The Latest News About the Rockford Public Library

                       about the clandestine removal of books

Rockford Public Library's book removal policy questioned. (Rockford Register Star, 4/21/2012)

Excerpt: Rachel León, a member of the Save Our Library effort, says it’s not the weeding she’s concerned about but rather the way it’s being done. 

She said she’s heard from several staff members that Rockford Public Library Director Frank Novak is taking books directly from the shelves to the Dumpster and not submitting the titles to any review committee or even to the Friends of the Library bookstore where old books are sold to the public to raise funds to support the library. 

“Yes, libraries weed books. We understand that,” León said. “My concern is that any books that are being removed, that it’s done properly.”
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Members of Save Our Library plan to rally against excessive weeding of the library’s collection from 10 a.m. to noon today at the Main Branch, 215 N. Wyman St. They also plan to attend the Library Board meeting Monday night.


Rumors addressed at Rockford Public Library meeting. (Rockford Register-Star, 4/23/2012)

Excerpt: “There is a group that is so focused on certain issues,” board President Paul Logli said after the meeting. “They have spread some misinformation to the public. To indicate there is excessive or inappropriate weeding going on is clearly false. The weeding that is going on is the same weeding that has been going on for decades.”

On average, 3,000 to 4,000 books a month are weeded, and about the same quantity is added. Empty top and bottom bookshelves are not evidence of purging, but is a conscientious effort on the part of library staff to make the books more accessible to people in wheelchairs.
Related articles:
Rockford Public Library board prez stands by his man. (4/28/2012) 31-1.  (3/24/2012)
Catching up on the news.  (2/8/2012)
Save Our Rockford Library members pack board meeting. (1/28/2012)
Save Our Rockford Library (SOL) calls for more public input in library's strategic planning. (1/14/2012) 
Rockford Public Library will boost spending on digital and audio books in 2012. (10/13/2011)
Supportive editorial for Rockford Public Library needs a fact checker. (9/1/2011)
Rockford Public Library circulates 0.05 ebooks per capita in 1st half of 2011. (7/13/2011)

Rockford Public Library Hours Survey a Toss-Up So Far. (11/21/2010)
Branch closures off the table. (10/21/2010)
Library considers a Branch Anywhere future.  (9/14/2010)
Library patrons deal with a new reality.  (3/23/2010)
Reductions in staff, cuts in hours leads to adjustments all around. (2/2/2010)

Rockford Public Library staggers into 2010. (1/8/2010)]

Rockford library board OKs union contract. (11/17/2009)

Advocating for the Rockford Public Library. (11/12/2009)

Rockford Public Library's projected $1.7 million deficit. (11/3/2009)

Rockford Public Library: "Library cuts coming". (9/15/2009)

Rockford library board delays action on shortfall. (7/21/2009)