Comments for Libraries in the News

Comment on OSU main library reopens after three-year renovation by Dan Kleinman

Dan Kleinman — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:40:40 +0000

I am happy to hear the "aging beauty queen" has been restored. More importantly, has intellectual freedom been restored? Recall how OSU librarian Scott Savage was savaged for being "hateful" and "homophobic" for merely suggesting a reading list for incoming freshmen be balanced with certain books. "Librarian's Book Choice Sparks Controversy at Ohio State's Mansfield Campus," Library Journal, 25 Apr 2006. The ALA joined in the gangbang by intentionally refusing to assist Scott Savage in his efforts to provide balance. Read the persecuted librarian's story in his own words: "Persecuted Librarian Censored Again," by Scott Savage, WorldNetDaily, 9 May 2006. So I'm happy the building looks prettier, but in all this time has the ALA done anything to reverse its squelching of intellectual freedom and librarian who support that ideal?

Comment on Pillaging Iraqi history by User links about "brandeis" on iLinkShare

User links about "brandeis" on iLinkShare — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:48:36 +0000

[...] 20 days ago4 votesLooking back six years ago (part 1)>> saved by Gorillaz2323666 27 days ago6 votesPillaging Iraqi history>> saved by kisses4more 28 days ago5 votesPrivacy going, going, …>> saved by rmntcsweetangel 30 [...]

Comment on Wyoming’s mudflap girl still a hit by Dan Kleinman

Dan Kleinman — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:38:29 +0000

After I learned about this story in the Wall Street Journal, I found an amusing similarity between the Wyoming mudflap girl and my own logo for SafeLibraries.org See:

http://safelibraries.blogspot.com/2009/03/wyoming-libraries-and-safelibraries.html

Comment on Pennsylvania State Library faces huge cut by Renee Balaz

Renee Balaz — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:50:12 +0000

Will the library get any type of funds from the Stimulus package?

Comment on Talking with Seattle Public Library architect Rem Koolhaas by Delaware libraries listings

Delaware libraries listings — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:33:47 +0000

Delaware libraries listings…

[...] Guy by Tom Davis, Good Intentions by Charles North and Bob Smietana July 11th, 2008 by iMonk I’ve got two books to recommend this morning. Both would be helpful to small groups looking for topical resources for discussion [...]…

Comment on A library is transforming Kenya’s largest slum by Lucia Sasaki

Lucia Sasaki — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 13:10:54 +0000

Thanks a lot for posting this news!
I am a librarian of a branch Public Library in Guarulhos city, Brazil and although we have some very impoverished areas here, it is always shocking seeing how poverty can be so worst in another areas of the world. What amazes me and inspires is this volunteering spirit that can make so much with so few.
It is a fresh air breathing to renew my hopes that my work line is worthy and that faith and action work together. Thanks again!!

Comment on Department of Ed. Evaluation Names School Libraries by Rebecca Richardson

Rebecca Richardson — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:35:50 +0000

I agree that we should be treated as educators. However, our job description says Library Media Specialist. While it distinguishes us from public librarians or academic librarians, would the more appropriate job description be Teacher Librarian, as used in Australia, I believe. When asked to rewrite my job description last year, it’s the title I used. It’s the way my principal and faculty see me. So it is written, so it shall be done.

Comment on Department of Ed. Evaluation Names School Libraries by Colette Eason

Colette Eason — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:46:57 +0000

I would love to understand then why the DOE does not deem those of us who are certified, degreed, MLS, etc. as educators. I have taught for almost 20 years, I must have a teaching degree and an MLS in order to be certified as a librarian in the state of Texas, yet the DOE says that I am grouped with the custodians, cafeteria workers, nurses, and office staff when it comes to the quality and quantity of education I afford students at my campus. I teach all day long! Needless to say, I am a little miffed!

Comment on Library ghosts by Barbara Schreiber

Barbara Schreiber — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:13:05 +0000

… thought you might be interested in Britannica’s new blog series:

Haunted Hollywood: A New Blog Series (10 Oscar-Related Ghost Stories in Honor of the Academy Awards)
http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2009/02/haunted-hollywood-a-new-blog-series-10-oscar-related-ghost-stories-in-honor-of-the-academy-awards/

The two weeks of postings are by Laurie Jacobson, author of Hollywood Haunted: A Ghostly Tour of Filmland.

We hope you enjoy the posts, and you and your readers are welcome to leave comments.

All the best,

Barbara Schreiber
Britannica Blog
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Chicago, Illinois USA

Comment on Philadelphia still on track for branch closings by Joel

Joel — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:27:42 +0000

Poor misguided fellow. Libraries are needed more now than ever before. We have got to do better about getting out our message.

Comment on California poised to scrub adult literacy program by Delaware libraries listings

Delaware libraries listings — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:15:35 +0000

Delaware libraries listings…

[...] affair rather than a geographical experience.” Swan Peak: A Dave Robicheaux Novel on Amazon. Categories: Fly Fishing Books Leave a comment Name [...]…

Comment on Philadelphia details rationale for branch closings by Mick Star

Mick Star — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 03:48:53 +0000

Friends of Libraries,

My name is Mick Star and I am going to contribute half of the net proceeds from the sale of my music downloads to the Philadelphia Free Library with the sole intent of keeping all branches open.

Mayor Nutter is planning to cut back many services to balance the city budget. The Mayor hopes to trim the budget by closing branches of the Philadelphia Free Library, pools and skating rinks. The Flyers have stepped up financially to keep the rinks open. No one has yet stepped up to keep the Libraries open so let’s hope I start a trend that all artists who sell works online will follow.

You can sample my music at http://www.myspace.com/mickjstar and at http://www.mickeystar.com. You can download my music at iTunes and Amazon.com. Spread the website and the message.

Let’s keep all branches of the Philadelphia Free Library open.

Thanks,
—Mick Star

Comment on Librarian works to revamp Arkansas prison libraries by william barron

william barron — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:38:57 +0000

How can I domnate books to the Arkansaw prison program mentioned in your article, (i.e. address, etc,)?

Comment on Residents plead to keep Yarmouth branch library by Patty Ehlers

Patty Ehlers — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 03:14:56 +0000

Please note Residents of Massachusetts and fellow citizens: Closing libraries is one of the most devestating events in our country’s history. I know – I lived thru it three years ago here in Hampden. What did we do That year? We rallied continually, monthly for a year and to this day we still advocate that it is never closed again. Yet in today’s economy, we cannot rest on our laurels. One way to help ensure libraries survive is to vote on Novemeber 4 and to be sure you vote “NO” to question 1. If you vote yes to eliminate state income tax then you might as well go and put the lock on your library door now. Good Luck. PS Some Politicians belive Libraries are not essential, so when asked to volunteer or donate funds, please give generously to libraries or they soon will be extinct or unessential as in third world countries.

Comment on Nick and Norah stays on the shelf by movie fan

movie fan — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 07:48:13 +0000

there were some awkward moments in this movie that were hard to get past… such as every time that gum was re-used (yuck!)

Comment on Czechs, Slovaks want to help Cedar Rapids by mizzu U

mizzu U — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:52:55 +0000

i think thats great they want to help preserve their history and culture in our country

Comment on Nick and Norah stays on the shelf by Patti

Patti — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:00:44 +0000

Put this book back on the shelf!!

Comment on Gay-lesbian titles donated to Wasilla Library by Gay-lesbian titles donated to Wasilla Library | Lesbian Books and News

Gay-lesbian titles donated to Wasilla Library | Lesbian Books and News — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:31:28 +0000

[...] Excerpt from: Gay-lesbian titles donated to Wasilla Library [...]

Comment on When did used books become contraband? by Literago » Used books=contraband?

Literago » Used books=contraband? — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 23:52:41 +0000

[...] to that? Uh, something stinks, and it’s not the stink of a nice, musty book. Thanks to the wonderful ALA library advocacy site ilovelibraries.org for this [...]

Comment on Library care packages offer soldiers a morale boost by Susan Thomason

Susan Thomason — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:41:27 +0000

We are a small school district in Oregon who is interested in this program.
Thanks!

Comment on ACLU files suit in Harry Potter librarian case by Pembrook

Pembrook — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:27:53 +0000

insert… “only”

Comment on ACLU files suit in Harry Potter librarian case by Pembrook

Pembrook — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:26:56 +0000

Anna, can you spell intolerance? So are ACLU resources applicable to homosexual or minority issues?

Comment on ACLU files suit in Harry Potter librarian case by anna

anna — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:57:12 +0000

Can you spell “fantasy”? Would she have objected to dressing up as a pumpkin? What a waste of ACLU resources!

Comment on ACLU files suit in Harry Potter librarian case by anna

anna — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:56:15 +0000

Can you spell “fantasy”? What a waste of resources…

Comment on Mesa schools to eliminate all certified librarians by Adele Mangipano

Adele Mangipano — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:26:35 +0000

Have they any idea of the need for professionals to train our youth to be informed seekers of information? Yes, we still need books, and who better than a trained librarian to make informed collection development decisions? We also need to train students to use internet resources of the highest quality and to make informed decisions about how to do that. If the school district officials think anyone can do that, they should eliminate the need for certified teachers, too. After all, can’t anyone teach?

This is a decision that could cost them millions in the future when they realize the materials that disappear and the lack of learning that their students will experience.

Comment on Librarian helps inmates escape—through books by Glennor Shirloey

Glennor Shirloey — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:28:39 +0000

As a coordinator of prison libraries, I know and see evidence of prison libraries transforming lives. See my blog at: http://prisonlibrarian.blogspot.com

Comment on Seton Hill librarian to appear on Jeopardy by Tv Game Shows » Blog Archive » Seton Hill librarian to appear on Jeopardy

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:49:02 +0000

[...] Jaime R. [...]

Comment on License to Support Libraries by slimane ouziala

slimane ouziala — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 12:54:57 +0000

I love the libraries in the world
because i am a librarian

ths

Comment on ALA President responds to NEA Study, supporting libraries key to increasing youth literacy by To Read or Not to Read … « Congressman Frank J. Guarini Library Blog

To Read or Not to Read … « Congressman Frank J. Guarini Library Blog — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:57:48 +0000

[...] president Loriene Roy resonded to the report by releasing a statement on the importance of funding libraries because [...]

Comment on More censorship by check-out by cole

cole — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:17:04 +0000

what is censorship???????????

Comment on More censorship by check-out by Noor Elahi

Noor Elahi — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 06:44:17 +0000

Hi, I am a library personnel and seeking for E-newsletter regularly, and education and training related matters in the field of library science.

please respond.

Comment on Muggles Celebrate Harry Potter in the Libraries They Love by Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:53:57 +0000

We had an absolutely wonderful time with the Harry Potter parties at our library! We get so many participants for the children’s parties that we do two of them so it won’t be overcrowded. Once the children entered the room, we broke them into four groups of 25 and sorted them into different houses based on the color of their nametag. We had four stations set up and they got to spend 15 minutes at each: they got to do a game, a craft, had refreshments, did a book discussion and shop at Diagon Alley. For the first time ever we did an Adult HP Party also. We did a Jeopardy game, book discussion and had refreshments. Lots of people for both the kids and the adult party came in costume. I think the staff had as much fun as the patrons! We plan a follow up to it, a Book 7 Discussion this October.

Comment on Muggles Celebrate Harry Potter in the Libraries They Love by Amy Cheney/Alameda County Juvenile Hall

Amy Cheney/Alameda County Juvenile Hall — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 15:48:54 +0000

82 youth at Alameda County Library’s Juvenile Hall attended a Harry Potter Party to celebrate reading and overcoming adversity. They received a tattoo with the lightning bolt, the #7 and a picture of HP. They received a Harry Potter bookmarks – some youth are collecting all 7. They received a cupcake, and they saw a Magic Show with Willie Franklin, magician. Willie Franklin awed the crowd with his live doves, ability to escape from bars and chains and putting a sword though a staff member’s head while the staff member lived to tell about the experience. A youth dressed up as Harry Potter and the crowd loved it.

For a week prior to the show youth were catching up on their reading or re-reading of the series. Early Saturday morning, youth recieved Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows for the thrilling conclusion.

In a setting where youth are highly controlled, where hardbacks are not generally allowed due to security concerns, the Harry Potter Party and book release was an example of teamwork and partnership between the Alameda County Library, Alameda County Probation Department and Alameda County Office of Education.

Comment on Muggles Celebrate Harry Potter in the Libraries They Love by Victoria Ashford

Victoria Ashford — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:31:46 +0000

I used that free bag I got from ALA as a part of a prize-pack giveaway. For every book, audiobook, or movie a person checked-out, they got a chance to enter a drawing for the bag and a copy of the book. This all took place within a 2-wk period including July 21st. And,since I bought the book at Wal-Mart, they gave away a poster, bracelet, and bookmarks…so the prize pack was quite nice.Our winner was ecstatic!

Comment on Muggles Celebrate Harry Potter in the Libraries They Love by Christie Lassen

Christie Lassen — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:39:58 +0000

Howard County Library (MD) hosted Muggles Midnight Madness on July 20 in celebration of the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. More than 650 people came to the library to participate in Hogwarts classes (Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology, Care and Keeping of Magical Animals, Divination, and Charms), play a Harry Potter trivia game and Wizards chess, watch the first Harry Potter movie, and be entertained by a strolling magician and balloonist. At 12:01 am, event-goers who reserved the new book could pick it up or they could purchase their very own copy.

Comment on Muggles Celebrate Harry Potter in the Libraries They Love by Denise/Timberglen Branch, Dallas Public LIbrary

Denise/Timberglen Branch, Dallas Public LIbrary — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 21:31:38 +0000

The release of the 7th and last in the Harry Potter series…Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was celebrated by over a 120 people at the Timberglen Branch on Saturday, July 21! While they may have been listening to JK herself at the History Museum in London at midnight, the Timberglen neighborhood was getting beauty rest for the biggest celebration at the branch since opening day. Children entered the Hogwarts Dining Hall (a.k.a. the auditorium) after being assisted by Professor Snape and the Sorting Hat to their chosen house. Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, Gryffindors and Slytherins were sitting with their housemates dining on a feast of Dragon Biscuits, Humbugs and Pumpkins Juice. Candles hung around highlighting the artwork of the Fat Lady among others. Students had the opportunity to win copies of past Harry Potter books as well as glow in the dark glasses, 7 tattoos and 072107 keychains. After a hearty breakfast, students made owls out of feathers and bags since many forgot to bring their own. Once the magical craft had been completed, children bustled throughout the library looking for dragon eggs. They returned to the auditorium to have their pictures taken and pick up all their prizes. Harry Potter brings everyone out once again. Readers are Leaders and are celebrated at the Timberglen Branch Library!

Comment on Free speech or smut? by Nathan

Nathan — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 06:40:08 +0000

Parents who bring their children into a library are responsible for monitoring their environment; just as they are responsible for monitoring their children’s friends, television viewing and net surfing. The library’s responsibility is to provide an unbiased collection. A library is not a day care center, but a place where any citizen can go for free, uncensored information.