Calendar of Events  Home Page 

December 2000 Issue 
Volume XXXVII, Number 9

Great Events for 2001!

Fourteenth Annual Children’s Book Fest Scheduled for March 13 and 14, 2001

Northern Wisconsin librarians, teachers, parents and members of the general public who are interested in learning about the best books for young people are invited to attend Children’s Book Fest 2001, a two day conference held at the Rhinelander Holiday Inn on March 13 and 14.

Two of the country’s top children’s literature specialists from the nationally acclaimed Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) in Madison, Wisconsin will discuss books for children and young adults at an evening presentation on Tuesday, March 13, as well as at a day presentation on Wednesday, March 14. Both sessions will include a CCBC exhibit of the best books of 2000 for young readers.

Conference speakers, Ginny Moore Kruse and Kathleen T. Horning, along with Megan Schliesman are the co-authors of CCBC Choices, an annual recommended best books list. Children’s Book Fest participants will receive a free copy of the 100-page booklet as part of their registration package.

The Cooperative Children’s Book Center is a children’s literature library for adults, a book examination center and a research library. Each year, the CCBC receives review copies of almost all trade and alternative press books published in the United States for children and young adults. The Center helps librarians, teachers and parents across Wisconsin spend their children’s book dollars wisely by giving them the opportunity to see recommended books before purchase.

Local supporters of Children’s Book Fest include Stora Enso North America (formerly Consolidated Papers Inc.), M&I Merchants Bank, Ripco Credit Union, and Wisconsin Public Service. Additional assistance is received from the Indianhead Federated Library System, Northern Waters Library Service, and Wisconsin Valley Library Service.

2001 Library Legislative Day

Mark your calendars now for an important legislative event. Library Legislative Day has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 13, 2001 at the Inn On the Park in Madison. The Legislative Day Committee will schedule appointments with legislators in the Capitol for all attendees. The event will be especially important, as the 2001-03 biennial budget will be under discussion at that time.

WVLS is planning on sponsoring a chartered bus to Library Legislative Day if there is sufficient interest. Anyone that is planning on attending Library Legislative Day and would be interested in the bus trip should contact the WVLS office at (715) 261-7250, by January 12, 2001.

Digital Freedom Network Announces Censorware Contest Winners

The Digital Freedom Network (DFN) has announced the winners in its Foil the Filters Contest. The awards, which coincided with Banned Books Week, emphasize the poor quality of ‘censorware,’ - computer programs which block Internet users from communications that its designers determine to be inappropriate. Bobson Wong, Executive Director of the DFN, said, "We hope our contest will help convince governments and organizations around the world to stop using filters that hinder freedom of expression." Alan Brown, DFN’s Director of Internet Development said, "We wanted to provide more clear evidence against those who feel these biased, horribly flawed censorware devices belong on the Internet… Entrusting any public realm to the warp of these products would be a tragedy."

The contest’s grand prize was awarded to Joe J., a high school student who complained that he couldn’t access his own school’s web site from its own library. Ever since his school had implemented a filtering software package which blocked the work ‘high’ as an offensive drug word, the Internet address of the high school also was blocked.

Runner-up in the contest went to a woman named Hillary Anne who tried to sign up for a Hotmail account with the username ‘hillaryanne.’ Hotmail’s censorware detected the letters ‘aryan’ in the name and banned her registration on hate speech grounds.

The Pure Intimacy site, an anti-pornography site of the conservative Focus on the Family, won the Poetic Justice Award for "getting bit by their own snake." The group, a strong advocate of filtering software, is itself blocked by the product Cybersitter for containing content related to nudity, sex, pornography, and bondage.

One firm’s use of a firewall prohibited 300 lawyers from searching for legal sources. The search word for such documents is "analysis," but the censorware never saw past "anal" before blocking the searches.

Winners in other categories of the contest can be found at http://dfn.org/Alerts/contest.htm.

(Adapted from an article in the November-December issue of Directions)

Student Eligibility For The Wisconsin Retirement System

At the recent WLA conference, Curt Witynski, Legal Counsel for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, was asked the question, "Are students under age 18 eligible for participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)?" He wasn’t certain of the answer at that time but, since then, has shared what he learned with Mike Cross (DLTCL). Via an email message, Mike says that Curt learned:

Students under the age of 20 who are regularly enrolled or expected to be enrolled as full-time students in grades 1-12 in a public, private, or parochial elementary or high school and who were hired on or after April 23, 1992 are not eligible for participation in the WRS (see WIS. STATS. 40.22(2)(gm)). According to the WRS Administration Manual, Chap. 3, eligibility must be reevaluated when students obtain a high school or equivalency diploma, turn age 20 or supply the employer with written notification of leaving school. Note that college students under age 20 are eligible to participate in the WRS.

Employers can have these types of questions answered by calling the WRS Employer Communication Center at (608) 264-7900.

"Oh, the weather outside is frightful…" That’s OK. We’re tough. That’s a good thing because…

It’s a Tough Job - "…A public library director, whether working in a small, large, rural or metro community, has a tough job. A director must be or become knowledgeable about many issues and deal with many challenging or even adverse situations.

How many department heads in local government have to deal with facility issues or operating an agency that includes evenings, Saturdays and Sundays? How many other non-elected officials have to have a working relationship with educators, business leaders or community members? How many of those same managers have to deal with philosophical issues equal to intellectual freedom or the digital divide? What about the skills needed to resolve daily customer complaints or to participate in local political processes? How many other municipal departments have to work with a community board to set organizational policy affecting residents? The library board needs to fully understand that the job description it creates for the director is only the ‘tip of the iceberg’…The typical director’s job description identifies the human resources management, knowledge level in library science and organization planning that go into the job. But those elements do not reflect the coaching time and work which some employees need on a daily basis, or the conflict resolution required when staff disagree on methodology to implement board policy. Even as friendly as library staff can appear to the public, we are all opinionated and headstrong; we practice passive-aggression and cultivate rumors; we are unforgiving of director decisions and let others know how it should have been done. Directing a library requires that the person in the position knows that there is a list of issues below the waterline of the iceberg: some of major impact, some requiring only one-time action. Being director means giving up favorite aspects of librarianship like collection development. …It isn’t an easy job; some days it can be downright overwhelming. (Edited from an article by Jerry Krois as seen in the 6/2000 issue of The Outrider (Wyoming State Library).

Worth of Librarians - In the animal world we have aggregations such as: a pride of lions, a pod of whales, a gaggle of geese, etc. James Lipton, in his book An Exaltation of Larks (Penguin 1993) says that the technical term for such aggregations is venery There are even terms of venery that change depending on exactly where the group is. For example, geese on land are a flock, in flight they’re a skein, and in the water a plump…What might there be for us humans? How about a bean pot of accountants or a tintinnabulation of politicians? Perhaps we should consider a worth of librarians. We could get tagged with worse! And librarians ARE worth a lot! For library folk we have: a core of catalogers, a strand of webmasters, a mcguffy of shelf readers, an antecedent of reference librarians, a round of circulation clerks, a tale of children’s librarians, a crash of technical service staff, an ephemera of archivists, and an exultation of volunteers. For library users we have: a clamor of users, an interruption of cell phoners, a wriggle of storytimes, a genuflection of bottom shelvers, a procrastination of fine payers and, of course, a blessing of friends….Then at last, we can…pray for an ascendancy of information, a triumph of knowledge, and a soaring of wisdom. (Edited from an article by Tom Hennen in the Sept/Oct 2000 issue of Expression)

Should you do business with that company? - A salesman from an unfamiliar company calls and offers you an unbelievably low price on computer supplies. You’re tempted to order but wonder how to check out the company before doing business with it. Performing a check just got easier, thanks to a new Web page hosted by the Better Business Bureau. The site lists any complaints that your local Better Business Bureau may have on file about businesses in your area or anywhere in the country. Go to www.bb.org.

Freedom to Read Statement revised - a July 12, 2000 revision of this important statement can be found at the ALA website www.ala.org.alaorg/oif/freeread.html I suggest that every library print this out and make copies for each library board member. If you need a paper copy, contact the WVLS office.

Wisconsin Culture

A program about Wisconsin culture debuted on public television on December 8th.

The topic of "culture" can be a difficult idea to grasp, especially for children. It’s one of those intangible concepts that often is hard to describe or express. On December 8, the picture became much clearer. That’s when "Everywhere, Everyone" - a new instructional television program for grades 4-6 debuted.

"Everywhere, Everyone’ is set against a backdrop of a warehouse turned classroom. There, a diverse group of boys and girls age 9-12 explore culture as something everyone has…this show is part of a 10-part series titled "Cultural Horizons of Wisconsin," being produced by the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. The other nine episodes are still in production. This first program was broadcast early because it can stand alone as an introduction to cultural studies in the classroom. It also introduces Wisconsin teachers to the high quality and enriching content they can expect from the rest of the series, which is scheduled to air in its entirety in the Spring of 2002.

Teachers can download the free "Everywhere, Everyone" teacher guide by visiting the Educational Communications Board website. The site features a video clip from the program and provides an overview of the entire series, including focus questions and learning objectives. Teachers without Internet access can request a printed guide by calling (608) 264-9720 or writing to Teacher Guides, ECB, 3319 Beltline Highway, Madison, WI 53713-4296. (Excerpted from an article in the December 10, 2000 issue of Education Forum)

Getting An Early Start: Resources help parents foster early learning skills

Because the parent is the child’s first teacher, the U.S. Department of Education has several resources available to help families get their young ones ready to learn.

The popular publication Building Your Baby’s Brain: A Parent’s Guide to the First Five Years describes how children learn about the world around them. For instance, children learn by touching different textures and listening to various sounds, in turn allowing the brain to make important connections to stimulate learning. This booklet, which is also available in Spanish, can be downloaded from www.ed.gov/offices/OERI/ECI/publications.html. 

Another resource that shows how teaching and learning take place when parents and children do simple things together, Helping Your Child Get Ready for School, offers activities that reveal how even sorting socks can have educational value. For a copy, visit www.ed.gov/pubs/parents/GetReadyForSchool/. 

A host of activities for promoting a child’s learning in various subjects such as art, history, geography and science are available in Learning Partners: A Guide to Educational Activities for Families. Available only online at www.ed.gov/pubs/parents/LearnPtnrs. Film celebrities LeVar Burton and Jamie Lee Curtis lead a discussion in English, and Edward James Olmos in Spanish, on communicating with infants, language development, reading, and singing in a 20-minute video called Ready to Learn. To order check www.ed.gov/americareads/. 

For more information on resources for parents, call 1-800-USA-LEARN. (9/00 issue of USDOE ‘s Community Update)

Rowling Names Next Potter Title

Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling, proved she is a sucker for a pretty face, in this case that of a small boy who asked her what the title of the next Harry Potter book would be. Rowling surprised herself more than anybody when she disclosed it would be Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Although she said she hadn’t been prepared to reveal that bit of information just yet, when he asked, point blank, on the set of NBC’s Today Show, Rowling said her knee-jerk reaction was "He’d look so happy if I told him," that she simply did. The Potter series is such a phenomenon, the author insisted that she didn’t want people picking through her garbage looking for clues surrounding the next book. Other than the title, she revealed little else about the book - the fifth installment in the series - except that it would be shorter than the boy wizard’s last adventure, which tipped the scales at more than 700 pages. (from The Library Connection, November 2000)

Get Your Library Degree Via the Internet

Earning a master’s degree in library science, accredited by ALA, is now possible by enrolling in the LEEP3 distance learning program of the University of Illinois Graduate School of Library and Information Science, in which the course work is done through the Internet. For more information, see: www.lis.uiuc.edu/gslis/leep3. 

Get Rid Of Outdated Equipment In An Environmentally Friendly Way

WVLS recently cleaned out its attic storage space and got rid of old computers and related peripherals for only $.25 a pound - plus having to haul the stuff to a specified site.

In celebration of ‘America Recycles Day' (November 15th), Marathon County and the Industrial Recyclers of Wisconsin (IRW) set up a site to drop off computers, etc.

From a brochure put out by IRW we learned that computer disposal has become a significant concern. Last year, Americans retired more than 24 million computers from use. By 2005, that number may increase to 45 million annually. It is important that computers be kept out of landfills because they often contain hazardous material. A 1986 study attributed 24% of all lead in landfills to CRTs. A color monitor can contain up to 2 pounds of lead. Other heavy metals, such as cadmium, mercury, and lithium are also present in computers. Once placed into our landfills, these heavy metals may leach out of the equipment and into the environment. Additionally, computer equipment contains valuable resources that can be processed for recycling.

The IRW looks for opportunities to refurbish and reuse equipment collected in their recycling efforts. Items are donated to non-profit organizations or resold to help offset the costs of organizing future household computer recycling events. Metals such as gold, silver, palladium, and copper are recovered to be used in new applications. The leaded glass in monitor picture tubes is crushed and processed into new picture tubes used in TVs and monitors. The recovered plastics are recycled into consumer products like desk accessories and camera cases.

If you are interested in finding out more about Industrial Recyclers of Wisconsin (recycling specialists serving business and industry in Central Wisconsin), contact them at (715)693-7123…fax (715)693-7103…or write to 40 Indianhead Drive, Mosinee, WI 54455.

Free Genealogy Newsletter

The first issue of the Local History & Genealogy Librarian, aimed at keeping archivists and librarians current with news, and book reviews in local history and genealogy will be issued by the end of 2000. Edited by ALA Genealogy Committee chair, Tom Kemp, each issue will focus on events, news and review of interest to librarians working with local history & genealogy collections. To be added to the mailing list for this newsletter, please send your full contact information, including mailing address, phone, fax and e-mail to the editor, Tom Kemp, at: Tkemp@HeritageQuest.com  or call (800) 760-2455 x1570.

Library Books May Be Valuable To Collectors

In the 3/2000 issue of American Libraries Lisa Beinhoff wrote an article regarding the threat posed by online auctions to library collections. Trade in rare and used books has become increasingly popular on the Internet for the ease of doing business. Prior to the Internet, serious collectors spent a great deal of time and money searching for treasures to add to their collections. Now, finding a particular book is a click away…and some unscrupulous folks will make a trip to the library to ‘permanently borrow’ titles which the Internet lists as being of high value. Ms. Beinhoff recommends that all librarians should become aware of changes and trends in the online market for books. She says to move your valuable books to a non-circulating collection and to review your library’s policies for assessing the actual cost of replacing materials.

If you’re looking for web sites to replace out-of-print, rare, or used books try: Bibliofind at www.bibliofind.com  or Alibris at http://library.alibris.com.

This is an opportunity to remind you that you will find authorization for your municipality to adopt a library theft ordinance in WIS. STATS. 43.52(1)(2). The theft law language is located at WIS. STATS. 943.61. (Adapted from an article in the November-December, 2000 issue of Directions)

Samson Memorial Library Gets Libri Grant

The Samson Memorial Library in Granton has received a 2-for-1 matching funds grant from the Libri Foundation. This "Books for Children" grant is focused toward small, rural libraries and offers quality children’s literature from a 640-title booklist. The library staff at Granton has selected 65-70 titles and plans to have them delivered and ready for readers by the middle of December.

The Libri Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization which donates new, quality, hardcover books to rural libraries with a population of less than 5,000 . Libri is based in Eugene, Oregon.

If you would like additional information about this grant program, contact Samson library’s head librarian Connie Collins.

Keats Foundation Accepting Grant Proposals

The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation recently announced that $30,000 in mini-grants will be awarded in December 2001 for innovative and imaginative programs in public libraries and public school libraries designed to combat illiteracy. The deadline for submission of proposals is September 15, 2001.

"These grants are aimed at giving support to imaginative programs designed by librarians in public schools and libraries to excite children about reading and learning," said Deborah Pope, Executive Director of the Foundation. Mini-grants of $350 are available for such programs.

Mini-grant applicants must be from the United States, and proposed projects must be exclusively sponsored by the Ezra Jack Keats foundation. Programs that will be considered include storytelling, innovative or noteworthy workshops, and festivals. Those targeted at parents are also considered worthy. Programs focusing on the works of the famed author/illustrator Ezra Jack Keats will be given special attention.

"We have a long history of mini-grant awards totaling $360,000 to libraries in every state of the union, as well as territories," said Ms. Pope. "Programs have been diverse and outstanding, ranging from a big book produced in a Navajo classroom in the Navajo language, to a California class importing snow so that children might experience firsthand Keats’ The Snowy Day. Some have made patchwork quilts; some have developed friendships with pen pals in different schools and different ethnic backgrounds. We feel that the librarians who initiate these outstanding programs make a significant contribution in advancing the fight against illiteracy. We are proud to have provided the grants making their work possible."

Requests for applications for proposals should be sent (accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope) to: Deborah Pope, Executive Director, Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, 450 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

WAPL Membership Incentive Grants

For the fourth year, the Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) is encouraging WLA membership by offering two $250 membership incentive grants. One new WAPL member and one renewing WAPL member will be chosen by random drawing. The $250 may be used for conference expenses for either the Spring WAPL conference (May 3-4, 2000 in Wisconsin Rapids) or the fall WLA conference (October 23-26, 2000 in Appleton).

Qualifications:

(1) Your paid new or renewing WLA/ WAPL membership form must be received at the WLA office by March 1, 2001. ( "New" means never be longed to WLA or not for the last three years)

(2) You may belong to any other unit in addition to joining WAPL.

The winners will be announced in early March, 2001. To join WLA/WAPL call the WLA office at (608) 245-3640, go to the WLA web page at http://www.wla.lib.wi.us or write to WLA, 5250 East Terrace Drive, Suite A1, Madison, WI 53718-8345.

WAPL Offers Scholarships To PLA Symposium

WLA is offering two $500 scholarships to the PLA Symposium being held March 1-3 in Chicago. Last year only a handful of applications were received so it sounds like you’d have a good chance to get one of these scholarships.

The rules are:

(1) You must apply to Jim Trojanowski, WAPL Chair-elect (Vaughn Public Library, 502 West Main Street, Ashland, WI 54806 tel. (715)682-7060 email: jtrojano@coawi.org) no later than January 3, 2001. You may apply by e-mail or letter.

(2) You must be a WAPL member.

(3) You must attend all three days of the symposium.

(4) WAPL will reimburse for any conference-related expenses, including registration, travel, lodging, and meals. Receipts must be submitted to receive the scholarship/reimbursement.

(5) Two winners will be chosen via a random drawing. Winners will be announced on Monday, January 8, 2001.

(6) WAPL board members are ineligible.

Books About Disability for Young Children

Picture books and children are made for each other. The 5/00 issue of Disability Resources Monthly offered these four titles for toddlers and young readers with positive, empowering disability-related themes.

In Rolling Along with Goldilocks and the Three Bears (1999), author and physical therapist assistant Cindy Meyers gives a disability spin to the familiar fairy tale. Illustrated by Carol Morgan, this 32 page hardcover is appropriate for children from 3-7. $14.95 +$4.50 p/h, prepaid, this book can be ordered from Woodbine House, 6510 Bells Mill Rd., Bethesda MD 20817…tel. 800-843-7323 or 301-897-3570; fax 301-987-5838; email info@woodbinehouse.com.

Those looking for a more reality-based view of disability should check out Russ and the Apple Tree Surprise (1999), the first installment in "A Day With Russ" series. Focusing on a real-life five-year-old with Down's syndrome, this 28-page hardback, written by Russ’ mother, Janet Elizabeth Rickert, emphasizes ability and connection to all children. Photographs of Russ by Pete McGahan give this book for ages 3-7 an even more realistic touch. At $14.95 + $4.50 p/h, this book can be ordered from Woodbine House as noted above.

Those interested in finding a book about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for preschoolers and early grade readers should take a look at Waiting for Mr. Goose. Written by Laurie Lears and illustrated by Karen Ritz, this 32-page hardcover tells the story of Stephen, who has ADHD, and the injured goose he saves through learning to be patient. Costing $14.95 + p/h, this 1999 book can be obtained from Albert Whitman & Co., 6340 Oakton St., Morton Grove, IL 60053-2723; tel. 800-255-7675; fax 847-581-0039.

Way to Go, Alex! (1999) is a book for young children with two disability themes: Special Olympics involvement and sibling acceptance. With text by Robin Pulver and illustrations by Elizabeth Wolf, this 32-page hardback is about a boy with mental retardation and his older sister. It sells for $14.95 + p/h and can be ordered from Albert Whitman & Co. as indicated above.

New Bi-Folkal Kit Available

Remembering the Fifties (#576P) is the latest Bi-Folkal kit available for interloan through WVLS.

Bomb shelters…Lucy and Desi…Marilyn and Elvis…television…drive-in movies and restaurants… crinolines and poodle skirts… saddle shoes…Dick Clark and 45s…polio…TV dinners…beatniks…the baby boom…post-war prosperity…the fight for racial equality…hula hoops and Barbie dolls…all those memories and more are mentioned in this program which draws attention to the events of the 50s.

The kit provides VHS as well as slide/tape formats. As with all Bi-Folkal products, this is another in the great series of intergenerational programs produced by Lynn Martin Erickson and Kathryn Leide.

Special Needs Web Sites…

Adaptive Technology for the Internet: Making Electronic Resources Accessible to All by Barbara T. Mates http://www.ala.org/editions/openstacks 

This is the Complete text in HTML of librarian Barbara Mates’ 1999 book, put on the Web by ALA Editions, the ALA’s publishing arm. Here you can find advice from a librarian who’s been there and done that on such technologies as screen readers, Braille screens, voice recognition systems, hearing assistance devices, and HTML coding for accessibility.

Introducing ‘The Work Site.’ Kenneth S. Apfel, Commissioner of Social Security, has announced the launching of a new web site - The Work Site (www.ssa.gov/work) - which contains important information and support for disability beneficiaries, employers, service providers, advocates and others whose goal is to help those persons with disabilities work. President Clinton said, "The Social Security Administration is bringing employers, advocates and services together in this new economy to provide meaningful assistance for individuals with disabilities." This site is fully accessible to people with disabilities. This is significant since fewer than 5% of all Internet sites are accessible to people who are visually or hearing impaired or have limited dexterity.

Nominate Volunteers For Midwest Living’s Hometown Pride Award

Midwest Living magazine recognizes volunteerism in America through its Hometown Pride Awards. Groups that help others with special needs - such as the elderly, homeless or people with disabilities - or that better their communities by cleaning up eyesores, planting flowers or rescuing or restoring historic structures, are invited to apply.

Application deadline is February 1, 2001. For more information see the October 2000 issue (p.29) or visit its web site: www.midwestliving.com. The Mazomanie (WI) Public Library received this award in 1994 for its depot library restoration project. Winners will be featured in the October 2001 issue. (As seen in the Fall, 2000 issue of The Nicolet Report)

New Wisconsin Book

Steve Kenworthy recently announced a unique book about to break onto Wisconsin’s literary scene. The book is Notes from the Northwoods and is written by, for and about residents and friends of northern Wisconsin.

The book is underwritten and published by the Rhinelander District Library Foundation with the express purpose of recording, and providing an outlet for, the varied cultural experiences of Wisconsin’s picturesque northwoods. The anthology contains writings and illustrations from 50 northern Wisconsin artists and authors. Some are established, well-known writers such as outdoors columnist Ced Vig; Wisconsin history chronicler, Lee Mayer; and children’s author Diane Burns. Others are first time writers who add their fresh and enthusiastic voices to create a fascinating mixture that makes the book impossible to put down.

This 268-page book contains short stories, personal narratives, poetry, stories for children and b&w illustrations. The book retails for $10.95 and will be available in bookstores throughout northern Wisconsin. The RDL Foundation has authorized a 25% discount to libraries, which makes it available for just $8.25. An order form is available from the WVLS office or you can call Steve direct at (715)365-1070.

Where Are The Books?

The first major survey on the impact of Internet use on public libraries is out and there is good and bad news. The good news is that more than 75% of those who use the Internet also use public libraries, and they overwhelmingly agree that libraries provide more accurate information, better protect their privacy and confidentiality, and offer more helpful assistance from professionals.

On the other hand the Internet outscores public libraries when it comes to providing consumer product information, business information, and job and career information. Where there is little basis for comparison between the two, each dominates in expected areas; the Internet for round-the-clock availability and up-to-the-minute information like news, weather, and sports, and the public library for cost - a no-brainer surely, since it is free and you don’t need a machine to use it. Barely evident in this survey is the reason most people give for using the library: to borrow a book to read…

As the survey notes, libraries and the Internet will coexist, as do radio and television, movie theaters and VCRs. At the same time, the survey reveals areas that libraries should cede to the Internet (the latest sports information), areas on which libraries can capitalize (providing more accurate information), and already popular services that libraries could market better (business information). By downplaying books, however, libraries neglect their greatest, most popular asset and pass up a golden opportunity to shape realistic future libraries and their services. (Excerpted from an editorial by Francine Fialkoff, Editor of Library Journal, in the 11/15/2000 issue)

Politicians, Authors, and Actors Share How Literature Influenced Their Careers

A program developed by Sheila Dembrowski, media specialist for Schofield, Easton and Hatley Elementary schools (DC Everest School District, Marathon County) was featured in the 5/21/00 Wausau Daily Herald. Letters were written to celebrities asking, "How has reading affected your life in a positive way? " and "Was there any particular person who made you aware of the value of literature?" The following examples are typical of the responses they received:

	"Reading shaped my dreams and more reading helped me make my dreams come true." Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
	"As President, I spend a lot of time reading every day…I can’t imagine my life without books." President Bill Clinton
	"Books are candy for your imagination!" Henry Winkler, actor
	"Reading is a reaction that is positive and involved, rather than negative and passive. It’s the difference between being a participant and a spectator." Alex Trebek, host of Jeopardy
	"There are so many places you can visit, experiences you can experience and people you can meet, all through reading!" Charles Schultz, cartoonist
	"My teacher told me that the best place to go was the library…And she said to me that by reading, I would be in control of my own mind. I have been reading ever since." Bill Cosby, actor
	"Even as we enter a new millennium and learn to use new technologies, we will always rely on reading to help us understand new ideas and to communicate our thoughts to one another." Senator Russ Feingold

It sounds as though these folks (as well as all of us) believe that books are gifts that keep on giving indeed.

 Calendar of Events

December 22 – Happy Hanukkah!

December 25 – 26 – WVLS offices closed – MERRY CHRISTMAS!

January 1 – WVLS offices closed – HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

January 8 – "Professional Telephone Skills." $59. CareerTrack Training. 8:30 –noon. Wausau, Park Inn International Hotel. For more information contact www.careertrack.com or phone 800-334-6780.

January 17 – "Strategies for Effective Employee Recordkeeping in Wisconsin." $189. Lorman Education Services. Holiday Inn Airport, Green Bay. For more information contact www.lorman.com or phone (715) 833-3940.

January 24 – "Business Writing For Results." $159. Fred Pryor Seminars. 9:00 – 4:00. Wausau, Park Inn International Hotel. For more information contact www.pryor.com or phone 800-255-6139.

January 30 – "Discrimination and Harassment Issues In Wisconsin." $229. Lorman Education Services. Sheraton Madison Hotel, Madison. For more information contact www.lorman.com or phone (715) 833-3940.

January 30 – "Grammar & Proofreading Made Fun and Easy." $125. CareerTrack Training. 9:00 – 4:00. Wausau, Park Inn International Hotel. For more information contact www.careertrack.com or phone 800-334-6780.

February 9 – "Basic Skills for Support Staff," an exploration of library user concerns. $78. UW Wisconsin-Madison. 8:00 – 4:00. Madison, The Pyle Center University of Wisconsin, Madison. For more information contact www.polyglot.lss.wisc.edu/slis/academic/ces or phone (608) 262-7942.

February 13 – Library Legislative Day at Inn on the Park, Madison.

March 13 and 14 – Children’s Book Fest 2001. Rhinelander (see workshop flyers below)

Separating the best from the rest…
Fourteenth annual

Children's Book Fest 2001

Tuesday, March 13, 2001
Holiday Inn of Rhinelander, WI
668 W Kemp Street (Hwy 8 West)

Evening Presentation

4:00 - 6:30 p.m. -- Browsing through the CCBC book exhibit

5:00 - 6:30 p.m. -- SUPPER: Light buffet available anytime during this time slot.

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.  -- Current Trends in Children's Literature and the Best New Books of 2000!
                           Ginny Moore Kruse and Kathleen T. Horning
                        Cooperative Children's Book Center, Madison.

10:00 - 11:45 a.m. --  Current Trends in Children's Literature and the Best New Books of 2000!
                             Ginny Moore Kruse and Kathleen T. Horning
                             Cooperative Children's Book Center, Madison.

ATTENTION: WESSLER SCHOLARSHIPS are available to cover some/all costs associated with attendance at reference and/or interlibrary loan continuing education events. If interested in becoming a Wessler Scholar, contact the WVLS office (715/261-7250) for more information. The application form and more information are available on the WVLS home page at http://wvls.lib.wi.us under "About WVLS & Services."

LAMPLIGHTER

a monthly newsletter of the Wisconsin Valley Library Service
300 N. First Street / Wausau, WI 54403

EDITOR: Marla Sepnafski

Phone: 715/261-7252 FAX: 715/261-7259

msepnafs@wvls.lib.wi.us

Contributions are welcome! News items should be submitted by the first of the month.

WVLS serves Clark, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, and Taylor counties.