"The Tax Man Cometh"

The Garden City Public Library Thursday, February 16th, 7PM

It's time for a property taxpayer's checkup! Mr. Don Clavin Jr., Receiver of Taxes, will be presenting a taxpayer forum on challenging your tax assessment at the Garden City Public Library on Thursday, February 16th at 7PM. There is no registration for this program and it is open to all.

News From The Children's Room

Caldecott and Newbery Medal Winners Announced

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has announced the 2012 winners of the Caldecott and Newbery Medal. The 2012 Caldecott Medal was awarded to A Ball for Daisy, written and illustrated by Christopher Raschka. The 2012 Newbery Medal was awarded to Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos. Congratulations to both winners!

Winter Registration News

Registration for winter storytimes and book discussions began Monday, January 23. Registration for storytimes continues online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org ). Each child needs his or her own Library card to register. Registration for book discussions continues in the Children's Room. Space is limited, so check with a Children's Librarian for availability. Non-residents can register beginning Monday, February 6 at 9:30AM. Programs begin the week of February 6.

Play Hooray!

Join us on Saturday, February 4 for Play Hooray! This music and movement program is for children 2 1/2 - 5 years (not yet in Kindergarten) with an adult caregiver at 10:00AM or 11:00AM. Registration is required and began Monday, January 23 online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org ). Each child needs his or her own Library Card to register. Space is limited, so check Eventkeeper for availability.

Multicultural Tales with Julie Pasqual

Join us on Tuesday, February 21 at 11:00AM for Multicultural Tales with Julie Pasqual! This fun, family show is for children ages 2 1/2 through Grade 5 and their families. Tickets are required. Ticket distribution begins Saturday, February 11 at 9:30AM in the Children's Room. Each individual attending the show needs his or her own ticket to attend.

Light...Color...Action! with Mad Science of Long Island

Come to the Library on Saturday, March 3 for Light...Color...Action! See all the colors in white light with UV light, spectroscopes, and prisms. Children build their own "Mad Science Technicolor Blender." This program, hosted by Mad Science of Long Island, will be held at 1:00PM for Grades K-2 and 2:15PM for Grades 3-5. Registration is required and begins Monday, February 13 at 9:30AM online via Eventkeeper (www.gardencitypl.org ). Each child needs his or her own Library Card to register.

Please check the Library website www.gardencitypl.org for upcoming events and registration dates. Funding for these programs has been provided by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library. Priority for registration and participation is given to children who are Garden City Public Library cardholders.

Library Display On War Of 1812

The War of 1812 Bicentennial is the subject of the Garden City Public Library's display case throughout the month of February. The display was assembled by members of the Colonel Aaron Ogden Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Isabelle Smith and Leslie Dimmling.

One of America's less understood wars, it featured a number of American "wins" against steep odds, including the Battle of New Orleans, and some naval battles. Three American leaders from this war eventually became President of the US, including Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison and John Tyler.

During this war, the words of what would later become the lyrics of the Star Spangled Banner was written in poem form. At another point in the War, British troops marching into Washington DC and burned the White House, as First lady Dolley Madison narrowly escaped, fleeing with a famed portrait of George Washington.

The naval battles of the war were the subject of a book by a much later serving American president, Teddy Roosevelt. The ship USS Constitution, nicknamed "Old Ironsides" was victorious in a battle against well manned British vessel during the war; resulting in a shocked British public and an energized American one. This naval victory was all the sweeter for America, as the war's beginning was in no small part due to the illegal impressment of American sailors by the British. A model of the Constitution may be seen in the display.

In addition, the war had it's impact on native Americans. Most tribes pinned their hopes on the Shawnee leader Tacumsah, who backed the British. It was a fatal choice, as the interests of the indigenous natives were swept aside in the resulting peace negotiations, resulting in more loss of lands and the tribes being pushed west.