Library News:
Closing for PC Replacement
Moon Library will be closed the morning of Wednesday, May 14th so that all library computers can be replaced with new hard drives, monitors, and keyboards. The library will reopen sometime later in the afternoon of Wednesday, May 14th.
Please note: Our new computers will not have floppy disk drives. If you currently have floppy disk files that you want to continue using at the library after the new computers have been installed, you can bring a flash drive to the library now and copy your floppy disk files onto the flash drive. After the new computers are installed, you will be able to access files stored on flash drives or CD-RWs, and flash drives and CD-RWs will be available for purchase at the circulation desk.
Memorial Day Closing
Moon Library will be closed on Monday, May 26th, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular library hours will resume on Tuesday, May 27th at 10 a.m.
Wanted: Teen Volunteers
Calling all teens entering grades 6 and up. Moon Library needs you to help out with our summer reading program. If you would like to find out how you can help the library and also help yourself by earning community service hours, please come to the library on Wednesday, May 28th from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. for an informational meeting. Be sure to bring along your schedule so you can sign up for hours when you know you will be available.
Grief Support Group
The loss of a loved one can be a difficult experience. It may help to talk to others who understand and can offer compassionate support. Heartland Hospice and Moon Library are sponsoring a grief support group which will meet at the library from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on six consecutive Tuesdays beginning May 6th. The group will discuss the normal aspects of grief, provide coping suggestions, and offer time for informal sharing. Participation in all sessions is requested. There is no charge for this program, but registration is required. Please call Cynthia Grindel at 1-800-497-0575 to register.
Kids' Poetry Slam
Calling all poetry lovers in grades K through 5. If you like poetry, plan to come to the library for our Poetry Slam on Saturday, May 10th at 10:30 a.m. You can read an original poem aloud or bring one of your favorite poems found in a library book to share with the group!
Mother-Daughter Book Discussion Brunch
Girls in grades 2 through 5 and their moms are invited to the library on Saturday, May 10th at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate Mother's Day with a special brunch and a discussion of Lois Lowry's book Anastasia Krupnik. Copies of the book are available for checkout when you register for the program.
Preschool Readiness Program
Is your 3 or 4 year old ready for preschool? Parents are invited to the library on Tuesday, May 13th at 6:30 p.m. to hear Nancy Mehalic, Director of the Moon Montessori School for Creative Learning, speak on the topic of preschool readiness. A question and answer period will follow the presentation. Please call the library at (412) 269-0334 to register.
Movie Release Party
Calling all Narnians in grades 1 through 5. Moon Library is having a party on Saturday, May 17th at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate all things Narnia in conjunction with the release of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. We will discuss the book, have a trivia contest, eat some Turkish Delight, and watch some excerpts from the first movie, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Please call the library at (412) 269-0334 to register.
Creative Cupcake Contest
A Creative Cupcake Contest will be held at the library at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 18th. Anyone interested in entering the contest must register at the library's circulation desk by Thursday, May 15th and submit a name for their cupcakes. Prizes will be awarded for both creativity and taste.
Catch the Reading Bug! - Coming Soon
This year's Moon Library Summer Reading Club kickoff party will be held on Saturday, June 14th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. So mark your calendars now and check this website later for additional details.
Featured Web Links for May:
Holidays and Observances
National Military Appreciation Month
America Supports You
Memorial Day
The month of May, which includes National Military Appreciation Month, Military Spouses Day (5/9), Armed Forces Day (5/20), and Memorial Day (5/26), provides us with many opportunities to honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation. As we observe these occasions, take a few moments to remember the sacrifices of these special people and to explore ways that you can support them in their efforts.
Get Caught Reading
Literacy Connections
BookSpot.com: Reading Lists
This May marks the ninth annual observance of Get Caught Reading Month, a nationwide campaign designed to remind people of all ages how much fun it is to read. Join the celebration by discovering which celebrities have been caught reading, exploring ways that you can promote reading and literacy, and checking out a variety of themed booklists to find your next great read.
Brain Basics: Preventing Stroke
Stroke Symptoms
Stroke Recovery Fact Sheet Series
Each year in the United States, more than 700,000 people suffer a stroke. May is National Stroke Awareness Month and May 20th is National Stroke Awareness Day. Visit these sites to find out more about risk factors, symptoms, and treatments related to the third most common cause of death in our nation.
50 Ways to Celebrate Bike Month 
KidsHealth: Bike Safety
Bike Pittsburgh
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride." -- John F. Kennedy. May includes both National Bike Month and Bike to Work Day (celebrated 5/16 in Pittsburgh). Visit these sites for celebration ideas, tips on bicycle safety, and information about local cycling resources and events.
Fitness for Kids Who Don't Like Sports
29 Physical Fitness Tips for Senior Citizens
Developing A Warm-Up and Cool-Down Protocol
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Check out these sites for information about fitness for kids who don't like sports, ways that seniors can stay fit, and the importance of warm-up and cool-down exercises.
Allrecipes.com: Top 20 Salad Recipes
Hamburger-Recipes.com
ilovepickles.org
JoyofBaking.com: Strawberry Recipes
27 Tips for Creating the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie
Are you hungry? May is chockful of special observances for food lovers of all stripes, encompassing National Salad Month, National Hamburger Month, the 60th annual International Pickle Week (actually 10 days, 5/16-5/26), National Strawberry Month, and National Chocolate Chip Day (5/15). Check out these sites for a selection of gastronomic trivia and a host of tempting recipes.
Essays on Teaching by Teachers
Celebrities' Most Memorable Teachers
Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-11) by exploring the reasons why teachers love teaching and discovering how memorable teachers inspired famous people to become who they are today.
ASPCA: Pet Care
PetEducation.com
National Pet Week Fun & Games
According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, 63% of U.S. households own a pet. May 4-10 is both National Pet Week and Be Kind to Animals Week. These sites offer lots of helpful advice about how to select and care for pets as well as a selection of entertaining pet-themed games.
Windows to the Universe: Astronomy & the Universe
NASA Kids: Space Place
Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh
"Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and leads us from this world to another" -- Plato. May 5-11 is International Astronomy Week. Celebrate by discovering more about the universe or by observing the night sky at a local Public Star Party.
FamilyFun: Mother's Day
Mother's Day Coupons
This year, Mother's Day falls on Sunday, May 11th. Check out these sites for some great card, craft, gift, and recipe ideas.
Modern Manners Guy: Quick & Dirty Tips for a More Polite Life
Ten Commandments of Cell Phone Etiquette
Don't Gross Out the World
Is civility dead or is it just on life support? During National Etiquette Week (May 12-18), visit these sites for some entertaining tips on how we can all improve our behavior and help revive politeness.
Western Pennsylvania Museum Council
RoadsideAmerica.com
Global Museum
May 18th is International Museum Day. If you're a museum buff, visit these sites to discover some interesting places to visit during your next local, national, or international vacation.
Timely Topics
U.S. Postal Service: New Prices
Postal rates are going up once again. Visit this site for a summary of the new rates that take effect on May 12th.
Official Site of the Pittsburgh Penguins
NHL.com
Is this the year Lord Stanley's Cup will come back to Pittsburgh? Visit these sites to keep track of all the latest NHL playoff results.
New York Times: U.S. Politics - Election Guide 2008
OnTheIssues.org
Opensecrets.org: 2008 Presidential Election
As the presidential caucuses and primaries continue, visit these sites for the latest information about schedules, voting results, candidates, issues, and finances.
How Digital Television Works
FCC: The Digital TV Transition
National Association of Broadcasters: DTV Answers
TV Converter Box Coupon Program
Next year, on February 17, 2009, the era of analog broadcast television in the U.S. will end as the nation completes its transition to an all-digital system. Visit these sites to find out what you need to do ahead of time to prepare for a smooth transition at your house.
How Recessions Work
Economic Stimulus Package Payments Information Center
Tips for Surviving a Recession
Is the U.S. nearing a recession or are we already in the middle of one? Visit these sites to find out which criteria economists use to identify a recession, how the economic stimulus package will affect you, and what steps you can take to improve your chances of making it safely through a recession.
P!ttsburgh 250: "Imagine what you can do here"
The Forbes Trail - 250th Anniversary
KQV History Minutes
This year, Pittsburgh and the Forbes Trail both turn 250 years old. Join in the semiquincentennial celebration by attending special local events, planning a Forbes Trail adventure, or discovering some of the interesting innovations and worldwide contributions that have come out of Pittsburgh in the last 250 years.
