I just heard that Governor Brown announced that the first Tier of the Trigger Bill cuts will go into effect January 1. This is REALLY bad news for libraries. This will completely defund the Public Library Fund, Cooperative Systems and Support for Literacy Services in the State. All together, Library funding was at a low point of $15 million for all of these services, across the state. The elimination of this small amount of State support puts a further $16 million in Federal funds at risk.
What does this mean for Huntington Beach? It means that we lose grant support for our active and vital Literacy programs. We have less money to buy books and to support general library operations. We have less money to support interlibrary loan. And we will have fewer grant opportunities specifically for libraries, so it will be harder to find additional support for what we do. The elimination of State funding for public libraries will make it harder for all our residents to find what they need, and to get the services they need.
Libraries are one of the best things that government does, and the loss of State support hits hard.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
A Kickstarter for Libraries?
This past week, I was participating in a strategic planning session for a Library Agency called Califa -
It was a great session, and we came away from the meeting with some really good ideas and a good sense of direction.
In the course of the day, one of my colleagues mentioned this interesting web site called Kickstarter. Kickstarter is a crowdsourcing, fundraising web site - you have an idea for a project, you know how much it costs, so how do you get the funding? Kickstarter gives you a platform to share your idea and ask for support. If people like your idea, they give you money within a timeframe. It is a really interesting web site - many of the projects listed are creative - documentaries or short films, interesting inventions, and lots more. (There is even a project for chocolate 20 sided dice - though I can't imagine that the dice would last very long!)
But it does get you thinking -
Fundraising can be really tough right now. There are so many worthy causes, and so many needs to be met. Where do you put your money? Kickstarter is definitely an option, that let's you see a wide range of worthy projects. As a Library that is looking to raise money and support, I really like the idea of having a service where you could test ideas for new services or products, and see if there was any support for the idea.
The idea of a Kickstarter for libraries came up at the planning session, and I think that is a terrific idea. I can see this working for all kinds of things...
It was a great session, and we came away from the meeting with some really good ideas and a good sense of direction.
In the course of the day, one of my colleagues mentioned this interesting web site called Kickstarter. Kickstarter is a crowdsourcing, fundraising web site - you have an idea for a project, you know how much it costs, so how do you get the funding? Kickstarter gives you a platform to share your idea and ask for support. If people like your idea, they give you money within a timeframe. It is a really interesting web site - many of the projects listed are creative - documentaries or short films, interesting inventions, and lots more. (There is even a project for chocolate 20 sided dice - though I can't imagine that the dice would last very long!)
But it does get you thinking -
Fundraising can be really tough right now. There are so many worthy causes, and so many needs to be met. Where do you put your money? Kickstarter is definitely an option, that let's you see a wide range of worthy projects. As a Library that is looking to raise money and support, I really like the idea of having a service where you could test ideas for new services or products, and see if there was any support for the idea.
The idea of a Kickstarter for libraries came up at the planning session, and I think that is a terrific idea. I can see this working for all kinds of things...
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
EBooks, Tablets and EReaders, oh my!
This week, the Library offered our first class on EBooks and EReaders for the public. With the holidays approaching and all the buzz about the IPad, the new Kindle Fire and all the other tablets and readers out there, we thought it would be a good time to offer an introduction and to let people know about our EBooks.
We thought we should probably cover the current market, just so everyone knows a bit about what is out there. Then we moved into the resources that we have available for the various gadgets. We rounded out the class with a brief demonstration of how to check out a book for a Kindle and how to check out a book on an IPad.
The NOOK is harder to demonstrate, for a variety of reasons, so we provided links and resources online for participants to review later. (We are going to explore how we can do more for our local Nook users - so stay tuned for more offerings.)
We are offering the second session of our EBook introduction on Thursday, December 8 at 5 PM in the Talbert Room at the Library, and I am looking forward to another interesting session. If you are interested in EBooks, EReaders and what the library has, stop by.
We thought we should probably cover the current market, just so everyone knows a bit about what is out there. Then we moved into the resources that we have available for the various gadgets. We rounded out the class with a brief demonstration of how to check out a book for a Kindle and how to check out a book on an IPad.
The NOOK is harder to demonstrate, for a variety of reasons, so we provided links and resources online for participants to review later. (We are going to explore how we can do more for our local Nook users - so stay tuned for more offerings.)
We are offering the second session of our EBook introduction on Thursday, December 8 at 5 PM in the Talbert Room at the Library, and I am looking forward to another interesting session. If you are interested in EBooks, EReaders and what the library has, stop by.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
It has been awhile...
I am sorry that I haven't been around for awhile - we were finishing up our fiscal year and trying to get a number of technology projects underway. Still things to do, but we have laid some important ground work so far.
We are working on replacing computers here at the library. This sounds like a simple project, but you would be surprised. We have LOTS of computers at the library. And we are depending on them more and more to help you. So when we have older machines, or machines that are experiencing trouble, it really disrupts what we can do for you, our library patrons.
The replacement will help us sustain services, and will give us a more stable platform for launching any new services. With the technology market changing at an exponential rate, we are all testing our resiliency muscles.
And how are we doing this with all the budget reductions you may ask? We are getting support from our Friends and the Information Systems Department of the City. Our Friends are absolutely amazing and their support really makes a difference. And our Information Systems Department, which works behind the scenes, really does incredible things for us as well. They are dedicated professionals that understand how important technology is to the modern library, and what a difference it makes to all the residents of Huntington Beach.
So you may be seeing a few new pieces of equipment in the building over the next few months... hopefully sooner rather than later!
We are working on replacing computers here at the library. This sounds like a simple project, but you would be surprised. We have LOTS of computers at the library. And we are depending on them more and more to help you. So when we have older machines, or machines that are experiencing trouble, it really disrupts what we can do for you, our library patrons.
The replacement will help us sustain services, and will give us a more stable platform for launching any new services. With the technology market changing at an exponential rate, we are all testing our resiliency muscles.
And how are we doing this with all the budget reductions you may ask? We are getting support from our Friends and the Information Systems Department of the City. Our Friends are absolutely amazing and their support really makes a difference. And our Information Systems Department, which works behind the scenes, really does incredible things for us as well. They are dedicated professionals that understand how important technology is to the modern library, and what a difference it makes to all the residents of Huntington Beach.
So you may be seeing a few new pieces of equipment in the building over the next few months... hopefully sooner rather than later!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Kindle Books are here!
Yes, I am pleased to report that our Kindle eBooks are here!
Check our website, www.hbpl.org for more information.
Check our website, www.hbpl.org for more information.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Kindle books coming soon!
You have probably seen the latest articles in the LA Times and the New York Times -
Amazon's Kindle books are now available at some libraries. Don't worry - Huntington Beach Public Library will be getting Kindle books SOON. Our vendor, Overdrive, is working on rolling the Kindle books out to all of their customers. We expect to get our Kindle books within the next few days, if all goes well. So if you don't see them yet, just keep checking.
In the meantime, we still have ebooks for IPads, Sony Readers, Nooks, etc. Just check out our website, http://www.hbpl.org/, for more information on what is available.
Amazon's Kindle books are now available at some libraries. Don't worry - Huntington Beach Public Library will be getting Kindle books SOON. Our vendor, Overdrive, is working on rolling the Kindle books out to all of their customers. We expect to get our Kindle books within the next few days, if all goes well. So if you don't see them yet, just keep checking.
In the meantime, we still have ebooks for IPads, Sony Readers, Nooks, etc. Just check out our website, http://www.hbpl.org/, for more information on what is available.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
September is Library Card Sign Up month
Happy Fall, everyone!
It has been awhile since I posted here, and I am sorry that I haven't been around. The Library has been very busy, and we've had lots of projects getting started.
We had to look at solving a number of problems, as well as help finalize the budget for the new Fiscal Year which starts in October. We've been talking to vendors, meeting with staff and generally reviewing how we do a lot of things.
Our budget for next year is once again going down - we had to cut another $120,000 out of the budget, and though it was a challenge we were able to come up with reductions while still maintaining hours and our book budget.
We have been able to add a new collection - we now have E Books for IPads and other reading tablets (though we are still waiting for books for the Kindle - Kindle books are supposed to be available sometime this fall. Stay tuned Kindle users!).
In the works are a number of computer projects that should help sustain our computer services more effectively.
So even though things are tight, we are still trying to look ahead and figure out how to be more efficient and effective. I hope to be able to spend a bit more time here on the blog, and hope to have some interesting posts for you soon.
It has been awhile since I posted here, and I am sorry that I haven't been around. The Library has been very busy, and we've had lots of projects getting started.
We had to look at solving a number of problems, as well as help finalize the budget for the new Fiscal Year which starts in October. We've been talking to vendors, meeting with staff and generally reviewing how we do a lot of things.
Our budget for next year is once again going down - we had to cut another $120,000 out of the budget, and though it was a challenge we were able to come up with reductions while still maintaining hours and our book budget.
We have been able to add a new collection - we now have E Books for IPads and other reading tablets (though we are still waiting for books for the Kindle - Kindle books are supposed to be available sometime this fall. Stay tuned Kindle users!).
In the works are a number of computer projects that should help sustain our computer services more effectively.
So even though things are tight, we are still trying to look ahead and figure out how to be more efficient and effective. I hope to be able to spend a bit more time here on the blog, and hope to have some interesting posts for you soon.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The State of America's Libraries
The American Library Association has released a new report on the State of America's Libraries in 2011. The report has both good and bad news. Not a lot of surprises really - but some sobering and inspiring results.
The report contains the results of a poll conducted by Harris Interactive about library usage. Of the people polled, over 65% had visited their library in the past year, and 58% had a library card. More women than men used the library, especially working women and working mothers. Over two thirds of those surveyed said that the library was important and helped them in finding work or launching a new business.
Overall, statistics for use in the nation's libraries are up, even as budgets are down. The budget news is sobering - Everyday we hear about libraries reducing hours and considering closing locations. Funding for public libraries in California is at risk in the State Budget. In Northern California, the Oakland Public Libraries faced the possible closure of 14 out of 18 branches. San Jose Public Library has reduced hours in some branches to 3 days a week. Elsewhere, the Seattle Public Library is once again closing for a full week in August, with no services available to the public. These stories are the new normal - a grim and sobering reality.
There are some positive signs and reason for optimism - Oakland Public Library staged an impressive public awareness and advocacy campaign, and the public outcry over the closures was so great that the City Council decided not to make the cuts in the library budget. The Los Angeles Public Library was recently able to reopen on Mondays thanks to Measure L, which guaranteed a higher percentage of the City's property taxes for the library.
A recent study completed for the Philadelphia Free Library showed that the return on the public investment in the library was substantial - the City got over $30 million in return through economic benefits from the library. This study also showed that housing located near libraries had a significantly higher value, helping the real estate market in the city. San Francisco Public Library and a number of other libraries have done studies that show that for every public dollar invested in the public library, a community gets anywhere from $4 to $8 in return.
So though times are tough, and budgets continue to be a challenge, the Public Library is still one of the best investments a community can make. Here in Huntington Beach, we are working hard to maintain hours and ensure that you have access to the best deal in town - your Public Library.
The report contains the results of a poll conducted by Harris Interactive about library usage. Of the people polled, over 65% had visited their library in the past year, and 58% had a library card. More women than men used the library, especially working women and working mothers. Over two thirds of those surveyed said that the library was important and helped them in finding work or launching a new business.
Overall, statistics for use in the nation's libraries are up, even as budgets are down. The budget news is sobering - Everyday we hear about libraries reducing hours and considering closing locations. Funding for public libraries in California is at risk in the State Budget. In Northern California, the Oakland Public Libraries faced the possible closure of 14 out of 18 branches. San Jose Public Library has reduced hours in some branches to 3 days a week. Elsewhere, the Seattle Public Library is once again closing for a full week in August, with no services available to the public. These stories are the new normal - a grim and sobering reality.
There are some positive signs and reason for optimism - Oakland Public Library staged an impressive public awareness and advocacy campaign, and the public outcry over the closures was so great that the City Council decided not to make the cuts in the library budget. The Los Angeles Public Library was recently able to reopen on Mondays thanks to Measure L, which guaranteed a higher percentage of the City's property taxes for the library.
A recent study completed for the Philadelphia Free Library showed that the return on the public investment in the library was substantial - the City got over $30 million in return through economic benefits from the library. This study also showed that housing located near libraries had a significantly higher value, helping the real estate market in the city. San Francisco Public Library and a number of other libraries have done studies that show that for every public dollar invested in the public library, a community gets anywhere from $4 to $8 in return.
So though times are tough, and budgets continue to be a challenge, the Public Library is still one of the best investments a community can make. Here in Huntington Beach, we are working hard to maintain hours and ensure that you have access to the best deal in town - your Public Library.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Starting July 1, Huntington Beach Library has EBooks!
Thanks to a generous donation from our Friends of the Library, starting on July 1, Huntington Beach Public Library will have EBooks for checkout. So all you IPad, Nook, Sony and Tablet readers, check out our website on Friday, July 1.
Kindle Readers - we will have books for you in the Fall. Stay tuned.
Kindle Readers - we will have books for you in the Fall. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Summertime at the Library
This time of year means two things for me -
Summer Reading and ALA.
I just got back from the American Library Association Conference in New Orleans -
Conferences are always something of a whirlwind for me. First, there is navigating your way around the conference itself. I've been to New Orleans, but things change and things have definitely changed in the Big Easy. Getting familiar with the layout of a conference takes a little while, even if you are pretty good at navigating your way around. And then there is the weather. In New Orleans, that translates into sauna outside, refrigerator on the inside. Light layers is the only way to go.
This year there was lots of conference buzz about eBooks and readers - some new players in the eBook market and maybe some good library solutions just around the corner. Lots of cool and interesting new technology, especially with mobile apps, was on display and I got the chance to talk to a variety of people about mobile services, and how we can help our smart phone patrons do things just like they use their smart phones for everything else! There were texting services, new ILS vendors, new laptop vending machines, new self service library kiosks and the list goes on... I came away exhausted, but yet somewhat excited about possibilities. We may be able to scrounge some money together to help connect people to the books and info they want through some of these new tools.
And I came back to a booming Summer Reading program - we launched our Reading program this week, and we already have 1,300 children signed up. From what I hear, it has been controlled chaos here this week so far.
Summer Reading has been shown over and over again to help kids in school, by keeping reading skills sharp. And it looks like HB's kids are off to a good start for their summer.
We are managing our huge volume with a lot less staff this year. I am constantly amazed at how much our staff get done, even when times are tough and budgets keep getting slashed. They are all truly amazing and dedicated professionals who are creative, innovative and flexible.
So here's to a great 4th of July and lots of fun with summer reading.
Summer Reading and ALA.
I just got back from the American Library Association Conference in New Orleans -
Conferences are always something of a whirlwind for me. First, there is navigating your way around the conference itself. I've been to New Orleans, but things change and things have definitely changed in the Big Easy. Getting familiar with the layout of a conference takes a little while, even if you are pretty good at navigating your way around. And then there is the weather. In New Orleans, that translates into sauna outside, refrigerator on the inside. Light layers is the only way to go.
This year there was lots of conference buzz about eBooks and readers - some new players in the eBook market and maybe some good library solutions just around the corner. Lots of cool and interesting new technology, especially with mobile apps, was on display and I got the chance to talk to a variety of people about mobile services, and how we can help our smart phone patrons do things just like they use their smart phones for everything else! There were texting services, new ILS vendors, new laptop vending machines, new self service library kiosks and the list goes on... I came away exhausted, but yet somewhat excited about possibilities. We may be able to scrounge some money together to help connect people to the books and info they want through some of these new tools.
And I came back to a booming Summer Reading program - we launched our Reading program this week, and we already have 1,300 children signed up. From what I hear, it has been controlled chaos here this week so far.
Summer Reading has been shown over and over again to help kids in school, by keeping reading skills sharp. And it looks like HB's kids are off to a good start for their summer.
We are managing our huge volume with a lot less staff this year. I am constantly amazed at how much our staff get done, even when times are tough and budgets keep getting slashed. They are all truly amazing and dedicated professionals who are creative, innovative and flexible.
So here's to a great 4th of July and lots of fun with summer reading.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Going Solar at HBPL
This morning, as I was arriving to work, I witnessed the transformation of our 2 parking lots into construction zones. Fencing was going up over a good portion of our parking lot, in readiness for our Solar Carport Project.
The fenced area is where the first batch of Carports will be going in. The Photovoltaic Carports will provide shade and enhance the look of our parking lot, while harnessing the power of the sun to support the power needs of the Library. We are going to be able to do our part for the environment and our budget. We expect construction to be finished by next Fall.
Libraries are by their very nature GREEN - we may not have had solar power before, but our READ, RENEW and RETURN mantra is VERY green. We circulate over 1 million items a year - That's a lot of sharing going on.
With our new Carports, we'll be that much more efficient and effective, helping our community and planet. So if you come to the Library over the next few months, just remember that the parking will get better, and this minor inconvenience will in the long run make for a better library and a nicer parking lot! Thanks for your patience.
The fenced area is where the first batch of Carports will be going in. The Photovoltaic Carports will provide shade and enhance the look of our parking lot, while harnessing the power of the sun to support the power needs of the Library. We are going to be able to do our part for the environment and our budget. We expect construction to be finished by next Fall.
Libraries are by their very nature GREEN - we may not have had solar power before, but our READ, RENEW and RETURN mantra is VERY green. We circulate over 1 million items a year - That's a lot of sharing going on.
With our new Carports, we'll be that much more efficient and effective, helping our community and planet. So if you come to the Library over the next few months, just remember that the parking will get better, and this minor inconvenience will in the long run make for a better library and a nicer parking lot! Thanks for your patience.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Telling Library stories
March has been a busy month - lots of budget talk, budget work, review of services, concerns about sustainability, etc. Much like the talk over the past few years - I am having serious Deja Vu moments all the time... But in talking about services, budgets and sustainability, one thing has become quite clear to me. I haven't done a very good job in telling the Library story. What do I mean by that? What is the Library story? To me, the Library story is about how amazing libraries are, and the difference they make in people's lives. Libraries feed the mind and are the collective record of our civilization. Libraries are tangible manifestations of democracy, open to all. But every time I turn around and read the latest news report or talk to someone, even family members, people are just completely unaware of what we can do for them and how we benefit the community. We are seen as a "nice, quiet place." Or we are seen as old fashioned, obsolete, a relic of a previous age. With all the new buzz about eReaders and eBooks, this image - one that implies irrelevancy - is maddening. So I am going to try and use this blog more regularly, and with any luck, maybe I can start to change the Library story a bit. At least here in Huntington Beach. So stay tuned...
Monday, March 7, 2011
Library as Sanctuary
There was a wonderful editorial in the Los Angeles Times this past Sunday, March 6 -
The author, Pico Iyer, did a wonderful job detailing one of the key benefits of public libraries. Public libraries are sanctuaries, and offer something that no other place in our modern society can - The opportunity to lose or find yourself in the collective intelligence of our communities. Libraries are the collective intelligence of society - they make our communities smarter, and help people find themselves.
In these tough times, the importance of sanctuary should not be underestimated. As Pico Iyer said "to save money by reducing library services and resources is like trying to save a bleeding man by cutting out his heart. Or - if we could reach it - his soul."
Well said.
The author, Pico Iyer, did a wonderful job detailing one of the key benefits of public libraries. Public libraries are sanctuaries, and offer something that no other place in our modern society can - The opportunity to lose or find yourself in the collective intelligence of our communities. Libraries are the collective intelligence of society - they make our communities smarter, and help people find themselves.
In these tough times, the importance of sanctuary should not be underestimated. As Pico Iyer said "to save money by reducing library services and resources is like trying to save a bleeding man by cutting out his heart. Or - if we could reach it - his soul."
Well said.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Library funding in California
The State budget in CA is a mess -
Huge deficits, proposed budget cuts, taxes, etc. Nothing new here - it is the news for the past few years.
But this year the Governor has proposed ELIMINATING all support for public libraries in the State budget. The total amount comes to $30.4 million. Complete elimination will devastate our Literacy programs, Library cooperative efforts and will endanger matching funds from the Federal Government. All when libraries are more important than ever and we are making a difference everyday in people's lives.
If you get laid off and need to look for work, where can you turn? The Library. We have resources to help you with your resume, career development, training and finances.
If you are a student and need help with your homework, where do you turn? The Library. We have the resources to help with every assignment and we also have an online service that connects students to trained Tutors.
If you are an adult who is functionally illiterate, who fell through the cracks of our education system, where can you go? The Library. Our Literacy programs work one on one with adults who want to improve their skills and be better able to function and contribute to our economy and society.
All of these services are at risk by eliminating the State funding for Public Libraries.
Calls and letters are needed to the State Legislative Budget Conference Committee to urge them to support the Assembly version of the budget. The State Assembly proposed some cuts, but left some funding for these crucial services.
If you can, take a moment and contact your legislative representatives and the Budget Conference Committee, and ask them to stand up and support libraries. To learn more about the challenges to library funding and how you can help check out this link.
Huge deficits, proposed budget cuts, taxes, etc. Nothing new here - it is the news for the past few years.
But this year the Governor has proposed ELIMINATING all support for public libraries in the State budget. The total amount comes to $30.4 million. Complete elimination will devastate our Literacy programs, Library cooperative efforts and will endanger matching funds from the Federal Government. All when libraries are more important than ever and we are making a difference everyday in people's lives.
If you get laid off and need to look for work, where can you turn? The Library. We have resources to help you with your resume, career development, training and finances.
If you are a student and need help with your homework, where do you turn? The Library. We have the resources to help with every assignment and we also have an online service that connects students to trained Tutors.
If you are an adult who is functionally illiterate, who fell through the cracks of our education system, where can you go? The Library. Our Literacy programs work one on one with adults who want to improve their skills and be better able to function and contribute to our economy and society.
All of these services are at risk by eliminating the State funding for Public Libraries.
Calls and letters are needed to the State Legislative Budget Conference Committee to urge them to support the Assembly version of the budget. The State Assembly proposed some cuts, but left some funding for these crucial services.
If you can, take a moment and contact your legislative representatives and the Budget Conference Committee, and ask them to stand up and support libraries. To learn more about the challenges to library funding and how you can help check out this link.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
There are some amazing new videos out on YouTube about Libraries. Here are two favorites - one from Edmonton, Canada and another from England.
The one in England starts with a grim statement "Turn the page, readers, you are about to enter a new Ice Age..."
Or you could argue, a new Dark Age, where we are confronting the prospect of no local libraries. What does this say about us and our society?
Conversely, the video from Edmonton is such a wonderful statement of library values and value, done in an engaging way. We need more of this kind of PR!
The one in England starts with a grim statement "Turn the page, readers, you are about to enter a new Ice Age..."
Or you could argue, a new Dark Age, where we are confronting the prospect of no local libraries. What does this say about us and our society?
Conversely, the video from Edmonton is such a wonderful statement of library values and value, done in an engaging way. We need more of this kind of PR!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Are Libraries an endangered species?
It has been a busy January so far - lots of news, and much of it bad on the library front. Budgets are tough, and they got tougher when Governor Brown announced his new budget for next year. His proposal hits public libraries in California hard, and will have a direct impact on what we can do and the services we provide.
Earlier in the month, the American Library Association Midwinter meeting was held in San Diego. Seen on the conference floor and in the ALA Store was a new T shirt showing Libraries as endangered, like the Polar Bear and the Panda. I am a bit of an optimist (or at least try to be...), so my initial thought was "Really? Isn't that a bit over the top?"
But after further thought, I think the T shirt is spot on. Here we are, in tough times, when libraries are booming and we are helping people connect to the Internet, find new careers, apply for job benefits, help their children get ready to learn, and all of the many other things we do at the library, and our funding keeps getting cut and our ability to respond to the needs in our community goes down.
If you love your library, consider joining the Friends of the Library, volunteering your time, or donating books. Talk to your elected representatives and tell them how much you love your library and what it means to you.
If you love the idea of libraries, a cornerstone of our democracy, then I invite you to come in and see what we can do for you now. I think you will find that we have something for everyone.
And if you think we don't need libraries any more, I also urge you to come in and take a look around. Or check out our website. I think we will surprise you with all the things we have and all the things we do.
I firmly believe that the public library is an anchor institution in the community - the public library is the most democratic institution in our nation. Everyone is welcome. In most communities, like Huntington Beach, the Library often predates the incorporation of the town. Creating a public library is one of the first things that a community does when it comes together as a community. It is a public manifestation of the importance of education, knowledge and opportunity for all. It reflects all that is best in our country. I believe we must do everything we can to ensure the survival of the public library.
So here's the question - how do we do that? How do we ensure that the public library is no longer an endangered species? I'd love to hear what people think.
Earlier in the month, the American Library Association Midwinter meeting was held in San Diego. Seen on the conference floor and in the ALA Store was a new T shirt showing Libraries as endangered, like the Polar Bear and the Panda. I am a bit of an optimist (or at least try to be...), so my initial thought was "Really? Isn't that a bit over the top?"
But after further thought, I think the T shirt is spot on. Here we are, in tough times, when libraries are booming and we are helping people connect to the Internet, find new careers, apply for job benefits, help their children get ready to learn, and all of the many other things we do at the library, and our funding keeps getting cut and our ability to respond to the needs in our community goes down.
If you love your library, consider joining the Friends of the Library, volunteering your time, or donating books. Talk to your elected representatives and tell them how much you love your library and what it means to you.
If you love the idea of libraries, a cornerstone of our democracy, then I invite you to come in and see what we can do for you now. I think you will find that we have something for everyone.
And if you think we don't need libraries any more, I also urge you to come in and take a look around. Or check out our website. I think we will surprise you with all the things we have and all the things we do.
I firmly believe that the public library is an anchor institution in the community - the public library is the most democratic institution in our nation. Everyone is welcome. In most communities, like Huntington Beach, the Library often predates the incorporation of the town. Creating a public library is one of the first things that a community does when it comes together as a community. It is a public manifestation of the importance of education, knowledge and opportunity for all. It reflects all that is best in our country. I believe we must do everything we can to ensure the survival of the public library.
So here's the question - how do we do that? How do we ensure that the public library is no longer an endangered species? I'd love to hear what people think.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year everyone!
As at the beginning of every year, there are lots of articles on predictions and other musings about what the New Year holds for all of us. Some of the predictions are interesting, some not so much. For a short while I considered trying to craft some sort of prediction post for us here at the Huntington Beach Public Library, but then my thoughts went off in a different direction as I thought about what libraries do and where we are headed in the new decade.
American Libraries recently published a list of 12 reasons why Libraries are good for the Country and as I considered the list, the more I liked it. It is a good advocacy starting point.
Here's the list -
Libraries sustain democracy
Libraries break down boundaries
Libraries level the playing field
Libraries value the individual
Libraries nourish creativity
Libraries open young minds
Libraries return high dividends
Libraries build communities
Libraries support families
Libraries build technology skills
Libraries offer sanctuary
Libraries preserve the past
(if you'd like to read more, check out the rest of the article)
More and more, especially as we work through the current economic conditions, Library advocacy is crucial. We have to get the message out about all the things we do - how we foster democracy, inspire creativity, function as economic engines for our communities, helping our residents learn, achieve and grow.
So how best to get the message out about libraries? This is something I need to work on for our Library in the coming year.
As at the beginning of every year, there are lots of articles on predictions and other musings about what the New Year holds for all of us. Some of the predictions are interesting, some not so much. For a short while I considered trying to craft some sort of prediction post for us here at the Huntington Beach Public Library, but then my thoughts went off in a different direction as I thought about what libraries do and where we are headed in the new decade.
American Libraries recently published a list of 12 reasons why Libraries are good for the Country and as I considered the list, the more I liked it. It is a good advocacy starting point.
Here's the list -
Libraries sustain democracy
Libraries break down boundaries
Libraries level the playing field
Libraries value the individual
Libraries nourish creativity
Libraries open young minds
Libraries return high dividends
Libraries build communities
Libraries support families
Libraries build technology skills
Libraries offer sanctuary
Libraries preserve the past
(if you'd like to read more, check out the rest of the article)
More and more, especially as we work through the current economic conditions, Library advocacy is crucial. We have to get the message out about all the things we do - how we foster democracy, inspire creativity, function as economic engines for our communities, helping our residents learn, achieve and grow.
So how best to get the message out about libraries? This is something I need to work on for our Library in the coming year.
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