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Donate to the Book Sale

The annual Chelmsford Friends of the Library Book Sale provides funding for almost all of the programming at the Chelmsford Library.

The majority of the books sold at the sale are books donated to the Library and the Friends. To make sure each book sale offers as many titles as possible, the Friends have scheduled drop-off days throughout the year. The full schedule is available on their website, and the summer dates are listed below:

The drop-off location is the Dutton House (the yellow house next to the main library). On these scheduled drop-off days, volunteers are available to help unload cars and handle large donations.

If you are unable to make one of the scheduled drop-offs, you can use the new Book Sale Donation box, located on the edge of the parking lot between the Library and the Dutton House. Or, if you are emptying a house or an estate and would like to donate a large collection of books, please contact the Friends directly to make special arrangements.

DTV Is Coming - Are You Ready?

On Feb. 17, 2009, television as we know will change. On that date, by law, analog broadcasts will cease and digital broadcasting will begin.

The advantages of digital television are many, as digital broadcasting provides a clearer picture, more programming options, and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

In order for you to continue to watch television, you'll need to have either a DTV-ready television set, or buy a digital converter box for your television. In preparation for this switch, the federal government is sponsoring a coupon program for citizens who need to buy a converter box. For more information on the coupon program, please visit http://www.dtv2009.gov.

More information on DTV:

• The Federal Communications Commission's DTV website: http://www.dtv.gov
• The FCC's DTV Consumer Facts webpage: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html
• The National Association of Broadcaster's DTV website: http://www.dtvanswers.com
• Digital Television Transition Coalition: http://www.dtvtransition.org
• Wikipedia article on DTV: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_television
• Earth-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Your Old TV: http://www.thestreet.com/story/10411170/1/earth-friendly-ways-to-chuck-your-analog-tv.html
• Watch "DTV 101: A Consumer's Guide to Digital Television"
  

But be warned - because this is such a widespread program and affects so many people, there are already reports of scams and misleading advertising:

• FCC fines retailers for breaking DTV transition rules
• Scammers Exploit DTV Coupon Program

Make sure you get enough information before you purchase a converter box or new television. For product reviews, check out our Consumer Information Resources webpage, or contact the Reference Desk for help.

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