• Books (64)
• Childrens (11)
• Column (15)
• Computer (9)
• Current News (46)
• Events (71)
• Friends of the Library (22)
• Library Information (82)
• mackay (2)
• music (3)
• One Book (24)
• Overdrive (10)
• Programs (29)
• Reading Room (37)
• Reference (21)
• Resources (53)
• Teens (5)
• Town of Chelmsford (47)
• Web Tools (5)

2011 Chelmsford Farmers Market Opens Thursday, July 7th

The Chelmsford Farmers' Market is set to open another summer providing fresh and local produce and products to the Chelmsford area.

The Market will again be located on the Chelmsford Town Common every Thursday, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, from July 8 to October 6th, 2011.

Anyone interested in having their own tent at the Market, volunteering, or providing entertainment, please email chelmsfordfarmersmarket@gmail.com. You can also read more about the Market at http://chelmsfordfarmersmarket.blogspot.com, or at the Chelmsford Independent.

A New Catalog is Blooming at the Library!

The Chelmsford Library will be changing to a new catalog on May 31st, along with the rest of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium. The new catalog, called Evergreen, will still contain all the books, movies, music, and other items in the libraries of the Merrimack Valley, but will also include new features and conveniences.

Although the launch isn't until Memorial Day weekend, we'll be posting information about the new catalog - including answers to common questions - at http://www.chelmsfordlibrary.org/newcatalog

Some common questions so far are:

• Why change - can't we keep the old catalog?
• Will Service be Disrupted?
• What happens to all my holds and requests?
• Why did you spend money on a new catalog during these tough economic times?
• Evergreen is "open source" - what does that mean?

Please check out the answers, and if you have any questions at all, please contact Brian Herzog, Head of Reference, at bherzog@mvlc.org or 978-256-5521 x211.

Although development on the new catalog is still progressing, a demo version - for testing purposes only! - is available. Give it a try, and let us know what you think.

This is a major change for us - we've had our existing catalog for over 10 years. The new catalog is designed to continually upgraded and improved, so we expect more new features to be added after the launch, too!

Remember To Shovel Out Your Gas Meter

The changing weather in New England has caused a lot of trouble this winter, from dangerous roads to collapsing roofs. The energy company National Grid would like to remind homeowners of another potential danger: snow-bound natural gas meters.

With all the snow this winter, many residents had no choice but to pile up snow where ever they could - including covering up the gas meter on their house. The recent melting and refreezing has caused some gas meters to become so encased in ice and snow that they're not able to vent properly, thus causing a dangerous presence of natural gas near or inside homes. This could also happen if snow and ice falling from roofs and damages the equipment.

To prevent this situation, carefully shovel out around your gas meter. If you smell or suspect natural gas or carbon monoxide in your home, National Grid recommends that you go outside immediately and breathe deeply; if symptoms are severe, call 911 immediately.

Also, report this gas smell using National Grid emergency contact number 800-233-5325. A service technician will be dispatched within an hour of your call to investigate the smell.

For more information on natural gas, additional information and safety tips, and read a recent Westford Eagle article.

Changes to Tax Forms at the Library

This year's tax season will be different from past years, due to cost-cutting measures at the IRS and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. These changes are:

• The IRS is NOT sending paper forms or instructions to peoples' homes. You can request the IRS send forms to your house by calling 800-829-3676 after January 1st.
• The state tax booklets this year will only include one copy of the forms - they will NOT include any instructions. The booklets WILL be send to peoples' homes

The library will have reference copies of forms and instructions for patrons to photocopy. Also, all of these forms and instructions will be available online. You can visit the websites below for reference or to print your own copies:

• Massachusetts Department of Revenue Homepage
• Browse State Tax Forms

• Federal IRS Website
• Browse entire Forms/Publications listing

The library will still have a (limited) supply, and we'll do our best to fill everyone's tax form needs.

We do plan on offering the AARP Tax-Aide Volunteer again this year, and will begin taking appointments in mid- to late-January. Please contact the Reference Desk with question, and we, try to help you find the resource you need - but remember, library staff is not qualified to offer tax advice.

Election Primaries, September 14, 2010

The primary elections for the November 2010 mid-term elections are Tuesday, September 14, 2010.

Polls will be open 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Sample Primary Ballots:

• Democratic Party
• Libertarian Party
• Republican Party

The Town of Chelmsford's voter information webpage has the list of polling locations [pdf] and the precinct list by street [pdf]. For more information, residents should contact the Town Clerk's office.