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March 2002 Volume XXXIX, Number 3
Is Your Library Important/Essential in Your Community?
It's state budget time again…time for librarians and library trustees to perform their most important task…the task of securing adequate funding for the services their libraries provide.
Libraries across the state are concerned about the elimination of revenue sharing funds and the subsequent impact on library services. At a time when our state is facing a serious budget deficit, we know that some things will have to be cut. Our biggest worry is that libraries will be tagged as a 'non-essential' municipal service and will receive disproportionate cuts in financial support.
I remind you that every public library in this state is part of one of Wisconsin's 17 library systems. In order to remain a member of a library system, the municipality that supports the library must maintain the support of its library at least at the average of the past three years. (WIS. STATS. 43.15)
Every WVLS public library board, supporting municipality, and county have signed agreements with WVLS stating that they will abide by this statutory requirement. The law also states (WIS. STATS. 43..58(1)) that once monies have been appropriated for library use, they are under the exclusive control of the library board. So, for 2002 at least, libraries should be OK financially…but, library folks have to remain alert and may have to stand up and remind their municipalities of their commitments - and why they are important.
If a municipality asks each of its departments to 'give up' some of its funding (in any year) because of budget difficulties, the library board (and ONLY the library board) can decide to forfeit some of the funds that have been appropriated by the municipality - or not.
Be prepared! Know the law. Attend municipal board meetings. Make a list explaining all of the services your library users would not have if your library no longer belonged to a library system - and be ready to speak up about those potential losses every chance you get. That list could include things like: having to return to manual circulation systems... not having access to professional consultants at the library and board levels…not having access to materials owned by other libraries that your patrons borrow for no out-of-pocket cost…not having deposit collections of large print books in area libraries, nursing homes and apartments for the elderly...not having workshops in easily accessible places that help maintain certification and provide training in new technologies…not having access to cheap T1 lines…etc. - whatever services are most important in your community.
I know that funding is tight for this next state budget but I also know that open access to information and sharing by agencies which operate on tax dollars is of utmost importance. We keep hearing the Governor say that it is very important for municipal governments to share services. That's not news to the library community. Point out that WVLS has 40 years of experience in doing just that - sharing - on tax dollars! Say it again…and again… --Heather Eldred
Budget Cuts Will Impact Interlibrary Loan Services
As a result of state government fiscal constraints and proposals by the Governor, the Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning (DLTCL) must cut its budget. In addition, state contracts for library services did not receive an increase this year, and the Governor's office has recommended a cut of $52,000 for next year. Two of these contracts are for interlibrary loan services. These changes in internal DLTCL operations and the interloan contracts will make it difficult to continue the full level of interlibrary loan service that the Reference and Loan Library (R&LL) has provided in the past. In order to stay within the budgets required, the DLTCL plans to make the following changes.
The R&LL will not be able to continue to pay for interlibrary loan requests referred out-of-state when there is a charge to fill the request. However, R&LL will continue to refer requests to MINITEX and to OCLC libraries that do not charge. Continue to ask that requests be referred out-of-state. R&LL has many sources that do not charge, or with whom they have reciprocal agreements. If they cannot find a source that does not charge, they will let you know. At that time, public libraries that want to pay charges on behalf of their patrons may refer requests directly, or may ask that WVLS refer the request for them. We will refer via OCLC or direct ALA forms. WVLS will continue to charge libraries for reimbursement of any fees encountered from these direct referrals.
Public libraries cannot charge patrons for this service. In 1995, the DLTCL provided a letter to public library systems and public libraries outlining the legal interpretation concerning fees for interlibrary loan. A copy of this letter was sent to public libraries with my March 6th memo alerting libraries to this change in service.
The contract for WILS will also likely not be sufficient to pay for all of the transactions that would normally be sent to WILS. Therefore, it may be necessary for the R&LL to curtail sending some requests toWILS libraries. R&LL staff will continue to find alternate sources whenever possible, but this could mean some requests may not be filled, especially in the May to June time frame. Remember, the State Historical Society is a WILS library.
The DLTCL regrets the necessity of taking these actions, but the division is obligated to stay within the allocated budget. WVLS also regrets these changes -however, don't hesitate to continue submitting referrals for your patrons. There are still many reciprocal sources to try. The provision of an excellent interlibrary loan service to system residents remains a primary goal of the WVLS.
If you have any questions about these changes, please contact me at 715.261.7255 or ebuchber@wvls.lib.wi.us --Ellen Buchberger
Legislators Need to Hear From Library Users
There is a "Dear Library User" flyer included in this issue of the Lamplighter. Please make copies of it and hand it out when materials are checked out at your library… give copies to your library board members…distribute copies at library programs, etc. Keep it up until the state budget has been passed.
Thanks for your help. The library service you save might be your own.
Freely available, uncensored libraries are not only essential to democracy but also are inherently democratic. In making recorded knowledge and information available to all and in giving assistance in locating and using that recorded knowledge and information to all, we not only support democracy - we are democracy. (Michael Gorman)
Libraries ARE an essential service - Headlines throughout the media have been featuring the grave financial situation the state and its taxpayers are currently facing. Our Governor has recommended elimination of shared revenues to local municipalities and a 5% cut in library system funding. All of this prompts the question, are libraries an essential service? Municipalities are faced with evaluating every service they offer including traditional services such as libraries, public safety, sanitation, and others. Some lawmakers, and even some misguided librarians, have stated that libraries will have to be cut to preserve "essential" services.
Since when did libraries become superfluous to our communities? Visit any public library after school and you will find crowds of students working on homework assignments. The public schools can't take up the slack. And what about private and faith-based schools where libraries are nearly non-existent? What about the growing number of families home-schooling their children? Libraries are a vital part of our educational system. Where are tax forms being distributed other than at the library? Where can you go, other than the library, to find information over the net or use email? If there were no libraries, how would you gain access to the variety of subscription databases available from your library's web site? 19 libraries participating in the V-Cat, WVLS' shared automation system, share thousands of items every year. All of these items are loaned for free. How much would the residents of those 19 communities have to pay to purchase those items if there were no libraries? LIBRARIES ARE AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE. We cannot concede this fact or let others frame the argument when lawmakers propose eliminating non-essential services in order to balance the budget. If cuts need to be made, let them be distributed evenly so that some essential services are not threatened with extinction. (edited from Winnefox Library System's Trustee Tale, Spring 2002)
What does membership in WVLS mean to your library community? - Here is a partial list of WVLS services that you might wish to elaborate on if you face discussions in your own communities that would threaten your membership in WVLS.
These lists of why it is important to be a system member library will differ between library communities but without the services that WVLS has provided over the past 40 years, we would still be a state of individual libraries with very little access to the wealth of materials available outside of each library's individual walls. Speak up! For libraries and for the library systems that support their activities. --Heather Eldred
276 public libraries representing all 17 public library systems throughout Wisconsin - are participating in the Culver's "Draw a Picture in Celebration of National Library Week" program. This year's theme is "Be a Hero @ Your Library." The program, sponsored by Wisconsin public library systems, WLA and Culver's Frozen Custard Restaurants, runs from April 1-30.
When children, 12 years old and under, submit their drawings of real or imaginary heroes, they will receive coupons for free frozen custard at their local or area Culver's, and be eligible to win a Culver's backpack with water bottle or a hat in a random drawing to be held at their public library. Drawings will be displayed at the libraries and/or Culvers.
Participants representing the WVLS area include public libraries in Colby, Greenwood, Loyal, Marathon County (including branch libraries and bookmobile), Minocqua, Rhinelander and Thorp.
The Giant Step Award from the Gale Group and School Library Journal honors the U.S. or Canadian school library or public library that demonstrates the biggest improvement in serving children and/or young adults during the past three years. The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize, a selection of Gale Group reference materials, a gala celebration, and a feature article in School Library Journal. Entries will be accepted through May 31, 2002. Guidelines are available at School Library Journal's web site http://slj.reviewsnews.com or call 212.463.6759. (CEO, 2/27/02 as seen in Library Hotline, 2/25/02)
StartSMART: Making a Difference
Imagine six to eight young children, mostly toddlers and preschoolers, exploring new territory at a crisis nursery or temporary shelter. The startSMART volunteer arrives carrying a bag of books, and the childcare provider directs the children's attention to story time. Some reluctantly leave their toys to join other children clustered around the volunteer. The bag is opened. Out come books, a puppet and more books. The once noisy room becomes quiet. With the help of a child, the volunteer opens a brightly colored picture book and the story begins...
Hennepin County Library's startSMART program reaches children in the community who do not have access to a library - giving the children exposure to language, songs and stories to pave their way to future success in school and life, according to Linnea Christensen, startSMART project manager. The program is based on research that clearly documents the incredible impact reading aloud to children has on the development of their brains and intelligence.
"Even in the suburbs, not all children have the opportunities to take advantage of the resources and services that our libraries offer," said Christensen. "Some children have parents who are struggling just to make ends meet, and others have parents who did not have a positive school or library experience. Many parents and child care providers do not have the transportation available or the time to bring their children to the library."
The startSMART program was begun in 1998 as a direct response to the overwhelming demand for Children's Readmobile service. With the existing resources, Hennepin County Library was simply not able to provide Readmobile service to all licensed child care providers and family literacy centers wanting the service. So, with funding support from The Library Foundation of Hennepin County, the library launched the startSMART program - that is, training volunteers to do story times in the community. Now, more than 40 startSMART volunteers read to children in sites throughout suburban Hennepin County. (Library Administrator's Digest, February 2002 as seen in Events & Issues, Hennepin County [MN] Library, December 2001)
Public librarians across the country are facing an increasing number of requests for health information from their patrons. Reference librarians are receiving inquiries about alternative medicine, selecting a physician, wellness issues, or particular diseases or conditions. Patrons are also seeking free, quality, electronic health information written in lay terminology. The National Library of Medicine would like to help you respond to this demand.
The National Library of Medicine, a government agency and the world's largest medical library, is located on the campus of the National Institutes of Health. It has developed MEDLINEplus, a consumer health resource that is accessible to all. MEDLINEplus offers authoritative, up-to-date, and totally private health information. Health topics, drug information, a medical encyclopedia, MEDLINE searches, clinical trials, and current news are just some of the features included at http://medlineplus.gov/
The National Library of Medicine encourages public libraries to join the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. Membership is free and offers public libraries the following advantages:
- Opportunities for continuing professional development by taking training workshops to search the National Library of Medicine's databases.
- Participate in funding opportunities for your library.
- Participate in interlibrary loan services available to the network.
- Receive special mailings of national Library of Medicine's posters, brochures, and other informational materials.
- Be considered for service on the Regional Medical Library's Advisory Committee.
- Receive a certificate, which recognizes the institution as a member of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine.
- Receive an invitation, on a periodic basis, to provide input to the Regional Medical Library on programs and service.
- Enroll in the Greater Midwest Region's electronic discussion list if requested.
- Find more information at http://nnlm.gov/ or contact your Regional Medical Library at 1-800-338-7657.
(Regional Advisory Council Consumer Health Committee. National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Greater Midwest Region. Email: gmr@uic.edu)
All public libraries and library users in the WVLS area have access to the Gale Health and Wellness Resource Center, a comprehensive and current database of health and medical information and resources on the web.
These products may be accessed from the WVLS web site http://wvls.lib.wi.us , Marathon County Public Library's web site http://mcpl.lib.wi.us or, any member public library's web site if a link to the database has been created.
After a user clicks on the Gale Health and Wellness Resource Center icon, V-Cat and MCPL cardholders need to type in their 14-digit barcode number (no spaces). Those who do not have a V-Cat or MCPL card need to contact their public library for instructions as to how their library card number should be typed.
The Gale Group website http://www.galegroup.com offers a number of training materials, including an animated online guided tour of the Health and Wellness Resource Center. If you have any questions or need assistance in using this electronic resource, please contact Juanita Thomas (715.261.7250; email jthomas3@wvls.lib.wi.us) or Leora Young (715.261.7255; email lyoung@wvls.lib.wi.us)
In May there are lots of flower festivals, and people's thoughts turn to planting. This presents an opportunity for public libraries to attract new users. Many people turn to the Internet or to big home and garden stores for information and advice, but you probably have a wealth of that right on your shelves.
How can you let people know? Start early, maybe in April, by putting a short gardening article in the local newspapers or on local radio stations each week. It doesn't take long to put together one tip on a certain topic, like how to correctly plant seeds or prune shrubs. While you have their attention, publicize live events that you'll have at the library. Maybe a local flower expert can give Saturday morning planting demonstrations (and you can benefit by having new flora planted around your building!) Sell seed packets as a fundraiser. Or try this: Everyone who checks out a gardening book or video in April is entered into a May 1st drawing for appropriate books, garden gloves, tree seedlings, etc. (generously donated by local merchants, in exchange for your publicity).
Who wants to read about plants on a computer when they can get a hands-on lesson and pleasant social interaction instead? (Marketing Library Services, March/April 2002)
Alexandria Library Reopens After More Than 2,000 Years
The "Biblioteca Alexandrina," as it is known in Egypt, is scheduled to once again become the center of learning and scholarship in the Middle East at an estimated cost of $230 million. The seven-story international library is designed to hold 4 million books. Formal opening day is scheduled for the United Nations' International Book Day, April 23, 2002.
The idea of constructing a new Alexandria library is credited to Moustafa al-Abbadi, a city historian. "The library must pursue a major purchasing campaign," al-Abbadi said. An international library cannot rightly call itself that unless it contains "a minimum of 1 million books, and that is a modest number," he said.
The ancient library is believed to have begun construction in 295 B.C. on the royal palace grounds of Ptolemy I Soter, and to have been burned down in 48 B.C. by Julius Caesar. The "Great Library," as it is also known, contained original scrolls by the likes of Sophocles, Aeschylus and Euripedes. (today's librarian, December 2001)
$350 Available from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the publication of The Snowy Day (Penguin, 1962), the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation will award $350 mini-grants totaling $40,000 to support innovative literacy programs in American public and school libraries. The deadline for applications is September 15 (application forms are available at www.ezra-jack-keats.org ); the grants will be awarded in December 2002.
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 featuring the works of the famed author/illustrator Ezra Jack Keats will be given special attention.
According to Pauline Clark (Link Up, March/April 2002), one of the best ways to get into the excitement of an upcoming seasonal holiday is to visit Web sites directly related to the occasion. Easter is no exception. Following are some of the sites she recommends to help answer Easter-related questions.
Easter: Its Origins and Meanings http://www.religioustolerance.org/easter.htm
Some of the Christian and pagan religious practices from early days as well
as origins of the Easter name can be found at this site.
Easter Traditions and Origins http://www.easter-traditions.com
Traditions of Easter http://wilstar.com/holidays/easter.htm
Holiday Customs and Traditions http://www.execpc.com/~tmuth/easter/holiday.htm
Discover how Easter is celebrated around the world and learn the history
behind Easter customs like bunnies, bonnets, lilies, and Easter baskets at these
web sites.
Easter in Cyberspace: A Christian Perspective http://www.njwebworks.net/easter
This is a reference site that links to other religious sites on
inspirational readings, preaching resources, Lenten meditations, and other
materials of a religious nature.
To Determine the Date for Easter http://www.tondering.dk/claus/calendar.html
Astronomical Society of South Australia http://www.assa.org.au/edm.html
Calculation of the Ecclesiastical Calendar http://www.smart.net/~mmontes/ec-cal.html
This year, Easter in the West falls on March 31, somewhat earlier than 2001's
date of April 15 and 2000's date of April 25. Easter Sunday can be as early as
March 22 and as late as April 25. In scientific terms, it falls on the first
Sunday after the full moon occurring on or following the spring equinox, which
comes after the first day of spring on March 21.
View the world-famous Faberge Eggs Collection at http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/4819
The Art of Pysanky
Pysanky: Ukrainian Easter Eggs http://www.cs.uncedu/~yakowenk/pysanky
Online Computer Graphics
Easter in Gayla's Garden http://www.gaylasgarden.com/holidays/easter.htm
This site includes several pages of Easter graphics for your own home page.
The linked sites include some with greeting cards and a site to order Easter
flowers online.
TheHolidaySpot http://www.theholidayspot.com/easter/
Has backgrounds and fonts and a free screensaver available. Other features
include Easter coloring pictures, a day-by-day look at Holy Week, poems, games,
stories and craft ideas.
Fun Online Activities
Holidays on the Net http://www.holidays.net/easter/story.htm
This site includes easy-to-read information, recipes, crafts, and online
activities for kids.
PrimaryGames http://www.primarygames.com/games.htm
Eggbert's Tic-Tac-Toe, Easter Egg Match Game and Henry's Egg Hunt are among
the games available.
Egg Decorating Safety Tips
Iowa State University Extension http://www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsafety/decor.html
Easter Recipes
Epicurious http://www.epicurious.com/e_eating/e04_easter/main.html
Garvick Easter pages http://www.garvick.com/annual/easter/recipes.htm
The Big Internet Easter Egg Hunt http://www.ycgroup.com/egghunt
This site will actually lead you on a hunt through many more sites.
Easter Island
Easter Island Homepage http://www.netaxs.com/~trance/rapanui.html
The only thing Easter Island has to do with Easter is the fact that Admiral
Roggeveen discovered it on Easter day in 1722 and that's how it got its name.
The island is one of the most isolated places in the world.
Many More Easter-Related Sites
Ontario Teacher Pat Jones's Page http://www.geocities.com/Paris/LeftBank/3852/easter.html
Due June 1st -
Call for 2002 WLA
Awards & Honors Nominations
The WLA Awards and Honors Committee is seeking nominations for awards to be presented at the Awards and Honors Banquet at the 2002 WLA Conference. The Committee seeks nominations for: Citation of Merit, Librarian of the Year, Library of the Year, Muriel Fuller, Special Service, Trustee of the Year and WLA/Highsmith awards. Take the time to think about that special person, library, organization, institution or program that is deserving of our recognition. Remember, too, it is through marketing efforts that community members learn about libraries and librarians and the valuable accomplishments of those honored.
Members of this year's committee include Janice Dibble, Chair, WAPL; Marge Loch-Wouters, WAPL/YSS; Shirley Lemke, WLTA; Carole DeJardin, WAPL/YSS; Kris Midthun, WAAL; Pat Laughlin, WAPL; and Chris Jameson, WASL.
Complete descriptions of the specific criteria for each award can be found on the WLA web site http://www.wla.lib.wi.us. An important aspect of any nomination is to show how the criteria have been met. Nominations must conform to established procedures and deadlines. In addition to the nomination, at least three but no more than ten letters supporting the nomination must be submitted.
The nomination form, a statement of achievements, and supporting letters must be sent as a single (hard copy) packet, postmarked no later than June 1, 2002, to Janice Dibble, Chair, WLA Awards and Honors Committee, to the WLA Office; 5250 East Terrace Drive, Suite AL; Madison, WI 53718-8345. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Janice at 920.236.5214 or email dibble@oshkoshpubliclibrary.org
WLA Website: Your Advocacy Resource
Where do you go to find the latest information about legislative issues pertaining to libraries? Why, the WLA website, of course! Paul Nelson, Chair of the Library Development & Legislation (LD&L) Committee, has created a table that quickly summarizes the background and status of each key library issue, along with the key message we are trying to communicate. If you don't wish to print out the complete table, you can peruse the list of pending library bills to see what's up.
The site also has links to the website of the Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning, which also has a wealth of information about pending legislation. You can also link to the State Legislature's website, with an easy search feature for finding the complete text and history of any bill. (The DLTCL and WLA sites, however, are usually updated far more frequently.)
If you have any comments or suggestions for improvements to the legislative information on the WLA web site, please email wla@scls.lib.wi.us For general comments, contact the WLA webmaster, Paula Ganyard, at ganyardg@uwgb.edu
The WAPL Spring Conference is just around the corner and if you haven't made plans to attend, now is the time to do so. This year's conference will be held at the Wausau Ramada Inn & Conference Center, May 2-3, and promises to be of interest to all that attend. The theme, Face to Face @ Your Library, keeps with a Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum exhibit of Picasso pottery that coincides with the conference.
The Call to Conference should arrive in your mailboxes soon. So mark your calendars! Plan to meet with colleagues and friends "face to face" at the Ramada in May.
March 27 - "The New WISCAT & WISCAT ILL Software" - a WVLS workshop - T.B. Scott Library, Merrill - 9:00-5:00 - see flyer included with the February issue of the Lamplighter for details.
March 29 - WVLS office closed.
April
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA MONTH KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL MONTH
April 4 - WVLS V-Cat Council meeting - Antigo Public Library - 9:00.
"Minolta Digital Microform & Imaging Demonstration" - Marathon County Public Library - 1:00-5:00 - for questions or to RSVP, contact Dave Seikel, MTM Sales Consultant, at 920.983.1210; or email dseikel@mtmimage.com
April 14-20 - NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK. This year's theme, Rediscover America @ Your Library, is part of an ongoing public awareness campaign on the importance of libraries in the 21st century. For ideas on how to celebrate, visit www.ala.org/events/promoevents
April 15-21 - Children's Poetry Week. Sponsored by the Children's Book Council in collaboration with the American Academy of Poets. For a selection of Children's Poetry Week materials and poetry resources, visit www.cbcbooks.org/html/poetry_week.html
April 16 - "Thank You Day" - a national event to highlight and celebrate library programs and "success stories" made possible through the support of elected officials and federal and state funding. For more information, visit the ALA web site at http://www.ala.org/washoff/thankyou.html
April 17-19 - "Spring Getaway" - Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians Annual Conference - Heidel House Resort, Green Lake - for more details visit http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/waal/conferences/waal2002.html
WEMA Conference in LaCrosse.
April 20 - WVLS Executive Committee meeting - Marathon County Public Library - 9:30.
May 1-3 - Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries Spring Conference - theme: Face to Face @ Your Library - Ramada Inn, Wausau.
May 6 - ALA Legislative Day, Washington D.C.
May 6-7 - WiscNet Future Technologies Conference - Monona Terrace and Convention Center, Madison - this conference offers a preview of emerging technologies and their potential applications for education - learn more about Internet2, e-learning, IP video, new network technologies, My WiscNet, The Toolbox, and the latest file sharing programs, like Kazaa - details are at www.wiscnet.net/ftc
May 23 - WVLS Teen Grant Workshop - a WVLS workshop - see flyer included with this issue of the Lamplighter for details.
"Libraries, Democracy and Patriotism: Securing Safety and Liberty" - The Pyle Center, Madison - 8:30-4:30 - $115 - 0.7 CEUs - register by May 8th - for more information, contact Jane Pearlmutter at 608.262.6398 or email jpearl@slis.wisc.edu
May 24 - "Safety and Security in the Library" - The Pyle Center, UW-Madison - 8:30-4:30 - $175 - 0.7 CEUs - registration deadline is May 8th - contact Jane Pearlmutter at 608.262.6398 or email jpearl@slis.wisc.edu for details.
 (logo: www.urbanlibraries.org/youth.html ) |
Thursday, May 23,
2002 |
9-9:30 a.m. Coffee & Conversation
9:30-12:30 Amy Alesslo, Teen Coordinator of the Schaumburg Township District Library (Schaumburg, IL) and one of YALSA's trainers will focus on helping you become "Reader Ready" and "Reference Ready" by exploring booktalking, reader's advisory, pathfinders and marketing your YA services like never before!
12:30-1:45 p.m. Lunch on your own (possibilities include the Cafe at Cedar Creek, Culver's, Tony Roma's, Denny's or the Green Mill)
1:45-3:00 p.m. Author Richard Mosher whose book ZAZOC was chosen one of ALA's 2002 Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults will join us to discuss his work. "Zazoo is a young French girl of Vietnamese descent who lives beside a canal in Burgundy with an old man named Grand-Pierre. At first she knows little about her own or Grand-Pierre's past, but a chance meeting with a 16-year-old Parisian boy starts her on a journey of discovery." (From Booklist) Amazon.com staff chose ZAZOOas one of their favorite teen novels last year, calling it "philosophical, compassionate, and exquisitely lyrical."
PLEASE NOTE: Those 30 libraries participating in the "Teens at Risk" LSTA grant are expected to send at least one representative to this workshop.
Connecting Teens &
Libraries Registration .
Thursday, May 23, 2002
Registrations must be received by Monday, May 20, 2002
Name:______________________________________
Library:_____________________________________
Email:_______________________________________
mail form to Beth Sillars, WVLS, 300 N First Street, Wausau, WI 54403
LIBRARY SERVICES ARE AT RISK!
Recent actions by the Governor and Legislature will deprive the Wisconsin Valley Library Service (WVLS) of funding needed to provide the array of services and assistance that you use regularly. Though you may not be aware of it, this library's membership in WVLS (our area's library system for resource sharing)...
- makes the sharing of materials between libraries possible
- provides changing collections of specialized library materials (like large print books and video cassettes) to our library
- makes our library eligible for grants that help us afford special library projects and/or materials in this community
- partially subsidizes our Summer Reading Program
- provides professional consulting services to help this library's board and staff to plan for improvements and constructively address problems if they arise
- operates V-Cat, our areas shared automation system which makes the collections of many area libraries available electronically
- pays for access to a growing collection of e-books available through any computer with an Internet connection
- provides continuing education opportunities for the library staff and board to create and maintain awareness of new ideas and technologies and to acquire skills that help to make this library a better source of information and satisfaction
- pays for van delivery services to transport materials between this library and libraries across the state.
Wisconsin Valley Library Service has been helping us bring the rest of the world to our library for 40 years (since 1961).
LIBRARY SERVICES ARE IN JEOPARDY!
In these times when information is more important than ever to your family's success and well-being, we cannot allow our government to neglect libraries or to ignore its obligation to support library activities when our local municipality and county are working hard to do their respective parts.
We must tell our elected officials that we value the services provided by the Wisconsin Valley Library Service, our library system, and that we cannot afford to lose them.
Contact information for our area's Legislators is available at our reference desk or at the WVLS website. Or simply call the Legislative Hotline (800) 362-9472 and leave a brief message for your legislator.
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 at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/About/wessler.htm
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.
