Who invented algebra?

The word "algebra" is named after the Arabic word "al-jabr," which comes from the book ”The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing” written by Muslim mathematician Muhammad Al-Khwarizmi. The book, written in 830 CE, explains "Al-jabr" or algebra to mean completion, or subtracting a number from both sides of an equation.

Source: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/317171/al-Khwarizmi

How does a member of the military receive a Medal of Honor?

The Medal of Honor is the highest military honor given by the U.S. Government. The President awards the medal in the name of Congress to members of the U.S. Armed Forced who exemplify themselves as "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States." Members of all branches of the armed forces are eligible to receive the medal, and each branch has a different version (one for the Army, one for the Air Force, and one for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard).

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor

How did “Pomp and Circumstance” become the processional march at graduations?

"Pomp and Circumstance” was composed by Sir Edward Elgar in 1901, and was originally written for the coronation of King Edward VII, and was not intended to be used at graduations. The music became associated with graduations in 1905, when Elgar received an honorary doctorate from Yale University. At the ceremony, the recessional music was “Pomp and Circumstance.” The music made such an impression that other universities such as Princeton, Colombia, and Rutgers used it in their graduation ceremonies the following year. By the mid 1920s, most colleges and high schools incorporated the music into their ceremonies. Today, “Pomp and Circumstance” is known in the United States as the “graduation song.”

Source: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1273081

How and when was Mother’s Day originated in the United States?

Mother’s day, which is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, was first conceptualized in the U.S. in 1870. It was not however until 1905 that the Mother’s day celebration we know now was established. Anna Jarvis is recognized as the founder and “Mother of Mother’s Day.” Jarvis got the inspiration for Mother’s Day from her own mother as she wanted to honor all mothers, living and dead, and pay tribute to the contributions made by them. On May 10, 1905, the first Mother’s Day was celebrated in Jarvis’ hometown and by 1911 it was celebrated in almost every state. On May 8, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day, thus making it an official holiday.

Source: http://www.mothersdaycentral.com/about-mothersday/history/

How is the date for Easter determined?

The Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325) set the date of Easter as the Sunday following the paschal full moon, which is the full moon that falls on or after the spring equinox.

Source: www.christianity.about.com

Where did the saying “April showers bring May flowers originate”?

This is a popular rhyme often heard around springtime, and can be traced back to the mid 1500s. In 1557, Thomas Tusser in his work “A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry” wrote, “Sweet April showers, do spring May flowers.”

Source: Wikipedia.org

Are the large nests high in the trees squirrel nests?

Squirrels live in nests called “dreys” that they build which are made of twigs and leaves. The inside of their nests are lined with soft materials such as feathers for comfort. Squirrels usually build their nests high in a tree between two strong branches. The nests are high enough so that they are protected ground predators, but not too high or the nest will be destroyed by the winds. Squirrels will also build their dens in a hollow tree cavity.

Source: http://www.squirrels.org/faq.html

What is this job binder I keep hearing about?

The West Warwick Public Library has a wonderful volunteer who finds local jobs online and organizes them by the type of job in a binder for us. Patrons may copy any job listing or apply online right at the library! The binder is located on the first floor across from the Circulation Desk. Jobs are updated weekly.

What is our paper money made of?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, our paper is “composed of 75% cotton and 25% linen.”

Source: The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
www. moneyfactory.gov/faqlibrary.html

Submitted by Laurie Dumas, Reference Assistant

Does the library have tax forms?

We have the Federal forms on the first floor across from the Circulation Desk. Rhode Island no longer sends out forms, but we can print them out for you for .15 per page upstairs in the Reference Department. We are happy to help you print out the forms; however, library staff members are not tax professionals. We are unable to offer advice or help filling out forms.

More information about e-readers...

Because so many of our patrons received ebook readers for the holidays, we are repeating this question! The site is a little slow right now due to the large amount of usage. Please be patient, we promise it will be worth the wait!

You can download titles from our website to your e-reader. Our Overdrive e-books are available for most of today’s most popular e-readers including the Nook, the Sony E-reader, Kobo, iPad, and most phones. Currently, the Kindle is not compatible with Overdrive titles.

To browse the e-book collection, just go to our website and click on Catalog. There will be a link on the front page for E-Zone Digital Downloads. Click on this and the collection is in your hands! Or, stop by and we will be happy to show you how to download titles directly to your device.

Just because you have the newest technology, that does not mean you have to pay for all of your e-books. Let us help you enjoy your newest reading device for free this holiday season!

Can I download titles from the library to my e-reader?

You can download titles from our website to your e-reader. Our Overdrive e-books are available for most of today’s most popular e-readers including the Nook, the Sony E-reader, Kobo, iPad, and most phones. Currently, the Kindle is not compatible with Overdrive titles.

To browse the e-book collection, just go to our website and click on Catalog. There will be a link on the front page for E-Zone Digital Downloads. Click on this and the collection is in your hands! Or, stop by and we will be happy to show you how to download titles directly to your device.

Just because you have the newest technology, that does not mean you have to pay for all of your e-books. Let us help you enjoy your newest reading device for free this holiday season!

Does the library have any resources to help me find a job?

YES!!! We know how tough times are and we are looking for ways to expand our resources to help you find the work you need and love. Of course, we have books on writing resumes and cover letters. Learn the most common interview questions and how to ace the interview before ever walking in the door. But, that is only a small portion of our offerings.

We also have a book of job listings that is updated twice a week. Local job listings for various occupations and skill levels are compiled for the ease of our residents. This binder can be located across from the circulation desk with several of our job hunting guides.

And yet still, we offer a job club for people to network with other job hunters and learn insider tips about the best way to find a job in a tough economy. Vocational Counselor Steve Colella has over twenty years of experience and has helped many of our members to find work, enter programs to improve their skills, and decide on the best way to enter a new field.

Do you have something that can help me learn a foreign language?

YES!!! The library now has access to Mango Languages an online language learning program. English speakers can choose from 22 different languages and ESL speakers have access to learn English from 15 languages. This is a free resource you can enjoy at the library or in the comfort of your own home.

Videos, games, and tutorials will have you speaking your chosen language in no time. Stop by the library and we will be happy to walk you through the first steps or you can find it at home by going to our website, www.wwlibrary.org and clicking on the AskRI.gov icon in the lower right hand corner.

Have fun with this new free resource! Or should we say ¡diviértase!or ayez l'amusement! or 재미를 보십시오!?

Are you on Facebook?

YES!!! Become our fan at West Warwick Public Library on Facebook. Each week we post a new website that we think is fun or useful (and sometime both) and that many people aren't talking about-yet. We also post information about the latest events at the library, hours, and new releases. Become a fan and help support the library today!

Do you offer computer classes?

Yes! Each month we offer several classes free of charge for patrons who would like to learn new skills or refresh their current computer knowledge.

Class listings for the current month are available on the first. You can stop by or call the library to reserve your space. Since space is limited, we ask that if you cannot attend, please let us know so that we can offer someone else an opportunity to participate. There is no limit to how many classes you can attend.

We schedule classes on a month to month basis depending on the teachers available and interest from our patrons. Let us know what classes you want to take and we will do our best to provide it in the upcoming quarter.

There are a few things you need to know before you sign up:

If you do not know how to use the mouse, we can give you a short course any time during the month. You will need to know this for any of our computer classes. If you would like to take one of our Gmail classes, we require that you have a gmail account prior to the class. Come in any day and one of our librarians will be happy to help you set one up!

We look forward to seeing you in class!

Where can I find a copy of the West Warwick Home Rule Charter?

A copy of the town's charter can be found at the West Warwick Town Hall as well as the West Warwick Public Library. It can also be found on the town's website

www.westwarwickri.org.

Summer Reading Programs

Q: Where can I find out about West Warwick Public Library’s summer reading programs for adults and children?

A: We have our summer reading program brochures for adults, teens, and children on display at the library. Feel free to ask a librarian for help if you can’t find them! We also have the Youth Department’s summer newsletter and information about some of our adult summer reading programs (including the 2010 Photography Contest) on the front page of our website. There’s more to come soon!

Submitted by Kasia Piasecka, Reference Assistant

Find out more information about RI's Summer Reading Program here or by going to the website below:

http://www.olis.ri.gov/services/children/srp.php

Click here or go to the website below to see the RI Summer Reading Performer Schedule and see if your local library is participating in the program this year!

http://www.olis.ri.gov/services/srp/schedule.php

Serial Killers and Crime

Q: I’m doing a report on female serial killers; do you have any books on serial killers and their pathological instincts?

A: Yes, we have one book titled, Women Who Kill: Profiles of Female Serial Killers by Carol Anne Davis that probes the female serial killer’s mind and we also have many biographies on well-known serial killers available.

Click here to request Women Who Kill: Profiles of Female Serial Killers by Carol Anne Davis.

Counseling Substance Abuse Issues

Q: I’m a counselor at a group home for women with a history of domestic violence and substance abuse issues. Can you recommend a book that would educate me on substance abuse issues from a psychological perspective?
A: We have two excellent books on the subject. Feel free to check out The Addict: One Patient, One Doctor, One Year by Michael Stein and The Good News About Drugs and Alcohol: Curing, Treating, and Preventing Substance Abuse in the New Age of Biopsyciatry by Mark S. Gold.

Click here to request The Addict: One Patient, One Doctor, One Year by Michael Stein from our library catalog.

Click here to request The Good News About Drugs and Alcohol: Curing, Treating, and Preventing Substance Abuse in the New Age of Biopsyciatry by Mark S. Gold.