You Don't Mess Around With Bill....or Cat Lovers

After Uproar, Man Drops Bid to Evict Library Cat. (ABC News, 3/20/2013)

Excerpt:  Patrick Higgins sent an email to Swansea Public Library trustees last Saturday, which said he would file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice if Penny was not removed from the premises. According to Higgins, people allergic to cats would be unable to use the library which meant the public building did not comply with the American Disabilities Act

Photo credit:  Life with Cats

Alberta Darling and John Nygren Sing Along with Jiminy Cricket

LINK (with highlight added)

Lori March (1923-2013) and "The Secret Storm" (1954-1974)

Lori March, ‘Secret Storm’ Actress, Dies at 90. (The New York Times, 3/27/2013)

"Secret Storm" memories

Mom was always a big fan of

Cars for the 1%

The New York Times, 3/27/2013
Headline and opening paragraph

New York International Auto Show

A Look at Staffing in U.S. Public Libraries: 2002, 2006, 2010

In all U.S. public libraries

In public libraries in the 4 largest states by population

In 4 "mid-range" states by population

In the 4 smallest states by population

Related post:
A look at Wisconsin public library staffing since 1990.  (3/19/2013)

Pew Research: Innovative Library Services "In the Wild" (River Forest Public Library, Librarypalooza!)

Pew Research: Library services "in the wild"

Photo credit:  LibraryThing

2013 Librarypalooza

River Forest Library rolls out Librarypalooza. (Franklin Park Herald-Journal, 4/19/2012)

Librarypalooza gets wild.  (River Forest Sun-Times, 4/20/2012)

Related posts:
Joliet Public Library, Star Wars Day.  (3/30/2013)
Des Plaines Public Library, Wii bowling for seniors.  (3/30/2013)
Waukegan Public Library, Early Learning Center.  (3/29/2013)
Washington Public Library, Performers' Showcase.  (3/29/2013)
Pasco County Library System, Rockus Maximus.  (3/29/2013)
Manatee County Public Library, Mana-Con.  (3/28/2013)
Jacksonville Public Library, JPL Oceanway Express.  (3/28/2013)
Jacksonville Public Library, "Lost in the stacks".  (3/28/2013)
Rangeview Library District; Hands-on, participatory programming.  (3/27/2013)
Sacramento Public Library, alt-library.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, Bookbike.  (3/27/2013)
Chambers County Public Library, Korean Discussion Group.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, .Catalyst Cafe.   (3/26/2013)
Fishing rod loan program.  (3/26/2013)
Temecula Public Library, Play and Learn.  (3/26/2013)
Maine public libraries, telescopes.  (3/26/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Recipe assistants.  (3/25/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Red carpet service.  (3/25/2013)
San Francisco Public Library:  U.S. citizenship resources.  (3/25/2013)
Orange County Library System:  The Right Service at the Right Time.  (3/25/2013)
Northern Onondaga Public Library:  LibraryFarm.  (3/24/2013)
Lopez Island Library musical instruments collection.  (3/24/2013)
Scottsdale Public Library "Gimme Engine".  (3/24/2013)
Contra Costa County Library "Snap & Go": (3/23/2013)

Pew Research: Innovative Library Services "In the Wild" (Joliet Public Library, Star Wars Day)

Pew Research: Library services "in the wild"

Picture credit:  Rebel Legion

Facebook page for 2012 event.


Maybe I didn't look close enough, but I don't find it listed on the library's 2013 calendar of events.

Check These Out at the Library: Blacksmithing, Bowling, Butchering. (Wall Street Journal, 1/7/2013)

Excerpt:  A library in Joliet, Ill., last summer held a "Star Wars Day" featuring games for kids, volunteers dressed as storm troopers and lemonade served at a mock-up of the famous Star Wars Cantina.

Related posts:
Des Plaines Public Library, Wii bowling for seniors.  (3/30/2013)
Waukegan Public Library, Early Learning Center.  (3/29/2013)
Washington Public Library, Performers' Showcase.  (3/29/2013)
Pasco County Library System, Rockus Maximus.  (3/29/2013)
Manatee County Public Library, Mana-Con.  (3/28/2013)
Jacksonville Public Library, JPL Oceanway Express.  (3/28/2013)
Jacksonville Public Library, "Lost in the stacks".  (3/28/2013)
Rangeview Library District; Hands-on, participatory programming.  (3/27/2013)
Sacramento Public Library, alt-library.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, Bookbike.  (3/27/2013)
Chambers County Public Library, Korean Discussion Group.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, .Catalyst Cafe.   (3/26/2013)
Fishing rod loan program.  (3/26/2013)
Temecula Public Library, Play and Learn.  (3/26/2013)
Maine public libraries, telescopes.  (3/26/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Recipe assistants.  (3/25/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Red carpet service.  (3/25/2013)
San Francisco Public Library:  U.S. citizenship resources.  (3/25/2013)
Orange County Library System:  The Right Service at the Right Time.  (3/25/2013)
Northern Onondaga Public Library:  LibraryFarm.  (3/24/2013)
Lopez Island Library musical instruments collection.  (3/24/2013)
Scottsdale Public Library "Gimme Engine".  (3/24/2013)
Contra Costa County Library "Snap & Go": (3/23/2013)

Pew Research: Innovative Library Services "In the Wild" (Des Plaines Public Library, Wii Bowling for Seniors)

Pew Research: Library services "in the wild"

Photo credit:  TRIB local Des Plaines

Des Plaines Public Library's Wii Bowlers Victorious!  (4/22/2011)

Check These Out at the Library: Blacksmithing, Bowling, Butchering. (Wall Street Journal, 1/7/2013)

Excerpt:   Ann Kuta, a 67-year-old former secretary in the financial services industry, swiftly swung her arm in an upward motion one recent Friday morning at a Des Plaines, Ill., public library. She stared intently at a giant screen as a virtual bowling ball rolled down a lane before knocking down most of the 10 virtual pins. 

She pumped her fists in the air as about a dozen other seniors cheered. 

 Ms. Kuta is a top bowler in the biweekly Nintendo 7974.OK -1.38% Wii bowling competitions for seniors here. She has won the admiration of her fellow players, and a trophy, for bowling two perfect games on the videogame system.

Related posts:
Waukegan Public Library, Early Learning Center.  (3/29/2013)
Washington Public Library, Performers' Showcase.  (3/29/2013)
Pasco County Library System, Rockus Maximus.  (3/29/2013)
Manatee County Public Library, Mana-Con.  (3/28/2013)
Jacksonville Public Library, JPL Oceanway Express.  (3/28/2013)
Jacksonville Public Library, "Lost in the stacks".  (3/28/2013)
Rangeview Library District; Hands-on, participatory programming.  (3/27/2013)
Sacramento Public Library, alt-library.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, Bookbike.  (3/27/2013)
Chambers County Public Library, Korean Discussion Group.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, .Catalyst Cafe.   (3/26/2013)
Fishing rod loan program.  (3/26/2013)
Temecula Public Library, Play and Learn.  (3/26/2013)
Maine public libraries, telescopes.  (3/26/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Recipe assistants.  (3/25/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Red carpet service.  (3/25/2013)
San Francisco Public Library:  U.S. citizenship resources.  (3/25/2013)
Orange County Library System:  The Right Service at the Right Time.  (3/25/2013)
Northern Onondaga Public Library:  LibraryFarm.  (3/24/2013)
Lopez Island Library musical instruments collection.  (3/24/2013)
Scottsdale Public Library "Gimme Engine".  (3/24/2013)
Contra Costa County Library "Snap & Go": (3/23/2013)

Library Delivery

Clason's Point Library

Baby born by the book – at Bronx library. (New York Post, 3/29/2013)

Opening paragraph that you saw coming:  He must have been overdue!

Emergency Childbirth, a joint publication of the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Health, .Education, and Welfare (1970)

Check Your Watch, I Think It's Time for the Library to Close

Photo credit:  Orange County Government

Costa Mesa libraries seek to stay relevant, vital in digital age. (Orange County Register, 3/28/2013)

Excerpt:   Costa Mesa residents have among the lowest amount of library space per capita in the state, even with all three branches operating. Some say that is a glaring hole in the city's civic fabric and cause for investing millions in a new library. Other say the digital revolution has rendered libraries obsolete and public funds would be better spent elsewhere.

12 views on YouTube.  And I'm sure nobody made it through the entire 5 minutes and 23 seconds.  I certainly didn't.

The Readers Advisory Steamroller

Amazon to Buy Social Site Dedicated to Sharing Books. (The New York Times, 3/29/2013)

Goodreads.http://www.goodreads.com/

Also owned by Amazon

• Shelfari 
• A community-powered encyclopedia for book lovers.
• Amazon Acquires Shelfari:  Moves to Corner Book-Centric Social Networks, (TechCrunch, 8/25/2008)
• LibraryThing
• A community of 1,500,000 book lovers.
• Amazon To Acquire AbeBooks, And With It A Stake In LibraryThing.  (TechCrunch, 8/1/2008.  A 40% share.)

Vos is Probably Sprinting by Now

Wisconsin falls to 44th in private-sector job creation. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/28/2013)

In earlier news.....

Vos edges away from Walker's 250,000 jobs pledge. (The Business Journal, 3/5/2013)

Meanwhile, Paul Adair keeps track of the busy travel schedule of "Our Part-Time Governor".

Walker taking the coward's way out.

Scott Walker blames political upheaval for slow job growth; others blame him.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/28/2013)

Pew Research: Innovative Library Services "In the Wild" (Waukegan Public Library, Early Learning Center)

Pew Research: Library services "in the wild"



Waukegan Public Library Early Learning Center.   The Early Learning Center (ELC), located in the Children’s Department, is a unique space for kids to interact with different learning opportunities. From the Art Studio to the apples trees to the vegetable garden, the ELC is a colorful, interactive place where kids can discover the fun of learning. Come for the storytimes, stay for the arts and crafts, and watch your child get excited about all the hands-on activities within reach.  It’s a one-of-a-kind Waukegan experience that you and your child will come back to again and again.

American Library Association

Related posts:
Washington Public Library, Performers' Showcase.  (3/29/2013)
Pasco County Library System, Rockus Maximus.  (3/29/2013)
Manatee County Public Library, Mana-Con.  (3/28/2013)
Jacksonville Public Library, JPL Oceanway Express.  (3/28/2013)
Jacksonville Public Library, "Lost in the stacks".  (3/28/2013)
Rangeview Library District; Hands-on, participatory programming.  (3/27/2013)
Sacramento Public Library, alt-library.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, Bookbike.  (3/27/2013)
Chambers County Public Library, Korean Discussion Group.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, .Catalyst Cafe.   (3/26/2013)
Fishing rod loan program.  (3/26/2013)
Temecula Public Library, Play and Learn.  (3/26/2013)
Maine public libraries, telescopes.  (3/26/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Recipe assistants.  (3/25/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Red carpet service.  (3/25/2013)
San Francisco Public Library:  U.S. citizenship resources.  (3/25/2013)
Orange County Library System:  The Right Service at the Right Time.  (3/25/2013)
Northern Onondaga Public Library:  LibraryFarm.  (3/24/2013)
Lopez Island Library musical instruments collection.  (3/24/2013)
Scottsdale Public Library "Gimme Engine".  (3/24/2013)
Contra Costa County Library "Snap & Go": (3/23/2013)

Pew Research: Innovative Library Services "In the Wild" (Washington Public Library, Performers' Showcase)

Pew Research: Library services "in the wild"

LEED certified facility

Washington Public Library

Related posts:
Pasco County Library System, Rockus Maximus.  (3/29/2013)
Manatee County Public Library, Mana-Con.  (3/28/2013)
Jacksonville Public Library, JPL Oceanway Express.  (3/28/2013)
Jacksonville Public Library, "Lost in the stacks".  (3/28/2013)
Rangeview Library District; Hands-on, participatory programming.  (3/27/2013)
Sacramento Public Library, alt-library.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, Bookbike.  (3/27/2013)
Chambers County Public Library, Korean Discussion Group.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, .Catalyst Cafe.   (3/26/2013)
Fishing rod loan program.  (3/26/2013)
Temecula Public Library, Play and Learn.  (3/26/2013)
Maine public libraries, telescopes.  (3/26/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Recipe assistants.  (3/25/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Red carpet service.  (3/25/2013)
San Francisco Public Library:  U.S. citizenship resources.  (3/25/2013)
Orange County Library System:  The Right Service at the Right Time.  (3/25/2013)
Northern Onondaga Public Library:  LibraryFarm.  (3/24/2013)
Lopez Island Library musical instruments collection.  (3/24/2013)
Scottsdale Public Library "Gimme Engine".  (3/24/2013)
Contra Costa County Library "Snap & Go": (3/23/2013)

Pew Research: Innovative Library Services "In the Wild" (Pasco County Library System, Rockus Maximus: Battle of the Bands"

Pew Research: Library services "in the wild"

Pasco County Library System

Related posts:
Manatee County Public Library, Mana-Con.  (3/28/2013)
Jacksonville Public Library, JPL Oceanway Express.  (3/28/2013)
Jacksonville Public Library, "Lost in the stacks".  (3/28/2013)
Rangeview Library District; Hands-on, participatory programming.  (3/27/2013)
Sacramento Public Library, alt-library.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, Bookbike.  (3/27/2013)
Chambers County Public Library, Korean Discussion Group.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, .Catalyst Cafe.   (3/26/2013)
Fishing rod loan program.  (3/26/2013)
Temecula Public Library, Play and Learn.  (3/26/2013)
Maine public libraries, telescopes.  (3/26/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Recipe assistants.  (3/25/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Red carpet service.  (3/25/2013)
San Francisco Public Library:  U.S. citizenship resources.  (3/25/2013)
Orange County Library System:  The Right Service at the Right Time.  (3/25/2013)
Northern Onondaga Public Library:  LibraryFarm.  (3/24/2013)
Lopez Island Library musical instruments collection.  (3/24/2013)
Scottsdale Public Library "Gimme Engine".  (3/24/2013)
Contra Costa County Library "Snap & Go": (3/23/2013)

The Essence of an Education

Photo credit:  Wikipedia Commons

'Preacher's kid' was drawn to politics in early life. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/28/2002)

Hartland Public Library Grand Opening on YouTube: Better Late Than Never

Hartland Public Library

Hartland Public Library Book Cart Drill Team

Hartland Public Library

Related posts: 
Library book cart drill teams.  (4/30/2011)

This Harlem Shake Thing Seems to Have Legs, Maybe a Little Wobbly, But Legs Nonetheless

Mid-Continent Public Library

Hurricane Sandy Recovery: Long Island Beach Library Reopens

Take a virtual tour of the Long Beach Island Library.

A Visit to the Magnolia Springs Public Library

Magnolia Springs Public Library

Eastern Shores and Manitowoc-Calumet Library Systems Merger Talks Update

The Library Connection, Eastern Shores Library System newsletter, March 2013.

March 19th meeting of library directors from Eastern Shores Library System (ESLS) and Manitowoc Calumet Library System (MCLS)

• Purpose:  To discuss questions and concerns about a possible merger. 
• Facilitator:  John De Bacher, Director of Public Library Development from the Division for Libraries and Technology
• Core services discussed
• Centralized cataloging
• Integrated library System (ILS) 
• Delivery service (electronic and physical)
• Resource library
• County reimbursement for services to nonresidents 
• Network services and bandwidth
• Other items discussed
• Joint acquisitions
• Policies serving patrons
• ESLS ratio report and purchasing high demand material
• How costs covering an ILS are different in each system
• Submitting a system plan to the state by budget time
• Next meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 9 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Mead Public Library. 
• Other system services to be reviewed: 
• Continuing education 
• Consulting
• Users with special needs
• Reference referral and interlibrary loan
• Technology planning 
• Intersystem agreements
• Multitype cooperation
• Advocacy
• Public information/marketing
• Services to youth
• Cooperative purchasing

Related posts: 
Manitowoc-Calumet and Eastern Shores Continue Library Systems Merger Investigation. (3/4/2013)
Eastern Shores Library System explores merger possibilities.  (10/18/2012; includes document timeline from 6/4/2011 onward)

No Time to Keep Up When Positioning Yourself for a 2016 Presidential Run

Scott Walker on gay marriage: Let states decide. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/27/2013)

The base includes people like Julaine Appling.

Let's bring our Governor up to date.

The Wisconsin Voter: A lot has changed since Wisconsin banned same-sex marriage in 2006.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/27/2013)

2006 referendum.

• 59% said "yes", i.e. ban same-sex marriage.  
• 41% said no.

2013 Public Policy Polling question:  Should same-sex marriage be allowed?

• 44% yes
• 46% no
• 10% not sure

The New York Times Provides an Overview of School Choice Without Mentioning the American Legislative Exchange Council's Orchestration

Or this 2007 "design guide".

And a dart (or onion) to Fernanda Santos and Motoko Rich for not bothering to mention the relationship between the Goldwater Institute and ALEC.

It's not hard to find.  Check out The Center for Media and Democracy.

Jonathan Butcher

Pew Research: Innovative Library Services "In the Wild" (Manatee County Public Library System: Mana-Con, Comics Convention for Teens)

Pew Research: Library services "in the wild"

The first annual in 2010

Credit:  Manatee County Public Library System

Information from the 2012 Mana-Con.

Manatee County Public Library System receives two Florida Library Association awards.  (New release, Manatee County Government website, 3/15/2013)

• The Library Innovation Award recognizes a Florida library or library system that has demonstrated outstanding service to the community it serves. It is awarded based on the library’s creativity or innovation in programming; expansion or enhancement of service to all constituents and areas of the community and leadership in implementing programs that can be emulated by other libraries.
• The Betty Davis Miller Youth Services Award recognizes, “an outstanding program of direct service to youth” according to the Association. It is awarded based on a library system’s outstanding and creative youth programs that promote reading, literacy or library use.

Related posts:
Jacksonville Public Library, JPL Oceanway Express.  (3/28/2013)
Jacksonville Public Library, "Lost in the stacks".  (3/28/2013)
Rangeview Library District; Hands-on, participatory programming.  (3/27/2013)
Sacramento Public Library, alt-library.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, Bookbike.  (3/27/2013)
Chambers County Public Library, Korean Discussion Group.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, .Catalyst Cafe.   (3/26/2013)
Fishing rod loan program.  (3/26/2013)
Temecula Public Library, Play and Learn.  (3/26/2013)
Maine public libraries, telescopes.  (3/26/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Recipe assistants.  (3/25/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Red carpet service.  (3/25/2013)
San Francisco Public Library:  U.S. citizenship resources.  (3/25/2013)
Orange County Library System:  The Right Service at the Right Time.  (3/25/2013)
Northern Onondaga Public Library:  LibraryFarm.  (3/24/2013)
Lopez Island Library musical instruments collection.  (3/24/2013)
Scottsdale Public Library "Gimme Engine".  (3/24/2013)
Contra Costa County Library "Snap & Go": (3/23/2013)

Pew Research: Innovative Library Services "In the Wild" (Jacksonville Public Library, JPL Express Oceanway)

Pew Research: Library services "in the wild"



From LEID Products

Cheers: Lockers a neat idea for Jacksonville-area libraries.  (Florida Times-Union, 9.28.2012)

Excerpt:  Oceanway does not have its own library, so with some creativity a system of electronic lockers was installed at the Oceanway Community Center.

The lockers provide a secure pick-up location for books, DVDs, CDs and other library materials checked out by library customers. The lockers are accessible only by the customer that ordered the materials. The system is the first of its kind in the Southeast.

JPL Express Oceanway opened last summer and was so popular that Holt stepped in to expand the service, using district funds to add more lockers.

Related posts:
Jacksonville Public Library, "Lost in the stacks".  (3/28/2013)
Rangeview Library District; Hands-on, participatory programming.  (3/27/2013)
Sacramento Public Library, alt-library.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, Bookbike.  (3/27/2013)
Chambers County Public Library, Korean Discussion Group.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, .Catalyst Cafe.   (3/26/2013)
Fishing rod loan program.  (3/26/2013)
Temecula Public Library, Play and Learn.  (3/26/2013)
Maine public libraries, telescopes.  (3/26/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Recipe assistants.  (3/25/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Red carpet service.  (3/25/2013)
San Francisco Public Library:  U.S. citizenship resources.  (3/25/2013)
Orange County Library System:  The Right Service at the Right Time.  (3/25/2013)
Northern Onondaga Public Library:  LibraryFarm.  (3/24/2013)
Lopez Island Library musical instruments collection.  (3/24/2013)
Scottsdale Public Library "Gimme Engine".  (3/24/2013)
Contra Costa County Library "Snap & Go": (3/23/2013)

Pew Research: Innovative Library Services "In the Wild" (Jacksonville Public Library, "Lost in the Stacks")

Pew Research: Library services "in the wild"

WJCT

Lost in the Stacks -- Jacksonville Public Library

Related posts:
Rangeview Library District; Hands-on, participatory programming.  (3/27/2013)
Sacramento Public Library, alt-library.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, Bookbike.  (3/27/2013)
Chambers County Public Library, Korean Discussion Group.  (3/27/2013)
Pima County Public Library, .Catalyst Cafe.   (3/26/2013)
Fishing rod loan program.  (3/26/2013)
Temecula Public Library, Play and Learn.  (3/26/2013)
Maine public libraries, telescopes.  (3/26/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Recipe assistants.  (3/25/2013)
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:  Red carpet service.  (3/25/2013)
San Francisco Public Library:  U.S. citizenship resources.  (3/25/2013)
Orange County Library System:  The Right Service at the Right Time.  (3/25/2013)
Northern Onondaga Public Library:  LibraryFarm.  (3/24/2013)
Lopez Island Library musical instruments collection.  (3/24/2013)
Scottsdale Public Library "Gimme Engine".  (3/24/2013)
Contra Costa County Library "Snap & Go": (3/23/2013)

North Dakota Carnegie Library, Unaltered

Valley City/Barnes County Public Library

Constructed in 1903

One of 11 Carnegie libraries in North Dakota, and 1 of 3 that remain unaltered.  Added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1979.

Map courtesy of the University of Texas Libraries, 

The University of Texas at Austin.

(Red arrow added by Retiring Guy.)

This YouTube video got me thinking about Johnstown, Pennsylvania

The former Cambria Public Library, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

(Now the Johnstown Flood Museum)

Now the Cambria County Library.

Johnstown's population peaked during the 1920s.  It's current population is less than it was in 1890.

Lackawanna & Johnstown: Shutdowns, Steel Towns and the Union.  (Labor Research Review, 1983)

Filmed in Johnstown.

A License to Own a Gun? Do I Hear a License to Own a Gun, Rep. King?

Wingnut Rep. Steve King Compares Marriage to Selling Alcohol and Cutting Hair. (Crooks and Liars, 3/27/2013)

Excerpt(bullet points added): “The state’s require a marriage license,” King said. “A license is by definition a permit to do that which is otherwise illegal. Licenses are used to direct and regulate human behavior — 

• a license to drive, 
• a license to fish, 
• a license to hunt, 
• a license to cut hair, 
• a license to do brain surgery, or 
• a license to join the bar, or 
• actually own a bar. 

And this is all a proper thing for our state to do because they are regulating and promoting certain kinds of activity and behavior.

$500,000 Renovation Planned for Pardeeville's Angie W. Cox Library

History of the Angie W.  Cox Library

Angie Williams Cox Library to get $500K renovation.  (Portage Daily Register, 3/27/2013)

Excerpt:   [Jim] Buckley [treasurer of the library's endowment board] noted that the Angie Williams Cox Library has an unusual governance system. The library board oversees the day-to-day operations of the library, including hiring and acquiring materials for the library’s collection. The endowment board oversees the endowment fund that Cox (1870-1955) originated, and maintains the building and grounds, as well as providing “extras” that might not fit in the library’s budget.