A New Library in Viroqua: It's Been a Long Time Coming

McIntosh Memorial Library

Work begins on Viroqua library. (La Crosse Tribune, 8/10/2013)

Excerpt: Library director Trina Erickson said the groundbreaking marks 56 months — nearly five years — since the library’s committee voted to form a task force to consider building a new facility. 

The new library will cost approximately $3.5 million. Details on interior and exterior finishes for the facility are still being worked out, and there is no exact completion date yet for the project.

Related posts:
Groundbreeaking.  (8/6/2013)
New library progress report.  (10/12/2012)
Viroqua Center, Viroqua library update.  (4/15/2012)
Viroqua Center board established.  (1/19/2012)

Viroqua Center collaboration. (1/13/2012)

Plan B for Viroqua Center/Public Library project unveiled. (12/16/2011)

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.  (5/28/2010)

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)

Mewling Mea Culpa: Steven Krieser Laments His Poor Choice of Words

Wisconsin official likens immigrants to Satan, gets fired.  (UPI, 8/9/2013)

"You may see Jesus when you look at then. I see Satan." 

But notice that Steve makes no effort to retract what appears to be a deeply held personal belief, one that Scott Walker was forced to call "repugnant" and "completely unacceptable."  (Only when uttered or shared in a public forum?  This certainly can't be the first time that Steve shared his views on immigration.)

Plenty of offense taken.

And as a result, you're a national, if not an international celebrity, Steven.  For all the wrong reasons, of course.  (Yes, celebrity is now synonymous with embarrassment.  Increasingly so nowadays.)

Related post:
(2011)  A Walk Down Memory Lane: Steve Krieser Named Wisconsin Department of Transportation Executive Assistant. (8/9/2013)
In the news, 2011.  (8/9/2013)
Steven Krieser Fired, Then Quickly Scrubbed from DOT Organization Chart.  (8/9/2013)

A Walk Down Memory Lane: Steve Krieser Named Wisconsin Department of Transportation Executive Assistant (8/13/2011)

High Beam

Related post:
In the news, 2011.  (8/9/2013)
Steven Krieser Fired, Then Quickly Scrubbed from DOT Organization Chart.  (8/9/2013)

The Jessamine Public Library Promotes Its Services Big-Time on YouTube

Jessamine County Public Library

Other JCPL posts:
Transcribed: "Explore the reference collection @ the Jessamine County Public Library".  (7/19/2013) 
Jessamine County Public Library delays collection development policy review.  (1/27/2010)
Jerssamine County recataloging project.  (12/4/2009)
Public meeting at Jessamine County Public Library: A fuller, decidedly dramatic account. (11/18/2009)
Public meeting at Jessamine County Public Library.  (11/18/2009)
Jessamine County update: Library books now threat to public safety.  (11/18/2009)
Jessamine County Public Library back story.  (11/9/2009)
Graphic novel controversy.  (11/7/2009)

Steven Krieser In the News (2011 Edition)

Shady Wisconsin Republican Steve Krieser’s New Plot to Deter Poor Folks from Voting. (Rolling Out, 9/14/2011)

The memo

Related post:
Steven Krieser Fired, Then Quickly Scrubbed from DOT Organization Chart.  (8/9/2013)

Steven Krieser Fired, Then Quickly Scrubbed from DOT Organization Chart

Wish the lines at DMV service centers moved this fast!!

DOT official likens illegal immigrants to Satan, then quickly fired. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/9/2013)

Missing as a result of bone-headed action:  Steven Krieser, Assistant Deputy Secretary

Arrows added.

I suppose they didn't change the date as no substantive changes were made.

His bio?

Gone, gone, gone.

Google search for Steven Krieser's Facebook page.

Severe Storm Causes Temporary Closure of Kimberly Library Due to Power Outage

Kimberly Little Chute Public Library

KLCPL on Facebook.

KLCPL on Twitter.

Brown County Executive Committee Takes the Wind out of Brad Hopp's Sails

Brown County committee blocks Hopp's Obamacare proposal. (Green Bay Press-Gazette, 8/8/20123)

Excerpt:   While several lawmakers said they opposed some or all of the Affordable Care Act, the committee agreed that county residents need their library and health agencies to be able to help them get information about the program. They rejected claims that librarians and others are, or might, be steering people toward particular options in the program.

Related posts:
Hey, Kathleen, I'm still looking for that directive to set aside library computers for Obamacare use only   (8/8/2013)
Library director responds to hand-wringing over (and misinformation about) librarians providing information.  (8/8/2013)
Some Unsolicited Advice for All You Reference Librarians Out There.  (8/8/2013)
The doctor is out (or, ironically he simply returned to the 20th century).  (8/8/2013)

Dear Brad Hopp, Helping people find information is not an extra-curricular activity at any library.  (8/7/2013)

Magazine Newsstand Sales Continue to Decline

Magazine Newsstand Sales Plummet, but Digital Editions Thrive. (The New York Times, 8/6/2013)

Related posts:
Once upon a time, people used to buy magazines to read celebrity news. (2/8/2013)
Magazine Subscriptions Flat, Newsstand Sales Decline by 10%. (8/9/2012)
The Pluses and Minuses of Newsstand Magazine Sales. (2/4/2012)

"Call it morning driving thru the sound and In and out the valley....."

Link to news release

Photo credit:  Wisconsin State Legislature

Wisconsin Legislative Documents

The bill has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Transportation, where 3 of the 9 Republicans members have signed on as co-sponsors.  (A. Ott serves on the committee.)

Wonder where the hot spots are in Carpenter's Senate District?

Actually, I haven't listened to this song in quite awhile.


Related posts:
The Question Was Answered Earlier in the Article.  (7/29/2013)
More Roundabout Pandering, Lack of Leadership, This Time from Rep. Gary Bies.  (7/22/2013) 
In the News: Rep. David Craig and his Pavlovian reflex to roundabouts.  (7/17/2013) 

Wisconsin Department of Administration Proposes New Archives Preservation Facility

State seeking to build major archive preservation facility on the Near East Side. (Wisconsin State Journal, 8/7/2013)

The project as proposed by the Department of Administration

• Demolish its aging Central Services Facility at 202 S. Thornton Ave. (the original construction dates to 1896)
• Build four-story, 188,733-square-foot facility on the 
• 5.1-acre site is located next to the Yahara river, city bike paths and railroad tracks.
• Cost:  $46.7 million
• Collections to be housed
• Wisconsin Historical Society
• Wisconsin Veterans Museum
• Tentative timeline
• Demolish in fall 2013
• Begin construction May 2014
• Complete project August 2016

Status of current archives

• Spaces are too small 
• Lack of necessary infrastructure and support services
• Leaky pipes 
• Lack of appropriate temperature and humidity controls and 
• Insufficient security

In 2011, DOA announced plans to build a archives preservation facility on Troy Drive on Madison's northeast side -- near Warner Park -- but neighbors didn't want it there.

Musician George Duke Sums Up His Career: "It's a goulash. It's a gumbo,"

George Duke dies at 67; keyboardist was jazz-fusion pioneer. (Los Angeles Times, 8/6/2013)

Excerpt: "His 1969 date with violinist Jean Luc Ponty at Thee Experience, a club on the Sunset Strip, was attended by Zappa, Adderley, Quincy Jones and others and was one of the seminal events in West Coast fusion," jazz writer Bill Kohlhaase wrote in The Times in 1997.



George Duke, Jazz Keyboardist, Dead at 67. (Rolling Stone, 8-6-2013)

Excerpt:  In the 1970s, Duke's work grew more experimental through his collaborations with Zappa, beginning with Chunga's Revenge. He would go on to lend his talents to other Zappa albums including Apostrophe and Over-Nite Sensation.



George Duke obituary. (The Guardian, 8/7/2013)

Excerpt:   When Duke made solo albums in the 1970s, his musical voice was fresh and surprisingly commercial – jazz-funk instrumentals with vocal spice. Albums such as I Love The Blues, She Heard My Cry (1975) helped establish Duke as a significant artist in Europe and the US.



Keyboardist and producer George Duke dies at 67.  (Washington Post, 8/6/2013)
 
Excerpt:  “Reach for It,” a dance groove that could have come from George Clinton’s Parliament, reached No. 2 on the Billboard rhythm-and-blues charts in 1978 and considerably broadened Mr. Duke’s audience — even as it alienated more than a few of his fusion fans.



George Duke, Keyboardist Who Crossed Genre Boundaries, Dies at 67.  (The New York Times, 8/6/2013)

Excerpt: Collaborating with Mr. Clarke, he wrote and sang “Sweet Baby,” a ballad that became his first pop hit, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard singles chart in 1981. 



George Duke Dead: Grammy-Winning Jazz Musician Dies At 67. (Huffington Post, 8/6/2013)

Excerpt:  He worked as musical director for the Soul Train Music Awards and other special events. He also scored songs on soundtracks for "The Five Heartbeats" and "Karate Kid III."
  


Jazz icon George Duke dies at 67. (USA Today, 8/6/2013)

Excerpt:  Duke's final album, DreamWeaver, was released July 16 and made its debut at No. 1 on Billboard's contemporary jazz chart. It was his first new music since the death of his wife, Corine, last year.

Hey, Kathleen, I'm still looking for that directive to set aside library computers for Obamacare use only

No ObamaCare Partnership at Public Libraries, Official Says.  (Norristown Patch, 7/9/2013)

Here's what the American Library Association and the Institute for Museum and Library Services hope to accomplish.  (The highlights are mine.)

They are facilitating access to the resources that librarians need to help people make informed decision about the Affordable Care Act, just like we do in countless other reference transactions.

It is strictly voluntary.  "....for anyone interested...."

No "must".

No "shall".

No "We are delighted to require libraries set aside their public-access computers for Affordable Care Act information only."

  

So tell me, Kathleen.  How often do you meet with your elected officials?  Seems like Richard Kratz caused you to "shiver me timbers".

Oh, by the way.....

Computer Lab at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library 

And one more thing, Kathleen.  Not to inject politics into this post.  (Who, me??!!)  Your county voted for Obama by a wide margin in the 2012 Presidential election.  But really, that shouldn't even be part of the equation here.

In closing, I hope I haven't ruined this classic doo-wop song for any of you reading this post, but it's been running through my head for the past 20 minutes.



Related posts:
Library director responds to hand-wringing over (and misinformation about) librarians providing information.  (8/8/2013)
Some Unsolicited Advice for All You Reference Librarians Out There.  (8/8/2013)
The doctor is out (or, ironically he simply returned to the 20th century).  (8/8/2013)

Dear Brad Hopp, Helping people find information is not an extra-curricular activity at any library.  (8/7/2013)

Library Director Responds to Hand-wringing Over (and Misinformation About) Librarians Providing Information

Comments for "Proposal would bar Brown County from aiding in affordable-care roll-out". (Green Bay Press-Gazette, 8/8/2013)

The key point here, as I see it, is shown in bold print.

Who is Jason Wisneski.?  Find out here.

Related posts:
Some Unsolicited Advice for All You Reference Librarians Out There.  (8/8/2013)
The doctor is out (or, ironically he simply returned to the 20th century).  (8/8/2013)

Dear Brad Hopp, Helping people find information is not an extra-curricular activity at any library.  (8/7/2013)

Some Unsolicited Advice for All You Reference Librarians Out There

Some Libraries Resist Assisting ObamaCare – Some Librarians Express Concerns. (21st Century Library Blog, 8/1/2013)

The comment is offered by Dan Kleinman @ SafeLibraries.

We all have our axes to grind.

Related posts:
The doctor is out (or, ironically he simply returned to the 20th century).  (8/8/2013)

Dear Brad Hopp, Helping people find information is not an extra-curricular activity at any library.  (8/7/2013)

The Doctor is Out (or, Ironically, He Has Simply Returned to the 20th Century)

Some Libraries Resist Assisting ObamaCare – Some Librarians Express Concerns. (21st Century Library Blog, 8/1/2013)

(Emphasis is Dr. Matthews')

No argument with the first part of Matthews' statement, but providing e-government reference services requires much more than a librarian simply providing handouts.

And using an e-government approach to get the word out about Obamacare is simply part of a larger strategy.

LINK

Note the date.

George W, Bush signed the E-Government Act of 2002 into law on December 17, 2002.

From IT Law Wiki:      The law was enacted with the general purpose of promoting better use of the Internet and information technology (IT) to improve government services for citizens, internal government operations, and opportunities for citizen participation in government.

I guess some people are simply doing their jobs.

Related post:

Dear Brad Hopp, Helping people find information is not an extra-curricular activity at any library.  (8/7/2013)

Dear Brad Hopp, Helping people find information is not an extra-curricular activity at any library

Proposal would bar Brown County from aiding in affordable-care roll-out. (Green Bay Press-Gazette, 8/7/2013)

Photo credit:  Brown County

Missouri has taken a statewide approach to this nonsense.

Missouri Citizens Face Obstacles to Coverage.  (The New York Times, 8/2/2013)

Excerpt: While states like Colorado, Connecticut and California race to offer subsidized insurance to their citizens, Missouri stands out among the states that have put up significant obstacles. It has refused to create an insurance exchange, leaving the job to the federal government. It has forbidden state and local government officials to cooperate with the federal exchange. 

It has required insurance counselors to get state licenses before they can help consumers navigate the new insurance market. And, like many states, it has refused to expand Medicaid.

Crisis in the Central African Republic

Violent and Chaotic, Central African Republic Lurches Toward a Crisis.  (The New York Times, 8/5/2013)

Excerpt:    With its suffering largely cut off from the outside world, this landlocked former French colony, population 5.1 million, has catapulted into place as one of Africa’s most troubled countries.

Table of Contents and Summary of Recommendations of SRLAAW Report, "Creating More Effective Public Library Systems"

Full report

2013 System Services/Configuration Discussion Process.  (System and Resource Library Administrators' Association of Wisconsin)

The Sustainable Funding Challenge: Miami Dade Public Library System

Library closings in Miami-Dade could affect 250 jobs.   (South Florida Business Journal, 8/2/2013)

From the Recommendations for the Future of the Library Task Force 
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (10/20/2010)

Highlight added

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library budget FY2014

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library funding history

A Closer Look at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library:
It's no April Fool: Expanded, simplified hours. (4/1/2013)
Library provides an incentive to take a survey.  (1/22/2013)
Lenoir "Lee" Kessler Jr. to Lead Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. (4/10/2012)
Library looking for mid-career corporate or nonprofit exec.  (3/15/2012)
In light of this coup, just how sustainable is funding for the library?  (12/7/2011)
What to do with Charlotte Mecklenburg's main library.  (11/13/2011)
Volunteering.  (6/24/2011)
County Manager proposes $3.26 million increase to library budget. (5/29/2011)
County Manager recommends a $2 million increase to CML budget.  (5/18/2011)
Most chilling fact to consider here.  (4/22/2011)
"Save our library" say Matthews residents.  (4/1/2011)
Charlotte Observer survey: Can you find $2 million in this budget to give to Mecklenburg libraries? (3/25/2011)
Task Force presents final report.  (3/22/2011)
Task Force to present report to joint meeting of Mecklenburg County Commission and Library Board.  (3/19/2011)
Task force walks on eggshells.  (3/17/2011)
Charlotte Mecklenburg 'Future of the Library Task Force' report to be aubmitted next week. (3/16/2011)
Recriminations? No. But you can't avoid the facts of the matter. (3/13/2011)
The battle of the branch libraries.  (3/8/2011)
Survey influences Charlotte Mecklenburg's Future of the Library Task Force. (3/5/2011)
$7.50 per household per year to keep 6 branch libraries open? Sounds reasonable to me.  (3/4/2011)
Up to 6 libraries could close under proposal.  (3/2/2011)
Tuesday vote of Future of Library Task Force likely.  (2/27/2011)
Future of the Library Task Force to release recommendations soon.  (2/8/2011)
Banker to lead Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.  (1/22/2011)
And what about the cost of a joint library-county study committee?  (12/22/2010)
The future does not look bright.  (12/9/2010)
Library boosts fines, fees.  (11/23/2010)
CML libraries and parks:  Survey says...  (10/26/2010)
Future of the library task force.  (10/21/2010)
Volunteers to the rescue.  (10/17/2010)
Charlotte Observer to Harry Jones:  Check your ego at the door.  (9/21/2010)
County manager regrets hitting the 'send' key. (9/18/2010)
Library steering committee veers into off-road territory.  (9/15/2010)
Bank of America and Carolina Panthers kick off library fundraising campaign. (9/14/2010)
Another branch extends hours thanks to volunteer support.  (9/12/2010)
Volunteers step up.  (9/10/2010)
2 branch libraries to open one more day per week.  (9/5/2010)
Library urban legend in the making?  (9/4/2010)
Library launches pilot program to expand hours with volunteers.  (8/31/2010)
Group to study county library merger.  (7/28/2010)
Book stores help out the library.  (7/21/2010)
Libraries hope to expand hours with volunteers at 4 branches.  (7/20/2010)
Another change in hours.  (7/18/2010)
Matthews branch library sends out plea for volunteers.  (7/13/2010)
Most county commissioners cool to sales tax hike.  (7/9/2010)
New hours in effect.  (7/6/2010)
Charlotte Observer editorial board laments the passing of the Novello Festival of the Book.  (6/28/2010)
Shuttered branch could  become Friends' used book store.  (6/25/2010)
A reduced future.  (6/23/2010)
Interlocal cooperation pact.  (6/22/2010)
Three branches close.  (6/19/2010)
Town of Mint Hill perspective.  (6/18/2010)
Five towns tentatively OK $730,000 for libraries.  (6/18/2010)
Carmel, two other branches to close.  (6/16/2010)
Now that the ax has fallen.  (6/16/2010)
Commissioners to vote on budget today.  (6/15/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries:  It's complicated.  (6/9/2010)
Mayor wins straw vote at emotional council meeting.  (6/7/2010)
Editorial:  Should city 'stay in its lane' on libraries.  (6/4/2010)
County commissioners restore some cuts to libraries.  (6/4/2010)
Straw votes begin on Mecklinburg County budget.  (6/3/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries continue to look for one-time financial help.  (5/31/2010)
High school junior speaks out eloquently for libraries.  (5/30/2010)
Mayor Foxx on the art of governing.  (5/30/2010)
Mayor supports financial help for library.  (5/27/2010)
County budget:  Oh, yeah, this is fair.  (5/25/2010)
Bailout proposal not gaining traction.  (5/23/2010)
Library trustees vote to close 4 branches.  (5/20/2010)
Mecklenburg County tightens its belt.  (5/20/2010)
County manager cuts $14.7 million from library budget.  (5/18/2010)
2010-11 Mecklenburg County budget to be unveiled today.  (5/18/2010)
North Carolina woman plans on "going straight to the top" to keep Charlotte libraries open.  (5/16/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg officials ask local municipalities for $3 million contribution.  (4/30/2010
Library Board chair speaks out.  (4/25/2010)
County commissioners seek ways to ease library cuts.  (4/23/2010)
Mecklenburg County needs to reduce $85-90 million deficit.  (4/16/2010)
County manager takes library board to task.  (4/10/2010)
Libraries now open fewer hours.  (4/6/2010)
"Save Our Libraries Sunday".  (3/29/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg users owe average of 55 cents in fines.  (3/27/2010)
Library announces new hours for branches.  (3/26/2010)
Library Board applies a Band-Aid to its bleeding system.  (3/25/2010)
Follow-up on Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board vote.  (3/25/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board votes to keep all branches open.  (3/24/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board presented with 2 budget-cutting alternatives.  (3/24/2010)
More and bigger cuts looming on horizon. (3/23/2010)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library System Rethinks Closings. (3/22/2010)
A New Day is Dawning in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County. (3/21/2010)

Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries haven't seen such large-scale reductions since the Great Depression. (3/17/2010)

See also The Sustainable Funding Challenge for Metro Atlanta Public Libraries.  (8/29/2011)

A Facebook Photo of Cantaloupe and Vanilla Ice Cream Struck a Chord on Facebook Last Night

Photo credit:  Retiring Guy

"That was a favorite of Phil's dad!"

"Holy cow--my Mom, too. I used to eat a melon half filled with ice cream. Now I'm hungry."

"Amen!"

"My Dad too. . .still haven't tried it. . .I like ice cream and I like melon. . .gonna get my brave on!!"

"Our family ate it by cutting one in half, taking the seeds out and replacing with vanilla ice cream. Yum,...
Urban Food Guy reminisces."

Summer Memories:  Cantaloupe and vanilla ice cream.

Alex Rodriguez Brushed His Teeth After Every Game

The New York Times, 8/5/2013

Still Following the Sussex-Lisbon Library Talks (Since 2010)

I hesitate to include the word "progress" in the title of this post.

Pauline Haass Public Library

Photo credit:  Yelp

Lisbon, Sussex library talks resume. Town official: long-term library agreement will continue.  (Sussex Sun, 7/16/2013)

Excerpt:   The present formula provides the community's share operating costs based on the size of their respective tax bases. 

The Village of Sussex pays approximately $455,000 to the library while the Town of Lisbon pays about $435,000. 

Town Chairman Matt Gehrke has said the Village of Sussex share of the operating costs should be higher since village residents use the library more than town residents. 

Negotiations over the new agreement stalled for nearly six months until April when town officials indicated they might be willing put more money into the agreement if negotiations resumed.

Related articles: 
Following a brouhaha over a "most objectionable 3-page letter," library talks to resume between Sussex and Lisbon.  (5/27/2013)
A most objectionable 3-page letter.  (5/10/2013)
Dear Greg; Love, Lisbon Town Board.  (4/27/2013)
Perhaps Pauline Haass is spinning in her grave.  (3/18/2013)
What a long strange trip it's been.  (2/13/2012)
Dueling news releases.  (10/7/2012)
Town of Lisbon wants deep discount in payment for library services.  (9/30/2012)
As the world of joint library agreements turns.  (8/22/2012)
The beat goes on.  (7/2/2012)
Joint library negotiations continue.  (5/13/2012)
Jane Stadler on Paying Taxes: "...it is something that you do because you're part of the community.  (11/26/2011)
Lisbon town chair not likely to get his way on Pauline Haass Library funding. (11/22/2011)
Lisbon Town chair advocates paying for library services on the cheap.  (11/22/2011)
The challenges of shared governance and funding.  (9/28/2011)
Consensus building for new joint library agreement.  (7/22/2011)
Sussex, Lisbon:  Local politics and library negotiations.  (5/28/2011)
Negotiation to continue after information-gathering process.  (10/8/2010)
And the beat goes on.  (10/4/2010)
Differences of opinion of library funding continue.  (9/18/2010)
Leaders of Village of Sussex, Town of Lisbon clash over funding for library. (8/26/2010)
Will annexation resolution interfere with negotiations over joint library agreement?  (8/4/2010)
Proposal to change library funding formula gets cool reception.  (6/7/2010)
Town of Lisbon Chairman proposes new funding formula for library.  (5/31/2010)

What's Your Neighborhood's Walk Score (R)

Walk Score (R)

I would like to add......

Middleton Public Library.   0.60 mi.

I think that deserves at least a few extra points.

Groundbreaking for New Viroqua Library Takes Place on Thursday, August 8

McIntosh Memorial Library, Viroqua

Related posts:
Progress report.  (10/12/2012)
Viroqua Center, Viroqua library update.  (4/15/2012
Plan B unveiled.  (12/16/2011)
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)

An Hour's Worth of Library Ambiance

I'll leave it to you to determine whether or not it's relaxing.


Description:   Enjoy 60 minutes of soothing high fidelity binaural audio recorded at a library in Springfield, Pennsylvania, USA to provide relaxation, induce ASMR and somewhat serve as an audio archive (actual library not pictured). You'll hear me turning pages, removing and replacing books on the shelves, typing at a computer and walking around the library, all the while capturing the ambience, [sic] white noise (the constant hum is not the mics, but overhead lighting I believe) and various random conversations of other visitors. 

Headphones required for complete immersion.

I assume this aural experience was recorded at the Springfield Township Public Library.

The Typewriter: Not Quite Resting in Peace

Typewriters survive in corners of digital era, (La Crosse Tribune, 8/3/2013)

Excerpt: The La Crosse Public Library last month quietly retired its last remaining typewriter. 

There was only one patron requiring its services, and supplies were increasingly difficult to find. The patron has now learned to use a computer.

Scott Walker Offers a Civics Lesson -- and Sends a Message to Scott Fitzgerald and Robin Vos

He can't piss off his base if he expect to get re-elected in 2014.

Scott Walker: Gay Marriage In Wisconsin Won't 'Be Addressed Anytime Soon'. (Huffington Post, 8/5/2013)

Photo credit:  Wikipedia

2006 referemdum.  Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state.

Approved by nearly 60% of the voters.

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

Excerpt:   Asked by Public Policy Polling if same-sex marriage should be allowed, 44% of Wisconsin voters said yes, 46% said no, and 10% said they weren’t sure.

We're #1!!

#1 broadcast television show for the week of July 22-28.


#1 cable television show for the week of July 22-28.  (tie)



#1 movie (August 2-4)


#1 DVD rental (July 22-28)


#1 music album (July 22-28)


#1 music download (July 22-28)

In the News: Great Plains Management

Hog Farms Battling to Contain Deadly Virus. (The New York Times, 8/4/2013)

Excerpt: The outside world is not allowed in a sanitized and isolated pig farm here [1 of 10 big farms operated by Great Plains Management], not far from the Iowa border. 

Visitors must shower before entering, scrubbing from head to toe, trading their street clothes for disinfected coveralls that have never left the premises. Everything inside the temperature-controlled barn housing 3,000 sows has been blasted with antiseptic.

Related post: 
Pigs in Cages, with a Side of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea, for Your Delectation.  (7/12/2013)

Kentucky Bar-b-skewer

Kentucky Political Staple: Barbs and Barbecue. (The New York Times, August 5, 2013)

Excerpt:
But it was the feast of political insults that drew hundreds to a shed nearby, where Senator Mitch McConnell and challengers on his left and right participated in a venerable Kentucky tradition — the annual Fancy Farm picnic, where candidates hurl mocking one-liners while trying to keep their composure in the face of yelling, sign-pumping hecklers. 

This year’s event, on Saturday, was especially raucous because Mr. McConnell’s bid for a sixth term in 2014 has drawn viable opponents on either flank, as well as national attention.

Photo credit:  Wikipedia

Ford Heights Illinois Has a Library Board but No Library -- and There's the Catch

Impoverished suburb has a library district, but no library. (Chicago Tribune, 8/4/2013)

Library closed 2 decades ago when the Village of Ford Heights [no municipal website] could no longer maintain the building, which was eventually razed.

Ford Heights residents are denied use the neighboring Glenwood-Lynwood facility.  The library district cancelled its contract with Ford Heights in 2009 for lack of payment.

Since 2010, the Ford Heights Library District has collected $61,000 in taxes, which, apparently, is not fully accounted for.

Related article:
Something's rotten in Ford Heights: drugs, murder, and charges of corruption in America's poorest suburb.  (Chicago Reader, 6/14/1990)  
The poorest suburb in America.  (Chicago Reader, 9/7/1987)
The view from poorest U.S. suburb.  (The New York Times, 4/20/1987)

There's a Free App for That

One of many Wisconsin examples

Carry your kids' library on your iPad. (Appleton Post-Crescent, 8/5/2013)

Bulleted excerpt with subject headings added:

All of the book collection apps discussed in this column 

• Teaser.  offer a little of their content for free; 
• Destination:   what's in your wallet.  ...but they unlock their riches when you purchase a monthly subscription. 
• No uniformity   They vary in the size of the library, cost and how they deliver their content. 
• Learning curve for each app.  They all focus on presenting a large collection of kids’ books that can be accessed on the go, but differ greatly on the use of technology in that delivery.

Related articles:
In a digital age, parents value printed books for their kids. (Pew Research Center, 5/28/2013)

For Their Children, Many E-book Fans Insist on Paper, (The New York Times, 11/20/2011)

Other ebook posts:
Ebook Flash Sales Grab Consumers' Attention.  (5/27/2013)
 BookStats 2013: It's not all about ebooks.  (5/15/2013)
Staying ahead of the learning curve.  (4/9/2013)
"Books are dead yet," sez Salon.  (3/21/2013)
Ebooks and the hype of emerging technology.  (1/8/2013)
Based on this column graph, print books are not likely to go away anytime soon.  (1/2/2013)
Printed books still lead ebooks by a significant margin.  (12/28/2012)
Ebook market pauses to take a breath.  (12/25/2012)
Year-to-date book revenues:  Jan-Jul 2011 and Jan-Jul 2012.  (11/1/2012)
Libraries get screwed when it comes to price of and access to ebooks.  (9/10/2012)
Millennials lead the way....to fewer bookstores?  (8/22/2012)
Ebooks sliding down the peak of inflated expectations.  (8/18/2012)
Adult hardcover book sales hold their own, paperbacks sales drop in 1st quarter of 2012.  (6/17/2012)
Library ebook circulation skyrockets @ the Greendale Public Library and throughout Wisconsin.  (5/29/2012)
In so many words:  Libraries will have a place at the table. (4/30/2012)
3M Cloud Library ebook lending service goes beta at select libraries.  (4/28/2012)
Pew Research:  The rise of e-reading, summarized. (4/5/2012)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution attempts to get a handle on the ebook era.  (4/2/2012)
And I quote from "Bringing Up an E-Reader".  (3/29/2012)
The Philadelphia Inquirer editorial board weighs in on ebooks and libraries. (3/19/2012)
Carl Zimmer responds to Franzen.  (1/31/2012)
It's only Monday but this is still the best ebook headline of the week.  (1/20/2012)
Jonathan Franzen has something to say about ebooks.  (1/30/2012)
As they have been doing all along, libraries adapt to technology.  (1/29/2012)
Floating an Idea: The Harvard Library Innovation Laboratory's Library License.  (1/17/2012) 
Getting in line @ your library for ebooks.  (1/15/2012)
The Post-Christmas ebook sales surge. (1/10/2012)
Honey, we've been 'trying' it.  For years.  (12/25/2011)
Chris Bohjalian on our totemic connection to books.  (12/20/2011)
Hold that bricks-and-mortar bookstore obituary.  (12/13/2011)
Your local public library: The greenest option of all in the ebooks vs. print books debate.  (12/11/2011)
Go directly to Amazon, do not pass library.  (11/3/2011)
Ebooks in U.S. public libraries.  (10/22/2011)
How ebook buyers discover books.  (9/27/2011)
Cookbooks make the transition to digital publishing.  (9/27/2011)
Redefining what an ebook is and who gets to publish it. (9/19/2011)
The L.A.Times on ebooks: An Amazon tablet, push into interactivity. (9/16/2011)
The Economist:  "Great digital expectations".  (9/16/2011)
Lev Grossman presents a short history of the reading device..  (9/6/2011)
Speaking of gadgets, here's the latest iteration of ebooks.  (8/25/2011)
Sounds like another digital divide in the making.  (7/30/2011)
Libraries and ebooks:  Any book, not any time soon.  (6/1/2011)
On the distinction between the book reader and the book owner.  (5/10/2011)
Demand for ebooks grows exponentially in Wisconsin.  (5/2/2011)
Struggling to find an ebook common agenda between libraries and publishers.  (4/5/2011)
Ebooks and libraries:  "The challenges just keep piling up".  (3/28/2011)
Publishers Weekly tracks ebook sales.  (3/18/2011)
Word is getting out:  Ebooks @ your library.  (3/18/2011)
Ebooks continue to gain market share.  (3/17/2011)
Publishers look to bottom line in formulating ebook policies for libraries. (3/15/2011)
News stories on HarperCollins ebook decision go mainstream.  (3/5/2011)
9 years of book sales:  trade and ebook.  (2/17/2011)
Will ebook readers be wooed by Barbara Cartland?  (2/12/2011)
The impact of ebooks on libraries.  (2/11/2011)
OverDrive news release: Library eBook circs up 200% in '10. (1/10/2011)
Mashable: 5 ebook trends that will change the future of publishing. (12/29/2010)
Christmas 2010 the tipping point for ebooks?  (12/24/2010)
Ereader as brown paper bag.  (12/9/2010)
The ebook reader compatibility surprise.  (12/3/2010)
Ereader ownership:  Survey says....  (11/30/2010)
David Carnoy asks, "Does the Kindle pay for itself?" (11/29/2010)
Need to repair that ebook reader?  (11/19/2010)
Who uses an ereader:  Survey says....  (9/22/2010)
Book industry wrestles with print vs. pixels.  (9/2/2010)
Coming soon to a screen near you:  Ads in ebooks.  (8/20/2010)
Ebooks now comprise 8.5% of book sales. (8/12/2010)
Genre paperback publishers drops print.  (8/6/2010)
Ebooks and libraries.  (5/4/2010)
Ebooks eliminate a free form of adversiting:  the book jacket.  (3/31/2010)
Ebooks: another round of false promises?  (3/19/2010)
The skinny on ebooks.  (3/8/2010)