Ebooks, the American Library Association Conference and Summertime...

This past week, the American Library Association Conference was held in Anaheim, at the Anaheim Convention Center.  I was in attendance, along with librarians from all across the country.  After lots of meetings, lots of discussions about books, reading, authors and Ebooks, along with many visits with vendors, I came away from this year's conference in a relatively good mood.  Some ideas are percolating, and there are some really interesting possibilities coming soon...

Lately, I am somewhat conflicted about conferences and their value.  The networking opportunities and the vendor exhibits are always worthwhile, and hearing the current "buzz" in the field on things like Ebooks and digital content is important and invigorating.  HOWEVER, I seem to come away from conferences absolutely exhausted, regardless of travel.  And the actual programs and speakers at conferences haven't been working for me lately.  This ALA was no exception - programs that looked new and interesting often turned out to be just another take on "How we did this well, and you could too.." 

Am I getting cynical?  Maybe. 

Am I suffering from "Conference fatigue"?  Maybe. 

Do we need to rethink conferences and how to give attendees the best value for their attendance?  Maybe. 

I do think that there is room for improvement with the program for most professional conferences.  At least at this ALA we were grappling with the Ebook issue - we may not have resolved anything yet, but we are engaged and there is work being done.  Let's hope ALA's efforts bear fruit, and the large publishers figure out that Libraries are an amazing marketing tool for their authors and books, no matter the format. 

There's an APP for that!

The Huntington Beach Public Library has just implemented a new smartphone App that lets you check for books, place holds, renew items and keep up with your reading, all on you  mobile device.  The App is Bookmyne, an App made available by our library system vendor, SirsiDynix.  Bookmyne is available through the iPhone App and Android stores.  With a simple download, you are ready to find your library, and then login to your account. 

I am really excited that we can add this additional service for our mobile customers - with all of the recent budget challenges, it is really great to add a new service.  As more and more of us do more and more with our smartphones, Bookmyne puts the Library where you want it and need it. 

Give it a try and let us know what you think! 

Great Article on Oak View Homework Club

Today, in the local paper The Huntington Beach Independent, there is a terrific article about our Oak View Branch Library Homework Club.  With budget reductions and funding cuts, the Homework Club is at risk and this article really highlights how important these kinds of services are for kids.  Thanks, Michael Miller and the Independent, for helping us get the word out! 

If you are interested in learning more about our programs at Oak View, feel free to call us at the Library, or send us an email.  Our Homework Club, Reading partners and Math Club programs help lots of kids, and we can use your help and support.

Thank you, Anglers of Huntington Harbour!

The Anglers of Huntington Harbour have generously donated $1,200 to support our Aquarium!  On Monday, they came into the Library for a presentation, and had their picture taken with the Fish!

Our fundraising program to keep the Aquarium going is gaining momentum. 

Thank you to all the Fish Supporters!  With your help, the Library will be able to maintain our little piece of the ocean in the Library for the children.

If you haven't had the chance, stop by and check out the donor wall seascape and find out how you too can Lend a Fin, and help save the Fish!   

Follow the Library on Pinterest!

Calling all Pinners!

The Huntington Beach Public Library is now on Pinterest.  Check out our Boards on new books, new  music, new movies and other cool library stuff!

So follow us and find out more about your library. 

Taste of Huntington Beach this weekend!

Hey, all you foodies out there -

This Sunday, April 29 is the Taste of Huntington Beach.  Running from Noon to 4 PM, one entry fee gets you all the food and drink you could want, from all the great restaurants here in Huntington Beach.  The event supports the Children's Library, and over the years the Taste has raised lots of money for Children's services. 

This is your opportunity to come out to the Sports Complex, enjoy a warm Southern California day, and eat terrific food.   The mix of restaurants, wineries and breweries is once again impressive, and guarantees that there will be something for everyone. 

 Come out, have fun, and thank you for suppporting the Library! 

California Libraries need everyone's help!

Once again, Governor Brown has proposed the complete elimination of support for Public Libraries in the State Budget. The legislature is starting their budget hearings, and they need to hear from everyone that Public Libraries are important, and need support.

Libraries have never received much funding from the State - last year only $15.2 million was part of the original budget. UNFORTUNATELY ALL OF THE $ 15.2 MILLION WAS ELIMINATED UNDER THE TRIGGER BILL in December.

The complete elimination of this $15.2 million puts an additional $16 million in Federal funds at risk. This relatively small amount of money (when we are talking about BILLIONS at the State level) DOES SO MUCH. Here in Huntington Beach, we have received grants for Literacy, Homework support, Volunteer Development and interlibrary loan.

California NEEDS strong libraries. If you care, write to your legislators, and ask them to RESTORE LIBRARY FUNDING! For more information, along with sample letters and e-mails check out the California Library Association's Library Advocacy information.