Troy Public Library to Close Sycaway Branch

Troy's Sycaway library branch to close in cost-cutting move. (Albany Times-Union, 12/13/2011)

Excerpt:   The Troy Public Library will close its Sycaway branch in January after the trustees adopted a 2012 budget Tuesday night that cuts spending by 11 percent.

The library board cited declining patronage at the Sycaway branch, cramped space in its location at School 18 and heating problems in the decision to shut the branch.

The board selected this option instead of an alternative that would have reduced hours at both the Lansingburgh and Sycaway branches.

"Memoirs of a Goldfish" Voted New Hampshire's Ladybug Picture Book Award 2011

Just 10 copies in LINKcat, as opposed to 55 of the runner-up, Interrupting Chicken, which has a book trailer on YouTube.

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There's even an activity guide.

And, as they say, there's an app for that.   (School Library Journal review.)

Finalists Announced for American Library Association's William C. Morris Award

From the ALA website:   The William C. Morris YA Debut Award, first awarded in 2009, honors a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens and celebrating impressive new voices in young adult literature.

The award's namesake is William C. Morris, an influential innovator in the publishing world and an advocate for marketing books for children and young adults. Bill Morris left an impressive mark on the field of children’s and young adult literature. He was beloved in the publishing field and the library profession for his generosity and marvelous enthusiasm for promoting literature for children and teens.

Holdings at 51 LINKcat locations.

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 127: Millis Public Library)

Progress on town’s ‘new living room’. (Boston Globe, 12/15/2011)

Excerpt: More than 10 years in the making, the new Millis Public Library is about to become a reality.

With construction slated to begin later this month on the $7.8 million project, the library’s board of trustees is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday morning at the site of the new building, a vacant lot at Exchange and Main streets.

State Representative David Linsky will speak, and representatives of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the state agency that oversees and supports public libraries, will also be present.

“We have come a long way from people thinking libraries are just a warehouse for books,’’ said Beverly Temple, chairwoman of the Millis library board. The new library is being thought of as a community center, she said. “ ‘The town’s living room’ sort of became its tagline.’’

The current Millis Public Library, built on Auburn Road in the late 1960s, is filled to capacity. Books line the top shelves of nearly every stack. The young adult section is composed of two beanbag chairs squeezed behind the stacks in an upstairs loft. Five staffers share one small office. And children’s story time, held three times per week, takes place between another set of collection stacks.

The library’s single meeting room accommodates 15 to 20 people comfortably, which recently proved to be a challenge when 75 youngsters and their parents showed up for a talk by “Diary of a Wimpy Kid’’ author Jeff Kinney. A leaky roof left the room mold-filled and unusable for most of last winter.

$1,100,000 Bequest to Oshkosh Public Library

OPL once upon a time

Woman leaves $1.1 million to Oshkosh Public Library. (WLUK-TV, 12/16/2011)

Excerpt: An Oshkosh woman has made a $1.1 million bequest to the Oshkosh Public Library.

The Library Board voted Thursday to establish a memorial trust fund with the donation from the estate of Marjorie Drexler.

Drexler, who died in August 2010, worked at Oshkosh Truck Corp. for 38 years. She was also an avid reader throughout her life. Drexler made a habit of sharing books, mostly biographies and romances, along to friends after she read them.

“Mrs. Drexler was just an average citizen who obviously saw value in the work that is done at the public library,” said Victoria Vandenberg, assistant director at the Oshkosh Public Library in a release. “We are extremely grateful for her generosity.”

Don't look behind you, but....

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Fullerton Public Library Wins APWA Award

Related post:
Ebooks, Netflix, and library building projects: Part 116, Fullerton Public Library. (10/31/2011)

In this case, I'm partial to the first definition of 'surge'

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Excerpt:   “Republicans want someone who can snarl at the president,” said a Democrat close to the White House. “Newt’s snarl is more genuine than Mitt’s.”

Well, if it's snarl you want.

Surge.  To rise and fall actively.  Note when Mike Allen wrote his piece.

Frankenstein Devouring Pennsylvania Turnpike

Working his way through the "famous" Aliquippa Gap......

...and ready to delectate Bedford County.

What we need is splitline districting to save the day.  (From the Center for Range Voting.)

This is how they like to do things in Ross Township Pennsylvania

Draft budget keeps tax rate, trims paving in Ross. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 12/15/2011)

Excerpt: The township's contribution to Northland Public Library would decrease in the proposed spending plan. Under the library's funding formula of population, assessed value and usage, Ross' contribution will decrease from $426,321 to $404,346.

Commissioner Chris Rand Eyster said he would rather put that money into paving.

"It's more important to have roads that are paved properly than to have a library that is in another municipality that we could use even if we were not participants," he said.

Northland Library is supported by and serves the communities of Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, Marshall, McCandless, and Ross in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. We welcome all Allegheny County residents.

Plan B for Viroqua Center/Public Library Project Unveiled

Viroqua Center second option unveiled to community. (Viroqua County Broadcaster, 12/15/2011)

Excerpt:  The second proposal, presented by Terry Martin of PSA Dewberry of Monroe, included complex design elements including a multi-angled grass roof and the use of two stories in three different sections of the development. The proposal calls for a new library to be built north of Western Technical College in Viroqua and an arts center to be built on the southeast side of the college. The college and all buildings would be joined together by shared space that would include an internet café and a reception lounge featuring a fireplace.

The Viroqua Center is a community center project spun out of the McIntosh Memorial Library's Library Task Force. The library is planning to construct a new facility and it has sought partners from the community. Through numerous meetings an idea has developed to joining the new library with Western and additional space for community arts.

Related posts:
A move to plan B for Viroqua Center/Library Project. (10/25/2011)
Site plan for new Viroqua Library as part of complex of 4 buildings. (9/2/2011)
Library applies for $750,000 Community Development block grant.  (8/25/2011)
Fingers crossed for grant for new library.  (6/26/2011)
Library project gets aid from city.  (6/7/2010)
New library moves into conceptual design phase.  (5/28/2001)
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)
Viroqua's long look at a new library facility.  (11/6/2009)

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 126: Barrett Memorial Library, Williams Bay

Bay library remodeling on schedule. (Lake Geneva News, 11/2/2011)

Excerpt:   The remodeling, which started in August, is intended to allow the library building to be used to its full capacity.

Once the village's municipal building, which housed the police department, the library, the Village Board meeting room and staff offices, the library's upper floor has 2,500 square feet and the lower level about 1,500 square feet.

Not all of that was being used efficiently, Becker said.

The remodeling will allow the library to spread out a bit, as well, and add amenities, such as individual reading tables around the upstairs fireplace.

While most of the changes are to the interior, a handicapped-accessible elevator, with shaft and mechanical room outside the library is being built into the library's east wall near the south corner of the building.

That would be the only addition to the building's footprint, Becker said.

Advance elevator of Big Bend, Wis., is installing the elevator.

Outside of the new elevator, perhaps the biggest change would be the removal of a wall and door behind the circulation desk.

It is also the change that's most anticipated by the library staff, Becker said.

Removal of the wall will expose an architectural flourish of an ascending series of windows, which will flood the main floor of the library with sunlight.

Madison Community Foundation Awards $500,000 Grant for new Madison Central Library

Madison Community Foundation awards $1.2 million in grants. (Wisconsin State Journal, 12/15/2011)

Excerpt:  The Madison Public Library Foundation was the largest beneficiary of the over $1.2 million in grants awarded by the Madison Community Foundation on Thursday.

Madison Community Foundation announced nine grants totaling $1,233,144, including $500,000 for the new Central Library. The grant is the second largest capital campaign gift in the foundation's history, said Robin Reid, a spokeswoman for charity.

Related articles:
Retiring Guy takes a last look at the 1960s-era Madison Central Library.  (11/13/2011)
Madison Central Library prepares for move to temporary facility. (11/9/2011)
Madison Public Library misses cut on $4.5 million tax credit.  (9/14/2011)
Board to consider Plan B financing.  (9/1/2011)
Central library to relocate in November.  (7/27/2011)
Central library reconstruction project to proceed.  (4/29/2011)
Negotiations continue.  (4/27/2011)
Central library not a major issue with candidate or mayor Soglin. (4/19/2011)
Soglin wants to make sure ducks are in a row for Central Library Project.  (4/16/2011)
Latest design review.  (4/8/2011)
Midway Design presentation for Madison Central Library.  (2/25/2011)
Final design for renovated central library unveiled.  (12/8/2010)

Designing a new central library:  "Everyone has to feel comfortable and safe here".  (11/17/2010)

Interview with principal architect of Central Library project.  (11/5/2010)

Design development juggling acts for a renovated Madison Central Library. (10/15/2010)

Conceptual designs for new Central Library.  (10/25/2010)

One possible message:  Don't settle for less.  (8/5/2010)

Downsizing the Madison Central Library renovation project. (7/17/2010)

Possible temporary location has asbestos problem.  (6/18/2010)

Architectural firm selected for Madison Central project.  (5/26/2010)

State Journal editorial board sez Madison City Council made right decision on Central Library. (5/10/2010)

Council vote on library goes under the radar.  (5/8/2010)

And the beat goes on.  (4/14/2010)

Mayor Responds to Critics on Library Issue.  (4/13/2010)

Board Endorses Renovation Plan.  (4/6/2010)

Keeping the dream of a new Madison Central Library alive. (3/31/2010)

Some Council Members Not Ready to Move Forward on Mayor's Renovation Plan.  (3/30/2010)

Council President Pro Tem to Introduce Resolution Approving Madison Central Library Renovation Project.  (3/28/2010)

'Dissatisfaction' with Collapsed Madison Central Library Project. (3/25/2010)

Fiore Departure Seen as Beneficial to Madison Central Project.  (3/23/2010)

Matter of Principle" Dooms New Central Madison Library.  (3/20/2010)

Madison Central: The Dream Dies, It's Now Time to Renovate. (3/19/2010)

Dispute over Construction Costs Threatens to Derail New Central Madison Library. (3/17/2010)

Madison Public Library Project Faces Delay in 2011. (3/9/2010)

Construction, Cost Concerns May Delay Madison Central Library Project. (1/25/2010)

New Madison Central Library Wins Council Approval. (11/11/2009)Capital Times Endorses New Madison Central Library. (11/10/2009)

Madison Council Begins Review of Mayor's Budget on Tuesday. (11/6/2009)

More Questions About Madison Central Library Project. (11/1/2009)

New Madison Public Library's First Change Order: Rooftop Garden.
(10/28/2009)

Call for Referendum on New Madison Central Library Not Attracting Support. (10/21/2009)

Madison Board of Estimates Rejects Library Referendum. (10/13/2009)

Some Madison City Council Members Want Referendum on New Central Library. (10/9/2009)

Three former mayors support new Madison Central Library. (10/5/2010)

Wisconsin State Journal Editorial on New Madison Central Library. (9/13/2009)

New Madison Central Library: Let the Positioning Begin. (9/1/2009)

New Madison Central Library on Mayor Dave's Front Burner. (8/30/2009)

New Madison Central Library: Build or Renovate? (7/7/2009)

Motley Brown Not Reason Enough. (6/11/2009)

Fiore Plan Receives Unanimous Support. (6/5/2009)

Fiore Plan Gets Nod from Committee. (5/15/2009)

Public Forum Focuses on Central Library Options. (4/24/2009)

Developer Sweetens the Deal. (4/21/2009)

Visualizing a Remodeled Madison Central Library. (4/4/2009)

Renovation Plan Put on Table for Madison Central Library. (3/26/2009)

Residents Critique Proposals to Rebuild Downtown Library. (1/9/2009)

Competing Developers Defend Their Central Library Plans. (1/8/2009)

Comparison of Downtown Madison Library Proposals. (12/17/2008)

Two Proposals for New Madison Central Library. (12/3/2008)

Best Headline of the Week. (9/6/2008)

Manitowoc Senior Alderman: "We're going to straighten this ship out"

An appropriate metaphor considering Manitowoc's history.

Committee balances 2012 Manitowoc budget. Plan eliminates 57 positions. (Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter, 12/16/2011)

Excerpt:  Concluding lengthy deliberations this week, an ad hoc committee Thursday evening restructured city government and will present a balanced 2012 budget for approval to the City Council Monday night.

But $3.75 million in personnel savings comes with a significant price — the elimination of 57 positions, with about 40 people losing their jobs involuntarily.

The remaining cuts will come via attrition through anticipated retirements and not filling vacancies.

Current number of City of Manitowoc employees:

• 274 full-time
• 76 part-time

 

EBRPL Board Member: “What is clear is that his judgment has been questionable in a number of significant situations”

Library director demands $2.3 million to quit.  (Baton Rouge Advocate, 12/15/2011)

Excerpt: An attorney for East Baton Rouge Parish Library Director David Farrar said in a Dec. 7 letter to the library board’s attorney that any attempt to fire his client would “violate the whistle-blower laws of Louisiana” and that Farrar would be willing to resign and sign a confidentiality agreement in exchange for a payment of $2.3 million.

Attorney Victor Farrugia’s letter to Celia Cangelosi, an outside attorney hired to represent the Library Board of Control, said Farrar was being targeted for reporting what he believed to be “certain violations of the public bid law” in the way city-parish officials handled selection of an architect for the downtown library construction project.

Santa Drinks Coke

Ad from December 1950 issue of National Geographic

continued....

And The Rest of Us Do?

Oy, Kathie.



For Whom Are Iowa’s Reporters Writing. (Columbia Journalism Review, 12/15/2011)

Excerpt:    But others offered different perspectives. Des Moines Register political columnist Kathie Obradovich said she would consider Fox News part of the mainstream media. And she argued that much of the information reported by conservative radio stations and websites is originally generated by traditional news sources

“A lot of what you see discussed on social media, as well, is originally coming from mainstream media,” Obradovich said. “These primary-goers, I think they’re consumers of mainstream media. I just think they aren’t necessarily consumers that believe every word they read.”  [Emphasis added.]

Magazines Launches and Closings in 2011

239 magazines launched in 2011.  (Media Daily News, 12/15/2011)

Excerpt: Among consumer magazines, 2011's noteworthy new launches included HGTV Magazine, published by Hearst Corp. in partnership with the popular cable channel devoted to real estate sales and renovation. This year also saw the launch of Style.com/Print, a fashion title based on the Condé Nast Web site of the same name.

This year’s prominent closures included Get Married, perhaps reflecting reduced spending on weddings in a difficult economy. Earlier this year, “brides local” magazines that were a print offshoot of brides.com also shuttered. The content from those locals was assimilated online. Brides from Conde Nast remains open.

Major launch of 2011.

LINKcat check:  Mazomanie.

More Plumbing Issues @ the Ferndale Public Library

December 15, 2011.

November 27, 2010

In this case, the library didn't reopen until February 21, 2011.

Urbandale Public Library Celebrates 50 Years of Service

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Getyourgeekon @ the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library

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Who needs libraries when we have crossword puzzles?!

Friends of the Ottawa Public Library.

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Kenosha Public Library's Digital Collections (New Accessions)

Thanks for the tweet!

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Children's Services Extreme Makeover @ the Appleton Public Library

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Two Rivers Takes a Sharp, Painful Hit to the Gut

200 lost jobs for a city that can ill afford it.

Thermo Fisher to close Two Rivers plant, 200 jobs lost. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 12/14/2011)

Excerpt: Company officials said the latest decision was based on current market conditions and other factors including labor and energy costs. The factory is in an old, multistory building in downtown Two Rivers.

"We carefully considered all available options before moving forward," company officials said in a statement.

"We will do everything possible to support the employees who are affected," the statement said.

Generations of Two Rivers residents have worked at the company, which only 10 years ago employed about 1,100 people in the city.

Jeff Dawson, Director of the Lester Public Library in Two Rivers, shared this comment with me recently.

Two Rivers is facing another blow with Thermo Fisher (what was once the city mainstay - Hamilton Industries) pulling out of town and heading south. This threat has been hanging for a couple of years, in fact since I have been here - probably longer. We are hoping when Thermo leaves they take care of the manufacturing facility, i.e. clean it up, tear it down and get rid of the industrial waste (we can ill afford the Mirro mess left behind in Manitowoc). In my opinion, once Thermo is gone, we can begin to redefine our city and move forward. TR is incredibly beautiful, where else on Lake Michigan do you have the confluence of two rivers and an open public beach?

Two Rivers, my wife's hometown and, therefore, a place where I've spent a lot of time, does indeed have beauty in its corner.