E-book Checkouts Increasing in Cobb

The gap between in-person and online checkouts is still large, but the number of those using the latter method is growing.

The majority of Cobb residents may still prefer to check out hard copies of books from their local libraries, but officials say the popularity of e-books is picking up steam. The county library system has 1,581 copies of books on www.overdrive.com, the website it uses to facilitate e-book checkouts. Currently, there are 1,108 e-books checked out. “That leaves fewer than 580 e-books available on the website,” said Jonathan McKeown, associate director for central and outreach services. “It’s proven popular.” And e-books are easier to check out than regular books, said Julia Huprich, digital services librarian. “They don’t need to visit their favorite local branch, like Powder Springs,” she said. “They can just download them from home or …

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Northeast Cobb High Five

Tween Improv, Adult Tax Drama

Here's what you need to know to start July 26 in Northeast Cobb.

1. Today will be a typically muggy summer day, according to the National Weather Service. The high will be about 91, with little wind and a 20 percent chance of rain. The overnight low will be around 71.  2. The Mountain View Regional Library’s summer tweens program for children ages 9 to 12 continues from 3:30 to 5 this afternoon with an improv class. Kids can register in advance; walk-ins are welcome if the pre-registration list doesn’t fill the 20 spaces available. Call 770-509-2725 for more information. 3. The Cobb County Board of Commissioners will meet at 7 p.m. at 100 Cherokee St. for the third and final public hearing on the millage rate, then hold a regular meeting that will include a vote on the property tax rate. Commissioner …

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ParkPass, Your Family's Ticket to Adventure

Reserve the popular, and free, Georgia ParkPass kits at Cobb County Public Library System (CCPLS) branches. Explore parks and historic sites this weekend.

Explore Georgia's 63 State Parks and Historic Sites with the free Georgia ParkPass kits. The kits include a park pass for up to four visitors, a parking pass and site guide. You can reserve the kit at Gritters Library or Mountain View Regional Library, or CCPLS library branch or by clicking here. Visit Georgia’s newest state park, Chattahooche Bend, a spectacular tract of wilderness in northwest Coweta County. Located in a bend of the Chattahoochee River, the park is a haven for paddlers, campers and anglers. Or, visit the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site, Red Top Mountain State Park, Sweetwater Creek State Park, and Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site. Sites outside the Cobb area include several popular places, such as Amicalola …

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READing Paws: Four-legged Sounding Boards For Kids

Dogs are good listeners at Mountain View Library.

When it comes to skills, practice makes perfect, and introducing trained canines into a program to help kids read is spreading like wildfire. There is a two month waiting period to enjoy the READing Paws activity at Mountain View Library.  Readers get one-on-one attention in a quiet, nurturing atmosphere. Volunteer Rose Krull has been with the program since 2005 along with her seven-year-old dog, Daisy. "I find volunteering very rewarding. Once I found out about this program, I was excited because reading has always been a very important part of my life, and helping children read is great," Krull said. Members with pets are certified with the national organization, R.E.A.D. ® (Reading Education Assistance Dogs®), a program of Intermountain…

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Five Things You Need to Know Today

JoAnn Birrell Sworn In as District 3 Commissioner

What's happening in Northeast Cobb and surrounding communities today.

1. JoAnn Birrell will be sworn in as District 3 Cobb County Commissioner at 4 p.m. at  the Cobb County Government Building located at 100 Cherokee Street, BOC Room on 2nd floor. 2. Family Story-time at the Mountain View Library. Weekly on Mondays, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. 3. Cobb County Schools have a Student Holiday/Teacher Workday. The second semester begins tomorrow. 4. Nominations for the Cobb Chamber's 2011 Small Business of the Year will start today. Nominate a client, a vendor or your own business to be one of the Top 25 Small Businesses in Cobb County. The Cobb Chamber's 2011 Small Business of the Year will be selected from among the Top 25. The 2011 Small Business of the Year will participate in the Georgia Small Business of the …

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Five Things You Need to Know Today

Toddler Storytime at Mountain View Library

What's happening in Northeast Cobb and surrounding communities today.

1. Celebrate the Feast of Lights - Hanukkah at the children's story-time located at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Town Center Prado, 50 Barrett Pkwy Suite 3000 Bldg. 3. 11 a.m. For more information call 770-422-2261 or visit the website http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/3021627-48http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/3021627-48. 2. Reading PAWS at Gritters Library. The mission of READing Paws is to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of nationally registered therapy animal-owner/handler teams as literacy mentors. Sessions are 15 minutes long and registration is required. This program is for independent readers. 880 Shaw Park Rd. 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Free. Registration required. For more …

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Five Things You Need to Know Today

Sprayberry Lady Jackets Have Hiram Christmas Tournament

What's happening in Northeast Cobb and surrounding communities.

1. Today is the last day of the Kell Longhorn Shootout. Kell High School and seven other high school girls basketball teams, including local rival Wheeler High School, participate in the first Longhorn Shootout, a three-day varsity tournament. 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in Kell's main and auxiliary gyms. 2. Sprayberry Lady Jackets (Basketball) have a Hiram Christmas Tournament. Time: TBA. 300 North Paulding Dr., Dallas, GA. 3. Toddler Storytime at the Mountain View Library. 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Mountain View Library is located at 3320 Sandy Plains Road. For more information call 770-509-2725. Click here for a list of children's Cobb library programs. 4. Gritters Library to host Reading PAWS. Register at the Circ Desk to read with a Reading …

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