Library News
August 2010
Optimal Resume Tutorial Featured on Cox 45
Job Seekers Alert! Check out Cox45 Communication’s feature on Optimal Resume, a web-based resume building program that can help you with your career goals. Adult Services Librarian Maureen Stratton guides you in this video with step-by-step instructions on resume and cover letter creation, interview practice sessions, and creating a custom website that includes your employment documents. Sign up for a free account, today!
Video courtesy of
Related Information: Optimal Resume
July 2010
New Website for the Unemployed
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has a new website for unemployed Ohioans. OhioHeretoHelp.com connects users to information and resources from both public and private entities that can help them search for a job, find education and training opportunities, and learn about the many other services and supports that might be available to them.
Related Information: Research by Subject: Employment Information.
Register to Win Tickets to the Air Show
Come browse and relax in our Grand Reading Room this week and check out the Cleveland National Air Show display. Register to win four general admission tickets to the Air Show (September 4,5 and 6) at Burke Lakefront Airport. Hurry in though---this opportunity to enter is only good through Saturday, July 17! Thanks to our friends at the Air Show.
Related Information: Cleveland National Air Show
June 2010The Friends of Rocky River Public Library elected officers and committee chairpersons at their recent annual meeting.
President: Laura Jacobs
Vice President: Therese Rutt
Corresponding Secretary: Sandy Wright
Recording Secretary: Krista Carte
Treasurer: Karen Kelly Mickey
At-Large Members: Diane Beer, Dianna Foley, Jennifer BeachCommittees:
Mailing: Bobbie Couisneau
Hospitality: Therese Rutt
Historian: Bobbie Couisneau
Newsletter: Melissa BarnerWe love our FRIENDS!
Pictured: Krista Carte, Laura Jacobs, Sandy Wright, Melissa Barner and Karen Kelly Mickey.
Related Information: Friends of the Rocky River Public LibraryMay 2010
Nick Cronin to Head Rocky River Public Library
The Rocky River Public Library Board of Trustees announced that Nick Cronin
has been chosen as the new director of the library, beginning on June 21.
Cronin has 20 years experience in libraries, most recently as the manager of the Parma South Library Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library System, where he was responsible for hiring and supervising 50 full and part-time staff.
“Over the past several months, the Board worked very hard to review the applications of nearly 50 candidates for the director’s position. In his career to date, Nick has had ever-growing responsibilities for managing librarians and staff. We believe we have selected someone who will lead this library with confidence, integrity and fairness,” said Rocky River Public Library Board President Cynthia Schafer.
Prior to his current job at Parma South Library, he was manager of the County’s Parma Heights Library and has spent over a decade working for the Cuyahoga County Public Library System. He also worked at Lakewood Public Library from 1993 to 1999 as a reference librarian and also in their technology center.
“I am both thrilled and humbled to have been selected as Director of Rocky River Public Library,” said Cronin. “I really appreciate the faith that the Board of Directors has put in me, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that I do the very best job possible. I believe that I bring the necessary skills, qualifications and experience to be able to lead Rocky River Public Library - both through what are some challenging times and into the future.”
Cronin earned a Diploma in Library and Information Science from The Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland, his Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Hull, England, and his Master of Arts in Anglo-Irish Literature from The University of Ulster at Coleraine, Northern Ireland. In addition, he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and American Literature from the University of Kent at Canterbury, England. Cronin lives in Rocky River and is a native of Northern Ireland.
Nick Cronin succeeds John Lonsak, who retired from Rocky River Public Library after serving six years as Director.
Related Information: Director's Message.
Come see our cake-themed display on the main floor and enter to win a gift certificate from Great Scott’s Bakery, Main Street Cupcakes or Wild Flour Bakery. All you have to do is guess the number of people the wedding cake we have on display will serve. While you’re there, browse and check out books from our extensive collection on cakes and cupcakes! The contest begins on May 28 and ends on July 31. You must be 18 years old to enter to win.
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Students from Goldwood Elementary School Visit RRPL
Over 180 second grade students from Goldwood Primary School visited a number of points of interest in the community, including Rocky River Public Library, on their "Annual River Ride."
We were very pleased to show the students, teachers and parents the "behind the scenes" activities in the Library's Technical Services Department.
Related Information: Rocky River City SchoolsApril 2010
“Jon Theobald exhibit on display through May 14“
Discover the world at your library and check out a special photo display by world traveler Jon Theobald on exhibit in the Grand Reading Roomof the Library. Theobald’s unusual and whimsical collection of photos highlights a most unusual hobby—leaping in front of famous sites in 60 countries and 40 U.S. states, a total of 1,635 locations! In celebration of National Library Week, patrons guessing where in the world Jon is jumping will be eligible to win a $50.00 gift certificate donated by Dodd Camera. Entry forms are available next to the display and you must be 18 years old to be eligible to win. The photographs will be on display through May 14.
Related Information:Cleveland.com: Retired Teacher Jon Theobald takes Giant Leaps Around the World
March 2010
RRPL Dedicates Virtual Aquarium in Memory of Sally Case
Friends' President Laura Farrell Jacobs, Sally's daughter Cheryl Case, Library Director John Lonsak, and Sally's husband Norm Case were in attendance for the dedication of a "virtual aquarium" and plaque at the Children's Department in memory of Sally Case.
Friends' President Laura Farrell Jacobs and Library Director John Lonsak made remarks about Sally's dedication to the Library and our community. In addition, Cheryl and Norm Case were presented a framed pen and ink portrait created by RRPL's Mike Ericsson. Over 40 guests attended a reception after the dedication, which was coordinated by Friends' Vice President Therese Rutt.
Case, who passed away in September 2008, was a longtime member, treasurer, historian and membership chairperson for the Friends’ group. She dedicated many hours and her expertise to support the programs and services of the library. “Sally was a great swimmer and lover of all things aquatic,” according to Library Director John Lonsak. “The fact that she was also a great supporter of our Children’s Department factored into the choice of a ‘virtual aquarium’ to honor her memory. We are amazed at how vibrant the marine life looks. The children are really captivated.” A virtual aquarium uses a Blu-ray disc on a high definition screen with very high clarity.
This gift, along with a number of children's books, were made possible through memorial donations to the Friends of Rocky River Public Library.
Related Information: Friends Of the Library
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Text a Librarian
We now offer free text message reference services.
(standard message rates apply)Text us at 66746 and begin your question with askrrpl.
Related Information: Research Resources
Reader's Request
Let us help you find your next, new favorite author. Submit your preferences and we’ll suggest books we think you might enjoy. Book suggestions can either be picked up or we can email a list to you!
Related Information: Reader's Request || Adult Services
Public Fax Machine
You can now fax documents using our new self-serve fax machine.
- $1.50 for the 1st page
- $1.00 for additional pages
- Accepts credit card payments only
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover ans debit cards all acceptedPlease inquire at the Greeter’s desk.
Free Notary Service
A free notary service is now available in the library. Please call 440-333-7610 to make sure the notary public is available.
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February 2010
Rocky River Public Library Announces Director's RetirementROCKY RIVER, OH (January 28, 2010) - John Lonsak will be retiring effective April 30, after serving 6 years as Director of Rocky River Public Library.
The Rocky River Public Library Board of Trustees announced Thursday that Lonsak, who has been Director of Rocky River Public Library since 2004, will end his 41 years of library service. Prior to holding this position, Lonsak had a 35-year career at Cuyahoga County Public Library, spending his last eight years as Director.
"John has been a joy to work with,” said Cynthia Schafer, president of the Rocky River Public Library Board of Trustees. “He is an outstanding administrator, and his love for this library and the Rocky River community has been evident in everything that he has done. His service to Rocky River Public Library capped a long and very admirable career, and we are grateful for his unwavering devotion to our patrons, staff and community. We wish him the very best in retirement.”
During his tenure at Rocky River Public Library, Lonsak oversaw the complex and extensive renovation of the library from 2006-2007, including the restoration of the dramatic 1928 interior and redesign of the Children’s Department, Computer Training and Public Computer Center, and the addition of a new lobby and Children’s Room. He made customer service his priority and was involved in numerous community organizations.
Lonsak began his 35-year career at the Cuyahoga County Public Library in 1968, while working on his Master of Library Science degree, which he received from Case Western Reserve University in 1970. During his long career in public service, he served as regional manager of the Parma and the Fairview Park Branches. Lonsak became Director of the Cuyahoga County Library System in 1995 and remained in that position until his retirement in 2003.
He is a past-president of the Cleveland Area Metropolitan Library System. In 2001, he shared a Director Award from the Ohio Library Council and was named Librarian of the Year for the development of a universal library card for the region. Lonsak is a lifelong member of the Ohio Library Council and the American Library Association.
Related Information: Director's Message
|| Board of Trustees
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Jon Theobald Photo Collection will be on Exhibit at RRPL
A photo collection by Jon Theobald will be on exhibit throughout April on the main floor of the library. Theobald’s unusual and whimsical collection of photos highlights a most unusual hobby - leaping in front of famous sites in 40 U.S. states and 60 countries, from the Grand Canyon to Mount Kilimanjaro and the Great Wall of China!
Related Information:
Retired teacher Jon Theobald Takes Giant Leaps around the World, and Gets a Photo of Each One, By Michael Heaton, The Plain Dealer , February 01, 2010
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“Rocky River Public Library presents the 2010 Film Fest”
Calling all foreign and indie film fans! Join us Monday evenings on February 15, March 15 and April 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the library’s auditorium
for our series of award-winning first run independent and foreign films.
February 15: “Storm” - Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, 2009 Thriller, English subtitles; Winner of the Amnesty International Film Prize and the Berlin International Film Festival
March 15“Welcome”-France, 2009 Drama, in French with English Subtitles; Winner 2009 LUX Cinema Prize of the European Parliament and Winner of Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, Berlin IFF
April 12: "A Call Girl" - Slovenia, 2009 Drama, in Slovenian with English subtitles; Official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival
Note: Films subject to change.
The Independent Film Fest is sponsored by Friends of the Rocky River Public Library. The film screenings are free and open to the public. Please note that these films have not been rated and should be assumed to have mature content.
For additional information, call Rocky River Public Library at 440-333-7610.
Related Information: Featured Films
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By donating your gently used books, audiobooks, movies and music CDs to the library’s ongoing book sale, located in the lobby. Just drop donated materials off in the lobby, and the Women’s Committee of Rocky River Public Library will get them out on the sale shelves. All proceeds collected by the Women’s Committee benefit the library. For additional information, read our guidelines.
Related Information: Book Donations || Women's Committee
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Did that headline grab your attention? Well, Happy New Year from RRPL! The Library is running a special program to reduce your fines January 2 through February 15, 2010. This is your opportunity to settle your account completely by paying half the fines you owe. This offer is available one time only, per patron, during this period.
You can either choose to clear your account by paying your fines in cash or you can opt to donate canned food items to the Rocky River Assistance Program, in lieu of paying your fines. Preferred canned food items are fruits, beef stew, chili and vegetables. For every nonperishable item you donate, we will reduce your fine by $1.00. Please do not put any food items in the book drop. Please bring your food donations to an associate in the Circulation Department when you are ready to completely settle your account.
You must select one or the other option to bring your account to a zero balance to take advantage of this offer. You win, the Library recoups fines and materials, and the community receives help for hunger relief.
The 50% discount applies only to fines and fees owed the Library. It will apply to accounts already turned over to a collection agency. As a result, patrons can clear their account for half the amount owed. Please be advised that the Library is unable to repair or change a credit report. This discount does not apply to checks returned for insufficient funds. This discount also does not apply to payments that were made prior to January 2.
Related Information: 50% Off of Fines Flyer
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RRPL has a new online language system, BYKI, short for “Before You Know It.” This is a rapid learning system employing spaced interval repetition.
The BYKI learning method takes users through a series of simple steps to memorize words and phrases in a new language, including their meanings and proper pronunciation, in the shortest possible time. Available for learning over 70 languages, BYKI can be accessed by Library patrons from inside or outside of the Library, on both Windows and Mac computers.
Click here to Sign up today.
Related Information: Adult Services
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December 2009
Foundation Donates a Honda Element to the Library
Library Director, John Lonsak and Rocky River Public Library Foundation President, Jean McQuillan get ready to test drive the Library’s new Honda Element, donated by the Foundation for the Library’s Outreach Service for Rocky River residents who are homebound. Outreach Service provides free delivery of library materials to Rocky River residents who are unable to visit the library due to age, illness, or physical disability. Individuals who have medical or physical limitations want to use the service are encouraged to call the library’s outreach librarians at 895-3755.Related Information: Outreach Services || Foundation
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Looking for a Job? Try Optimal Resume
Rocky River Public Library subscribes to Optimal Resume, a web based
resume building program that can help you with all your career
goals. The program contains a step-by-step resume and cover letter
builder, skill assessment tests, interview practice session, and a video resume feature. Optimal Resume also provides you with web-based storage for all your employment files so that they can be accessed from anyplace, at anytime.You can even create a custom website that includes your documents, as
well as links to social networking profiles like LinkedIn and Twitter.Sign up for a free account today.
Related Information: Adult Services || Employment Information
