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

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

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