Pipestone County
Star - 07-04-2013
The summer heat has finally arrived and once again it
feels good to sit outside on the porch with a really good book. Sometimes, instead of fiction, it feels nice
to read something a little more grounded in reality, so for this article, I am
going to give a breakdown of the Dewey Decimal system. Yes, I know, it sounds confusing, but it’s
really not that bad. Once you get used
to it (or have a cheat sheet), it’s pretty easy to find the subjects you are
looking for.
Dewey Decimal uses a series of numbers from 0 -999.99 to
organize books into similar subjects.
Inside the number values, the books are organized by author’s last name.
000 – 099.99
Information: At the beginning of the numbers, you will find books on
computers, library science, books of facts (Guinness World Record books are
very popular here!) , journalism and the media, quotation books, and any rare
books. We don’t have rare books and
manuscripts at the Pipestone Library, but other libraries in bigger communities
might have some.
100 – 199.99 Philosophy
and Psychology: These numbers contain philosophy, metaphysics, astrology
and the occult, psychology, logic, and ethics – all the things for light summer
reading, right? I know, I know…very few
people actually want anything out of this section, but some of the material in
there is really fun.
200 – 299.99
Religion: Here we get a little more interesting. Religion, religious theory, Bibles (found in
the 220s), the history and organization of the Christian church, and all other
religious denominations can be found in these numbers. Spiritual counseling also falls into this
area, as well as the other holy books from other religions.
300 – 399.99
Social Sciences: Anthropology (my major in college) is found here, as well
as statistics, political science, economics, law, public administration and
military science, education, commerce, etiquette, and folklore. Some great stuff if you enjoy thinking while
you read (sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t!).
400 – 499.99
Language: Language and linguistics make up the 400s. English and Old English, German, French,
Italian, Spanish, Latin, and many others are found in this section, both
learning to speak those languages and books written in those languages.
500 – 599.99
Science: Just what you were waiting
for, right?? Science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology,
fossils (DINOSAURS!!) biology, plants, and animals are all found in this
area. Kids LOVE these books, especially
the dinosaurs and animals. Plant and
bird lovers are BOUND to find something that excites them, as well as
gardeners.
600 – 699.99
Technology: Medical science, technology, engineering, agriculture, home and
family management, business, chemical engineering, and building and
construction are found here. If you have
a remodeling project or are keen on reorganizing your home, this is the place
for you. Cookbooks are also found here
(641.5).
700 – 799.99 Arts
and Recreation: Landscaping, architecture, sculpture, ceramics, drawing,
painting, graphic arts, photography, music and sports are all found in the
700s. Comic collections (Calvin and
Hobbes, the Far Side, for example) are in the 740s and sports and game occupy
the 790s. Young and old sports fans
alike will find things to make them happy, as will anyone working on a major
outside renovation!
800 – 899.99
Literature: When you want to find the classics, look no further. The 800s hold American literature, rhetoric,
Old English literature (Shakespeare), classic and modern Greek literature (the
plays), and poetry. Literature in other
languages such as French and Italian is also found here – some beautiful
reading if you have the patience for it.
900 – 999.99
History and Geography: Really, what is more fun than history? Geography, travel guides, biographies, genealogy,
and the history of the world are found in the 900s. The biographies are my
favorite, but if you are interested in the history and customs of other countries,
this is the section for you.
And there you have it – an easy cheat sheet for searching
the non-fiction. Of course, there will
always be books that are placed where it makes no sense, nothing is ever
perfect. And, as always, the librarians
are happy to help you! Come by and see
us.
The next two articles will be reprints from earlier
editions as I will be out of the country for the rest of July – stay tuned for
new articles in the middle of August!
Have a great summer!
PAFL Update: Pipestone Area Friends of the Library is
looking for members – anyone who is a friend to Meinders Library is welcome to
join! The Friends group works hard to
promote the library, raise money for projects, and organize their yearly book
sale, in addition to the HUGE amount of support they provide throughout the year. Call us for the date of the next meeting!
Book Club
Reminder: The book club takes a break during the summer months and they are
currently on hiatus until September.
Their meetings are the fourth Tuesday of the month and over the summer,
they read what they want to and report back to the club on those tomes during
their first meeting. If you enjoy
reading, you should try it out! Everyone
is welcome!!
If you have questions or have a book you’d like to
reserve or renew, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (507)
825-6714. The hours for Meinders Library
are Monday through Thursday from 10 AM – 8 PM, and Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM
and Saturday from 10AM to Noon. Summer
hours are in effect from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day Weekend. Meinders Community Library is located at 1401
7th Street SW, on the south side of the high school.
