DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you know how to reach Thomas Desjardin, the Lewiston High School grad and Civil War historian who wrote “Stand Firm Ye Boys of Maine?” I would like to get his permission to quote with attribution a small part of his book in a blog I write occasionally. Any information would be appreciated. — Andrew Hall, Ajhalllpn@myfairpoint.net

ANSWER: Copyrights are often held by the publisher rather than the author. If you go to Amazon.com, you can actually look inside the book at the copyright page to see who holds the copyright and obtain the address to write for permission. In this case, it looks like Desjardin may hold the copyright, but you might still be able to contact him through the publisher. The copy Sun Spots looked at said it was published by Oxford University Press (198 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016) but originally by published Thomas Publications (P.O. Box 3031, Gettysburg, PA 17325).

You might not need to obtain permission, depending on what and how you want to use the contents. The fair use doctrine is outlined at www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#107. It can be permissible to quote from within a book without obtaining permission, depending on the length of the passage, your reasons for quoting it and any monetary gain. Do you make money from your blog? If you don’t and only want to quote a few sentences, you probably don’t need to get permission. Check the Web site to see what might fit your situation.

If you do need to obtain permission, the copyright holder may charge you a fee. When Sun Spots worked for a textbook publisher, often those fees were waived by one scholarly publisher for another, but that was not always the case.

There is plenty of information about Desjardin online, including a biography in Wikipedia, but contact information is difficult since Desjardin is a rather common name. Perhaps a reader will know his family and be able to supply some additional information.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Although I am a notary and available to perform that service for others, I am now in need of a notary myself. However, because I am disabled, I am looking for someone who is willing to come to me. If you are willing, you can e-mail me at motor42@roadrunner.com or call me at 784-0085. I live on Sabattus Street. Thank you. — Janice McDonald, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I was wondering where I can get help with installing a car seat in the Lewiston-Auburn area. There are two convertible car seats: an Alpha Omega Elite being installed in a van and an Evenflo Symphony being installed in a Volkswagen Jetta. Both are going to be rear facing. — Mandy, mandy.grenier@yahoo.com, 740-3740

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I hope you can help me with this question. Birdie Googins’ latest commercial for Marden’s is supposedly with her sister. Does she have a sister or does she play both parts on the commercial? Thanks. — No Name via e-mail

ANSWER: Actress Karmo Sanders, who plays Birdie Googins, also plays her sister, according to agent Tobi Nichols from UTOBIA Model & Talent Inc., in those new commercials.

DEAR SUN SPOT: We are a small town seeking a donor for a flag and flagpole for the Little League field. We have volunteers to pick up if needed. Thank you. Call me at 524-2399. — Sandy via e-mail

DEAR SUN SPOTS; The Newman Cemetery Association needs volunteers to help with cleanup for both Newman Cemeteries in Carthage on April 24. We’ll meet at 7 a.m. at the Carthage town office for doughnuts and coffee with work to begin at 8 a.m. Lunch will be served at the town office after the work is done. Please bring tools such as rakes, trimmers, gloves. etc. Call me at 562-7072. Thank you. — Barbie Berry

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Saturday, May 15, the High Street Church, UCC will hold its annual indoor yard sale. The sale will be held at the church at 106 Pleasant St., Auburn, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tables are available to rent for $10. For more information, please call me at 782-2835. Many thanks for all your help. — Connie Ray via e-mail

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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