Alachua and Orange County Libraries recognized by Harvard program

Two Florida library systems, both winners of the Florida Library Association's 2010 Library of the Year Award, have received national recognition.

Harvard University's Bright Ideas program, which is administered through The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government, recognized 173 programs across the nation.

Alachua County Library District was selected for its Library Partnership, a collaboration with social service agencies. Orange County Library System was recognized for Library Without Walls, a home delivery service.

The two Florida systems were among only three U.S. library systems honored. More information and a complete list of programs recognized is available at http://www.hks.harvard.edu/news-events/news/press-releases/ash-bright-ideas

FAU library budget to be cut $500,000

FAU Library Dean William Miller has announced that the Florida Atlantic University Library budget for resources will be reduced by $500,000 for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/fau-library-bracing-for-500-000-cut-to-964719.html

Friends of Franklin Library awarded Recovery Act funds

Friends of the Franklin Library, Inc. has been awarded a loan of $177,859 and a grant of $200,000 to construct a 5,000 sq. ft. building. The project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act).

On September 24 U.S. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack announced awards in 30 states to benefit 129 rural communities. These projects will create jobs by building and enhancing libraries. The Franklin project is the only one awarded to a Florida library.

More information is available at http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2010/09/0486.xml

Indian River Opens Joint Use Library

Congratulations to Indian River County Library System and Indian River State College on the October 27 opening of their new 30,000 square foot, 2-story library.

The Brackett Library is named for funders Bob and Sandy Brackett and was made possible by a combination of public and private funding. Read more at
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/oct/27/indian-river-countys-newest-library-branch-opens/

Central Florida libraries reduce hours and services

Orlando Sentinel story reports cuts in operating hours in Orlando and reductions in services at other central Florida libraries.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-orlando-library-hours-cuts-091609,0,814261.story

State tells schools hands off library funds

Dave Weber reports in the Sentinel School Zone that a Florida Department of Education memo has warned school districts that school library funds are to be limited to a specific purpose. An e-mail message from public school chancellor Frances Haithcock advised superintendends that public library media categorical funds are intended for the purchase of library media resources to be checked out through the school library by students and teachers.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_education_edblog/2009/09/state-tells-schools-to-keep-hands-off-library-money.html