Saturday, July 2, 2011
Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 70, Cohocton Public Library)
Cohocton Public Library moves to new building. (Southern Tier Library System)
Chain gang. Cohocton students move 5,000 books to new library. (Genesee County Express, 5/11/2011)
Excerpt: On May 11, roughly 220 Cohocton Pre-k through fourth graders did more than go outdoors and have some fun, they helped the Cohocton Public Library move its roughly 5,000 children’s books to its new location, and did so in less than two hours.
The students walked from the school to the library, then formed a line from there, through the Village Greens, and to the new library on Maple Avenue.
The students, teachers and other staff moved the children’s books down the line in a “bucket-brigade” fashion.
Cohocton Library director Hope Decker said the idea came from one of the library’s board members, Barb Sick, who remembers doing the same kind of thing when she was a student in the 1930s.
Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 69, Dansville Public Library)
Dansville library expansion taking shape. (Genesee County Express, 6/30/2011).
Excerpt: Dansville Public Library is fast approaching the half-way point of its 44-week, $3 million expansion project.
The general contractor for the project is Rochester-based Spoleta Construction.
Dansville is one of two local libraries in the midst of major expansions this year. Cohocton Public Library, which will be featured in a separate article, recently moved into a more spacious building and will be opening soon.
For those traveling around the north end of Dansville’s historic business district, witnessing the addition come to life has been a treat since early spring.
Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 68, Mary L. Cook Public Library)
Library moves ahead on $600,000 expansion plan. (Dayton Daily News, 7/1/2011)
Excerpt: The expansion will add approximately 2,100 square feet to the Waynesville-based library’s kids’ section and about 400 square feet to the library’s teen room.
“To foster a love of reading, we want to have a positive experience for children when they read,” said Linda Swartzel, head librarian for the Mary L. Cook library.
The expansion, which is being designed by Anderson, Ind., based architecture firm, KRM Architecture, was first estimated to cost $1 million to complete, but Swartzel said the library can save $400,000 by using students at the Warren County Career Center for labor in building much of the expansion. Swartzel said the scenario was a “win-win” for both the library and students at WCCC because it gave the students in the school’s construction programs a field-based assignment to learn on.
The current Mary L. Cook library was built in 1987.
The building was expanded in 2004, but prohibitive costs at the time forced the library to curtail any plans to expand the children’s section.
“The children’s section was moved but they really didn’t gain any space,” Swartzel said.
Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 67, Emerson Public Library)
Possible LIS 712 case study for chapter 5, Library Boards.
Confusion clouds Emerson council meeting on library renovation. (NorthJersey.com, 6/30/2011)
Excerpt: The Borough Council met Thursday with members of the library’s board of trustees, looking for answers. What they got was more confusion.
Frustrated by a lack of disclosure about the library’s ongoing $465,000 renovation project, the council summoned the library director and trustees to Thursday’s meeting.
“We’re just trying to find out some information on the project,” Mayor Carlos Colina said at the start of the meeting, which library director Jodi Fulgione and Board President Bill Bierman were unable to attend.
During the meeting, Colina and the council received conflicting information from the five non-salaried board members who attended the meeting. Some told the council that Fulgione did not have a formal, signed contract with the board, while others contended she did. Some refused to answer the council at all.
When asked what hours the director kept and whether she was charged with the daily oversight of the renovation, some of the trustees on hand told the council that Fulgione’s schedule was never set in stone. Others thought the director — who is paid $81,000 annually out of the library’s $453,272 operating budget, according to Emerson’s chief financial officer — did much of her work from home.
There was also some confusion as to whether Fulgione was supervising the renovation and whether she works a full 40-hour week.
Confusion clouds Emerson council meeting on library renovation. (NorthJersey.com, 6/30/2011)
Excerpt: The Borough Council met Thursday with members of the library’s board of trustees, looking for answers. What they got was more confusion.
Frustrated by a lack of disclosure about the library’s ongoing $465,000 renovation project, the council summoned the library director and trustees to Thursday’s meeting.
“We’re just trying to find out some information on the project,” Mayor Carlos Colina said at the start of the meeting, which library director Jodi Fulgione and Board President Bill Bierman were unable to attend.
During the meeting, Colina and the council received conflicting information from the five non-salaried board members who attended the meeting. Some told the council that Fulgione did not have a formal, signed contract with the board, while others contended she did. Some refused to answer the council at all.
When asked what hours the director kept and whether she was charged with the daily oversight of the renovation, some of the trustees on hand told the council that Fulgione’s schedule was never set in stone. Others thought the director — who is paid $81,000 annually out of the library’s $453,272 operating budget, according to Emerson’s chief financial officer — did much of her work from home.
There was also some confusion as to whether Fulgione was supervising the renovation and whether she works a full 40-hour week.
Friday, July 1, 2011
League of Wisconsin Municipalities Picks the Good, the Bad in the 2011-13 Budget
Alabama Humanities Foundation's "Project Turn the Page"
Alabama Humanities Foundation helps libraries and schools affected by April tornadoes. (Montgomery Advertiser, 6/17/2011)
Wisconsin Dells Considers Privatizing Some Services in 2012
City to consider privatizing services. (Wisconsin Dells Events, 6/28/2011)
On Mayor Brian Landers' list:
1. Custodial services for all city buildings.
2. Outdoor maintenance and lawn care of all city properties.
3. Snow removal of city lots, alleys, and streets.
4. Garbage pick up for residential.
5. Cemetery care and management.
Portage Library Board Approves Feasibility Study for Library Expansion
Library expansion: $1.5 million; board to pay company $12,500 for study to help determine feasibility. (Portage Daily Register, 6/28/2011)
Excerpt: The Portage Library Board thinks the community can support a $1.5 million library expansion project, and it hired a consultant Tuesday that will conduct a study aimed at proving it.
Shortly after deciding on the target cost for the expansion, the board voted unanimously to contract with Madison, Ind.-based Woodburn, Kyle & Co. to conduct a campaign planning study to determine the community's ability to fundraise for the project.
The study, which will cost the library board $12,500, will be presented in early August and should help determine the amount of money the community would be able to contribute to the project.
"We will figure out where the community is," said board member Addie Tamboli. "I think it is money very well spent."
The board expects the project to be funded in thirds - one third by the city, one third by the Bidwell Foundation and one third from community fundraising. Both the city and the Bidwell Foundation still need to approve funding for the project.
The nearly 6,000-square-foot expansion of the 253 W. Edgewater St. building would entail improvements to stormwater issues at the main entrance, interior renovations to create a young adult area, the addition of a children's area and other interior changes related to staffing.
Related articles:
Board reviews estimates for expansion project. (6/22/2011)
Library expansion plans continue to develop. (2/9/2011)
Library expansion to focus on youth services. (10/15/2010)
Putting together the financial pieces for building expansion. (5/12/2010)
Library seeks community input for expansion. (1/13/2010)
Board discussion rental property options. (11/11/2009)
Monroe Public Library to Expand Genealogy and Local History Resources
Board OK with library plan. (Monroe Times, 6/28/2011)
Excerpt: Monroe Public Library Director Suzann Holland updated the Monroe School Board on the library's decision to move ahead with remodeling the basement and expanding the genealogical and history service offerings.
The Monroe School District Administrative Center is housed in the third floor in the same building as the library.
The Monroe School Board unanimously approved the remodeling of the basement of the library for a total cost of $18,248. Holland said about $11,000 for the project is coming from the library's gift account and the rest is being funded by the Friends of the Library.
The genealogical organization and library will have computers and genealogical resources available.
Holland said the library is also looking to have history on local buildings available.
"It's a win-win situation for all involved with the $11,000 in gift money," Holland said. "I think it will increase traffic to both organizations," she said of the genealogical organization and the library.
Oshkosh Northwestern Editorial Board Hails Rep. Spanbauer for his Independence
Editorial: Spanbauer showed gutsy independence. (Oshkosh Northwestern, 6/30/2011)
Excerpt: One of the more refreshing developments of the recent tumultuous Wisconsin legislative session is the emergence of Rep. Richard Spanbauer as one of the more credible voices in the legislature.
Spanbauer, in his second term, is a Republican who represents the 53rd Assembly district that includes portions of rural Winnebago and Fond du Lac counties. He distinguished himself by demonstrating uncommon independence in the face of overbearing partisanship in the capitol. He showed his loyalty was to his conscience, his constituents and his party — in that order.
He voted against the budget-repair bill. ("How can I make you understand the impact of this if no one here has worked in a collective bargaining situation?")
He worked against the budget provision that requires local governments to use private contractors for public works projects exceeding $100,000.
He lobbied the Governor to eliminate a provision that mandates a freeze on local property taxes.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
2011 Wisconsin Library Association Literary Awards
The WLA Blog, 6/27/2011.
Winner of the 2011 Wisconsin Library Association Literary Award.
The 2011 Outstanding Achievement awards for 2010 publications include the following 10 titles by Wisconsin authors.
Books listed in alphabetical order by author.
Winner of the 2011 Wisconsin Library Association Literary Award.
Books listed in alphabetical order by author.
1
\
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Legislative Reference Bureau Clarifies WiscNet Veto
Text below is found on page 8.
Sections 23, 24, 25, and 26 of the University of Wisconsin System Omnibus Motion fall under the category of policy items [and here] inserted into the state budget at the 11th hour. Moreover, what Walker vetoed in the state budget can be introduced as separate legislation in any of the following floor sessions.
Possible Library Legislative Day 2012 dates: January 17, January 24, February 14.
Related WiscNet posts:
WiscNet: Moving Forward. (6/30/2011)
Walker's WiscNet veto: What does it mean? (6/27/2011)
Rest assured they'll be more fights in this battle. (6/24/2011)
Wisconsin Senate passes budget. (6/17/2011)
Amendment update. (6/16/2011)
Assembly passes budget at 3:05 a.m. (6/16/2011)
Wispolitics budget blog. (6/15/2011)
Wisconsin ranks 43rd for broadband Internet coverage. (6/15/2011)
Ron Kind news release. (6/15/2011)
Assembly 8. (6/15/2011)
Highest level alert. (6/15/2011)
This is what democracy looks like. (6/15/2011)
WSTA's day of disappointment. (6/14/2011)
They can hear us now. (6/14/2011)
Appleton Post-Crescent editorial. (6/14/2011)
YouTube video. (6/14/2011)
Hedberg Public Library promotes WiscNet. (6/14/2011)
League of Wisconsin Municipalities press release. (6/14/2011)
UW General Counsel opinion. (6/13/2011)
Ars Technica WiscNet coverage. (6/13/2011)
Wausau Daily Herald editorial. (6/13/2011)
If your representative is Robin Vos... (9/13/2011)
Baraboo School Board unhappy with JFC WiscNet action. (6/13/2011)
WiscNet debate from the NE WI prospective. (6/12/2011)
David Weinhold letter to editor. (6122010
Rep. Moelpske's statement. (6/11/2011)
COLAND letter to Sen. Fitzgerald. (6/10/2011)
Rhonda Puntney's op-ed piece. (6/10/2011)
Nass letter to Fitzgerald and Vos. (6/9/2011)
CINC response. (6/9/2011)
UW response. (6/9/2011)
Manna from heaven. (6/8/2011)
Walker's WiscNet veto: What does it mean? (6/27/2011)
Rest assured they'll be more fights in this battle. (6/24/2011)
Wisconsin Senate passes budget. (6/17/2011)
Amendment update. (6/16/2011)
Assembly passes budget at 3:05 a.m. (6/16/2011)
Wispolitics budget blog. (6/15/2011)
Wisconsin ranks 43rd for broadband Internet coverage. (6/15/2011)
Ron Kind news release. (6/15/2011)
Assembly 8. (6/15/2011)
Highest level alert. (6/15/2011)
This is what democracy looks like. (6/15/2011)
WSTA's day of disappointment. (6/14/2011)
They can hear us now. (6/14/2011)
Appleton Post-Crescent editorial. (6/14/2011)
YouTube video. (6/14/2011)
Hedberg Public Library promotes WiscNet. (6/14/2011)
League of Wisconsin Municipalities press release. (6/14/2011)
UW General Counsel opinion. (6/13/2011)
Ars Technica WiscNet coverage. (6/13/2011)
Wausau Daily Herald editorial. (6/13/2011)
If your representative is Robin Vos... (9/13/2011)
Baraboo School Board unhappy with JFC WiscNet action. (6/13/2011)
WiscNet debate from the NE WI prospective. (6/12/2011)
David Weinhold letter to editor. (6122010
Rep. Moelpske's statement. (6/11/2011)
COLAND letter to Sen. Fitzgerald. (6/10/2011)
Rhonda Puntney's op-ed piece. (6/10/2011)
Nass letter to Fitzgerald and Vos. (6/9/2011)
CINC response. (6/9/2011)
UW response. (6/9/2011)
Manna from heaven. (6/8/2011)
Sen. Pam Galloway and Rep. Jerry Petrowski need to hear about WiscNet from their constituents. (6/8/2011)
But, federal funds to expand high-speed Internet could be reviewed. (6/8/2011)
But, federal funds to expand high-speed Internet could be reviewed. (6/8/2011)
Sen. Vinehout statement. (6/7/2011)
Rep. Clark statement. (6/7/2011)
Tony Evers' memo. (6/7/2011)
Unintended consequence of section 25? (6/7/2011)
Section 23: what the fuss is about. (6/7/2011)
A crowbar: A tool we don't need for WiscNet. (6/7/2011)
WiscNet needs your attention and immediate action. (6/6/2011)
The end of WiscNet as we know it. (6/5/2011)
Rep. Clark statement. (6/7/2011)
Tony Evers' memo. (6/7/2011)
Unintended consequence of section 25? (6/7/2011)
Section 23: what the fuss is about. (6/7/2011)
A crowbar: A tool we don't need for WiscNet. (6/7/2011)
WiscNet needs your attention and immediate action. (6/6/2011)
The end of WiscNet as we know it. (6/5/2011)
WiscNet: Moving Forward
The gist of this statement: As our plans firm up over the next few months the success of our organization will, once again, require your support. In the meantime, we will keep you up-to-date on our findings, [Emphasis added.]
Related WiscNet posts:
Walker's WiscNet veto: What does it mean? (6/27/2011)
Rest assured they'll be more fights in this battle. (6/24/2011)
Wisconsin Senate passes budget. (6/17/2011)
Amendment update. (6/16/2011)
Assembly passes budget at 3:05 a.m. (6/16/2011)
Wispolitics budget blog. (6/15/2011)
Wisconsin ranks 43rd for broadband Internet coverage. (6/15/2011)
Ron Kind news release. (6/15/2011)
Assembly 8. (6/15/2011)
Highest level alert. (6/15/2011)
This is what democracy looks like. (6/15/2011)
WSTA's day of disappointment. (6/14/2011)
They can hear us now. (6/14/2011)
Appleton Post-Crescent editorial. (6/14/2011)
YouTube video. (6/14/2011)
Hedberg Public Library promotes WiscNet. (6/14/2011)
League of Wisconsin Municipalities press release. (6/14/2011)
UW General Counsel opinion. (6/13/2011)
Ars Technica WiscNet coverage. (6/13/2011)
Wausau Daily Herald editorial. (6/13/2011)
If your representative is Robin Vos... (9/13/2011)
Baraboo School Board unhappy with JFC WiscNet action. (6/13/2011)
WiscNet debate from the NE WI prospective. (6/12/2011)
David Weinhold letter to editor. (6122010
Rep. Moelpske's statement. (6/11/2011)
COLAND letter to Sen. Fitzgerald. (6/10/2011)
Rhonda Puntney's op-ed piece. (6/10/2011)
Nass letter to Fitzgerald and Vos. (6/9/2011)
CINC response. (6/9/2011)
UW response. (6/9/2011)
Manna from heaven. (6/8/2011)
Rest assured they'll be more fights in this battle. (6/24/2011)
Wisconsin Senate passes budget. (6/17/2011)
Amendment update. (6/16/2011)
Assembly passes budget at 3:05 a.m. (6/16/2011)
Wispolitics budget blog. (6/15/2011)
Wisconsin ranks 43rd for broadband Internet coverage. (6/15/2011)
Ron Kind news release. (6/15/2011)
Assembly 8. (6/15/2011)
Highest level alert. (6/15/2011)
This is what democracy looks like. (6/15/2011)
WSTA's day of disappointment. (6/14/2011)
They can hear us now. (6/14/2011)
Appleton Post-Crescent editorial. (6/14/2011)
YouTube video. (6/14/2011)
Hedberg Public Library promotes WiscNet. (6/14/2011)
League of Wisconsin Municipalities press release. (6/14/2011)
UW General Counsel opinion. (6/13/2011)
Ars Technica WiscNet coverage. (6/13/2011)
Wausau Daily Herald editorial. (6/13/2011)
If your representative is Robin Vos... (9/13/2011)
Baraboo School Board unhappy with JFC WiscNet action. (6/13/2011)
WiscNet debate from the NE WI prospective. (6/12/2011)
David Weinhold letter to editor. (6122010
Rep. Moelpske's statement. (6/11/2011)
COLAND letter to Sen. Fitzgerald. (6/10/2011)
Rhonda Puntney's op-ed piece. (6/10/2011)
Nass letter to Fitzgerald and Vos. (6/9/2011)
CINC response. (6/9/2011)
UW response. (6/9/2011)
Manna from heaven. (6/8/2011)
Sen. Pam Galloway and Rep. Jerry Petrowski need to hear about WiscNet from their constituents. (6/8/2011)
But, federal funds to expand high-speed Internet could be reviewed. (6/8/2011)
But, federal funds to expand high-speed Internet could be reviewed. (6/8/2011)
Sen. Vinehout statement. (6/7/2011)
Rep. Clark statement. (6/7/2011)
Tony Evers' memo. (6/7/2011)
Unintended consequence of section 25? (6/7/2011)
Section 23: what the fuss is about. (6/7/2011)
A crowbar: A tool we don't need for WiscNet. (6/7/2011)
WiscNet needs your attention and immediate action. (6/6/2011)
The end of WiscNet as we know it. (6/5/2011)
Rep. Clark statement. (6/7/2011)
Tony Evers' memo. (6/7/2011)
Unintended consequence of section 25? (6/7/2011)
Section 23: what the fuss is about. (6/7/2011)
A crowbar: A tool we don't need for WiscNet. (6/7/2011)
WiscNet needs your attention and immediate action. (6/6/2011)
The end of WiscNet as we know it. (6/5/2011)
Revised Policy on Concealed Carry @ Allen County Public Library
The change in policy is due to this bill recently signed by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, which goes into effect on July 1, 2011. (See top of page 2 re: Chapter 11.1. Local Regulation of Firearms, Ammunition, and Firearm Accessories.)
Not allowed to ban guns, library sets down limits. (Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, 6/24/2011)
Excerpt: Effective immediately, patrons may bring a handgun onto library property or into a library, but only if they provide a valid permit. Any person carrying firearms must provide proof of license upon request to library personnel.
“This new policy sends a message that while guns can no longer be banned from the library, certain standards of behavior will not be tolerated,” said Jeffrey Krull, director of the Allen County Public Library. [Link to policy page.]
The firearms must be secured to prevent potential injury or serious bodily harm to others, and no one will be allowed to point, brandish or display a firearm in any manner intended to threaten, according to the revised policy.
A separate policy states that staff members may not carry firearms in the library or on library property unless authorized to do so. And any firearms brought onto library property by staff members must be stored in a locked vehicle out of public view, according to the policy.
Not allowed to ban guns, library sets down limits. (Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, 6/24/2011)
Excerpt: Effective immediately, patrons may bring a handgun onto library property or into a library, but only if they provide a valid permit. Any person carrying firearms must provide proof of license upon request to library personnel.
“This new policy sends a message that while guns can no longer be banned from the library, certain standards of behavior will not be tolerated,” said Jeffrey Krull, director of the Allen County Public Library. [Link to policy page.]
The firearms must be secured to prevent potential injury or serious bodily harm to others, and no one will be allowed to point, brandish or display a firearm in any manner intended to threaten, according to the revised policy.
A separate policy states that staff members may not carry firearms in the library or on library property unless authorized to do so. And any firearms brought onto library property by staff members must be stored in a locked vehicle out of public view, according to the policy.
Fitchburg's New Library
City opens highly anticipated library. (Fitchburg Star, 6/27/2011)
Excerpt: The library comes three years after a referendum was passed by residents to approve construction on a $14 million facility -- $10 million the city would borrow with $4 million to be raised in private funding.
A capital campaign was launched and, so far, has raised $3.5 million of the 4 million. The Fitchburg City Council eventually approved a lower, phased-in tax increase to fund library operations that will cost residents about $96 a year on a $250,000 home
City officials broke ground on the library in April 2010 and construction was pretty much on schedule as the library was set to open in July 2011. Public Works director Paul Woodard reported the library was overall under budget by approximately $200,000 in May, according to the May 11 Library Oversight Committee minutes.
Related posts:
Grand opening photos. (6/29/2011)
Library grand opening announcement. (6/27/2011)
Library set to open June 29. (5/16/2011)
Library grand opening announcement. (6/27/2011)
Library set to open June 29. (5/16/2011)
Fitchburg restores rookie-year library funding. (11/15/2010)
It's the library's rookie year and already there's talk of budget cuts. (11/8/2010)
No solar panels for new library. (10/4/2010)
Library construction pictorial progress report. (9/13/2010)
Live webcam. (8/13/2010)
Bids come in under budget. (7/2/2010)
Library groundbreaking. (4/13/2010)
City set for library groundbreaking. (4/11/2010)
Library receives anonymous $1 million matching donation. (2/3/2010)
Geothermal heating encouraged for new Fitchburg library. (1/12/2010)
Engberg Anderson anticipates final design for Fitchburg Library by October. (8/30/2009)It's the library's rookie year and already there's talk of budget cuts. (11/8/2010)
No solar panels for new library. (10/4/2010)
Library construction pictorial progress report. (9/13/2010)
Live webcam. (8/13/2010)
Bids come in under budget. (7/2/2010)
Library groundbreaking. (4/13/2010)
City set for library groundbreaking. (4/11/2010)
Library receives anonymous $1 million matching donation. (2/3/2010)
Geothermal heating encouraged for new Fitchburg library. (1/12/2010)
Library update. (11/24/2008)
Dealing with Mental Illness @ the Mead Public Library
Threatening notes found at library. (Sheboygan Press, 6/29/2011)
Excerpt: "The threats have been getting more grandiose, and we were hoping they would just go away," he said.
Police said the notes give library staff until today to leave $1,000 at the front door.
The notes said there are bombs in police and army buildings and Sheboygan will be destroyed.
The person responsible also left behind neo-Nazi material and threats of other countries attacking America, police said.
Though Wisconsin Remains Above the National Average
Fewer Wisconsin jobs offer health insurance benefits, study finds. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 6/29/2011)
Excerpt: But the report shows a disturbing trend for Wisconsin:
The number of people under 65 in households with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level - $44,700 for a family of four - increased about 5% in Wisconsin in the past decade.
The number of people in households with higher incomes - $89,400 for a family of four - fell about 5% in Wisconsin in the same period.
Both trends were roughly in line with the national average - though the drop in people with higher incomes was greater in Wisconsin than in the country overall.
The state also saw one of the sharpest drops in the nation in terms of the number of employers offering health insurance. Essentially all of the change came from employers with fewer than 50 workers.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Cedar Rapids Public Library's Growing Budget Gap
Exciting library plan needs budget fix. (Cedar Rapids Gazette editorial, 6/25/2011)
Excerpt: Behind all that anticipation and excitement is a nagging issue that planners, city leaders and citizens must begin addressing. When a new library opens, the city’s library system will face a sizable gap in its operating budget. An operating shortfall loomed even before the flood hit. And once staffing is ramped up to pre-flood levels to run a new library, that problem will only grow. Library Director Bob Pasicznyuk says the annual operating gap will be in the neighborhood of $1 million.
Building a new facility without accounting for its ongoing operating costs is the sort of thing that raises the ire of taxpayers. Discussions on how best to cover the gap should begin now.
Related articles:
A 'progressive and forward-looking design'. (1/11/11)
FEMA sez it can't support site for new Cedar Rapids library. (9/16/2010)
New library construction will include old bricks. (8/18/2010)
Library circulation plummets at temporary location. (8/6/2010)
Library staff looking at the best design ideas. (5/6/2010)
For sale, old library, needs work. (4/9/2010)
Site Selection Raises Ethics Concerns. (2/9/2010)
Cedar Rapids Library Board to Recommend Site for New Library. (01/26/2010)
FEMA Reconsiders, Decides Library Provides an Essential Service. (12/24/2009)
Hide and Seek: Downtown Cedar Rapids Satellite Branch Library. (11/30/2009)
Early Days of Cedar Rapids Public Library. (11/20/2009)
But More Likely to Hold Their Noses in Louisiana
Landline vs. Cell Phone Ownership
Half of US twenty-somethings have no landline. (Ars Technica, 6/28/2011)
Excerpt: The shift away from landlines continues, as 24.9 percent of all American adults now live in homes with wireless-only voice connections. Among younger adults aged 25 to 29, the numbers are twice as high; more than half have only a cell phone.
Don't feel too bad for the phone companies. The largest wireline companies, such as AT&T and Verizon, are linked with wireless units that have cashed in on the switch to cell phones and now rake in huge profits.
Link to 308-page FCC "Annual Report and Analysis of Competitive Market Conditions With Respect to Mobile Wireless, Including Commercial Mobile Services".
Interesting Dichotomy: Draft Horse and Internet Access
Vermont uses draft horse to lay cable for Internet access. (Reuters, 6/28/2011)
Excerpt: The horse, 14, and his owner, Claude Desmarais, 66, have been laboring up to seven days a week, over all four seasons, to haul miles of fiber-optic cable and rig it to telecommunications lines.
It is part of Governor Peter Shumlin's vow to get Vermont entirely wired for broadband and cell phones.
The man and animal are indispensable to cable and phone-service provider FairPoint Communications because they easily can access hard-to-reach job sites along country roads, which bulky utility trucks often cannot.
"It just saves so much work - it would take probably 15 guys to do what Fred and Claude can do," said Paul Clancy, foreman of a line crew from FairPoint. "They can pull 5,000 feet of cable with no sweat."
Fitchburg Public Library Grand Opening
At the intersection of Lacy Road and Research Park Drive.
Looking toward the streetside entrance.
Nearly 30 years after Fitchburg was incorporated as a city.
The view looking west from the southeast corner of the building.
Coffee and cake were served beginning at 9:00, followed by a program at 9:30, and ribbon-cutting at 10:00.
There might be room to squeeze one more bike in.
Groundbreaking took place in April 2010.
Among the program speakers.....Library Director Wendy Rawson
...and Mayor Shawn Pfaff.
The ribbon-cutting.
Let's go inside.
A display in the vestibule.
Teen area to your left.
Children's area to the right.
Adult media, popular materials, and new books to the rear.
Let's go to the upper level.
Quiet reading room.
Reference area,
Technology Center
Local history
Conference room, off the after-hour lobby.
Hundreds turn out for Library operning. (Fitchburg Star, 6/29/2011)
Related posts:
Fitchburg restores rookie-year library funding. (11/15/2010)
It's the library's rookie year and already there's talk of budget cuts. (11/8/2010)
No solar panels for new library. (10/4/2010)
Library construction pictorial progress report. (9/13/2010)
Live webcam. (8/13/2010)
Bids come in under budget. (7/2/2010)
Library groundbreaking. (4/13/2010)
City set for library groundbreaking. (4/11/2010)
Library receives anonymous $1 million matching donation. (2/3/2010)
Geothermal heating encouraged for new Fitchburg library. (1/12/2010)
Engberg Anderson anticipates final design for Fitchburg Library by October. (8/30/2009)It's the library's rookie year and already there's talk of budget cuts. (11/8/2010)
No solar panels for new library. (10/4/2010)
Library construction pictorial progress report. (9/13/2010)
Live webcam. (8/13/2010)
Bids come in under budget. (7/2/2010)
Library groundbreaking. (4/13/2010)
City set for library groundbreaking. (4/11/2010)
Library receives anonymous $1 million matching donation. (2/3/2010)
Geothermal heating encouraged for new Fitchburg library. (1/12/2010)
Library update. (11/24/2008)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)