. Seuss’ birthday—and that’s why it’s also the day we celebrate Read Across America Day!![]()
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We’re very proud of our children’s book collection. Of course, any day is a good day to visit the library, but if you want to celebrate this national event with us, we invite you to stop by tomorrow and explore the thousands of titles we feature for curious, imaginative kiddos.![]()
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Also, if you haven’t yet visited our fancy new reading room, you’ll find plenty of comfortable seats there for your own family storytime.![]()
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See you there!
NEW SML WEBSITE![]()
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The new Signal Mountain Library website is now live!![]()
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We hope you find the redesign inviting and easy to navigate.![]()
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Also, we’ve just heard from BookSystems, the company that provides our online catalog, and they’ve told us to expect a similar (more modern) update in the coming days.![]()
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In the end, we expect your overall online experience to be much improved.![]()
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Enjoy!![]()
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signalmountainlibrary.com
LIFELONG LEARNING AT SML![]()
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We’re proud to offer our patrons a variety of services and materials, so we were delighted when a local scholar—a devotee, if you will, of the solitary candle—donated to us a rich trove of university lectures, mostly on DVD. Known as the Great Courses (offered by the Teaching Company), this series features college professors presenting entire classes on a wide range of subjects—history, science, religion, philosophy, astronomy, and many more.![]()
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Thanks to our generous benefactor, the library’s overall Great Courses holdings have now more than doubled. If you’re hungry for knowledge, stop by and browse for something that interests you.![]()
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You’ll find the entire collection shelved together next to the elevator.
SML VALENTINE BUNNY FINDS FOREVER HOME![]()
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A whopping ninety-two patrons vied for the honor of winning the Signal Mountain Library Valentine Bunny—but only one could prevail. Meet Audrey Sharps, avid reader and rabbit aficionado, who claimed her prize this morning.![]()
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What will she name her new charge? Beatrix? Hazel? Our shelves are stocked with possibilities!
SEED LIBRARY AT SML![]()
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Have you ever considered starting a garden? Do you want to expand one you already keep?![]()
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Girl Scout Troop 40487 has just donated to us a beautiful seed library of their own design, featuring a wide selection of seeds for flowers, vegetables, beans, and herbs. You’re welcome to stop by and help yourself free of charge—but part of the fun is keeping the collection fresh, so please consider donating some seeds of your own!![]()
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You’ll find the display on our upper level, right next to the water fountains.
SML CANVAS TOTE FOR SALE![]()
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Looking for that perfect gift for your book-loving Valentine?![]()
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Why not a fetching Signal Mountain Library canvas tote?![]()
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These bags are both beautifully designed and solidly constructed for many years of stylish wear—and are available now at our circulation desk for a cool twenty-five dollars each (cash or check only).![]()
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All proceeds go to support the Friends of the Signal Mountain Library.
YEAR OF THE RABBIT CONTEST AT SML![]()
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As you may have heard, with the recent advent of the Chinese New Year, we’ve officially entered the Year of the Rabbit!![]()
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We at the Signal Mountain Library are celebrating this occasion with a drawing to win a fabulous plush bunny of your very own.![]()
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All you have to do to enter is submit your name and phone number in the bowl provided in our lobby.![]()
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Deadline to enter: February 14. (That’s Valentine’s Day, y’all.)![]()
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We’ll announce the winner soon thereafter.![]()
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So hop on over to the library and try your luck with us.![]()
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See you soon!
SML CLOSED FOR MLK![]()
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The Signal Mountain Library will be closed on Monday, January 16. Any items that would normally have been due on that day will automatically be due instead on Tuesday, January 17.![]()
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Happy Martin Luther King Day!
THERE’S NO TIME LIKE STORYTIME![]()
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Every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. the Signal Mountain Library hosts Toddler Storytime for one and all. We feature stories, singalongs, crafts, coloring, and more.![]()
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Here we have a few shining faces from this morning’s festivities.![]()
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Stop by next week and meet some new friends!
SML CHRISTMAS BOOK TREE CONTEST WINNERS![]()
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At last the hour is at hand when we announce the winners of our Annual Christmas Book Tree Guessing Challenge! This year, eighty-five of you submitted worthy entries but only two emerged victorious: Eliza Wilkinson (pictured) and Win Boutwell (who prefers to cultivate an air of enigmatic mystery).![]()
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Number of books in this year’s tree: 108.![]()
Eliza’s guess: 110.![]()
Win’s guess: 106.![]()
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For their enviable gift of numerical augury, both champions will receive a $20 gift certificate redeemable in our famous Book Nook.
STORYTIME AT SML![]()
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Tomorrow (Tuesday, January 3) at 11:00 a.m. the Signal Mountain Library will host our very first Storytime of the new year. If you like to sing songs, listen to stories, and get crafty with crafts, then this is the place to be.![]()
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Storytime takes place every Tuesday morning at 11:00 and is open to everyone—so stop by as often as you like and bring friends, too.![]()
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See you there!
SML NEW YEAR HOURS![]()
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The Signal Mountain Library will be closed Friday, December 30, through Sunday, January 1. Items that would normally have been due during that time will automatically be due instead on Monday, January 2.![]()
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Happy New Year!
SML HOURS (12/27)![]()
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Thanks to yesterday’s snow, our parking lot remains slick in places, so we’ve decided to open today (Tuesday, December 27) at noon instead of 10:00. The forecast calls for the outdoor temperature to rise above freezing by then, so we expect that to help considerably.![]()
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Unfortunately, those of you planning to attend Storytime at 11:00 will have to wait until next week.![]()
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We regret any inconvenience but prefer our patrons to enjoy our facility under the safest conditions possible.
SML HOLIDAY HOURS![]()
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The Signal Mountain Library will be open today (Thursday, December 22) from noon until 6:00 p.m. (rather than 8:00).![]()
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We will then be closed for Christmas from Friday, December 23, through Monday, December 26.![]()
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The following week, we’ll be closed Friday, December 30, through Sunday, January 1.![]()
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No items will be due on any day we’re closed, but, as always, you’re encouraged to use our book drops for returns.![]()
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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Cold weather is here, and freezing temperatures are a threat to your plumbing. Fortunately, a few simple steps can protect it from disaster. Help make your plumbing system ready with these tips from Signal Mountain Water Utility.![]()
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Protect Outdoor Pipes & Hoses![]()
-Disconnect garden hoses: A water-filled hose left out in cold weather will freeze. Be sure to disconnect all outdoor hoses from their faucets, drain them and store them for the winter.![]()
-Shut off outdoor faucets: If possible, turn off the valve leading to the outdoor water spigot to prevent water from running to exterior lines.![]()
Install frost-free sill cocks: Unlike a typical faucet – a frost-free sill cock, when properly installed, will allow water to drain from the pipe every time you turn off the faucet.![]()
-Cover hose bibs: Insulated covers slow the heat loss from a pipe and provide protection from the cold for very little cost.![]()
-Install heat tape: Heat tape or heat cable is a great solution for vulnerable pipes. Their integral thermostat senses pipe temperature and turns the heat on and off as needed. However, you will need an accessible electrical outlet to plug in the cable.![]()
Insulate Exposed Pipes![]()
-Pipe insulation: Add pipe insulation on exposed pipes in your basement, along exterior walls, and outside your home to protect against freezing. All unheated areas of your home that have water pipes need insulation on the pipes.![]()
-Seal off your crawl space: A ventilated crawl space is often a problem in the winter. Seal any cracks or holes using caulk or expandable foam and insulate where you can. Close crawl space vents and seal them with thick cardboard and duct tape. If you have a basement instead of crawl space, inspect windows to ensure they are not letting cold air in.![]()
-Garage Doors: If you have plumbing running through an unheated garage, consider insulating the door to keep that area as warm as possible.![]()
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Inside Your Home![]()
-Leave your faucets running: A trickling faucet keeps the water flowing, which reduces the risk of freezing. It also protects against burst pipes if the water does freeze, because it prevents pressure from building from expanding ice. A slow trickle is all you need to help prevent costly home repairs.![]()
-Open cabinet doors: Being behind closed doors makes pipes more vulnerable to freezing, since heat from the rest of the house can’t reach them. Open the cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate into the cabinets.![]()
-Keep the heat: If you leave for vacation, don’t turn off your heat. You don’t need to leave your furnace running at full blast, but if you turn the system completely off and temperatures drop, your plumbing could be in serious jeopardy.![]()
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Frozen Anyway?![]()
-Shut off the water: Before attempting to thaw your pipes make sure you turn off the main shut-off valve.![]()
-Keep your faucet open: Your pipes need an opening to discharge the water and steam that will be created during the thawing process. Keeping the faucet open also allows for moving water to run through the pipe, which speeds up the thawing process.![]()
-Apply heat to frozen section: Heat the frozen area with a hair dryer or by wrapping an electronic heating pad around the pipe. Remember not to leave the heating pad unattended and never use a blowtorch, propane or kerosene heaters, a charcoal stove or any other open flame device to thaw your frozen pipes. An open flame presents a severe fire hazard.![]()
-Call a professional: Call a plumber to help thaw your frozen pipes. Most times, this is a better idea if you don’t think you can safely thaw the pipes yourself.
Many thanks to Cub Scout Pack 3116 for setting up this beautiful Christmas tree decoration at the entrance to the library. This has become a yearly tradition for us that we’re delighted to continue in 2022.![]()
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(The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that the tree has in fact been here for a week—but, thanks to the rain and fog, this is the first day we’ve had to get a good photo!)
On Monday, December 12, the Signal Mountain Library will open late at 3:00 p.m. so the staff can attend funeral services for Art Dickerson, a beloved member of our library family.![]()
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There will be no change to due dates or fines. As always, if you leave us a message or send an email, we’ll help you as soon as we can after we return.
BOOK TREE CONTEST AT SML![]()
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Once again the time has come to announce our annual Signal Mountain Library Christmas Book Tree contest! In our lobby you’ll find everything you need to participate. Just fill out a form with your full name, phone number, and your guess for the number of books used to construct the magical tree you see here. Then drop the form into the jar provided. The patron who comes closest to the correct answer will win a twenty-dollar gift certificate redeemable in our Book Nook.![]()
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The contest will be open until the New Year, after which we’ll announce the winner.![]()
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One entry per patron please!
Now that we’re all enjoying a cool December day, we at the Signal Mountain Library are taking this first opportunity to try our fancy new fireplace. If you’re looking for a cozy spot to relax from your busy holiday schedule, stop by today and find a warm place to read. We’ll be open until 8:00 p.m.—long after dark—so the room will only get more inviting. See you soon!
HALF-PRICE SALE AT SML BOOK NOOK![]()
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We all know the holidays wouldn’t be the same without books. That’s why the legendary Book Nook—located on the lower level of the Signal Mountain Library—has now reduced prices on all items by fifty percent! Come find gifts for the whole family at unbeatable prices.![]()
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This sale runs from November 28 through December 29.![]()
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We’ll be refreshing the inventory throughout, so stop by early and often!
The Signal Mountain Library will be closed Thursday, November 24, through Sunday, November 27. Any items that would normally have been due during that time will automatically be due instead on Monday, November 28.![]()
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Happy Thanksgiving!
GOBBLE, GOBBLE : These birds are ready for Thanksgiving!![]()
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We’ve enjoyed meeting everyone who’s visited us at Storytime these last several weeks. We’ll gather again next Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. and each Tuesday thereafter—so we hope to see many of you back here soon.
SPANISH ON SIGNAL AT SIGNAL MOUNTAIN LIBRARY![]()
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Beginning in January, the Signal Mountain Library will host beginner Spanish classes for kids and for adults taught by Daniella Silva of the Chattanooga School of Language. Below you’ll find schedules for both sessions along with links for registration, pricing information, etc.![]()
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Spanish Beginner for Kids![]()
Grades K – 2![]()
Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.![]()
starting the week of January 9 for 10 weeks![]()
www.chattanoogalanguage.com/learn-spanish#signalkids![]()
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Spanish True Beginner for Adults![]()
Thursdays, 5:45 – 7:45 p.m.![]()
starting the week of January 9 for 10 weeks![]()
www.chattanoogalanguage.com/learn-spanish#signaladults![]()
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If you have any further questions, feel free to call us at 423-886-7323 or send an email to jatkinson@signalmountaintn.gov.
ARBORIST PRUNING PROGRAM AT S.M. TOWN HALL![]()
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On Thursday, December 1, at 1:00 p.m. Scenic City Arborist Benjamin Moore will present a demonstration on plant pruning at the Signal Mountain Town Hall. If you choose to attend, please park in the swimming pool parking lot.![]()
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A few minutes spent pruning is one of the best things you can do for your plants. Removing dead limbs or limbs that are growing inappropriately will greatly improve the vigor and appearance of plants. Using proper pruning techniques will protect plant health and encourage the natural healing process. But most of us are intimidated by the pruning process.![]()
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The Signal Mountain Tree Board is sponsoring this pruning clinic to demonstrate proper pruning techniques. You will learn when to prune, what to prune, and how to prune.
NEW STREAMING AUDIOBOOKS AT SML![]()
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About a month ago, we added sixty-four new streaming audiobooks to our collection—and we’re pleased to report that they’ve been a hit! We added titles by many of our most popular authors for grown-ups (Louise Penny, Erik Larson, Daniel Silva, etc.) as well as some for young readers (Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia). If you haven’t already, why not give them a try? ![]()
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You can browse the full list as you would our ebook collection—via the OverDrive (or Libby for OverDrive) app. We can be found by searching for the Hamilton Digital Library.![]()
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(If you prefer a web browser, just follow this link: hamiltondigitallibrary.overdrive.com.)![]()
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As always, you’ll need to sign in with your Signal Mountain Library card number. ![]()
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For now, most will appear in the “Newly Added” section, but to see all available audiobooks any time, just perform an advanced search and select “All audiobooks” from the “Formats” dropdown menu. The list will appear with the newest titles displayed first.![]()
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If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us at 423-886-7323 or email us at jatkinson@signalmountaintn.gov.
Recently, one of our most devoted patrons (though pictured here, he prefers to remain anonymous) donated to our collection a favorite book, paid for with his own money and hard work. This new copy of Super Mario Bros. Encyclopedia is now available for checkout.![]()
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We’re proud of all of our young readers and appreciate this young man’s generous gesture.
MYTHOLOGY PROGRAM AT SML![]()
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On Thursday, November 10, at 6:30 p.m. the Signal Mountain Library will host a special program by local resident Elsa Bastone called “The House of Atreus: From Tantalus through the Trial of Orestes.” The presentation will dramatize this story from Greek mythology—a topic of lifelong interest to Bastone.![]()
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We’re proud to offer our community opportunities to enjoy evening events that are both enriching and entertaining. As always, this program is free of charge and open to everyone.
Happy Halloween from the Cowboy, the Motherboard, the Dalmatian, the Blue-Haired Lady, and the Black Cat!
STORYTIME AT SML![]()
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Do you love stories, sing-alongs, and seasonal crafts? Are you a toddler or tyke with access to free transportation? If so, we’ve got some exciting news! Tomorrow (Tuesday, November 1) at 11:00 a.m., the Signal Mountain Library presents Storytime, hosted by our very own ukulele virtuoso, Karin Glendenning.![]()
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Storytime takes place every Tuesday at 11:00—so if you miss one, you can always come the next time.![]()
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See you there!
HALLOWEEN AT SML![]()
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In case you hadn’t heard, Halloween is this coming Monday! The Signal Mountain Library will keep its usual Monday hours—we’ll be open until 8:00 p.m.—and welcome visits from trick-or-treaters of all ages. Please stop by to show us your costumes and collect some delicious candy.![]()
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For those willing to strike a spooky pose, we’ll be taking photos for our bulletin board.![]()
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See you there!
COOKBOOKS HALF-PRICE AT SML BOOK NOOK![]()
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Now that autumn is officially upon us, many of us look forward to enjoying the culinary delights of the holidays. With that in mind, we’ve just cut prices in half for all cookbooks on sale in our Book Nook. This means that hardback cookbooks now sell for one dollar; paperback cookbooks sell for fifty cents.![]()
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Stop by soon to shop the best selection!
Many thanks to the Signal Mountain Fire Department for visiting us this morning at Toddler Storytime. Sparky and crew attracted a huge turnout. Everyone had a blast!
FIREMEN TO VISIT SML STORYTIME![]()
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Tomorrow’s Toddler Storytime (Tuesday, October 18, 11:00 a.m.) promises to be a special treat. Firemen from the Signal Mountain Fire Department will visit us along with their lovable mascot, Sparky. Children will hear a story as usual, explore a real fire truck, and meet some of our brave public servants.![]()
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See you there!
NEW STREAMING AUDIOBOOKS AT SML![]()
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From time to time our patrons have asked us if we carry streaming audiobooks; although we’ve had a small handful until now, we’re pleased to announce that we’ve just made our first substantial purchase. We’ve added titles by many of our most popular authors for grown-ups (Louise Penny, Erik Larson, Daniel Silva, etc.) as well as some for young readers (Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia). In all, there are now sixty-four new streaming audiobooks in our collection!![]()
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You can browse the full list as you would our ebook collection—via the OverDrive (or Libby for OverDrive) app. We can be found by searching for the Hamilton Digital Library. (If you prefer a web browser, just follow this link: hamiltondigitallibrary.overdrive.com.) As always, you’ll need to sign in with your Signal Mountain Library card number. ![]()
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For now, most will appear in the “Newly Added” section, but to see all available audiobooks any time, just perform an advanced search and select “All audiobooks” from the “Formats” dropdown menu. The list will appear with the newest titles displayed first.![]()
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If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us at 423-886-7323 or email us at jatkinson@signalmountaintn.gov.
Many thanks to Girl Scout Troop 40041 for building this beautiful scarecrow display to help us celebrate October. Do you recognize those Grimm fairy tale favorites, Hansel & Gretel? (We’re certainly glad it’s not the witch, for we would surely expire of fright!) They’ll be guarding our portion of James Boulevard until Halloween, so please stop by for a visit.
LOCAL AUTHOR AT SML (9/29)![]()
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On Thursday, September 29, at 6:30 p.m. local author Nathaniel Gee will talk about his writing and sell and sign copies of his book, Of Pigs and Priests. The novel is a romantic comedy in the style of Gee’s inspiration, P. G. Wodehouse, and is set in sixteenth-century England. Come hear Gee, who works by day as a dam safety engineer, talk about what led him to become a writer.
CHILDREN’S AUTHOR AT SML (9/27)![]()
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On Tuesday, September 27, at 11 a.m. local author Jessica Tabb will read from her children’s book, Little Moon, Little Moon, and also sell and sign copies. The book is the story of a young girl who wonders where the moon goes in the daytime. Its rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud. This event is especially for moms and children, but all are welcome to attend.
SML STORYTIME RETURNS!![]()
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Tuesday, October 4, at 11 a.m. will be an exciting time at the Signal Mountain Library—for it’s then that we’ll resume our much-missed Toddler Storytime! We’ll read some books, sing songs, and complete a simple craft project. Our activities are not too structured but are designed to help young children learn to love books and interact with others their age. Parents and/or caregivers are asked to stay during the session. All are welcome.![]()
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Storytime will continue to take place every Tuesday at 11. See you there!
On Sunday, September 18, at 1:30 p.m. at the Mountain Arts Community Center, 809 Kentucky Avenue on Signal Mountain, the Hemlock Conservation Task Force will demonstrate treatment methods to protect your hemlocks from the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA) and answer any questions you might have.![]()
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We invite everyone on Walden’s Ridge to participate!
Would you like to support the Friends of the Signal Mountain Library and, while you’re at it, cut a très chic figure on the boulevard? Introducing our new deluxe canvas tote, now available at the circulation desk for a cool twenty-five dollars (cash or check only). We hope you’ll agree they’re as beautifully designed as they are sturdy and practical. Stop by while supplies last!![]()
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Many thanks to our friend and cutting-edge fashion guru Andy Tucker, president of Andrew Thompson Company, who helped us bring this project into being.
The Signal Mountain Library will be closed on Monday, September 5. Any items that would normally have been due on that day will automatically be due instead on Tuesday, September 6.![]()
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Happy Labor Day!
During the month of August excitement reached a fever pitch thanks to the Signal Mountain Library’s drawing for kids to adopt a free plush pup/reading buddy—and the time has come to announce the winner! Meet Luke Susong, champion patron extraordinaire, seen here with his sisters, Vivian and Ella. At the time of this writing, Luke has yet to select a name for his new canine pal, but he assures us he’ll consult many of our weighty, learned volumes for suggestions. Congratulations to the whole Susong gang!