Spring is coming March 12, 2007
Posted by jjpat in Library News.add a comment
Can you beleive it is 9 days until the first day of Spring! Finally!!! Don’t forget to visit your Library to get some interesting books on gardening and landscaping. Warmer weather, a new spring, can you think of a more appropriate time to survey the yard ? It is the perfect time to dig into a garden project.
Hi Everyone! March 9, 2007
Posted by jjpat in Library News.add a comment
I’ve been out of touch but I’m back! I have some exciting news-my job is changing and the library has a new Program Director. I will just be the circulation supervisor and I will still do some other odds and ends if the director needs me. We are really lucky to have Bonnie Russell as our new Program Director. I have already been impressed with the enthusiasm that Bonnie has shown as she is tackle-ling her new responsibilities. I know they made the right choice in replacing me. Good Luck Bonnie. If you need to talk to Bonnie about a program you might like to see, you can contact her at the library-725-0049 ext. 21 and ask for Bonnie. She is here Monday and Tuesday from 11 am to 7 pm. She is here Wednesday, Thursday & Friday- 9 am until 5 pm.
Pat Brandt Circulation Supervisor
How are libraries and hospitals connected? March 9, 2007
Posted by jjdirector in Quote of the day.add a comment
An anonymous quote says “A library is a hospital for the mind.”
Why such a big fuss over the Newbery Winner? March 8, 2007
Posted by jjdirector in from the director.add a comment
I still have steam coming out of my ears regarding the widespread boycotting of the 2007 Newbery Award Winner, which the committee judged to be THE BEST book written for children up to age 14. I will be writing on the blog about this but have to wait until I’ve calmed down a bit. I’m sure you’ve read that the ruckus is due to the use of an anatomical term.
I myself have the honor of having served on the Newbery Committee in 2001. The Newbery Comm. is comprised of 15 librarians selected or elected from the US and Canada. One has to read every book that is published that year. It is extremely intense, time-consuming, and emotional. An author who receives a Newbery Award is essentially ensured to be published forever, reap great financial rewards due to sales generated by the award, and have a place in American literature for children. The deliberations of the Newbery Committee are top-secret, and never to be revealed, even years after one served on the committee.
The 2007 Newbery Committee did not make its selection lightly, with an eye toward controversy, or to be provocative. Instead, the committee members voted that Susan Patron’s book made the most significant contribution to American literature for children in the year 2006.
More later…
Danger! Books ahead! March 7, 2007
Posted by jjdirector in Quote of the day, from the director.add a comment
“A book gives you a sense of accomplishment, a sense of belonging to the world you just inhabited, a sense of possibility. Endless possibility. No wonder they frighten the hell out of some people. Books are powerful things. Within their ideas hide the keys to the future. Ban them at your own risk.”
Greg Moody, a critic on Denver TV-4, speaking about Banned Books Week
Brrr! It’s the perfect day for a cozy mystery by the fire March 6, 2007
Posted by jjdirector in Uncategorized.add a comment
Happily, our furnace is working today so if you want to brave the elements and drop by, we have lots of good, cozy reads available for you. On days like this, I especially like to sit in a comfy chair, with a cup of chai tea in one hand, and a cozy English mystery in the other. Some particular favorites are: the Hamish Macbeth series by M. C. Beaton (which take place in my beloved Highlands of Scotland), the Ellie Haskell series by Dorothy Cannell, and who can resist the challenging mysteries by Iain Rankin? Do you have any particular favorites? I’d love to hear about them.
Gee, now I wish I were at home reading! Stay warm out there. Allison
Governor Spitzer’s Budget Hearing March 2nd March 1, 2007
Posted by jjdirector in from the director, library information.add a comment
Assemblyman Fred Thiele Jr. was kind enough to invite me to attend a budget hearing on Governor Spitzer’s proposed 2007-2008 State Budget. I will be making a brief presentation on the satisfying aspects of funding for libraries in the proposed budget. Importantly for John Jermain, Governor Spitzer plans to offer an unprecedented amount of library construction aid. While public libraries in New York are still funded at a low level (compared with other public agencies, inflation, etc), we are always hopeful that the Governor and our legislators will perceive the vital importance of public libraries in today’s world.
Library directors can pinch pennies like no one else, but we would love to have a fair and deserved number of pennies from the State with which to improve our services. Wish me luck!
Your advocate, Allison Gray, Director
