Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 101, Surrey Public Library)

The library is not just a book warehouse anymore. (Toronto Globe & Mail, 8/20/2011)

Excerpt: After all, this is a library – Surrey’s new central library, to be precise. But its 150,000 books will take up just half of the available space, the most obvious sign of the accelerating transformation of the library in the 21st century.

“Libraries are not book warehouses anymore, they are active places to find inspiration or knowledge,” says Surrey’s chief librarian, Beth Barlow. As a result, Surrey’s new library, slated to open next month, has scampered even further down the path that many public libraries have headed toward in recent years: community meeting ground and social hub.

“It’s becoming that third place,” says Ms. Barlow’s deputy, Melanie Houlden, talking about the idea popularized by American writer Ray Oldenburg. His 1989 book The Great Good Place argued that “third places” – cafés, barber shops and bookstores, where people gather and talk separate from where they live or where they work – are the foundations of civil society.

Disappointed Eagles Fan Offers Some Caustic, but Ultimately Good, Advice

Hey, guy, it's the preseason, fcol.

Walking Books, Talking Books

Connecting with books, each other. (Door County Advocate, 8/19/2011)

Excerpt: Reading continues to be the lifelong enjoyment of a group of residents at Pine Crest Village, an assisted living facility in Sturgeon Bay. Even better than reading a good book for these residents in their 80s and 90s is the ability to share that enjoyment with others through hearty discussion in a book club that has met every third Tuesday since December.

The book club is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and led by volunteer and retired teacher Dorothy Wickman.

It began with a request of resident Millie Londo, who arranged to have books delivered to her at the residence through the Friends of the Library's Walking Books. When the Friends offered to start the book club, Londo was excited for the opportunity not only to read and discuss the reading materials but also to find a meaningful way to connect with other residents.

"It's the camaraderie and getting to know the background of people we eat with every day" that makes the book club so appealing, Londo said. "We get to learn about each other's families and get to know all different types of persons."

Unemployed 54-Year-Old Kiel Resident: "My Internet is the public library."

LINK

Letter to the editor: "Entitlements are often necessary". (Appleton Post-Crescent, 8/19/2011)

Excerpt:   At age 54 bad times have caught up with me and I lost my job. I've applied for hundreds of jobs, all paying way below the amount I was making. I have had only a few interviews. I have spent money taking classes to update my skills and résumé, working with employment agencies, doing whatever possible.

I know a lot of other people my age are having the same problems. I've worked hard all my life at every job you can think of just to work. I went to school, paying my own way to try and have a better future. Now, after working for more than 35 years, I need help.

I don't live beyond my means. I don't have cable TV. My Internet is the public library. I rarely go out and I have huge medical bills because I lost my insurance.

No Money to Fix A-C @ the Elmwood Place Branch Library

Lack of AC shuts down Elmwood Place library - again. (Cincinnati Enquirer, 8/19/2011)

Excerpt: For the second time this month Elmwood Place’s library has been shut down because the branch’s air conditioning isn’t working.

And it’s not clear when the branch, which is located in village hall, will reopen.

Village officials said they can’t afford to fix it and the library says it can’t either.

Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County spokeswoman Amy Bannister said temperatures inside the branch soared to 90 degrees Thursday.

“Right now, we’re at a stalemate,” Bannister said. A permanent shut-down requires action by the library’s board.

Library officials and village leaders have had an on-going battle over the branch’s faulty air conditioning system. In the past the repair bill has been $1,000.

Cullen, Weston, Pines & Bach: Budget repair bill lawsuit.

LINK to news release

LINK to complaint

The Tea Party is Over in Wisconsin, Part 3

And elsewhere, it appears.

Thanks to Kris Adams Wendt for sharing some informative "current events" background.   In this particular post, I've added some context to a Tea Party Express news release, which, as she notes, contains enough spin "to transmit a permanent case of vertigo".

Tea Party Express: Recall battles finally over in Wisconsin - Tea Party has won the war (8/17/2011)

Jobs return to Wisconsin; majority of voters oppose recall of Governor Walker

Oops!

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 8/18/2011

Talking Points Memo

With the final recall elections yesterday, the Wisconsin state senate recalls have come to an end. The Tea Party Express (www.TeaPartyExpress.org) put a coalition of conservative groups together to help fight the battles, and is pleased that the message of fiscal responsibility has won the war.

The world turned upside down.

Vertigo-free election results here.

Tea Party Express Chair Amy Kremer said, "We did not pick this fight. Special interest groups and national public unions started pumping money into Wisconsin in an effort to punish elected officials who did the right thing and stood up for a balanced budget and sound economy. We came to their defense and through many battles, conservatives have won the war of ideas, preserving a Republican majority in the state senate, and stopping cold an attempted takeover of the state supreme court by the environmental activist JoAnne Kloppenburg."

Hmm, what happens when you Google "envionrmental activitist JoAnne Kloppenburg"?

Your results are 20 links to the usual Tea Party suspects.

Leaders at Tea Party Express see the election results in Wisconsin as proof that the voters choose fiscal responsibility over union bullying and control. What's more, Governor Walker's plan appears to be working. So far this year, some 40,000 private sector jobs [emphasis added]  have been created in the state, and a projected budget shortfall of nearly three billion dollars has been closed.

Correction:

WI Department of Workforce Development

Jobs, Unemployment Report for July 2011

Spokesman Levi Russell said, "What the people of Wisconsin have accomplished is an extraordinary success story. They have balanced their budget, added jobs, and brought greater economic prosperity to the state. Those results are something other states, not to mention the US federal government, would do well to duplicate."

Capital Times, 7/23/2011

Wisconsinites have already noticed the positive changes. According to a recent PPP survey, a majority of voters oppose a recall of Governor Scott Walker. Voters are growing weary of the ongoing recalls and political theatre being stage by the left, and just want to see their politicians get back to work.

They're also growing weary of the Tea Party movement.

Poll:  Tea party less popular than Muslims, atheists.  (Daily Caller, 8/16/2011)

In final Wisconsin recall, signs of a national tea party backlash?  (Christian Science Monitor, 8/16/2011.  Excerpt:   If both Democrats prevail, however, the election could offer further evidence that the country's broad political middle is swinging back left after the tea party triumphs of last November. The composition of Wisconsin's electorate almost exactly matches America's, polls suggest, meaning that the state is emerging as a microcosm of the national political mood, which makes it a crucial bellwether in the 2012 national election.)

Is the tea party over?  By Clarence Page.  (Chicago Tribune, 8/7/2011)

Developer's Proposal Includes Land for a New Waunakee Public Library

An answer to Waunakee's library location? (Waunakee Tribune eNews, 8/17/20911)

Excerpt: In a letter to the village board, the Tierneys ask that 22 acres of the 44-acre parcel in southwestern part of the development be used for the following:

"School (private or public); park, playground and open space, including public facilities; health care services (excluding hospitals); hotel or extended stay facility; day care, general; place of worship; general government offices; public safety facility, community or neighborhood center, library and museum; general retail sales; business and personal services; veterinary clinic (excluding animal boarding); auto-related business; entertainment and sports facilities; and restaurant."

The letter goes on to offer a donation of land for a library.

"We intend to donate, if the village accepts, a 4-acre parcel within the 22-acre parcel for a new village library, in memory of Don's parents and their interest in education and reading in the Waunakee and Westport community," the letter states.

Related posts:
New library at least a few years away.  (7/22/2010)
Library director describes crowded conditions.  (3/4/2010)
Plans for new library stall.  (2/11/2010)
Village board says "no library without referendum".  (1/21/2010)
Waunakee resurrects library plan.  (10/17/2009)
New library tops capital projects wish list.  (6/5/2009)

Call to Action Provides No Traction for Tea Party Recall Candidates

Interesting email in light of message on Sen. Dale Schultz's webpage.

From: We the People of the Republic

Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 12:51 PM
Subject: FW: Dale Schultz sells out

An important message from Kirsten Lombard of The Wisconsin 9/12 Project...

Ross Brown

Founder

We the People of the Republic

Dane County, Wisconsin

--

MISSION STATEMENT:

We the People of the Republic (WTPOTR) is an organization that gathers around five principles: uphold the Constitution of the United States of America, minimize the size and scope of government, maximize personal liberty, support the free market and Capitalism, and advance a conservative fiscal policy. WTPOTR promotes these five principles within Dane County, Wisconsin by generating interest in the principles through educational events and marketing; by peacefully assembling to petition our government regarding the principles; and by networking with (but not endorsing) elected officials, or candidates running for elected office, who also support the principles. By promoting the principles, WTPOTR will help establish governments at local, state, and federal levels whose foundations are firmly rooted in the principles, and which are governments "of the people, by the people, and for the people," so that current and future citizens of the United States of America may freely pursue individual prosperity and actualize the concept of self-determination.

FORWARDED MESSAGE:
Subject: Dale Schultz sells out

Friends,

Conservatives did not---I repeat DID NOT---retain control of the State Senate last night.  

I have solid inside information that Dale Schultz went to Minority Leader Mark Miller this morning to offer himself as an "independent" vote. 

That means we're back at SITUATION CRITICAL. It is more imperative than ever that Kim Simac and/or Robert Steitz win their races next week.  And it is up to average, every day citizens like us to make it happen. 

The Simac campaign, I know, is in particular need of assistance.  They managed 900 doors last weekend, and most of that was only with people who came from out of district to assist.  

There are opportunities to make phone calls, but lit drops are the bigger issue. Physical arms and legs are required.  

If you can help---in any way, shape, or form...

If you have any spare moments between now and next Tuesday...

If you can take a day or two from work or the weekend...

DO NOT LET THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HELP PASS. 

We do not want to be saying we didn't do everything possible when this is over next week.

There are people who can help you find a place to stay up in the Northwoods if needed.  But we MUST get this job done.  

The Field Manager for the Simac campaign would be THRILLED to hear from anyone who can volunteer their time and energy.

Jump on board now and get as many people as you can to jump on with you.  Let's get this thing done.

Kirsten Lombard

Sheboygan's Strategic Fiscal Planning Committee to Determine What City Will Look Like

LINK

Excerpt: The Sheboygan Fire Department is a topic of discussion again as the city officials look at cost-saving alternatives that could include shutting down fire stations and reducing staff as the city prepares to deal with a budget shortfall next year.

On Monday night, the Common Council referred a report from Fire Chief Jeff Hermann to its Strategic Fiscal Planning Committee to consider five options for the Fire Department.

[snip]

Versey believes the department could be run more efficiently to achieve cost savings.

"The Fire Department is one of the biggest ones in the city that you can scale back and still keep public safety high," he said.

The Strategic Fiscal Planning Committee, which is made up of chairmen of the council's five standing committees, also will be looking at the long-range plans of other city departments as part of a yearlong project to look at ways the city could save money in an expected tight budget for 2012 and beyond.

A committee meeting date has not been set.

"The committee is going to decide what the city will look like, not just what the Fire Department looks like," said Versey, who is not on the Strategic Fiscal Planning Committee.  [Emphasis added.]

Ald. Jim Bohren, who is a committee member, said he prefers to keep the Fire Department as it is, but he said the city is facing a $677,000 reduction in state aid next year and a way to close the gap could be found in current negotiations with the police and firefighter unions.

Other Wisconsin county and municipal budget news.
Brown County Exec looks at same tax levy, impact on services to be determined.  (8/18/2011)
City of Shawano wrestles with $128,000 deficit.  (8/16/2011)
Possible double whammy for Shawano City-County Library.  (8/15/2011)
Portage County Executive looks to "create a bridge to a new design, a way of functioning on less".. (8/15/2011)
Antigo cuts fire, police positions.  (8/15/2011)
Adding up the budget numbers in the Fox Valley.  (8/14/2011)
Sauk County officials ask for input.  (8/12/2011
Marathon County ranks services to address $500,000 budget shortfall.  (8/12/2011)
City of Beloit faces a challenging budget process.  (8/8/2011)
Fond du Lac city manager sez Governor's tools not enough to offset cuts.  (8/2/2011)
Manitowoc mayor asks department heads for 10% budget cuts.  (8/2/2011)

Kids answer the question, "Why do you come to the Lester Public Library?"

In Two Rivers, Wisconsin, where they love to read books!



World Carnival photos at Flickr.

When searching for online publicity for the Lester Public Library's World Carnival, I stumbled across this webpage.   Definitely not what I expected to find.

Apparently, any event with the word "carnival" in its name gets listed here.

Mixed-Use Proposal for New East Library Branch of Milwaukee Public Library

Developers propose apartments, new library for East Library site. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 8/17/2011)

Excerpt: Milwaukee's East Library branch would be demolished and replaced with a mixed-use development that includes a new library, along with 65 to 81 apartments, under three competing proposals submitted to city officials.

The conceptual proposals are from Madison-based Stone House Development Inc., Oregon, Wis.-based Gorman & Co. and Waukesha-based HSI Properties LLC. Executives at the three firms say their developments would tap continued strong demand, especially from younger renters, for new east side apartments.

"It's just a very vibrant area," said Rich Arnesen, Stone House vice president, on Wednesday.

The Milwaukee Public Library and Department of City Development in July issued the development proposals request for the East Library, 1910 E. North Ave. The current one-story, 13,800-square-foot library opened in 1968 and is obsolete.

Brown County Exec Looks at Same Tax Levy, Impact on Services to be Determined

Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach will aim for same tax levy with 2012 budget. (Green Bay Press-Gazette, 8/18/2011)

Excerpt: Brown County residents likely won't be asked to pay more in property taxes when County Executive Troy Streckenbach releases his proposed 2012 budget in early October.

How that might impact county services, however, is something he and county supervisors have yet to determine.

"My opinion is that we should keep the tax levy at the current level of about $82 million," Streckenbach said Wednesday. "And we need to do what we can to pay down our debt … while making sure we're prepared for 2013."

The executive is due to propose a budget to the County Board Oct. 1. The board then can make changes, though they are subject to potential vetoes.

Other Wisconsin county and municipal budget news.
City of Shawano wrestles with $128,000 deficit.  (8/16/2011)
Possible double whammy for Shawano City-County Library.  (8/15/2011)
Portage County Executive looks to "create a bridge to a new design, a way of functioning on less".. (8/15/2011)
Antigo cuts fire, police positions.  (8/15/2011)
Adding up the budget numbers in the Fox Valley.  (8/14/2011)
Sauk County officials ask for input.  (8/12/2011
Marathon County ranks services to address $500,000 budget shortfall.  (8/12/2011)
City of Beloit faces a challenging budget process.  (8/8/2011)
Fond du Lac city manager sez Governor's tools not enough to offset cuts.  (8/2/2011)
Manitowoc mayor asks department heads for 10% budget cuts.  (8/2/2011)

The Headline You'd Expect to Read from Walker's Cheerleading Squad

Link to article.

Link to background.

The New Reality in the Wisconsin State Senate

LINK

Senate GOP faces new reality. Now with narrower majority, Republican senators tout teamwork, jobs. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 8/17/2011)

Obviously, t's not going to be all sweetness and light, as the two following excerpts indicate.

Meanwhile, Republicans are nervous Democrats aren't committed to bipartisanship as they consider trying to recall Walker next year.

Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) said the abortion legislation and a proposal to limit the ability of voters to recall state officials make him concerned Republicans are not ready to work with Democrats.


Three Republican State Senators figure prominently in this article. (Fox Valley/NE Wisconsin, note how the stars are aligned.)

Sen. Dale Schultz's Statement on August 9 Recall Elections

August 10, 2001

Excerpt:  Last night’s election results don’t change anything for me other then I’m sorry to lose my friends from the Senate. I’m the same guy and believe the same things as when folks re-elected me last fall. They made it clear; job creation and the economy is the number one priority along with protecting our elderly, and improving education. And above all, they expect me to work across party lines to get it done.

These elections shouldn’t be about any one person or agenda because as I’ve traveled from Reedsburg to Janesville, Richland Center to Beloit, I see folks still looking for work and concerned about housing. They aren’t interested in political winners and losers, they’re interested in results.

That’s why I’ve been working both within my party as well as with my Democrat colleague, Senator Tim Cullen, to build bipartisan relationships to get things done.

I’m a life-long Republican, proud of our roots, and I plan to stay a Republican. I also plan to continue what I’ve always tried to do which is put people before politics and do what’s best for the people of my district. To me, that means working together regardless of party affiliation.  [Emphasis added.]

Something for  Gov. Walker to consider with Republicans having the slimmest of majorities (17-16) in the State Senate.

Recall Elections, Unfavorable Poll Numbers, Growing Unrest Among Independents Has Walker Recalibrating

Can't imagine Walker's handlers are going to give him much leash.  This will be an instructive development to watch.  It's not as if some legislators (notably) haven't been seeking a middle ground from the start of his administration.

Gov. Scott Walker seeks middle ground with lawmakers. Appleton Post-Crescent, 8/17/2011

Excerpt:  Amid unfavorable poll numbers and the specter of a recall election, Gov. Scott Walker is staking out some unusual territory — the political middle.

Later this week, the governor is expected to sit down with Senate and Assembly leaders from both parties. He should emerge from that meeting with a list of bills that Republicans and Democrats can work on together in the fall session, Walker said.

Such an approach is a marked departure for the governor, who earlier this year proudly refused to negotiate on his budget and even testified before Congress that when it comes to protracted negotiations, "Sometimes bipartisanship is not so good."

That was before Democrats picked up two Senate seats in recall elections this month, creating a tougher path through the Capitol for legislation and hinting at growing unrest among independent voters statewide.

Do Display Ads Meet Your Individual Needs?

Consumers to Behavioral Advertisers: We Know You’re There. (eMarketer, 8/16/2011)

And apparently, we think you're doing a better job matching up displays ads with our individual needs.

Excerpt: Marketers may find themselves challenged to keep up with the ever-expending lexicon and targeting capabilities of display advertising, but not everyone needs to be well-versed in the inner workings of behavioral advertising to recognize its presence. US internet users are becoming aware of online behavioral advertising and are generally well-versed in key terminology, according to research from Harris Interactive.

Over the past three years, US internet users have become increasingly aware of online display ad relevancy—and thus the presence of behavioral advertising.

Expanded Hours @ the Brooklyn Public Library: The Union President's View

Library chief squeezes union workers to add Saturday hours. (The Brooklyn Paper, 8/17/2011)

Excerpt:    Johnson’s reworked schedules won’t bring back any Sunday hours, but will add an average of eight hours to branch schedules beginning on Sept 10.

Eileen Muller, president of the Brooklyn library workers’ union, Local 1482, said that the new hours will give staff less time to prepare programs and make it more difficult for custodians to keep branches clean.

“It would be easier for the staff if they had that extra time in morning,” said Muller. “Unfortunately, the library is trying to make light of the work we have to do behind the scenes.”

She added that library employees who come in prior to opening don’t make overtime pay, but supervisors can rework schedules based on workload.

Related post:
Expanded library hours for a community "desperate for access to knowledge and technology". (8/13/2011)

A Much Younger Library* Helps Providence Celebrate Its 375th Anniversary

*136 years, if you go back to the granting of a charter in April 1875.

Celebrate Providence 375 Years.

LINK

LINK

Library in Bankrupt Central Falls Rhode Island Reopens with an All-Volunteer Staff

Outside of a grid listing the hours of operation, the above screenshot is all you'll find on the library's webpage.

On the one hand, I greatly admire the way in which a group of volunteers stepped up to reopen their library, even though it's on a limited basis and with reduced services.   On the other hand, I can imagine people who don't have an understanding of library operations or an appreciation of a library's value to its community saying, "Gee, the world didn't come to an end, did it?*  We should have done this a long time ago."

[*A comment recently been made to me in reference to the elimination of maintenance of effort.  "I'd say the jury's still out on that one," I replied., "depending on where you live."]


Central Falls Bankruptcy Crisis: Volunteer power. (Providence Journal, 8/17/2011)

Excerpt: Adams is chairman of the library trust and Shannahan is a former library director. They recruited a group of teenagers and senior citizens to staff the library on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. Operating under its original name, the Adams Memorial Library, for now the trust’s $200,000 building endowment is being used to cover operating expenses. But Shannahan said that money cannot be used for salaries. Hence a volunteer staff.

“Welcome to YOUR library,” a banner festooned over the door announced, with a half-dozen pleas in two languages for volunteers taped to the doors.

On Monday, despite sometimes heavy rain, the library saw a steady stream of visitors, though off the 150 or so a day it has been averaging since the reopening.

[snip]

Besides eliminating the paid staff, the loss of city funding severed the library’s connection to the Ocean State Libraries network. When Flanders decided the city couldn’t afford its $13,000 bill for six months of OSL membership, the organization cut the library off .

It was like giving the library a massive case of amnesia, [my emphais] Shannahan said. The OSL [Ocean State Libraries] computer system was where the library kept the list of its card holders and the books in its collections. Without OSL access, Shannahan said, they don’t know who has a card or what books they have.

It would take more than money to rejoin OSL. Under the network’s rules, a city Central Falls’ size would need a full-time library director with a master’s degree, a full-time children’s program director and a part-time circulation manager. Without money from the city, Shannahan said, the slimmed-down, all-volunteer Adams Library doesn’t have a prayer of complying. The plan is to be local and independent for the foreseeable future, he said.

Related post:
Central Falls may reopen its library in the fall.  (7/6/2011)
Central Falls Rhode Island closes its public library.  (7/6/2011)

American Look: Book and Movie Combo

LINK

Number of the Day

From the Detroit News.

Link to report
(Listed under February 2010)

The Tea Party is Over in Wisconsin, Part 2

August 6th rally in Thiensville.

Wishful thinking, Senator Fitzgerald

From the Appleton Post-Crescent, 8/17/2011.

The Tea Party is Over in Wisconsin

Close?

With 78% of the vote recorded, Holperin leads Simac 54% to 46% and has been declared the winner.

St. Louis Public Library Receives $500,000 Donation for Central Library Renovation.

Wells Fargo Advisors donates $500,000 to St. Louis Central Library renovation.   (St. Louis Business Journal, 8/16/2011)

Excerpt:     Originally opened in 1912, Central Library was designed by Cass Gilbert and built with funds from Andrew Carnegie and the citizens of St. Louis. The St. Louis Public Library’s 4.7 million-piece collection was moved off-site and staff was relocated earlier this year to make way for construction crews.

Seven stories of shelving and flooring were removed in the interior “stack,” an area which is being transformed into the new Locust Street Atrium entrance. Central Library’s central reading room and other expansive reading rooms are coming to life through expanded public spaces, new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, restoration of original floors, walls and ceilings, and enhanced lighting. The new Central Library will feature a 65 percent increase in public spaces, enhanced technology, a cafe, new displays and a new, lower-level 244-seat auditorium carved out of the space for the building’s original coal bin. Also, the St. Louis Public Library is taking this opportunity to further digitize major portions of its collection.

Related post:
Ebooks, Netflix, and library building projects.  (7/12/2011)

If Governor Walker is a Man of his Word, He'll Tell Rep. Nass to STFU

Link to full text of letter.

City of Shawano Wrestles with $128,000 Budget Deficit

No specific mention of library services.

Shawano looking at $128K deficit. City administrator suggests ways to cut costs. (Shawano Leader, 8/12/2011)

Excerpt: The projected deficit is based on the assumption that property taxes and all other revenue sources will remain the same, Hall said, and the state will cut the city’s shared revenue by $194,310, or about 3 percent of its 2011 revenue.

State cuts include about $81,628 in taxes, 10 percent of its street maintenance funding ($56,866), 10 percent of its taxicab service funds ($18,044) and $15,559 from a recycling grant.

Employees paying more for health insurance and retirement benefits will save the city about $66,285, leaving about a $128,025 deficit.

Increasing the budget is not feasible, according to Hall, because the city would need to have a zero increase in its budget in order to qualify for $146,000 of the $1.28 million it is projected to receive in state taxes.

“We don’t really have a choice. We have to go with the state’s expenditure restraint program,” Hall said.

Alderman Bob Kurkiewicz urged Hall to explore every option for the budget.

“I’d prefer to leave no stone unturned,” Kurkiewicz said. “I think we owe it to our constituents to look at everything.”

Other Wisconsin county and municipal budget news.
Possible double whammy for Shawano City-County Library.  (8/15/2011)
Portage County Executive looks to "create a bridge to a new design, a way of functioning on less".. (8/15/2011)
Antigo cuts fire, police positions.  (8/15/2011)
Adding up the budget numbers in the Fox Valley.  (8/14/2011)
Sauk County officials ask for input.  (8/12/2011
Marathon County ranks services to address $500,000 budget shortfall.  (8/12/2011)
City of Beloit faces a challenging budget process.  (8/8/2011)
Fond du Lac city manager sez Governor's tools not enough to offset cuts.  (8/2/2011)
Manitowoc mayor asks department heads for 10% budget cuts.  (8/2/2011)

Small Texas Library Struggles to Keep Its Doors Open

Budget crunch takes toll on Jacksboro library. Periodic closures set for rest of year. (Wichita Falls Times-Record-News, 8/16/2011)

Excerpt: Funding cuts have checked in at the Gladys Johnson Ritchie Public Library in Jacksboro.

The library board recently voted to close the library periodically for the remainder of 2011 to deal with a funding shortfall, said Library Director Lanora Joslin. The library will be closed Aug. 22 to 27, Sept. 19 to 24, Nov. 21 to 26 and Dec. 19 to 24.

"Instead of closing completely, we are just closing a week a month to try to make it through last year's budget appropriation," she said.

The library needs approximately $5,000 each month to operate, Joslin said. Private donations, memorials and fees generate enough money for two months' operational costs, meaning the library needs roughly an additional $50,000 each year to stay open.

The funding crunch started several years ago when the new Jacksboro Elementary School opened, Joslin said.

Previously, the public library also served as the elementary school library. The school district provided two-thirds of the library's funding each year, with the city and county each chipping in an additional $7,500.

When the new elementary school opened, which contained its own library, the school ceased funding of the public library, she said.

LINK to Wikipedia.

2010 population:  4,511

Wisconsin: General Property Full Value & Tax Summary for all Towns, Villages, and Cities (1986-2010)

From this Department of Revenue report.

The total of the full value of all taxable general property in Wisconsin has dropped in 2009 and 2010, although there has not been a corresponding drop in the total property taxes levied.  The average full value tax rate, however, remains historically low when looking at the range of values for the years 1986-2010.

Page T-3

Page T-4

Page T-5

Additional tables are arranged by county, in alphabetical order.

Oakland Library Participates in "Late Night Live" Initiative

Link to news release.

Oakland Library Stays Open Late to Fight Weekend Homicides. (The Bay Citizen, 7/30/2011)

Excerpt: An East Oakland library will stay open late in August as part of the city's campaign to provide youth with safe alternative places to spend their weekend nights.

The 81st Avenue East Oakland Community Library has joined city officials and the Oakland Unified School District for their "Late Night Live!" initiative, which aims to provide city youth with a safe haven on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The program came about in April after the Oakland Unified School District police Chief Pete Sarna presented data to city department heads showing most student-related homicides and shootings occurred late on Friday and Saturday nights.

In response, the city and school district leaders, along with community groups and sponsors, established Late Night Live!, which will give students in East and West Oakland places to go and offer programs that include athletics, cooking classes, digital arts classes and a talent search, according to the mayor's office.