Library

WE VISITED OUR local library the other day and found a few things not so readily available via the Internet: Nicely bound books with covers pleasant to the touch. Row after row of books neatly organized by subject and author, all available for grazing. People ready and willing to help track down just about anything -- from an obscure fact to just the right books to strike your fancy. They're called librarians. Unfortunately, we fear, such basic introductions may be in order for too many computer-reliant, time-pressured schoolchildren -- and summer is just perfect for that.

The Glenwood library, 2350 Route 97, Cooksville, will offer a Thanksgiving program for children ages 3 to 7 at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The 45-minute program will prepare children for the holiday with music, stories and a craft. Registration is required. The library's Graphic Novel Club will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 30. Young people ages 11 to 17 will be able to discuss favorite comic books and examine their drawing styles. Reading in advance is not necessary, and registration is not needed. Information: 410-313-5577.

The Anne Arundel County Public Library system has 15 branches that offer audio and visual materials, use of computers and Internet access, and a variety of family activities. In order to check out library materials, one must have a library card, which can be obtained at library information desks or online at www.aacpl.net. Library headquarters is at 5 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis and is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. 410-222-7371. Branches locations and hours of operation are: Annapolis Area Library at 1410 West St. in Annapolis.

Terri Hesse and Carol Honeycutt of Stampin' Up will teach 11- to 17-year-olds how to create a vacation scrapbook page in a program called "Scrap It!" from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Glenwood library branch, 2350 Route 97, Cooksville. Participants should take mementos and photos. Paper will be provided. The library will sponsor an introduction to the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth by parent and library associate Lucie Pettis at 7 p.m. Sept. 30. She will discuss the program, which offers college-level enrichment classes to gifted students, and how to apply.

BILL AND HILLARY Clinton are learning about the Internet the way many other American parents are: Information is trickling up from their children. Hillary recently told C-SPAN cameras that, before Chelsea goes away to college, she's ''going to teach us how to do e-mail.'' Meanwhile Bill, according to Dick Morris, cannot even type.These glimpses into the techno-generation gap would be quaint if they were coming from a typical boomer dad. But they come from the first president in American history to actively promote an agenda for cyberspace.

Harford County Public Library has named Claudia Sumler as public services administrator. She previously was director of the Camden County Library in New Jersey and had worked for several Maryland library systems. Sumler is active in state and national library associations. The public services administrator supports the library's mission to provide access, service and information to residents. The library also named Susan Marquis as manager of the Havre de Grace branch. Marquis, a children's and youth services librarian, has previous branch management experience with Prince George's County Memorial Library System.

Beside locating a best-seller, Anne Arundel County citizens can now use the public library's computerized catalog to find out about a wide range of community services, from drug treatment programs and support groups to youth organizations and recreational activities.Information on locations, hours and programs for more than 400 health andhuman service agencies, public and private, has been added to the library's catalog.

Inside Edition's Deborah Norville is scheduled to discuss and sign copies of her new book at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Ave. Norville is the author of Thank You Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You, which contends that "giving thanks can make you happier and healthier," according to library official. Information: www.prattli brary.org.

In response to the war in Iraq, Harford County Public Library has created a resource section about the conflict for the library's Web site. Offerings include online resources for parents, teachers and students, such as information about the conflict, how to talk to children about war, curriculum aids for educators and links to online newspapers. The library's Web site is www. harf.lib.md.us. The crisis resources link is www.harf.lib.md. us/HCPL/headlineshappenings/Special%20Events/war/iraq.

Sitting is way overrated, according to Felicity Merriman. The 9-year-old would much rather run around her hometown of Williamsburg, getting dirty and saving animals, than practice the sitting-down things her mother wants her to learn - like needlework. The Westminster Branch Library honors the spunky, fictional mischief-maker with a party Wednesday. Featured will be crafts, music, snacks and even a dance lesson based on the experiences of Felicity and her family, who live during the pre-Revolutionary time of 1774 and are the stars of six novels in the American Girls collection.