The online catalog the library uses for ebooks and downloadable audiobooks, called Overdrive, updated its website with a new look this weekend. If you haven't already, please check it out at http://mvlc.lib.overdrive.com.

There is an online guide that introduces all the new features, and new printed guidelines will be ready soon. A few important changes to note are:

• The way to choose how long you'd like to check out an item has changed dramatically:
  1. Below the large BORROW button on a title's information page it will say "This title can be borrowed for 14 days. (Change)." Clicking on the "Change" button will allow you to set a new lending duration.
  2. From the ACCOUNT screen in the SETTINGS tab on the right of the page and must be done BEFORE a title is checked out in order to take effect. As always, everything but WMA Audiobook titles can be returned early so we recommend the maximum checkout duration for eBook titles as they can always be returned early but they cannot be renewed.

  Any change made to this setting from either the method in 1 or 2 will become the new default.

• Patrons can now return their EPUB and MP3 Audiobook titles early directly from their "Bookshelf" screen in the new OverDrive web interface. Below each title is a new button "Return Title" so a patron will not have to return the title through Adobe Digital Editions as was required previously.

The new look only applies to the website - people using the mobile app will not notice any change. If you use Internet Explorer 7 you will need to download the Google Chrome plug-in to display the page correctly, as that version of the browser does not support all the features of the new layout. Alternatively you could update to the latest version of the browser.

If anyone has any questions please contact the Reference Desk.

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is researching whether or not a state-wide library card (a single card that would work in every library in the state) would be of interested to residents of Massachusetts.

In order to gauge interest, and expectations, of a state-wide library card, the MBLC is asking that everyone please fill out a short survey and let them know what you think:

Survey Link: http://mblc.state.ma.us/cardsurvey
Due By: Friday, March 1st

The idea of a state-wide library card grew out of the MBLC's Resource Sharing Committee, which is trying to identify ways to improve library services and better allocate budget funds to best benefit Massachusetts library patrons. Your input will definitely help in their efforts. Thanks!

The program from last year that funded one-on-one computer instruction at the library has been extended, and we're happy to offer this service again! Sessions start on February 19th and will run for about nine months.

Sessions are being scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday mornings (10am and 11am) and evenings (6pm and 7pm) - contact the Reference Desk at 978-256-5521 x211 to schedule an appointment. Any technology topic is fair game - using a computer, downloading ebooks, getting an email account, learning software like Excel, installing software, or even just a quick refresher.

These instructional sessions are made possible through the BTOP program at UMass-Lowell, focused on improving digital literacy.

For more information, contact the Reference Desk at askus@mvlc.org or 978-256-5521 x211.

The book chosen for One Book Chelmsford 2013 is Townie, by Andre Dubus III. There are lots of events planned over the next few months, including a visit from the author - check out http://chelmsfordlibrary.org/onebook/ for more information.

Townie is a memoir of the author's early life in Newburyport and Haverhill.

After their parents divorce in the 1970's, Andre Dubus III and his three siblings grew up with their exhausted working mother in a depressed Massachusetts mill town saturated with drugs and crime. To protect himself and those he loved from street violence, Andre learned to use his fists so well that he was even scared of himself. He was on a fast track to getting killed, or killing someone else, or to beatings-for-pay as a boxer. Nearby, his father, an eminent author, taught on a college campus and took the kids out on Sundays. The clash of worlds couldn't have been more stark or more difficult for a son to communicate to a father. Only by becoming a writer himself could Andre begin to bridge the abyss and save himself.

Copies of Townie are available at the library - after you read it, please return it to the library or pass it along to someone else.

Here's an overview of One Book events - check http://chelmsfordlibrary.org/onebook/ for more information.

• "Keeping Your Heart Open in Hell: Jump Start Your Memoir" by Nancy Slonim Aronie, author of "Writing From The Heart"
  Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the main library

• "Connecting Boys with Books" presented by Michael Sullivan
  Tue, Mar 26 at 7 p.m.

• Townie Book Discussion
  Mon, Apr 1, 2013: the Evening Book Group will discuss "Townie" at 7 p.m. in the fireplace room at the main library

• "From Memory to Memoir: How do we turn fragments of memory into stories that others care about?" by Mimi Schwartz, author of "Writing True, the Art and Craft of Creative Nonfiction"
  Wed, Apr 3, 2013 10 a.m. - noon at the Senior Center

• "The Fatherhood Project" presented by Dr Ray Levy
  Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the main library

• Townie Book Discussion
  Fri, Apr 5, 2013: the Novel Conversations Book Group will talk about "Townie" at noon at the MacKay Library

• "Why Write Memoir?" presented by Professor Maureen Stanton
  Thu, Apr 25, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the main library

• Author Visit with Andre Dubus III
  Sun, Apr 28, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the McCarthy Middle School

Enjoy One Book Chelmsford 2013, and be sure to let library staff know what you think!

The recent snowfall hopefully has gotten everyone in the mood for Winterfest Chelmsford 2013!

This year's Winterfest kicks off on Friday, February 1st, at 7:00 p.m. with the WinterFest Community Social at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts (after snowshoeing at Russell Mill 5:30-7:30 p.m., of course!):

We're All Townies Now! This year the popular community social that kicks off Chelmsford's WinterFest weekend will be held at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts. The cabaret on the CCA's lower level will be transformed into a townie's dream as we attempt to recreate Skip's Restaurant (use your imagination!). Test your Chelmsford knowledge by participating in Chelmsford Trivia matches throughout the evening. Dancing to the music of the Breaktime Band!

Local restaurants and bakeries will provide their best comfort foods. And as in past years, Harrington's Wines & Liquors will make it possible for us to sell beer and wine. Purchase tickets at the CCA and at the main Library ($15 per person).

We'll also be kicking off the annual One Book Chelmsford so as in past years, you can pick up a copy of the 2013 One Book read, Townie by Andre Dubus III at the end of the WinterFest Social. Check the Library's website for more details on the One Book program www.chelmsfordlibrary.org/onebook

A complete listing of events and locations is available at http://www.chelmsfordlibrary.org/winterfest. There will be lots of great food, fun, and people throughout the town for the entire weekend of Winterfest, so be sure to go out and have a wonderful time.