Retiring Guy's Digest: 2011-04-17

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Timely Display @ the Lester Public Library in Two Rivers

In New Jersey, Mercer County Finds Success With Community ID Card Program

Controversial Mercer County Community ID program is deemed a success. (Trenton Times, 4/23/2011)

Excerpt: The Community ID could be a “precursor to the legalization process,” Juega added.

Open to any Mercer County resident, the Community ID program also make it easier for illegal immigrants to access social service agencies, libraries, clinics and other community service providers. It is accepted by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and several municipal police departments as proof of identification, though it is not an official form of government ID.

The program, organized by Princeton-based LALDEF, expanded to include Princeton Borough and Princeton Township last May. Three-thousand area residents have registered for the card, and the earliest cardholders are now renewing their IDs.

In response to high demand within communities and positive reaction from local law enforcement, LALDEF is expanding the program throughout Mercer County. Local officials have already begun issuing cards in Lawrenceville and plan to begin distributing cards in Hightstown soon.

Waukesha City Managers Book Discussion Group

The reviews are in. And they aren't good.

Scrima at odds with police chief over book. Objections raised over reading assignment. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 4/22/2011)

Excerpt: Mayor Jeff Scrima's directive that city managers read and then discuss at staff meetings a book by a Christian author prompted a protest this week from Police Chief Russell Jack.

The book was published by a financial contributor to Scrima's campaign.

"I am a devout WELS Lutheran, but I don't believe it is legally appropriate to bring these ideas into a department directors' meeting," Jack wrote in an email to the mayor and released after a public records request. WELS is an acronym for Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Scrima told a reporter Friday, "There's no religious language in here. If there was any religious words or overtone, I would not have recommended it."

The book, "Sequencing: Deciphering Your Company's DNA" by Michael Metzger, was distributed by the mayor to department managers with assigned reading pages to be discussed at three meetings April 7, 19 and May 3. He also gave copies to aldermen, without reading assignments.

Link to dark website

A founder of the book's publisher, Game Changer Books, is Gary Lato of Waukesha. Lato donated $500 to Scrima's mayoral campaign. The Lato Family Foundation, which Lato runs, gave $16,500 to Scrima's New Day in Waukesha charitable fund for community causes.

The publisher was paid $428.16 in tax money from the mayor's and council's budgets for 30 books.

Friday, April 22, 2011

The Downside of Cloud Computing

Retiring Guy resurrecting mostly forgotten 1970s rock tunes.

Amazon Cloud Failure Takes Down Web Site. (The New York Times, 4/21/2011)

Excerpt: A widespread failure in Amazon.com’s Web services business was still affecting many Internet sites on Friday morning, highlighting the risks involved when companies rely on so-called cloud computing.

The problems, which began early Thursday morning, affected sites including Quora.com, Reddit.com, GroupMe.com and Scvngr.com, which all posted messages to their visitors about the issue. Most of the sites have been inaccessible for hours, and others were only partly operational.

The Web companies use Amazon’s cloud-based service to serve their Web sites, applications and files. Amazon’s customers include start-ups like the social networking site Foursquare but also big companies like Pfizer and Nasdaq.

Amazon, which is a leader in this business, lets these companies rent space on its servers and take advantage of its big data centers and computing power. But that gives the companies little control if the servers fail.

$182,000 in Library Board Bennies Leads to Lawsuit

Library board faces state suit. (Indianapolis Star, 4/21/2011)

Excerpt: Indiana is suing six East Chicago Public Library Board members seeking repayment of more than $182,000 in health and life insurance benefits.

Attorney General Greg Zoeller contends in the lawsuit filed Monday in Lake County that the Library Board members weren't entitled to benefits they received at taxpayer expense. Zoeller also contends that the six board members and two other board members should be held jointly responsible for reimbursing more than $12,000 billed to the library by a former library director for expenses not related to work.

Related articles:
Doing more than he shoulda oughta done. (3/26/2011)
Manny removed. (3/17/2011)

Proposal to Close 18 of 23 Detroit Branches Sparks Angry Reactions

From 2009.

Angry Detroit library backers sound off. (Detroit News, 4/20/2011)

Excerpt: The Detroit Library Board of Commissioners on Tuesday heard anger and promises to fight a controversial proposal to close most of the system's neighborhood branches.

More than 100 library users and staffers packed a room at the main library on Woodward for the panel's first meeting since a plan was released last week that could close 18 of 23 branches and lay off more than half the system's 333 workers. Administrators say tough choices are necessary because the system faces an $11 million shortfall this year and revenue drop of 20 percent per year until 2015.

"I will not stand for it," said Ashley Matthews, 17, who says she often takes her 2-year-old daughter to the Chaney branch at Grand River and Greenfield, which is on a closure list.
"Can you live with yourselves if you close our schools, close our libraries?"

Commissioners didn't discuss the proposal, saying it was premature. But they passed a resolution that bans users with more than $10 in fines from using computers in hopes of getting more people to pay their fines. Board members are scrutinizing potential closures and didn't say when they'd make a decision. The budget is expected to be approved in May.

"We are in a tough spot, but we will get through it," commissioner Luther Keith said. "We aren't perfect but we are working on solutions."

Related articles:
Few expenses spared in South Wing remodeling of library. (4/22/2011)
Downward spiral. (4/16/2011)
Library reduces staff by 20%. (3/4/2011)
Budget woes. (2/5/2011)

Few Expenses Spared for South Wing Remodeling of Detroit Public Library

Critics: $2.3M Detroit library project a symbol of waste amid budget crisis. (Detroit News, 4/22/2011)

Excerpt: Detroit Public Library officials say finances have grown so bad they could close most neighborhood branches, but in a few weeks plan to unveil a revamped wing of a main library that even administrators say spares few expenses.

The South Wing is stocked with 20 yellow and orange European lounge chairs that cost $1,092 apiece, artistic pendant light fixtures and two alcohol-burning fireplaces. The project morphed from a $300,000 furniture update to a $2.3 million overhaul with new floors, study rooms, lighting and built-in, wood-framed book shelves.

"$1,100 per chair is reckless spending for a public institution," said Todd Kelly, president of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1259, which represents 125 workers, including clerks, janitors and security staffers.

"It would be easier to swallow the current situation if we didn't see things like that."

It's not the only spending to come under question as the system considers closing up to 18 of 23 branches and laying off as many as 191 of 333 workers. A Detroit News review showed that, since 2008, the library has paid at least $160,000 to food vendors, including $1,760 at an ice-cream shop, and spent $1 million on 6 percent raises to union workers at a time counterparts in City Hall took 10 percent pay cuts.

Executive Director Jo Anne Mondowney agreed the South Wing renovation was costly and that too much has been spent on food. But she said she's only been on the job for about 19 months and isn't responsible for much of the spending.

Related articles:
Downward spiral. (4/16/2011)
Library reduces staff by 20%. (3/4/2011)
Budget woes. (2/5/2011)

Most Chilling Fact to Consider Here: CML's materials budget reduced to $1.7 million from $4.2 million during past few years

Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries haven't seen such large-scale reductions since the Great Depression. (3/17/2010)

Selling Art to Enhance Long-Term Funding @ the Erie County Public Library

"Summer Afternoon, Isle of Shoals," by Frederick Childe Hassam

Erie County to sell valuable Blasco Library painting. (Erie News, 4/6/2011)

Excerpt: The most valuable painting in the Erie County Public Library's large art collection will be sold if county officials approve a plan that will be made public today.

A copy of the painting -- "Summer Afternoon, Isle of Shoals," by Frederick Childe Hassam -- would be hung in its place, said Erie County Executive Barry Grossman, who drafted the plan.

"Nine hundred and ninety-nine of a thousand people wouldn't know the difference," Grossman said. "They really wouldn't."

He's likely right. In March, the painting was moved from its usual spot in Blasco Library. Appraisers from the Christie's and Sotheby's auction houses studied it in a different room.

Just two people asked the library staff what had happened to the canvas, said Margaret Stewart, the library system's director.

Public officials had been tempted to sell the painting before. A 2006 appraisal put its value at $2.5 million. But when another Hassam failed to sell at auction, drawing less than its $300,000 reserve bid, the study group that had been discussing long-term funding for the library dismissed talk of selling the art.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Jay Rath Bats .333 on State Library Funding

But, hey, Yaz won the batting title -- and the Triple Crown -- with a .326 average in 1967.

Budget cuts target libraries. Materials sharing, Braille service are threatened. (Isthmus, 4/21/2011)

Excerpt: Cuts to Wisconsin library budgets come in three areas. State aid to school libraries would be cut by $4.6 million. Funding to the state's 17 public library systems — such as the South Central Library System, which serves Dane and six other counties — would be cut by $13.5 million (we only wish this was a 10% cut), essentially ending materials sharing.

The effects of cuts could be exacerbated if Walker is successful in eliminating a statute that separately specifies library "maintenance of effort." Without maintenance of effort, a city could slash its library support and instead attempt to rely on services or materials provided by a neighboring community.

So many things I would have done but clouds got in my way

Library Revenue Enhancer: "Your Ad Here"

On School Buses, Ad Space for Rent. (The New York Times, 4/16/2011)

Or here.

Excerpt: Cash-hungry states and municipalities, in pursuit of even the smallest amounts of revenue, have begun to exploit one market that they have exclusive control over: their own property.

Or here.

With the help of a few eager marketing consultants, many governments are peddling the rights to place advertisements in public school cafeterias, on the sides of yellow school buses, in prison holding areas and in the waiting rooms of welfare offices and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Or here.

The revenue generated by these ads is just a drop in the bucket for states and counties with deficits in the millions or billions of dollars. But supporters say every penny helps.

'Getting handsy with the till' in Superior

City worker goes to jail. (Superior Telegram, 4/29/2011)

Excerpt: The stolen money has been recovered through a benefit withholding, according to City Attorney Frog Prell. He expressed his frustration at the string of employee thefts that have plagued the city since 2005, including a library employee, another employee in the finance department, a firefighter and then-Fire Chief Stephen Gotelaere.

“It’s getting painful to see,” Prell said. “People are ruining good and long-tenured careers by getting handsy with the till and the taxpayers deserve a little better than that.”

Viroqua Residents Want to Keep Their Library Downtown

Viroqua citizens feel strongly about locating new library downtown. (Vernon County Broadcaster, 4/20/2011)

Excerpt: The consensus from 50 community members attending a public meeting on the future site of a new library in Viroqua showed citizens are interested in keeping the library downtown.

PSA Dewberry, the architectural firm hired by the McIntosh Memorial Library Board to develop a new library plan for the city, met with an engaged group of residents at Western Technical College in Viroqua, last Thursday.

Terry Martin and Rick McCarthy of PSA Dewberry didn't add any opinions about what the library's future plans should be, instead they asked where community members thought the library should be built.

Martin said PSA Dewberry - at the direction of the library board following its space needs study - was looking at a library of about 30,000 square feet that cost between $5-$8 million. He said it would be paid for by a combination of public and private sources that have yet to be determined.

[snip]

Martin gave a PowerPoint presentation on five possible library sites in Viroqua including land the library owns on the south side of the city, which the Viroqua Area School District rents for its bus garage facility. Another site was the old outdoor pool, Eagles Club and the city owned parking lot - all on South Rock Avenue (this site was referred to as site "B"). A third site was land owned by Vernon Memorial Healthcare where Nuzum's Lumber used to be along South Rock Avenue (this site was referred to as site "C"). A fourth site included the former Gundersen Viroqua Clinic site on the Dahl Building block. And Martin also discussed options for building a new library on its existing site north of the Post Office.

Related articles:
Library project gets aid from city. (6/7/2010)
New library cost estimate: $5.7 million. (5/20/2010)
Library building project update. (3/15/2010)
Viroqua's McIntosh Memorial Library Space Needs Study Update. (1/16/2010)
Viroqua's McIntosh Memorial Library Space Needs Task Force. (12/28/2009)

Two Rivers Library to Celebrate 120 Years of Service

Jeff Dawson/Lester Library: Library nears 120th anniversary. (Herald-Times-Reporter, 4/20/2011)

Excerpt: In 1891 the Joseph Mann library opened to the public. The total cost of the library including building, heater, furniture and the initial book collection, was $3,363.73. Lizzie H. Yahnke was the first librarian. Yahnke, who served as director, earned $75 per year, plus room and board in rooms above the library. In 1891, fines for an overdue book were 3 cents a day. In 1891, patrons were allowed to check out one book for two weeks, today you may check out 75 items for three weeks.

The library began using the Dewey Decimal System in 1896 and the Lester Public Library uses it to this day. Since 1891 there have been 17 directors — 13 women and four men.

In 1914, Two Rivers built its new Carnegie library, still called the Joseph Mann Library, located across the street from the original library. In 1920, children younger than junior high school age were forbidden to use the library in the evening. Though extensively remodeled and expanded during the 1950s and 60s, community leaders recognized that a more modern and spacious facility would be needed.

Worm Race Tonight at the Deerfield Public Library

LINK

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Will There Be a Troy Public Library After June 30th?

Library in Troy to stay open. Long-term funding unclear after council vote gives it reprieve. (Detroit News, 4/20/2011)

Excerpt: City Manager John Szerlag agreed to continue operating the library, funded through June 30, after a commitment from the city council to work through the budget issues. Library administration had set the May 1 closure date to give staffers two months to inventory the collection.

The council will discuss library funding at April 25, May 2 and May 9 study sessions, said city attorney Lori Bluhm. Still, there are numerous issues to resolve on what services the library will offer after the current budget cycle, she said. A decision on the library is due by May 16, when the budget must be approved, according to the city's charter.

Related articles:
Keep the Troy Public Library open: Council members told to 'figure it out'. (4/19/2011)
May Day! May Day! Two Michigan libraries set to close on May 1. (4/17/2011)
Library to close on May 1. (2/23/2011)
Troy Michigan (population: 80,000) still on track to close its library. (2/8/2011)
Voters wave bye-bye to their library. (11/3/2010)
Giving voters more choices than they need. (8/13/2010)
Library threatened with closure, part 2. (5/19/2010)
Library threatened with closure, part 1. (4/25/2010)

2010 a Record Year for the Bellingham Public Library

Bellingham library use at all-time high despite budget cuts. (Bellingham Herald, 4/20/2011)

Excerpt: Library checkouts once again hit a new high last year, despite budget cuts for the Bellingham Public Library that led to fewer staff, shorter hours and a reduction of new materials such as books, CDs and DVDs.

The number of items that library-goers checked out increased to a little over 1.6 million in 2010, according to an annual report that was released recently.

That's a new record, but it's a bump of just a little over 1 percent - compared to a 10 percent jump in each of the two previous years.

While the circulation numbers were up slightly last year, the number of visitors who came to the library, which has three branches, dropped by some 7 percent to 858,308.

"I think this reflects a decrease in access for the public to our libraries because of the number of hours that we've cut, primarily," said Pam Kiesner, director for Bellingham Public Library.

"People just don't have the same kind of convenience they had in the past. We're hearing about it," she added.

Nonfiscal Policy Items in the State Budget: LFB 46, Darlingvos 21

A difference of opinion.

MOE as nonfiscal policy item? Ja!

MOE as nonfiscal policy item? Nein!

Got Short-sightedness?: Governor's Budget Proposes 30% Cut in Support to Technical Colleges

LINK

The Unsettled Outlook for Library Funding

Budget could cut library funding. (Juneau County Star Times, 4/20/2011)

Excerpt: Hatch Public Library received $306,600 from Mauston and $164,760 from Juneau County in 2009.

Christenson said in light of the down economy, more people are frequenting Hatch than ever in the library's decade in existence.

"Last year was our highest annual circulation ever," she said. "Already in the first three months of 2011, we're up 2 percent over that, which is an all-time record."

According to Christenson, if Mauston or the county were to reduce their appropriations to Hatch, the library would have to become more dependent on other libraries through the Winding Rivers Library System's interlibrary loan program.

Kristen Anderson, director of Winding Rivers, said libraries in both rural and more developed areas would likely be impacted if maintenance of effort were eliminated.

"It's tough all over," she said. "This is not an easy time for any state or local organization."

According to Anderson, such tough times lead to more library patrons as people depend more on free sources of entertainment.

She said cutting municipal appropriations would create difficulties as libraries deal with both higher traffic and pre-existing budget concerns.

"Another thing to keep in mind, too, is libraries have always been kind of the poor cousins in municipal budgeting," said Anderson.

Regional library systems such as Winding Rivers will see a broad 10 percent cut to their state appropriations if the budget passed unchanged.

According to Anderson, the system has already cut enough of its budget to cover the 10 percent by not replacing a vacated assistant director position.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Expansion (Part 14, Cuyohoga County Public Library)

Solon library expansion to begin this summer. (Chagrin Solon Sun, 4/18/2011)

Excerpt: Solon Architects are still working on drawings and “costing out” of a proposed expansion project at the city’s library, with the construction expected to begin over the summer.

“We hope to be done by early 2012,” said Lane Edwards, the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Solon branch manager. “We’re basically putting a roof over the open-air courtyard to expand the children’s department.”

That will also mean more space in the lobby, as well as the enclosure of the teen section, which might cut down on some of the noise in the rest of the library, Edwards said.

Keep the Troy Public Library Open: Council Members Told to "Figure It Out"

City to keep Troy library open past May 1. (Detroit News, 4/19/2011)

Excerpt: City officials agreed last night to spare the public library, slated for closure May 1, despite a budget shortfall next year and cuts to other city services.

Some 300 residents attended last night's City Council meeting, Councilman Martin Howrylak said, and delivered a clear message to the city: "Figure it out."

Voters indicated in a recent survey fielded March 29 to April 3 by a third-party firm hired by the city that the library is a top priority. The survey results were revealed at the meeting.
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8901750129336286030
City Manager John Szerlag agreed to continue operating the library, funded through June 30, after a commitment last night from City Council to work through the budget issues. Library administration had set the May 1 public closure date to allow staffers two months to inventory the collection.

Voters twice rejected millage proposals last year that would have funded library operations.

Related articles:
May Day! May Day! Two Michigan libraries set to close on May 1. (4/17/2011)
Library to close on May 1. (2/23/2011)
Troy Michigan (population: 80,000) still on track to close its library. (2/8/2011)
Voters wave bye-bye to their library. (11/3/2010)
Giving voters more choices than they need. (8/13/2010)
Library threatened with closure, part 2. (5/19/2010)
Library threatened with closure, part 1. (4/25/2010)

Indiana Library Has a "Lou Christie" Experience

Lightning strike causes fire at Greenfield library. (Indianapolis Star, 4/19/2011)

Excerpt: Hancock County Public Library administrators were gathering to discuss an earthquake-preparedness plan this afternoon at the Greenfield branch when a different kind of disaster struck — the building caught fire when a lightning bolt apparently struck the roof.

Firefighters were called to the library, 900 W. McKenzie Road, about noon today on reports that people were seeing and smelling smoke.

“We were having our leadership team meeting when we felt a big jolt and heard a big thud,” said Dianne Osborne, the library director. “We thought it was just thunder and lightning, but apparently lightning hit the roof over the local history room. People came to the board room door and told us they smelled smoke.”

Beverly Cleary to Receive Robert Kirsch Award

Beverly Cleary's 'exceptionally happy career'. (Los Angeles Times, 4/17/2011)

Excerpt: There's a sense of both serendipity and tenacity to such an anecdote, two qualities that define Cleary as well. For many years, she has been an icon — not just of children's literature but also of American literature, the writer who changed everything with the publication of "Henry Huggins," her first novel for middle readers, in 1950. In the decades since, she has been a Newbery Medal and Honor winner; she's a recipient of the National Medal of Arts and has been declared a living legend by the Library of Congress. Ramona has become the mascot for Drop Everything and Read Day, which takes place in libraries and schools each year on Cleary's birthday, April 12. Later this month, she will receive the Robert Kirsch Award, presented each year to a writer in the American West for lifetime achievement, at the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes.

Teen Organization Partners with San Jose Public Library Foundation

Opinion: Young readers can help sustain the power of libraries. (San Jose Mercury News, 4/17/2011)

Excerpt: The library is the one free community resource that provides a platform for diverse ideas in a nonjudgmental way. It is a significant symbol of our civilization: This is why we need to mourn the destruction of the ancient Library of Alexandria, the recent demolition of the Sarajevo National Library and the obliteration of the Library of Baghdad. We should rejoice that during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, some librarians risked their lives to save rare books by burying them.

American libraries have not faced such extreme challenges. However, almost every time we face an economic challenge, libraries lose money first. I founded GROW (Give, Raise, Organize, Work), a teen-run nonprofit organization, to respond to this need.

LINK

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 14: Lomira Public Library)

Lomira Public Library to hold grand opening. (Fond du Lac Reporter, 4/19/2011)

Excerpt: Lomira residents, donors, friends and supporters are encouraged to attend the grand opening of the Lomira Public Library at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7.

Welcoming remarks are scheduled for 2 p.m.

Major donors, including representatives from the Windhover Foundation of the Quad/Graphics Corporation, the Elaine and Robert Middleton Foundation and the family of Joanne Guay, will be on hand to view the new library, according to a Friends of Lomira Public Library news release.

The Windhover Foundation provided the cornerstone gift of $800,000 for the new Lomira Library, which enabled the Friends to progress with plans for the new facility.

The Guay Family will officially open the Joanne Guay Children's Corner, which features a "reading pond" and huge stuffed animals to "ride and read."

The Elaine and Robert Middleton Foundation sponsored the adult reading area, which features a tower window that looks over Lomira meadowland.

The new library, located at 427 S. Water St., replaces the library located on Main Street for more than 40 years.

Look Through Any Window, What Do You See?

Smiling faces all around?

I hardly think so.

Good day to enjoy the fireplace

at the Menasha Public Library

Board of Commissioners of Public Lands: Common School Fund Earnings Up 5%

LINK

'From Here to Eternity" Uncensored

Author's Heirs Uncensor a Classic War Novel. (The New York Times, 4/5/2011)

Excerpt: The novel follows a group of soldiers at an Army post in Hawaii a few months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Mr. Jones, who died in 1977, drew from his own Army experiences on Oahu for the novel, which won the National Book Award and is frequently cited as one of the best American novels of the 20th century.

[And how many LINKcat libraries own a copy?

About half.]

For the restored version of the book, the estate turned to Open Road Integrated Media, a company that has quickly established itself as a go-to publisher of backlist titles whose digital rights are owned by authors or their estates. Open Road has published backlist books by William Styron, among others, and offers a 50-50 profit share on revenues from the e-book editions.

Open Road also plans to publish nine other titles by James Jones. One, “To the End of the War,” has never been published in any form. All will be sold on Amazon.com and BN.com, as well as at other retailers, with most titles beginning May 10.

From Here to Eternity. Seen the movie numerous times, but never on a big screen. The book has been on my second-tier "to read" list for more than 20 years. (Just placed a hold for the audiobook on the new LINKcat.)

Legislative Fiscal Bureau Memo: 2010 and 2011 State Recycling Grants to Municipalities and Counties

Central Library Not a Major Issue with Candidate or Mayor Soglin

And it should come as no surprise.

Central Library could be delayed 3 years under Soglin plan. (Wisconsin State Journal, 4/18/2011)

Excerpt: New Mayor Paul Soglin's requirement for guarantees on $8 million in private fundraising for the Central Library reconstruction before the project goes to bid could mean a delay of up to three years, library officials said Monday.

Soglin, who takes office Tuesday, said that he's not trying to delay or stop the $29.5 million project, and that he's eager to explore options; however, he intends to ensure the city has privately raised cash in hand, or its equivalent, before putting out bids.

The library design has been largely finished, and construction documents were to be done by Aug. 22. Bidding was supposed to completed by the end of October, and construction was supposed to start in November or December.

The nonprofit Madison Public Library Foundation, which is doing the fundraising, is starting its campaign next month and doesn't expect to have $8 million in cash or pledges — 27 percent of the project cost — until at least the end of 2013, officials said.

Trying to secure all money or pledges faster "would be very challenging, no question about it," Library Board President Tripp Widder said.