CROSSVILLE — About a month ago, I wrote there would be no more Wednesday concerts until March 6, but I have since decided to sneak one in to liven up winter. So, for a noon performance on Wednesday, Feb. 6, “Cowboy” Bob Johnson will travel about 30 miles north to Crossville in hopes of entertaining a crowd of happy folks at the library. We can’t let him down for he is a fine entertainer who sings popular country songs while playing his guitar. If you would like, bring a snack or lunch to enjoy during the free concert, which will be held in the Cumberland Meeting Room.

We are very fortunate to be linked to the Tennessee State Library and Archives via the library’s website (www.artcirclelibrary.info) so that patrons can access the READS program. Two members of the library staff can help patron’s set-up their Kindle, Nook or iPad devices in order to use the State Library’s ebook download system. Library staff will then walk patrons through the process to begin enjoying the wealth of exciting titles available  If you are interested, call either James Houston, deputy director, at 484-6790 ext. 241 or Kristen Tabor, assistant deputy director, at 484-6790 ext. 242 to set up an appointment. 

Due to popular demand, the library will host a free class called “What Can You Do with Your iPad?” Feb. 9 and 16, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Plateau Conference room presented by Nithya Kanagasegar. You can learn iPad functions, connecting to the Internet, popular applications and social uses. Bring your own iPad or just come and watch (iPads will not be provided). There is limited registration for 16 participants so visit or call soon the adult services desk on the second floor at 484-6790 ext. 235 to sign up.

The fine workers of the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program will begin scheduling appointments for free tax help on Friday, Feb. 1, from 9 to 3:30 p.m. in the library’s Cumberland Meeting Room. They will provide tax assistance for taxpayers with low and moderate income, with special attention to those age 60 and older during February and March on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You may call 707-3321 to make an appointment.

The Tuesdays at the Movies program will show A New Leaf, starring Walter Matthau and Elaine May on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. At 2 p.m. that afternoon, Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams and Justin Timberlake will star in the 2012 film Trouble with the Curve. All showings are free and held in the Cumberland Meeting Room. 

Boys and girls, it’s always a treat to visit the Children’s Library, which has lots and lots of good books, fun computers, carousel animals and great programs. Kid Bits, pre-school story time with Miss Patty, will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 5 and 12 at 10 a.m.Children (0-5) and their parents/caregivers are invited to join us as we read, sing and craft our way through the alphabet. There will be six sessions during 2013 and parents/caregivers are asked to register in the Children’s Library or call 484-6790 x 228.

Quackers Story Time with Ms. Susie takes place every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Children’s Library.  Ventriloquist Ms. Susie and Quackers the Talking Duck make stories come alive with felt board characters, music and puppetry fun for ages 1 to 101. Parents/caregivers are asked to accompany their youngsters during these exciting programs.

Brand New Books to the Library Shelves

Thinner This Year by New York Times Bestselling author Chris Crowley and Jen Sacheck, Ph.D.

If you are looking for a fun to read, totally no nonsense approach to lifelong lifestyle changes, whether you are entering your second or third act in life, then Thinner This Year is the book to read. Crowley, the memorable patient and co-author of Younger Next Year, partners with Sacheck, a nutritionist and exercise physiologist from Tufts University. In lively, alternating chapters they spell out a weight-loss plan that will have readers lose up to 25 pounds in the first six months — and keep it off for life.

The Zero-Waste Lifestyle: Live Well By Throwing Away Less by Amy Korst.

Here is a valuable book that shows you how to lead a healthier, happier and more sustainable life by generating less garbage. Drawing from lessons she learned during a yearlong experiment in zero-waste living, Korst outlines hundreds of easy ideas—from the simple to the radical—for consuming and throwing away less, with low-impact tips.

2500 Years of Wisdom by D. W. Brown

Here is the wisdom from the greatest minds on earth... all in one place. This book, of carefully selected and arranged quotations, each elevating and expanding upon the last, represents the greatest philosophical thoughts mankind has produced in its attempt to come to a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Information Tip of the Week

U.S. News and World Report have released an online article titled “7 New Social Security Rules” by Emily Brandon which details how the Social Security Administration has implemented a variety of new rules and features for 2013. The two-year payroll tax cut has officially ended and paper Social Security checks will soon cease to be printed. A growing number of Social Security services will also be online this year. For more information, log onto http://finance.yahoo.com/news/7-social-security-rules-2013-155915860.html or Google the title of the article (above).

Quacker’s Joke of the Week

Q. What do you call a bull that is sleeping?

A. A bulldozer!

For more information, contact the Art Circle Public Library of Cumberland County at 484-6790, online at www.artcirclelibrary.info, by email at admin@artcirclelibrary.info or sue.randleman@artcirclelibrary.info. The library, at 3 East St., is open to the public on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Cumberland County Archives and Heritage Center, at 95 East First St., is open to the public on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.