Languages, Mangoes and Awesomeness

I'm sure anyone reading this blog right now is going "What on earth do Mangoes and languages have in common?" No, I haven't lost my mind - these are just some things that have helped me recently as we look at what we do in the Library and how we make a difference.

I have been writing a lot lately about the budget and the challenges we face, and I'm getting tired. I have been working on things to help my staff handle their jobs better and to stay focused on what they can do, and how to keep thinking about the good things and how they make a difference.

It is harder sometimes to keep oneself on track this way, so I have been trying a number of other things to keep ME focused on what we can do and the good things that libraries do all the time.

I have started following a couple of new blogs for inspiration and I have to say that both of them are great. 1000 Awesome Things is my current optimism favorite. Everyday this great blog points out yet another Awesome thing. Today it had to do with words, and how when you learn a new word you start seeing it everywhere. I love learning new words (I have actually enjoyed reading sections of the Oxford English Dictionary. I know - I am a geek and a real library geek at that!) And it is Awesome when you start seeing and hearing the new word.

On the subject of words lets talk a little about Languages. How we learn them and how libraries can help people learn languages. There is a great company that is working with libraries to provide online language learning tools - Mango Languages. I was sure that there would be no way that we could afford anything like this at our library, but our Mango Rep came out and talked to us, demoed the product and offered us a free trial. The pricing is EXTREMELY reasonable for a city the size of HB, so we are going to use the free trial to see if this is something that the community wants. We will be covering the library in "Try Mango" signs, to encourage everyone to try it and let us know if they like it.

Mango offers 36 languages, including ESL. If we get positive feedback, we will look at our budget and see how we can afford the subscription cost. If we can help people learn languages, that is pretty AWESOME.

Back to blogs and inspiration - The other blog that I've been following is the Art of Nonconformity. The founder of the blog writes about "unconventional strategies for life, work and travel". Definitely inspirational; definitely challenging; definitely different and encourages you to look at things differently. And that is important.

The Art of Nonconformity builds on a book that I've used over the years - the Art of Possibility by Ben and Rosamund Zander. The Art of Possibility is also about training yourself to think differently. Just remembering that it is ALL INVENTED can really help you reset your perspective. And that is important.

So there it is - I need to remember all the Awesome things I get to do as a Librarian, like Mango Languages and helping people learn a new language. I need to stretch and look at things differently, and revel in nonconformity.

A much better perspective, don't you think?

Freeze-n-Read for Libraries 4-17-10 @ 4 PM

Here's a fun and cool way to show your support for all libraries - the Gulf Middle School Media Center in Cape Coral Florida is challenging EVERYONE to FREEZE and read for libraries on April 17 at 4 PM.

Here's how it works - on Saturday, April 17 at 4 PM, stop whatever you are doing and wherever you are FREEZE and read. You can do it in public or in private, and the Fabrarians at Gulf Middle School are actively encouraging classrooms to stage a Freeze-n-Read.

What a fun and cool way to celebrate National Library Week and raise awareness of libraries and their value.

So, where will you be when you FREEZE?

Libraries and frayed lifelines

As we celebrate National Library Week, I am finding it hard not to dwell on the challenges that Libraries face. No one can deny that libraries across the country are dealing with challenging situations - the news is full of examples. The San Jose Public Library is confronting major cuts that could lead to libraries being open only 3 days a week; The Phoenix Public Library just avoided closing 15 branch locations but will be eliminating over 28 positions. Boston Public Library was talking about closing up to 25 branches before the public outcry forced a reconsideration of the budget. And the list goes on, all across the United States, even as we celebrate everything that libraries do and the contributions they make to their community and our society.

On Sunday, April 11, Art Brodsky published a long and impassioned article about libraries on the Huffington Post, about how the Public Library lifeline is fraying under the stress and strain of budget cuts and the economy. Mr. Brodsky highlights even more examples of the stress and strain on our public libraries, and he makes some very good points about the challenges that libraries face.

The American Library Association also released a report on the State of American Libraries, and the news isn't surprising: Libraries are more popular than ever, helping job seekers, career changers, students of all ages, families, seniors, etc. We honestly could be open every day, all day and people would be here using our services. We are the community lifeline for so many services, especially when times are tough.

While demand is high, libraries all over are dealing with budget cuts and hours reductions because of the economy. We have had to reduce hours here in Huntington Beach and we are being stretched thin in terms of resources. Without the support of the Friends and the Children's Friends, we would definitely have fewer books, fewer DVDs, fewer CDs, and less of ALL things that make up a library.

So this week, my challenge is to stay focused on what we can do and all the wonderful things that the Huntington Beach Library does already.

We really do a lot - there is always something going on and I was looking over our Calendar and there are story times, meetings, programs, homework clubs, etc. Something great is happening every day.

Our staff make all of this happen - they help people find what they need, get on the computer, keep the computers functioning, check out things, tell stories, help with homework, and come up with new and creative ways to make a difference in people's lives.

If you look at our budget, we really are a great deal. We have about 200,000 people in Huntington Beach. Our budget, before the last round of budget reductions was about $4.65 million. That works out to just about $23 per person, per year. For $23 per year, less than the cost of one hardcover book, you get access to all our books, services and resources. I'd say that is an amazing bargain.

Libraries are important. Libraries make a difference. Librarians and Library staff are amazing.

Happy National Library Week!

National Library Week, April 11 - 17

This week is National Library Week, a time to celebrate libraries and the many services we provide.

Libraries are increasingly essential in today's world - we provide access to the Internet, we have information and resources for job seekers and career changers, we support families and provide all kinds of enrichment programming for children to help ensure their success in school. We have amazing staff members who are all here to help you.

If you haven't come into your library recently, I urge you to do so. You will be surprised and amazed at all the wonderful things you can find here.

Libraries across the country will be showcasing programs, training, resources and all kinds of activities and services this week.

We look forward to seeing you here and joining in with the celebration of Libraries, literacy and learning!