Hartford Mayoral Candidates Mixed on Funding New Library

At least two of five mayoral candidates want to keep the city's previous commitment to provide $5 million in public funding for the proposed new Jack Russell Memorial Library in Hartford. Two other candidates think public funding should be taken off the table, even though more than $2 million in private funding has already been raised and the city council approved the spending last September. The primary is February 16. Read more...

LIBRARY LEGISLATIVE DAY 2010: NOT TOO LATE TO BE INVOLVED

Library Legislative Day
Tuesday, February 16 2010
Best Western Inn on the Park

Is your library the heart of your community? Let your legislator know that!
As librarians we know that we are having to do more with less. In these tough economic times, the library can be the only resource for many in their search and application for new jobs. Most libraries are showing big increases in library patron visits. Your library is a core resource for your community. Let them know what you are doing and how important libraries are to the state of Wisconsin.

Register TODAY for Library Legislative Day! It is not too late!

A Perfect Storm Brewing: Budget Cuts Threaten Library Services at Time of Increased Demand

Today’s public libraries are vital community technology hubs that millions of Americans rely on for their first and often only choice for Internet access. Despite increased demand for library computers, however, libraries typically have not seen a corresponding increase in budgets and many are challenged to provide enough computers or fast-enough connection speeds to meet demand.

The Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study is a multi-year project that builds on the longest-running and largest study of Internet connectivity in public libraries. The study assesses public access to computers, the Internet and Internet-related services in U.S. public libraries, as well as the impact of library funding changes on connectivity, technology deployment and sustainability in FY2007-2009.

Built on the longest-running and largest study of Internet connectivity in public libraries, begun in 1994 by John Carlo Bertot and Charles R. McClure, this study provides information that can help library directors and library IT staff benchmark and advocate for technology resources in communities across the nation. The data are also of importance for policymakers at local, state, and federal levels, manufacturers of information and communication technologies, and the communities served.

The project is made possible by a generous donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the American Library Association.

New WeLead Class to be Selected Soon; Apply by January 31

WLA seeks a new class of "WeLead"ers (Wisconsin Emerging Librarians Exploring and Developing) to receive fabulous benefits while honing leadership skills and giving back to the association. The initiative, begun in 2005, is accepting application for three to five protégés. The protégés receive a one-year WLA membership, stipends to attend the WLA annual conference for three years, a stipend to attend one additional conference (WAAL, WAPL, WEMTA or SSS) during the three-year initiative, an appointment to a WLA committee, special leadership programming opportunities, and they are paired with a current leader within WLA to serve as their mentor. Mentors receive up to $125 per year to defray costs of attending the WLA Conference with their protégés.

WLA is supporting the protégés through generous contributions from WAAL, WAPL, Embury, Ltd. and the WLA Foundation. A sincere and hearty thank you to the WeLead contributors!

For more information on the program, as well the application form (for both protégés and mentors), please visit http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/welead. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2010.
-- Pamela O’Donnell, Chair, WeLead Task Force, podonnell@library.wisc.edu, 608-263-2014

Grants for AEDs in schools, other public places

If you would like to place an AED in your library the Wisconsin Masonic Grand Lodge is providing matching grants to fund the placement of AEDs in schools and other public buildings. For more information contact the Secretary of your local Masonic Lodge. Get details at the Project ADAM page. http://www.wisc-freemasonry.org/html/project_adam.htm. Thanks to Mark Arend, Winnefox Library System, for this post, originally on wispublib.

Contact ALA OIF with Reports of Book Challenges

The American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom (ALA OIF) requests your assistance in compiling their yearly list of most frequently challenged books. ALA OIF collects information for their challenge database from media reports and from reports submitted by individuals and strives to be as comprehensive as possible. You may report challenges by filling out and submitting OIF’s database form (available at http://www.blogger.com/) or email OIF the details. All information submitted is kept confidential.

Contact:
Angela Maycock
Assistant Director
Office for Intellectual Freedom
American Library Association
50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 280-4221
(800) 545-2433 x4221 toll-free
(312) 280-4227 fax
http://www.blogger.com/

Libraries, Bookstores and Kindles

A recent Wausau Daily Herald article includes comments by Phyllis Christenson, director of the Marathon Public Library, and Jim Backus, library trustee, about the Kindle's impact on libraries, reading and bookstores.

Library Legislative Day 2010

Mark your calendars NOW!
Library Legislative Day is only: 40 Days, 15 hours, 17 minutes, and a decreasing number of seconds away.

Register today for this fun and important event. Go to the WLA website today and print out the registration form or, Even Better, login on to memberclicks and register. Visiting the Wisconsin state capitol offices gives you a chance to share your library's story with your state legislator or a member of their staff. As librarians, we provide core services to our communities and many libraries are the only place for your friends and neighbors and others to read the newspaper, fill out a job application online, read the newest book to their child, find valuable medical information as a care giver, and much more.
Please join us on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 in Madison and tell your legislator the stories of your library serving your community.
For more information, check out the Library Legislative Day pages on the WLA website!