When it comes to the economy, what can I tell you that you haven’t heard already? It almost seems that every day more and more Americans are losing their jobs. People are counting every dime to make ends meet and there seems little chance of improvement in the very near future. The quality of life for the average Joe out there is just not what it was and it just may not be for quite some time to come. Dire talk, but it’s the truth.
As most Americans struggle to pay their bills they’re also looking for ways to get ahead, to improve themselves and figure out how to still enjoy life at little cost. And then there are those Americans who simply want to find a job. People are searching for answers, looking for help and not sure where to turn to first. I would strongly suggest that you place the local public library near the top of the list.
Although your Palm Harbor Library has also been hit hard by this recession, losing up to $250,000 annually over the past two years and facing another significant decrease this forthcoming year, it still strongly adheres to its principles of bridging the gap between the haves and have not’s while providing free access to all. Now that may sound a bit highfalutin’, but that’s what we do.
In a recent online article by Jim Rettig for the Huffington Post, he states “We already know that through their power to educate and to inspire libraries level the playing field for underserved communities. It is the library that opens the door to life-changing books and provides access to the worlds beyond our communities. Perhaps most importantly, libraries exist as centers of culture. As the nation continues to experience a sharp and jarring economic downturn, local libraries are providing valuable free tools and services to help Americans of all ages through this time of uncertainty. The public library is the only option many Americans have for financial advice and information to secure their families’ futures. In Florida, a study showed that libraries create jobs, raises wages and increase gross regional product, returning $6.54 for each dollar invested. As our country faces the challenges and uncertainty of this time, the public library is one constant that all Americans, regardless of age or economic status, can count on.”
So what exactly are we doing to help you?
As Mr. Rettig alluded to, your library does offer several print and non-print materials regarding financial maters that you can either use or borrow for free. You can obtain this information with your free library card or by accessing the library’s website at www.palmharborlibrary.org. We offer various types of free computer classes, free usage of computers and free business services. We also offer free e-government services.
As for your leisure hours, save your money at the book stores, video stores and music stores. We got it all here. Get the latest new books, DVDs, CDs as well as classic LP records. We even loan out a portable turn table! And then there are puzzles, educational toys, “Book-Clubs-To-Go”, genealogy services, literacy services, homework helpers and as they say, so much more.
Many years ago in library school I was taught that a successful library is one that responds to the needs of the community it serves. Fancy talk, but it’s the truth.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
College Entrance and Admissions 101
St. Petersburg College will be presenting an informational free program for high school students (9th-12th graders only) and their parents on Thursday, January 21, at 6:00 p.m. at the Palm Harbor Library.
The program will focus on the college entrance process and financial aid tips, followed by a question-and-answer session. Registration, which begins January 2, is required. Sign up by phone at 727-784-3332, Ext. 3006, or online at www.palmharborlibrary.org.
The program will focus on the college entrance process and financial aid tips, followed by a question-and-answer session. Registration, which begins January 2, is required. Sign up by phone at 727-784-3332, Ext. 3006, or online at www.palmharborlibrary.org.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Early Childhood Fair
Have you been thinking about preschool programs or schools for your children? Do you wish you knew more about the different types of classes, and what each has to offer? Then stop by the Palm Harbor Library on Saturday morning, January 9, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., for some “one-stop shopping” in the form of the library’s annual Early Childhood Fair. Representatives from over 25 schools, programs, and agencies will be available to answer your questions, provide information about costs and registration, and offer free handouts and prizes! Coordinated Child Care of Pinellas County, the agency responsible for licensing day care providers and preschools, will be available to assist you in previewing and choosing the best school and caregivers for your most precious possessions – your children!
This Early Childhood Fair will be held in the Community Room of the library, located at 2330 Nebraska Avenue. If you have any questions, please call the Youth Services Department at (727) 784-3332, Ext. 3018.
This Early Childhood Fair will be held in the Community Room of the library, located at 2330 Nebraska Avenue. If you have any questions, please call the Youth Services Department at (727) 784-3332, Ext. 3018.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Library as the Third Place
The most recent buzz in library world is that we are now the “third place”. But I have heard that other institutions see themselves as something similar. As a matter of fact, in a Time article the CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz also saw his stores as filling this need. So what is this “third place” and why is it important? This is a two-part question so let me answer the first.
The “third place” is where you go to after your home and workplace. In his influential book The Great, Good Place, Ray Oldenburg argues that “third places” are important for civil society, democracy and civic engagement. “Third places” are “anchors” of community life and facilities and foster broader, more creative interaction. Further, Oldenburg suggests these hallmarks of a true “third place”: free or inexpensive; food and drink, while not essential are important; highly accessible; proximity for many; involve regulars- those who habitually congregate there; welcoming and comfortable; both new friends and old should be found there.
So I got to thinking, isn’t that what public libraries do and have been doing since our doors first opened? Haven’t we been exhibiting these hallmarks (especially the “free” part) for quite some time already? And if so, does that mean we are more than just books? Yes, yes and yes!
Over the years I have written about the various services public libraries offer and how it continues expanding today. I have talked about our Deaf Literacy opportunities, loaning out umbrellas, books on CDs, music CDs, teen and intergenerational programs, the Business Center, the Adaptive Toy Collection for mentally delayed and physically challenged individuals, wireless capability as well as online resources. However, throughout all these evolving services the library has always hosted for free, a neutral location of face to face dialogues, be it formal or not, of issues confronting our community. Such instances included “Meet the Candidates” and “Legislative Breakfast” forums in cooperation with the Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce, the “Teen Town Hall” where only teens were allowed to raise questions to local community leaders, the on-going “Socrates’ Café” which provides opportunities to debate current issues, PHL’s Book Club and a “Ethics in Business” panel discussion. These are all forms of what a true “third place” should be; a forum of continuous, “civic engagements”.
Public Libraries have been referred to as “Temples of Civic Engagement” for its central role in bridging the full divides of people by bringing them back to the “public square”. Public libraries may be seen in many ways, but in this regard they are:
- a civic information center
- serving as partners in public service
- a public forum
- an enabler of civic literacy
- a public advocate
Chronicler and author of the disintegration and revival of the American community, Robert Putnam, stated that “Citizenship is not a spectator sport.” We at Palm Harbor Library couldn’t agree more. Beginning in 2010, the library will initiate a series of public discussions under the National Issues Forum Institute (www.nifi.org) as one more way to engage the community in confronting issues through raising awareness and soliciting ideas.
A wise old sage once said, “When you are growing up, there are two institutional places that affect you most powerfully- the church, which belongs to God and the public library, which belongs to you. The public library is a great equalizer.” Looks like Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones knew his “third place”.
When you’re seeking your “third place”, you’ll have several choices. Starbucks could be one of them. Your public library is another. Come to us for your books and CDs. Come to us to congregate, feel welcomed and see old and new friends. Come to us to be civically engaged and be part of the dialogue. We’ll save a chair for you.
The “third place” is where you go to after your home and workplace. In his influential book The Great, Good Place, Ray Oldenburg argues that “third places” are important for civil society, democracy and civic engagement. “Third places” are “anchors” of community life and facilities and foster broader, more creative interaction. Further, Oldenburg suggests these hallmarks of a true “third place”: free or inexpensive; food and drink, while not essential are important; highly accessible; proximity for many; involve regulars- those who habitually congregate there; welcoming and comfortable; both new friends and old should be found there.
So I got to thinking, isn’t that what public libraries do and have been doing since our doors first opened? Haven’t we been exhibiting these hallmarks (especially the “free” part) for quite some time already? And if so, does that mean we are more than just books? Yes, yes and yes!
Over the years I have written about the various services public libraries offer and how it continues expanding today. I have talked about our Deaf Literacy opportunities, loaning out umbrellas, books on CDs, music CDs, teen and intergenerational programs, the Business Center, the Adaptive Toy Collection for mentally delayed and physically challenged individuals, wireless capability as well as online resources. However, throughout all these evolving services the library has always hosted for free, a neutral location of face to face dialogues, be it formal or not, of issues confronting our community. Such instances included “Meet the Candidates” and “Legislative Breakfast” forums in cooperation with the Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce, the “Teen Town Hall” where only teens were allowed to raise questions to local community leaders, the on-going “Socrates’ Café” which provides opportunities to debate current issues, PHL’s Book Club and a “Ethics in Business” panel discussion. These are all forms of what a true “third place” should be; a forum of continuous, “civic engagements”.
Public Libraries have been referred to as “Temples of Civic Engagement” for its central role in bridging the full divides of people by bringing them back to the “public square”. Public libraries may be seen in many ways, but in this regard they are:
- a civic information center
- serving as partners in public service
- a public forum
- an enabler of civic literacy
- a public advocate
Chronicler and author of the disintegration and revival of the American community, Robert Putnam, stated that “Citizenship is not a spectator sport.” We at Palm Harbor Library couldn’t agree more. Beginning in 2010, the library will initiate a series of public discussions under the National Issues Forum Institute (www.nifi.org) as one more way to engage the community in confronting issues through raising awareness and soliciting ideas.
A wise old sage once said, “When you are growing up, there are two institutional places that affect you most powerfully- the church, which belongs to God and the public library, which belongs to you. The public library is a great equalizer.” Looks like Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones knew his “third place”.
When you’re seeking your “third place”, you’ll have several choices. Starbucks could be one of them. Your public library is another. Come to us for your books and CDs. Come to us to congregate, feel welcomed and see old and new friends. Come to us to be civically engaged and be part of the dialogue. We’ll save a chair for you.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Library Stuff
As I head into my 10th year as Director of your library (Where has the time flown?), I’ve written on all kinds of topics and honestly after a while, it gets a bit tougher to find something to talk about that won’t put you to sleep.
Well this time out certainly won’t be scintillating or provocative but perhaps a bit amusing and maybe if I’m lucky, a chuckle or two. You see, I’m going to expose some library miscellanea right out of “The Whole Library Handbook 4”, Dewey # 020.973 EBE that is usually reserved just for librarians. It talks about everything you can possibly imagine about librarianship and more. I know, hot stuff, but you got to work with what you got. So let’s see what nuggets of wisdom can be revealed from this holy grail of library world………..
-Quotes:
“There are, of course, worse places to wait for someone than in a library.”
-Valerie wolzien, All Hallows Evil (1992), p. 84
“In a liberry, it’s hard to avoid reading.”
-Anonymous student, in New York Times, July 23, 1976, p. A21
“For myself, public libraries possess a special horror. The stillness and the heavy air, the feeling of restriction and surveillance, the mute presence of these other readers, ‘all silent and all damned’, combine to set-up a nervous irritation to quiet study.”
-Kenneth Grahame, Pagan Papers (1894) p. 57.
-Librarians in Detective Fiction:
“The Gutenberg Murders”, 1931, by Gwen Bristow and Bruce Manning
Nine leaves from a Gutenberg Bible have been stolen from the rare books collection of the private Sheldon Memorial Library in New Orleans. The chief suspect, assistant librarian Quentin Ulman, turns up dead. Head Librarian Dr. Prentiss- “a scholar of pictures and legends, tall and slender, with a droop to his shoulders that suggested much bending over a desk, and long delicate hands that seem made for caressing the crumbly pages of old books”- may not be the quiet bibliophile he seems.
“The Cruellest Month”, 1991, by Hazel Holt
Irascible part-time librarian, Gwen Richmond is killed by a falling Encyclopedia Britannica in the New Bodleian Library at Oxford, but British literary critic Sheila Malory suspects foul play.
“Enrollment Cancelled”, 1954, by D. B. Olsen
Two female undergrads at Clarendon College are murdered, both of them know to straitlaced thirty-something librarian Miss Pettit.
-Odd Book Titles:
“How to Cook a Bigfoot” by Theata Iona Crowe, 2000
“The English: Are They Human?” by Gustaaf Johannes Renier, 1931
“Santa Claus: Last of the Wild Men” by Phyllis Siefker, 1997
-Librarians in Film:
“All the Queen’s Men”, 2001:
Romy is a sexy librarian and underground resistance fighter in Nazi Germany who operates a safe house in the library’s attic.
“Firestarter 2: Rekindled”, 2002:
Pyrokinetic student Charlene McGee works part-time in the campus library.
“Ophelia Learns to Swim”, 2000:
Dian Kobayashi is the Librarian, a super-heroine who is a fount of knowledge.
-Haunted Libraries in Florida:
Miami, Southwest Miami High School:
Books in the Media Center are often rearranged and the lights flicker.
Tampa, Howard W. Blake High School:
A cold spot can be felt around the tables in the back of the library.
West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Atlantic University Library:
A janitor who disappeared mysteriously haunts the library near an old janitor’s closet.
Well there you go; a plethora of useless library info for your entertainment. But I think it would be a fitting end with a library joke. It goes like this:
A patron asked the librarian why “Tales of Robin Hood” had been withdrawn from the collection. The librarian replied, “Too much Saxon violence.”
Hey, it’s the best I got.
Well this time out certainly won’t be scintillating or provocative but perhaps a bit amusing and maybe if I’m lucky, a chuckle or two. You see, I’m going to expose some library miscellanea right out of “The Whole Library Handbook 4”, Dewey # 020.973 EBE that is usually reserved just for librarians. It talks about everything you can possibly imagine about librarianship and more. I know, hot stuff, but you got to work with what you got. So let’s see what nuggets of wisdom can be revealed from this holy grail of library world………..
-Quotes:
“There are, of course, worse places to wait for someone than in a library.”
-Valerie wolzien, All Hallows Evil (1992), p. 84
“In a liberry, it’s hard to avoid reading.”
-Anonymous student, in New York Times, July 23, 1976, p. A21
“For myself, public libraries possess a special horror. The stillness and the heavy air, the feeling of restriction and surveillance, the mute presence of these other readers, ‘all silent and all damned’, combine to set-up a nervous irritation to quiet study.”
-Kenneth Grahame, Pagan Papers (1894) p. 57.
-Librarians in Detective Fiction:
“The Gutenberg Murders”, 1931, by Gwen Bristow and Bruce Manning
Nine leaves from a Gutenberg Bible have been stolen from the rare books collection of the private Sheldon Memorial Library in New Orleans. The chief suspect, assistant librarian Quentin Ulman, turns up dead. Head Librarian Dr. Prentiss- “a scholar of pictures and legends, tall and slender, with a droop to his shoulders that suggested much bending over a desk, and long delicate hands that seem made for caressing the crumbly pages of old books”- may not be the quiet bibliophile he seems.
“The Cruellest Month”, 1991, by Hazel Holt
Irascible part-time librarian, Gwen Richmond is killed by a falling Encyclopedia Britannica in the New Bodleian Library at Oxford, but British literary critic Sheila Malory suspects foul play.
“Enrollment Cancelled”, 1954, by D. B. Olsen
Two female undergrads at Clarendon College are murdered, both of them know to straitlaced thirty-something librarian Miss Pettit.
-Odd Book Titles:
“How to Cook a Bigfoot” by Theata Iona Crowe, 2000
“The English: Are They Human?” by Gustaaf Johannes Renier, 1931
“Santa Claus: Last of the Wild Men” by Phyllis Siefker, 1997
-Librarians in Film:
“All the Queen’s Men”, 2001:
Romy is a sexy librarian and underground resistance fighter in Nazi Germany who operates a safe house in the library’s attic.
“Firestarter 2: Rekindled”, 2002:
Pyrokinetic student Charlene McGee works part-time in the campus library.
“Ophelia Learns to Swim”, 2000:
Dian Kobayashi is the Librarian, a super-heroine who is a fount of knowledge.
-Haunted Libraries in Florida:
Miami, Southwest Miami High School:
Books in the Media Center are often rearranged and the lights flicker.
Tampa, Howard W. Blake High School:
A cold spot can be felt around the tables in the back of the library.
West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Atlantic University Library:
A janitor who disappeared mysteriously haunts the library near an old janitor’s closet.
Well there you go; a plethora of useless library info for your entertainment. But I think it would be a fitting end with a library joke. It goes like this:
A patron asked the librarian why “Tales of Robin Hood” had been withdrawn from the collection. The librarian replied, “Too much Saxon violence.”
Hey, it’s the best I got.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A How-to for Book Discussion Groups
There are many reasons why we enjoy reading. It may include pure escapism, the wonder of learning something new, a chance to live vicariously or simply something pleasant to distract us while we’re waiting for our favorite doctor or dentist. Reading can be cheap (especially if you visit your local public library), easily mobile without any cords attached and it’s something that can be done at your pace, within your schedule without any time limits. What a great invention!
This wonderful way to occupy and stimulate your mind has been around since before Homer to Hiaasen. It’s a one on one experience with you and your characters, you and your emotions. And what did you learn? What did you really like about it? Why did you hate it? And why don’t they write stuff like this anymore? Good questions but guess what? You’re not the only one asking these questions. There are quite a few others out there just like you and they sure would like to meet, and discuss with you, the merits of what you just read. This, my fellow book lovers is what we call a “book discussion” group.
This concept has been around for quite some time in one form or another. It had its highs and lows in popularity but it has always been around. Either it was held in someone’s home, at a club, in a church or (in my favorite setting) at a public library.
The basic “rules” for a book discussion group is pretty simple. You get a bunch of people together who are interested in reading and sharing their thoughts about books, pick a book, pick a place to discuss the book, pick a time then discuss the book. That’s the bare bones of it but during my 18 years of coordinating book discussions I’ve discovered a few other things. First, not every book discussion group is conducted exactly the same way. Some will rotate the “leader” and some will keep the same one. Second, some will do just one type of genre such as mysteries, histories and romances while others will mix it up. Third, some will meet monthly while others will make it an annual family event. In other words, there are all kinds of groups but the common denominator for all of them is simply to read and discuss.
As a model to start your own book discussion group, here are some elements I have found helpful:
1) When possible, limit your group to 12 maximum. It gives everyone an opportunity to speak.
2) Have a strong and fair leader. He/she will guide and keep the discussion on track without letting a few loud voices dominate the conversation while encouraging the others to speak.
3) Pick a book democratically. This is a tough one but everyone should have a say so.
4) The leader should be prepared to introduce the author with a brief biography and have questions prepared to stimulate conversation when the discussion gets stalled.
5) Arrange the seating in a circle so everyone can see and hear each other.
6) Provide food (my favorite). You can’t miss!
7) Most important thing to remember is that this is not school! This is not an assignment. This should be fun.
Well those are the highlights. There’s much more but at least you get a feeling of what you may be getting yourself into.
Happy reading!
This wonderful way to occupy and stimulate your mind has been around since before Homer to Hiaasen. It’s a one on one experience with you and your characters, you and your emotions. And what did you learn? What did you really like about it? Why did you hate it? And why don’t they write stuff like this anymore? Good questions but guess what? You’re not the only one asking these questions. There are quite a few others out there just like you and they sure would like to meet, and discuss with you, the merits of what you just read. This, my fellow book lovers is what we call a “book discussion” group.
This concept has been around for quite some time in one form or another. It had its highs and lows in popularity but it has always been around. Either it was held in someone’s home, at a club, in a church or (in my favorite setting) at a public library.
The basic “rules” for a book discussion group is pretty simple. You get a bunch of people together who are interested in reading and sharing their thoughts about books, pick a book, pick a place to discuss the book, pick a time then discuss the book. That’s the bare bones of it but during my 18 years of coordinating book discussions I’ve discovered a few other things. First, not every book discussion group is conducted exactly the same way. Some will rotate the “leader” and some will keep the same one. Second, some will do just one type of genre such as mysteries, histories and romances while others will mix it up. Third, some will meet monthly while others will make it an annual family event. In other words, there are all kinds of groups but the common denominator for all of them is simply to read and discuss.
As a model to start your own book discussion group, here are some elements I have found helpful:
1) When possible, limit your group to 12 maximum. It gives everyone an opportunity to speak.
2) Have a strong and fair leader. He/she will guide and keep the discussion on track without letting a few loud voices dominate the conversation while encouraging the others to speak.
3) Pick a book democratically. This is a tough one but everyone should have a say so.
4) The leader should be prepared to introduce the author with a brief biography and have questions prepared to stimulate conversation when the discussion gets stalled.
5) Arrange the seating in a circle so everyone can see and hear each other.
6) Provide food (my favorite). You can’t miss!
7) Most important thing to remember is that this is not school! This is not an assignment. This should be fun.
Well those are the highlights. There’s much more but at least you get a feeling of what you may be getting yourself into.
Happy reading!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Bibliophiles, unite!
It’s amazing sometimes how things just creep up on you like birthdays and holidays and PHiL’s (Palm Harbor Library) Book Club is no exception. Unbelievable as it may seem, we’re now into our tenth year of reading, eating and meeting. Considering this momentous occasion, I thought I’d take a few moments of your time to tell you what we’ve been reading and what’s coming up.
This year’s crop of titles encompasses a wide range of authors, backgrounds, cultures and genres. There’s just about something for everyone. For example, the new reading year kicked off with Jhumpa Lariri’s Pulitzer Prize winning collection of short stories, The Interpreter of Maladies. Other international settings include My Life in France by Julia Child and remote 19th century China in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.
We will also be discussing art in Susan Vreeland’s The Passion of Artemisia and American history in The Hemingses of Monticello by Annette Gordon-Reed, winner of the National Book Award.
All book club dates meet at 11 AM and at 7 PM at Palm Harbor Library. A complete list of titles and dates are below:
In today’s society you got a lot of choices how to spend your leisure time. Sure, one of the easiest things to do is pull out the remote and click but if you want to be with friends, meet new friends, laugh, discuss, learn and eat, this may be the place for you. And here’s the best part. It’s free!
So stop by and walk the left bank of Paris, meet one of the first great female painters, experience a Florida nearly long gone and perhaps, fall in love with reading all over again.
See you next Monday.
This year’s crop of titles encompasses a wide range of authors, backgrounds, cultures and genres. There’s just about something for everyone. For example, the new reading year kicked off with Jhumpa Lariri’s Pulitzer Prize winning collection of short stories, The Interpreter of Maladies. Other international settings include My Life in France by Julia Child and remote 19th century China in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.
We will also be discussing art in Susan Vreeland’s The Passion of Artemisia and American history in The Hemingses of Monticello by Annette Gordon-Reed, winner of the National Book Award.
All book club dates meet at 11 AM and at 7 PM at Palm Harbor Library. A complete list of titles and dates are below:
PHiL’s BOOK CLUB
READING LIST
JULY 2009 to JUNE 2010
Monday July 13th, 2009- Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
Monday August 10th- One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Monday September 14th- My Life in France by Julia Child
Monday October 12th- Cross Creek by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Monday November 9th- Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
Monday December 14th- Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larson
Monday January 11th, 2010- Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama
Monday Feb. 8th- Known World by Edward P. Jones
Monday March 8th- The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland
Monday April 12th- The Piano Shop on the Left Bank by Thad Carhart
Monday May 10th- The Hemingses of Monticello by Annette Gordon-Reed
Monday June 14th- Breathing Lessons by Ann Tyler
In today’s society you got a lot of choices how to spend your leisure time. Sure, one of the easiest things to do is pull out the remote and click but if you want to be with friends, meet new friends, laugh, discuss, learn and eat, this may be the place for you. And here’s the best part. It’s free!
So stop by and walk the left bank of Paris, meet one of the first great female painters, experience a Florida nearly long gone and perhaps, fall in love with reading all over again.
See you next Monday.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Public Art Commission for Palm Harbor Library: “Beyond the Blue”
Approximately two to three years ago, the library approached Pinellas County Cultural Affairs to determine the feasibility of obtaining public art. After a formal presentation and much follow-up discussion, the library was approved with a $50,000 grant to secure a piece of public art work. Shortly afterwards a “Call to Artists” was issued. Eventually 105 applications were received.
After a lengthy review by the Public Art Selection Panel, Michael Cain from New Orleans, Louisiana was selected. He has created a series of totem and relief sculptures in front of the library. Titled "Beyond the Blue”, the artwork is based on the artist’s vision of the library as being a place of knowledge and community story telling.
The artist himself tells his story through colorful symbols and images, including the sea, people, birds, books, maritime flags, and lotus flowers. His story depicts “a quest for knowledge”. The main elements of this installation include three totem-pole-like structures. Each totem conveys its own meaning: totem #1 represents the seeds of knowledge, totem #2 (center) pays homage to the essence of community connection, and totem #3 (including the images on the wall behind the totems) refers to the power of the sea to serve as a symbolic repository of knowledge.
In front of the three totems is an open book (metal) that is mounted to a reading stand. The open page reads “Knowledge is the seed of our own creativity, the foundation that strengthens our community and the landmark that guides our course of action”. Michael Cain believes that this is one of the most important aspects of the sculpture. “When we pick up a book and invest the time in reading it, in a way, the book becomes part of us. There is a continual interplay between people and the written word. The reader gets inspired and then becomes the writer, who, in turn, inspires the next reader, and so on. We all place ourselves in context within the stories that we can relate to.”
This artwork can be enjoyed both day and night, as it is illuminated by colorful strips of energy-saving LED lights.
The Public Art Selection Panel which helped guide this project was chaired by architect Steve Klar and included: Susan Gehring, Artist; John Toppe, Architect; Lynn Whitelaw, Director, Leepa-Rattner Museum; Lynn Neff, Artist and Public Art and Design Committee Member; Irene Finger, Community Representative; Nedima Ablakovic, County Public Works and myself.
If you would like to learn more about Pinellas County’s Public Art Program, please contact Pinellas County Cultural Affairs at (727) 453-7860, or visit www.pinellasarts.org. For information about Palm Harbor Library please visit our updated website at www.palmharborlibrary.org.
After a lengthy review by the Public Art Selection Panel, Michael Cain from New Orleans, Louisiana was selected. He has created a series of totem and relief sculptures in front of the library. Titled "Beyond the Blue”, the artwork is based on the artist’s vision of the library as being a place of knowledge and community story telling.
The artist himself tells his story through colorful symbols and images, including the sea, people, birds, books, maritime flags, and lotus flowers. His story depicts “a quest for knowledge”. The main elements of this installation include three totem-pole-like structures. Each totem conveys its own meaning: totem #1 represents the seeds of knowledge, totem #2 (center) pays homage to the essence of community connection, and totem #3 (including the images on the wall behind the totems) refers to the power of the sea to serve as a symbolic repository of knowledge.
In front of the three totems is an open book (metal) that is mounted to a reading stand. The open page reads “Knowledge is the seed of our own creativity, the foundation that strengthens our community and the landmark that guides our course of action”. Michael Cain believes that this is one of the most important aspects of the sculpture. “When we pick up a book and invest the time in reading it, in a way, the book becomes part of us. There is a continual interplay between people and the written word. The reader gets inspired and then becomes the writer, who, in turn, inspires the next reader, and so on. We all place ourselves in context within the stories that we can relate to.”
This artwork can be enjoyed both day and night, as it is illuminated by colorful strips of energy-saving LED lights.
The Public Art Selection Panel which helped guide this project was chaired by architect Steve Klar and included: Susan Gehring, Artist; John Toppe, Architect; Lynn Whitelaw, Director, Leepa-Rattner Museum; Lynn Neff, Artist and Public Art and Design Committee Member; Irene Finger, Community Representative; Nedima Ablakovic, County Public Works and myself.
If you would like to learn more about Pinellas County’s Public Art Program, please contact Pinellas County Cultural Affairs at (727) 453-7860, or visit www.pinellasarts.org. For information about Palm Harbor Library please visit our updated website at www.palmharborlibrary.org.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Environmental Endeavor
As some of you may know by now, the library has begun a new partnership with a local, non-profit, ecological design landscaping organization called "Plan C Initiative". Its purpose is to empower communities to landscape yards, common-areas, and public areas, so as to support people and wildlife. The library grounds are one of the best possible frameworks to achieve this for many reasons:
1) It is a public space visited by thousands of community members every year.
2) It is a place where people come expecting to find resources and to learn.
3) It provides great outdoor and indoor demonstration possibilities within an urban setting, to give people the tools they need to apply their knowledge at home.
The ultimate goal is to design and re-landscape all the areas surrounding the library building. The design for each of these areas will showcase different plant communities, and will work with many of the plants that already exist on site, as well as with the character of the building and that of the land that surrounds the library. The one thing in common is that each of these areas will be landscaped with a mixture of native and edible plants in such a way that facilitates exploration, and will include signage that describes the plants and their functions.
This entire program will be done in several phases over the next year+ beginning on the north side by the outdoor sculpture and halfway along the west side (Riviere Rd.) up to the front entrance of the building.
The first phase was done the weekend of December 5-6 with the help of community members such as yourself. These wonderful volunteers planted, mulched and created pine straw pathways. The next phase will complete the west side and the south-east side of the building. The latter area is located south of the book drive. It is here, in addition to the new plantings that a reading garden will be installed.
I think we did a good job renovating the inside of the library in 2008. I also think you’ll be pleased with the outside when we’re done in 2010. Either way, it’s your library. Enjoy it!
1) It is a public space visited by thousands of community members every year.
2) It is a place where people come expecting to find resources and to learn.
3) It provides great outdoor and indoor demonstration possibilities within an urban setting, to give people the tools they need to apply their knowledge at home.
The ultimate goal is to design and re-landscape all the areas surrounding the library building. The design for each of these areas will showcase different plant communities, and will work with many of the plants that already exist on site, as well as with the character of the building and that of the land that surrounds the library. The one thing in common is that each of these areas will be landscaped with a mixture of native and edible plants in such a way that facilitates exploration, and will include signage that describes the plants and their functions.
This entire program will be done in several phases over the next year+ beginning on the north side by the outdoor sculpture and halfway along the west side (Riviere Rd.) up to the front entrance of the building.
The first phase was done the weekend of December 5-6 with the help of community members such as yourself. These wonderful volunteers planted, mulched and created pine straw pathways. The next phase will complete the west side and the south-east side of the building. The latter area is located south of the book drive. It is here, in addition to the new plantings that a reading garden will be installed.
I think we did a good job renovating the inside of the library in 2008. I also think you’ll be pleased with the outside when we’re done in 2010. Either way, it’s your library. Enjoy it!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Life of a Donated Book
I know. It’s not the kind of title that’s going to grab you. It’s not riveting, sexy, controversial or thought provoking. However, it may just make you realize how important your donation really is. Let me tell you how this story goes…
It’s spring cleaning, you’re moving, you’ve run out of room or you just graduated and over the years you have collected a lot of stuff. There’s some you keep, some you throw away, some you sell and then there’s that stuff you don’t know what to do with but you figure that somebody is going to want it. Now when it comes to books (you can also fill in here videos, tapes, magazines, toys, puzzles, CDs), chances are the local public library will be your location of choice. You think to yourself, what better place could use them? And you know something? You’re right!
So you gather your cardboard boxes/plastic crates/Publix bags filled with donations and drop them off at either Palm Harbor Library’s drive-up window or bring them to the front of the building. At this point some staff member will formally tell you that yes we do accept these types of donations providing they’re in reasonably good condition and it is understood the library will determine how best to use them. Alright now, what does that mean?
There are several ways your book can go. Here’s the super six list:
1) Add it to the Adult Collection
2) Add it to the Children’s Collection
3) Add it to the Teen Collection
4) Give it to the Friends of the Library to sell
5) Donate it in turn to another organization (more on this in just a bit)
6) Dump it. Why? Because…
-the box was filled with critters
-the box was wet (and so are the books)
-the books are outdated (You really can’t use a medical book published in 1990. I know I wouldn’t!)
Obviously the first three options are what we look for. As our budget decreases, donations become more valuable. #4 is also very important because through your donations, we’re able to stock the library’s new Friends of the Library Book Store and through that little venture the library receives significant financial support. Case in point, it was the Friends who were able to contribute $100,000 to the library’s recent construction project. That’s a lot of donations! #5 is least know but as important to how else we use your donations. If we don’t add or sell your book, most likely one of the following organizations will be getting it:
-abuse shelter
-Alcohol Anonymous
-Bay Pines Veterans Hospital
-Coral Oaks Assisted Living Facility
-homeless shelter
-Head Start Program
-Hospice
-Mothers of Marines
-Mothers of Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan
-Pinellas County Adult Jail
-St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen
-UPARC
So as you can see, a lot goes on after you drop off your donation, get back in your car and head on home. As far as you may be concerned, that’s the end of it. For us, it’s just the beginning and for that, we thank you.
Maybe this wasn’t one of the best stories you ever heard, I’m sure you’ve known better but for me, it’s certainly one of my favorites. Thanks for listening. Thanks for donating.
It’s spring cleaning, you’re moving, you’ve run out of room or you just graduated and over the years you have collected a lot of stuff. There’s some you keep, some you throw away, some you sell and then there’s that stuff you don’t know what to do with but you figure that somebody is going to want it. Now when it comes to books (you can also fill in here videos, tapes, magazines, toys, puzzles, CDs), chances are the local public library will be your location of choice. You think to yourself, what better place could use them? And you know something? You’re right!
So you gather your cardboard boxes/plastic crates/Publix bags filled with donations and drop them off at either Palm Harbor Library’s drive-up window or bring them to the front of the building. At this point some staff member will formally tell you that yes we do accept these types of donations providing they’re in reasonably good condition and it is understood the library will determine how best to use them. Alright now, what does that mean?
There are several ways your book can go. Here’s the super six list:
1) Add it to the Adult Collection
2) Add it to the Children’s Collection
3) Add it to the Teen Collection
4) Give it to the Friends of the Library to sell
5) Donate it in turn to another organization (more on this in just a bit)
6) Dump it. Why? Because…
-the box was filled with critters
-the box was wet (and so are the books)
-the books are outdated (You really can’t use a medical book published in 1990. I know I wouldn’t!)
Obviously the first three options are what we look for. As our budget decreases, donations become more valuable. #4 is also very important because through your donations, we’re able to stock the library’s new Friends of the Library Book Store and through that little venture the library receives significant financial support. Case in point, it was the Friends who were able to contribute $100,000 to the library’s recent construction project. That’s a lot of donations! #5 is least know but as important to how else we use your donations. If we don’t add or sell your book, most likely one of the following organizations will be getting it:
-abuse shelter
-Alcohol Anonymous
-Bay Pines Veterans Hospital
-Coral Oaks Assisted Living Facility
-homeless shelter
-Head Start Program
-Hospice
-Mothers of Marines
-Mothers of Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan
-Pinellas County Adult Jail
-St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen
-UPARC
So as you can see, a lot goes on after you drop off your donation, get back in your car and head on home. As far as you may be concerned, that’s the end of it. For us, it’s just the beginning and for that, we thank you.
Maybe this wasn’t one of the best stories you ever heard, I’m sure you’ve known better but for me, it’s certainly one of my favorites. Thanks for listening. Thanks for donating.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Job Satisfier
One of the inside jokes in librarianship is that as we move up the ladder of success, we tend to say, “I never learned that in library school”! Oh how true.
Today, I get involved in budgeting, marketing, personnel issues, reclaimed water hook up, landscape design, building renovation, governmental relations and on occasion, to keep it interesting, a plumbing inquiry. Everything I (didn’t) learn in library school.
But as Library Director, I do have some say how to spend part of my time (and very little at that). An old boss of mine looked me in the eye one time after I complained about doing things a “librarian” shouldn’t do (I thought I was hot stuff) and said, “What you want is a job satisfier.” It’s the thing we like to do at work as opposed to all the things we have to do. For me, it’s talking about books.
For the past 9+ years, I’ve indulged my “satisfier in the library’s Book Club and providing book talks in the community in such places as Coral Oaks Independent Living Facility and more recently at St. Marks. But today, I’m going to take time out (with what little I got) and share with you some of my favorite books that I’ve recently read.
My Life in France by Julia Child is just wonderful. If you like cooking, experiencing Europe and sharing a laugh or two with a loving couple, this is the book for you. This memoir from one of America’s favorite chefs is truly a loving tribute to some of the good things in life; food, family, fun. Bon appétit!
American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham is a nitty-gritty look at one of our most rambunctious and legendary Presidents. He was the first to break from the Virginia bred Presidents, who implemented his vision without taking any prisoners. A man of conflicting views who was hated and adored, despised and cherished, but who had a passion for America and did what he thought was best for his country. This is truly a riveting read.
For the Sake of Elena by Elizabeth George is a much older title but still resonates with the elegance and suspense of a great British mystery. George has been around for some time now but I only started reading her about two years back. Slowly but surely I’m reading her through but man, there is just so much other good stuff to read out there! As they say, too many books, too little time.
Oliver Twist by Dickens has drawn me back to the classics and this particular yarn reminds me why they’re called classics. One thing I never fully appreciated as a kid when I read him was how funny old Chuck could be. Man, this guy could write and what tales he told.
The Dark Tower series by Stephen King is a fantasy epic right up there with the Hobbits and Potters. An exhausting quest for this ominous tower keeps our hero the “Gunfighter” on a trail filled with evil forces, lost love, betrayal, enduring friendships and revenge. Fantasy may not be your thing but if good characterizations and a gripping tale are, this may be just for you.
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri is a beautifully written collection of short stories that examines the Indian immigration to America. Although this Pulitzer Prize winner is a very quick read, the characters and story lines will linger long after the last page is turned.
Happy reading!
Today, I get involved in budgeting, marketing, personnel issues, reclaimed water hook up, landscape design, building renovation, governmental relations and on occasion, to keep it interesting, a plumbing inquiry. Everything I (didn’t) learn in library school.
But as Library Director, I do have some say how to spend part of my time (and very little at that). An old boss of mine looked me in the eye one time after I complained about doing things a “librarian” shouldn’t do (I thought I was hot stuff) and said, “What you want is a job satisfier.” It’s the thing we like to do at work as opposed to all the things we have to do. For me, it’s talking about books.
For the past 9+ years, I’ve indulged my “satisfier in the library’s Book Club and providing book talks in the community in such places as Coral Oaks Independent Living Facility and more recently at St. Marks. But today, I’m going to take time out (with what little I got) and share with you some of my favorite books that I’ve recently read.
My Life in France by Julia Child is just wonderful. If you like cooking, experiencing Europe and sharing a laugh or two with a loving couple, this is the book for you. This memoir from one of America’s favorite chefs is truly a loving tribute to some of the good things in life; food, family, fun. Bon appétit!
American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham is a nitty-gritty look at one of our most rambunctious and legendary Presidents. He was the first to break from the Virginia bred Presidents, who implemented his vision without taking any prisoners. A man of conflicting views who was hated and adored, despised and cherished, but who had a passion for America and did what he thought was best for his country. This is truly a riveting read.
For the Sake of Elena by Elizabeth George is a much older title but still resonates with the elegance and suspense of a great British mystery. George has been around for some time now but I only started reading her about two years back. Slowly but surely I’m reading her through but man, there is just so much other good stuff to read out there! As they say, too many books, too little time.
Oliver Twist by Dickens has drawn me back to the classics and this particular yarn reminds me why they’re called classics. One thing I never fully appreciated as a kid when I read him was how funny old Chuck could be. Man, this guy could write and what tales he told.
The Dark Tower series by Stephen King is a fantasy epic right up there with the Hobbits and Potters. An exhausting quest for this ominous tower keeps our hero the “Gunfighter” on a trail filled with evil forces, lost love, betrayal, enduring friendships and revenge. Fantasy may not be your thing but if good characterizations and a gripping tale are, this may be just for you.
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri is a beautifully written collection of short stories that examines the Indian immigration to America. Although this Pulitzer Prize winner is a very quick read, the characters and story lines will linger long after the last page is turned.
Happy reading!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Green is Good!
As I’ve recently written, the library has initiated a landscaping program that is environmentally friendly. If I do so say myself, it’s looking great! Yet, keep in mind it’s just another step we’ve taken for going “green”.
On your next visit to the library, look around and you will notice several small signs hung throughout the building advising what steps we took to make your library more environmentally friendly. Each of them will say along the top, “Green Feature” then state what it is. This is what you will find:
ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING
Reduces electricity consumption by 21.7%
CARPETING
Indoor Air Quality Green Label Plus Certified
53% total recycled content
Motion sensors turn lights off when the area is unoccupied.
Daylight sensors turn lights off when day lighting is adequate.
Day lighting via solar tubes donated by Solatube International
Low-flow Faucets save water
Low-flow Toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush
Waterless Urinal saves water
(Approximately 40,000 gallons is saved annually.)
And of course we still offer our two recycling bins out in the library’s parking lot. It takes paper, phone books, newspapers and other similar material. Also, we offer in-house recycling bins for paper and eye-glasses.
As Martha Stewart is fond of saying, “It’s a good thing”.
On your next visit to the library, look around and you will notice several small signs hung throughout the building advising what steps we took to make your library more environmentally friendly. Each of them will say along the top, “Green Feature” then state what it is. This is what you will find:
ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING
Reduces electricity consumption by 21.7%
CARPETING
Indoor Air Quality Green Label Plus Certified
53% total recycled content
Motion sensors turn lights off when the area is unoccupied.
Daylight sensors turn lights off when day lighting is adequate.
Day lighting via solar tubes donated by Solatube International
Low-flow Faucets save water
Low-flow Toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush
Waterless Urinal saves water
(Approximately 40,000 gallons is saved annually.)
And of course we still offer our two recycling bins out in the library’s parking lot. It takes paper, phone books, newspapers and other similar material. Also, we offer in-house recycling bins for paper and eye-glasses.
As Martha Stewart is fond of saying, “It’s a good thing”.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Lending a Hand to ALL Our Community Members
For the fifth year, Palm Harbor Library is partnering with the Haven of Religious Community Services to provide holiday gifts for young victims of domestic abuse. The Haven has set up a “Giving Tree” in the library’s lobby which is covered with paper ornaments holding children's wish lists.
“It has been heartwarming to see how generous patrons have been in the past,” says Lois Eannel, Assistant Library Director and Head of Youth Services. “One year, a library member brought in items from SIXTEEN wish lists…and then left his name and number in case there were any children left without a gift.”
Please stop by the library to take one or more ornaments and help make a child’s holiday a little brighter this year! (Monetary donations will also be accepted.) All UNWRAPPED gifts must be brought to the library by Saturday, December 12.
But wait! We haven't forgotten our furry friends!
The Hungry Bowl™ Pet Food Drive will be accepting donations of pet food to benefit the Humane Society of Pinellas beginning Tuesday Dec. 1, ending Dec .12. In addition, a percentage of the food collected will be distributed through homeless shelter services in Clearwater to feed pets of homeless families.
The Humane Society of Pinellas is in great need of pet food donations entering 2010. The rescue organization feeds their own shelter animals Hill’s Science Diet; however if you donate other brands the food will be distributed to people in financial need who are having difficulty providing food.
All donations once again can be dropped at Palm Harbor Library. The pet gift box is located across from the Reference Desk.
Please give. Thank you.
“It has been heartwarming to see how generous patrons have been in the past,” says Lois Eannel, Assistant Library Director and Head of Youth Services. “One year, a library member brought in items from SIXTEEN wish lists…and then left his name and number in case there were any children left without a gift.”
Please stop by the library to take one or more ornaments and help make a child’s holiday a little brighter this year! (Monetary donations will also be accepted.) All UNWRAPPED gifts must be brought to the library by Saturday, December 12.
But wait! We haven't forgotten our furry friends!
The Hungry Bowl™ Pet Food Drive will be accepting donations of pet food to benefit the Humane Society of Pinellas beginning Tuesday Dec. 1, ending Dec .12. In addition, a percentage of the food collected will be distributed through homeless shelter services in Clearwater to feed pets of homeless families.
The Humane Society of Pinellas is in great need of pet food donations entering 2010. The rescue organization feeds their own shelter animals Hill’s Science Diet; however if you donate other brands the food will be distributed to people in financial need who are having difficulty providing food.
All donations once again can be dropped at Palm Harbor Library. The pet gift box is located across from the Reference Desk.
Please give. Thank you.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Public Library Advocay Now!
As we all know the economy has taken a bit of a hit and nearly everyone has been affected one way or another. We're not sure when it'll rebound and can only hope it'll be soon. In the meantime we're all scrambling to find ways to make ends meet and those of us in the non-profit world are no exception. We need to hold onto what we already have while searching for other means to continue the services you have come to expect. I’ll have more on the latter in a later blog.
There are several ways the library generates revenue to operate your facility. State Aid has been one of them from the very beginning. When I first arrived here 9+ years ago, State Aid monies was available in two ways; one was to assist in county-wide services and one was a direct annual payment to the library of approximately $20,000. Well there's been a lot of water under the bridge since then with the results that we no longer receive any direct annual dollars and monies for county-wide services have dwindled to the minimum. And what are those county-wide services that benefit you directly? Here's the list:
- County-wide library automation system
- County-wide courier services transports material requests from one library to another saving you time and money.
- Free online databases
- Talking Book Library
- Born to Read Program
- Deaf Literacy Program
Putting it bluntly, without State Aid dollars, all of this goes away which would leave individual libraries to fend for themselves with their own reduced revenue. What impacts this further is that federal funds are attached to this State Aid to Libraries Grant program. Simply stated, once State Aid is deleted, so too will the federal funds. During the last legislative session this past spring, those invaluable dollars almost disappeared but through a state-wide grass roots efforts they were saved...to serve you once again. We now face a similar situation.
I ask you now to please write the Governor asking him to allocate the amounts suggested in recurring General Revenue for the library programs in the Department of State Budget. His address is:
The Honorable Charlie Crist
Governor of the State of Florida
PL-05 The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
It’s always best to tell your own library story, the one about how your library is changing lives every day. Please thank him for providing critical leadership last spring when it looked like State Aid to Public Libraries might be eliminated. You may also want to tell him that public libraries are helping Floridians with job searching and in obtaining E-Government services, and according to the Department of State, provide a $6.54 return on every dollar invested! I would like to think that's money well spent.
The only other suggestion I would encourage, is to contact your local legislators. Ask them to maintain the minimum State Aid dollars for 2010-2011 that are needed to meet the maintenance level required for federal funds. For your convenience, I have listed them below:
SENATOR MIKE FASANO
District 11
8217 Massachusetts Ave
New Port Richey, 34653-3111
Local phone: (727) 848-5885
Tallahassee phone: (850) 487-5062
E-mail: fasano.mike.web@flsenate.gov
REPRESENTATIVE TOM ANDERSON
District 45
2236 US Hwy 19 N (Mt. Vernon Professional Ctr)
Holiday, 34691-4351
Local phone: (727) 943-4760
Tallahassee phone: (850) 488-8528
E-mail: TOM.ANDERSON@myfloridahouse.gov
REPRESENTATIVE PETER NEHR
District 48
905 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr, Suite 430
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Local phone: (727) 943-4880
Tallahassee phone: (850) 488-5580
E-mail: PETER.NEHR@myfloridahouse.gov
There was a lot to say here and I thank you for taking the time to read it. I now ask you to invest a little bit more of your time and tell your legislators what you read. It would be a win-win for all.
Thank you.
There are several ways the library generates revenue to operate your facility. State Aid has been one of them from the very beginning. When I first arrived here 9+ years ago, State Aid monies was available in two ways; one was to assist in county-wide services and one was a direct annual payment to the library of approximately $20,000. Well there's been a lot of water under the bridge since then with the results that we no longer receive any direct annual dollars and monies for county-wide services have dwindled to the minimum. And what are those county-wide services that benefit you directly? Here's the list:
- County-wide library automation system
- County-wide courier services transports material requests from one library to another saving you time and money.
- Free online databases
- Talking Book Library
- Born to Read Program
- Deaf Literacy Program
Putting it bluntly, without State Aid dollars, all of this goes away which would leave individual libraries to fend for themselves with their own reduced revenue. What impacts this further is that federal funds are attached to this State Aid to Libraries Grant program. Simply stated, once State Aid is deleted, so too will the federal funds. During the last legislative session this past spring, those invaluable dollars almost disappeared but through a state-wide grass roots efforts they were saved...to serve you once again. We now face a similar situation.
I ask you now to please write the Governor asking him to allocate the amounts suggested in recurring General Revenue for the library programs in the Department of State Budget. His address is:
The Honorable Charlie Crist
Governor of the State of Florida
PL-05 The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
It’s always best to tell your own library story, the one about how your library is changing lives every day. Please thank him for providing critical leadership last spring when it looked like State Aid to Public Libraries might be eliminated. You may also want to tell him that public libraries are helping Floridians with job searching and in obtaining E-Government services, and according to the Department of State, provide a $6.54 return on every dollar invested! I would like to think that's money well spent.
The only other suggestion I would encourage, is to contact your local legislators. Ask them to maintain the minimum State Aid dollars for 2010-2011 that are needed to meet the maintenance level required for federal funds. For your convenience, I have listed them below:
SENATOR MIKE FASANO
District 11
8217 Massachusetts Ave
New Port Richey, 34653-3111
Local phone: (727) 848-5885
Tallahassee phone: (850) 487-5062
E-mail: fasano.mike.web@flsenate.gov
REPRESENTATIVE TOM ANDERSON
District 45
2236 US Hwy 19 N (Mt. Vernon Professional Ctr)
Holiday, 34691-4351
Local phone: (727) 943-4760
Tallahassee phone: (850) 488-8528
E-mail: TOM.ANDERSON@myfloridahouse.gov
REPRESENTATIVE PETER NEHR
District 48
905 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr, Suite 430
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Local phone: (727) 943-4880
Tallahassee phone: (850) 488-5580
E-mail: PETER.NEHR@myfloridahouse.gov
There was a lot to say here and I thank you for taking the time to read it. I now ask you to invest a little bit more of your time and tell your legislators what you read. It would be a win-win for all.
Thank you.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Library Needs Landscaping Help
As some of you know by now, the library is in partnership with a non-profit, ecological design landscaping organization called "Plan C Initiative". The goal is to re-landscape all green areas around the library that are environmentally friendly, supporting people and wildlife. It will showcase different plant communities with a mixture of native and edible plants. This entire program will be done in several phases over the next year+ beginning on the north side by the outdoor sculpture and halfway along the west side (Riviere Rd.) up to the front entrance of the building.
The first phase will be done the weekend of Sat.-Sun. Dec. 5-6 and we're looking for volunteers to plant and mulch. The schedule for both days is 10 AM to 4 PM. We realize not everyone has the time (and in some cases the stamina) to help out those many hours so any amount of time, even 1-2 hours, would be greatly helpful.
If you can lend a hand, here are some items we suggest you bring with you:
-gardening gloves
-hat
-shovel
-hand trowel
-water
-closed toe shoes
And if you can help us to mulch on Sunday, a wheelbarrow would be quite welcomed.
To assist you, we are planning to have a volunteer training session on Tuesday Dec. 1 at 6 PM in the Harbor Room at the Library to answer all your gardening questions.
Thank you for considering to offer your time and muscle. This is your library and now it could also be your garden.
Please contact me if you have any questions or better yet, if you want to volunteer.
Gene P. Coppola
Library Director
Palm Harbor Library
2330 Nebraska Avenue
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
727-784-3332 ext. 3001
gene@phlib.org
The first phase will be done the weekend of Sat.-Sun. Dec. 5-6 and we're looking for volunteers to plant and mulch. The schedule for both days is 10 AM to 4 PM. We realize not everyone has the time (and in some cases the stamina) to help out those many hours so any amount of time, even 1-2 hours, would be greatly helpful.
If you can lend a hand, here are some items we suggest you bring with you:
-gardening gloves
-hat
-shovel
-hand trowel
-water
-closed toe shoes
And if you can help us to mulch on Sunday, a wheelbarrow would be quite welcomed.
To assist you, we are planning to have a volunteer training session on Tuesday Dec. 1 at 6 PM in the Harbor Room at the Library to answer all your gardening questions.
Thank you for considering to offer your time and muscle. This is your library and now it could also be your garden.
Please contact me if you have any questions or better yet, if you want to volunteer.
Gene P. Coppola
Library Director
Palm Harbor Library
2330 Nebraska Avenue
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
727-784-3332 ext. 3001
gene@phlib.org
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
2008 was the Year of the Renovation Project and now, 2009 has become the Year of the Tweeks!
After we had our Grand Re-Opening back on January 10th, we all thought we were set but like any new endeavour, once the dust settled we found there were a few more things that had to be done. For example, the non-fancy add on was gutters above the front entrance. Not overly exciting but appreciated by the public never the less. However, we are on the verge of doing something really exciting that I want to share with you.
The library is in partnership with a non-profit environmental landscaping design group called "Plan C Initiative". The goal is to landscape all green areas around the library that are environmentally friendly, supporting people and wildlife. It will showcase various plant communities with a mixture of native and edible plants.
This coming weekend, Dec. 5-6, we are looking for volunteers to plant and mulch. The schedule for both days is 10 AM to 4 PM. If you can spare some time and muscle, we would greatly appreciate your assistance.
This is your library. Now it can also be your garden.
After we had our Grand Re-Opening back on January 10th, we all thought we were set but like any new endeavour, once the dust settled we found there were a few more things that had to be done. For example, the non-fancy add on was gutters above the front entrance. Not overly exciting but appreciated by the public never the less. However, we are on the verge of doing something really exciting that I want to share with you.
The library is in partnership with a non-profit environmental landscaping design group called "Plan C Initiative". The goal is to landscape all green areas around the library that are environmentally friendly, supporting people and wildlife. It will showcase various plant communities with a mixture of native and edible plants.
This coming weekend, Dec. 5-6, we are looking for volunteers to plant and mulch. The schedule for both days is 10 AM to 4 PM. If you can spare some time and muscle, we would greatly appreciate your assistance.
This is your library. Now it can also be your garden.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Blogging Intro Oct. 28, 2009
Welcome to Gene Coppola's new blog site ingeniously called...LibrarianGene! This is my small way to talk up the great stuff at Palm Harbor Library. I'm also using this venue as a place to discuss library trends and happenings while getting feedback about what you expect from public libraries...and what you are actually getting.
I've been the Director here for the past 9+ years but I've been in the profession for over 25. I started out my career in Brooklyn (no more needs to be said) and I've seen and done just about everything.
What do you want to know? What's the latest? What do you think we should do...and not do? What's great? What stinks?
Let's talk!
Gene
I've been the Director here for the past 9+ years but I've been in the profession for over 25. I started out my career in Brooklyn (no more needs to be said) and I've seen and done just about everything.
What do you want to know? What's the latest? What do you think we should do...and not do? What's great? What stinks?
Let's talk!
Gene
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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