Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Library cards lend hand to businesses
Broward County's Eileen Cobb, Monroe County's Norma Kula and Miami-Dade Public Library System's Jennifer Shipley are quoted in this Miami Herald story about how libraries are helping people deal with economic challenges. Read the full story at http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/828565.html.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Libraries Offer Plenty For Storms To Stew Over
By CATHERINE DOLINSKI The Tampa Tribune
Published: December 19, 2008
TALLAHASSEE - The economy is a shambles. State revenue is in a free-fall. House leaders in both parties stand accused of misusing their political powers.
This week, state Sen. Ronda Storms identified another menace: The Dewey Decimal System.
Storms, R-Valrico, railed against the book-cataloging system during a budget hearing on state library aid, calling the Dewey Decimal System "anachronistic," costly and just plain frustrating.
The system requires training for both staff and users, she complained. If Barnes & Noble organizes its books more simply, why can't libraries?
"A lot of little old librarians are going to have a heart attack that I even said that out loud," Storms said during Wednesday's hearing. "But it really is ridiculous."
Secretary of State Kurt Browning, who oversees state support of libraries, told the committee that Dewey Decimal is the national standard, set by the Library of Congress.
"The Library of Congress can do what the Library of Congress wants," Storms said. "If it's costing us money ... it's time to wake up and smell the coffee."
Browning spokeswoman Jennifer Davis later addressed the money issue. "Conversion to another system would be very costly," she said.
The senator had another bone to pick as well - over "Seinfeld."
Storms objects to public libraries loaning out copies of TV show episodes.
"If there's one thing this country doesn't need more of, it's more TV," she said. "More books is good; more cultural arts ... but I'm not sure we need more episodes of 'Seinfeld' in our library."
Committee Chairman Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, said Storms could propose instructions to insert in the state budget about libraries' specific use of funding. That prompted Storms to speculate about more funding for libraries that agree to spend it on purchases of books instead of TV shows.
That smacks of censorship and micromanagement, said Larry Spalding, lobbyist for the American Civil Liberties Union.
"It would be wonderful if all children were motivated to listen to Mozart and read things that are educational," he said. "But not all children are the same. Libraries adapt."
Reporter Catherine Dolinski can be reached at (850) 222-8382.
Published: December 19, 2008
TALLAHASSEE - The economy is a shambles. State revenue is in a free-fall. House leaders in both parties stand accused of misusing their political powers.
This week, state Sen. Ronda Storms identified another menace: The Dewey Decimal System.
Storms, R-Valrico, railed against the book-cataloging system during a budget hearing on state library aid, calling the Dewey Decimal System "anachronistic," costly and just plain frustrating.
The system requires training for both staff and users, she complained. If Barnes & Noble organizes its books more simply, why can't libraries?
"A lot of little old librarians are going to have a heart attack that I even said that out loud," Storms said during Wednesday's hearing. "But it really is ridiculous."
Secretary of State Kurt Browning, who oversees state support of libraries, told the committee that Dewey Decimal is the national standard, set by the Library of Congress.
"The Library of Congress can do what the Library of Congress wants," Storms said. "If it's costing us money ... it's time to wake up and smell the coffee."
Browning spokeswoman Jennifer Davis later addressed the money issue. "Conversion to another system would be very costly," she said.
The senator had another bone to pick as well - over "Seinfeld."
Storms objects to public libraries loaning out copies of TV show episodes.
"If there's one thing this country doesn't need more of, it's more TV," she said. "More books is good; more cultural arts ... but I'm not sure we need more episodes of 'Seinfeld' in our library."
Committee Chairman Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, said Storms could propose instructions to insert in the state budget about libraries' specific use of funding. That prompted Storms to speculate about more funding for libraries that agree to spend it on purchases of books instead of TV shows.
That smacks of censorship and micromanagement, said Larry Spalding, lobbyist for the American Civil Liberties Union.
"It would be wonderful if all children were motivated to listen to Mozart and read things that are educational," he said. "But not all children are the same. Libraries adapt."
Reporter Catherine Dolinski can be reached at (850) 222-8382.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Business booming at Palm Beach County libraries
By Bill Dipaolo
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Monday, November 24, 2008
PALM BEACH GARDENS — Banks are tanking and the auto industry is ailing, but business is booming at county libraries.
Circulation and attendance are up 30 percent in the past two years. Book clubs and community meetings at the 16 county libraries are thriving. More job seekers are using the computers to update résumés. Parents who can't afford day care or summer camp are using libraries as an alternative.
That's why the 14-month closing of the North County Regional Library on PGA Boulevard starting in January will be tough for patrons and other nearby libraries which will have to pick up the slack.
Leaders of groups now meeting at North Regional have already started asking for space at North Palm Beach Library next to Village Hall, library director Donna Riegel said. She is talking with county officials about moving North Regional's children's program to North Palm Beach while North Regional is closed.
In Lake Park, budget cuts have forced the Park Avenue library to cut staff and hours.
"The closing couldn't come at a worse time," said Mike Kennely, director of the Lake Park library.
The 14 months of inconvenience will be worthwhile, said Palm Beach County Library Director John Callahan.
"Usage at the expanded library will skyrocket. There will be more community space and modern equipment," Callahan said.
A new children's wing is planned, with areas for story time and crafts. The number of computers will be doubled to about 50. The 125-person meeting room, now used for library and other events, will become a community meeting room. There also will be five individual study rooms, and four group study rooms.
And a new-fangled return system called Radio Frequency Identification will allow librarians to rapidly accept returned books and refile them.
When the North County Regional expansion is complete in April 2010, the 40,000-square-foot building will be the largest in the county system. It will be renamed the "Gardens Branch Library."
"Librarians will have more time to do what they are trained for — help people find information," said Callahan.
Seven county libraries — including North County Regional — are planned for new construction and renovations by the end of 2009. The $68 million cost will be paid by the 2002 county voter-approved $55 million bond issue, tax dollars and impact fees, said Callahan.
The county library system has about 400 full-time employees and an annual budget of about $49 million. Last year, county libraries had about 5 million visitors who borrowed about 7.5 million items, said Callahan.
"When economic times are tough, our business goes up," said Callahan. "Libraries are no longer just a place for research. We are community centers. It's a reaction to the Internet. People love technology. But they still crave personal interaction."
For more library information, go to pbclibrary.org or call (561) 233-2600.
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Monday, November 24, 2008
PALM BEACH GARDENS — Banks are tanking and the auto industry is ailing, but business is booming at county libraries.
Circulation and attendance are up 30 percent in the past two years. Book clubs and community meetings at the 16 county libraries are thriving. More job seekers are using the computers to update résumés. Parents who can't afford day care or summer camp are using libraries as an alternative.
That's why the 14-month closing of the North County Regional Library on PGA Boulevard starting in January will be tough for patrons and other nearby libraries which will have to pick up the slack.
Leaders of groups now meeting at North Regional have already started asking for space at North Palm Beach Library next to Village Hall, library director Donna Riegel said. She is talking with county officials about moving North Regional's children's program to North Palm Beach while North Regional is closed.
In Lake Park, budget cuts have forced the Park Avenue library to cut staff and hours.
"The closing couldn't come at a worse time," said Mike Kennely, director of the Lake Park library.
The 14 months of inconvenience will be worthwhile, said Palm Beach County Library Director John Callahan.
"Usage at the expanded library will skyrocket. There will be more community space and modern equipment," Callahan said.
A new children's wing is planned, with areas for story time and crafts. The number of computers will be doubled to about 50. The 125-person meeting room, now used for library and other events, will become a community meeting room. There also will be five individual study rooms, and four group study rooms.
And a new-fangled return system called Radio Frequency Identification will allow librarians to rapidly accept returned books and refile them.
When the North County Regional expansion is complete in April 2010, the 40,000-square-foot building will be the largest in the county system. It will be renamed the "Gardens Branch Library."
"Librarians will have more time to do what they are trained for — help people find information," said Callahan.
Seven county libraries — including North County Regional — are planned for new construction and renovations by the end of 2009. The $68 million cost will be paid by the 2002 county voter-approved $55 million bond issue, tax dollars and impact fees, said Callahan.
The county library system has about 400 full-time employees and an annual budget of about $49 million. Last year, county libraries had about 5 million visitors who borrowed about 7.5 million items, said Callahan.
"When economic times are tough, our business goes up," said Callahan. "Libraries are no longer just a place for research. We are community centers. It's a reaction to the Internet. People love technology. But they still crave personal interaction."
For more library information, go to pbclibrary.org or call (561) 233-2600.
Monday, November 17, 2008
It is time to invest in first-class libraries
Pensacola News Journal
November 17, 2008
Editorial
The economy is down but the circulation at the West Florida Public Library system is up, which shows the desperate need to improve a system that ranks among the worst in the state.
Clearly, no community should be without a first-rate library. The library is a portal to the world of knowledge for people of all ages, and should reflect that value.
During these tough economic times, it hard to dismiss the importance and popularity of the public library.
The West Florida Public Library system had significant increases in books and other materials checked out during the 2007-08 fiscal year, compared to the previous year.
Circulation of books and other materials increased from 680,000 to 747,000, a roughly 10 percent increase. Use of library computers increased 15 percent, from 138,000 users to 159,000 at the various branches of the library.
People who used the library to check out materials, use the computers or read newspapers and magazines increased about 5 percent, from 584,000 to 613,000.
Clearly, an enhanced library system that serves the needs of area residents is a good investment.
For too long, the West Florida system has had the unfortunate distinction of ranking at or near the bottom statewide in library investment and facilities.
At some point — at least we hope — more area leaders and residents will begin to grasp the connection between the investment in things like libraries, and the community's economic vitality.
To its credit, the local public library does the best it can, given its age and deteriorating condition, but there is only so much to be done.
It's time to make the investment to provide a first-class community a first-class library.
The payoff will be worth it, and not only in learning or research. There will be payoffs in economic opportunity as well.
November 17, 2008
Editorial
The economy is down but the circulation at the West Florida Public Library system is up, which shows the desperate need to improve a system that ranks among the worst in the state.
Clearly, no community should be without a first-rate library. The library is a portal to the world of knowledge for people of all ages, and should reflect that value.
During these tough economic times, it hard to dismiss the importance and popularity of the public library.
The West Florida Public Library system had significant increases in books and other materials checked out during the 2007-08 fiscal year, compared to the previous year.
Circulation of books and other materials increased from 680,000 to 747,000, a roughly 10 percent increase. Use of library computers increased 15 percent, from 138,000 users to 159,000 at the various branches of the library.
People who used the library to check out materials, use the computers or read newspapers and magazines increased about 5 percent, from 584,000 to 613,000.
Clearly, an enhanced library system that serves the needs of area residents is a good investment.
For too long, the West Florida system has had the unfortunate distinction of ranking at or near the bottom statewide in library investment and facilities.
At some point — at least we hope — more area leaders and residents will begin to grasp the connection between the investment in things like libraries, and the community's economic vitality.
To its credit, the local public library does the best it can, given its age and deteriorating condition, but there is only so much to be done.
It's time to make the investment to provide a first-class community a first-class library.
The payoff will be worth it, and not only in learning or research. There will be payoffs in economic opportunity as well.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Leon schools and public libraries may combine
According to a story posted October 30 by WCTV-TV, the Leon County Commission and School Board are considering plans to combine public libraries and schools. The full article includes a video clip and is posted at http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/33600269.html.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
October 21, 2008
Flagler seeks library pact with St. Johns By HEATHER SCOFIELD Staff Writer
PALM COAST -- Flagler County residents have always been able to check out books from libraries in neighboring St. Johns County without paying a fee.
Until a few months ago, that is.
The economic downturn, housing market meltdown and subsequent loss of property tax revenues in Florida counties has left libraries and other government-supported agencies around the state scrambling to find new ways to stay afloat, said Flagler County Library Director Holly Albanese.
For the St. Johns County Library system, that meant a new era of charging out-of-county residents for their St. Johns County library card.
But many Flagler residents depend on St. Johns' libraries for services and materials they can't get in Flagler's small system, Albanese said.
"Flagler residents have always enjoyed reciprocal borrowing privileges in St. Johns County," Albanese said. And she wants to keep it that way, Albanese said.
In a meeting Monday, Flagler County commissioners agreed to sign an agreement with St. Johns officials that would keep the neighborly generosity flowing between the counties, with residents of each county able to get free library cards in the two counties.
The Flagler County library system consists of one major library in Palm Coast and a satellite branch in Bunnell that only operates a few days per week. So residents often depend on the larger, neighboring county library systems to meet their needs when Flagler can't. And an August voter referendum that would've protected or even expanded library services in the county in light of recent budget woes was shot down, so officials aren't sure when the funds will be available for library system improvements, County Administrator Craig Coffey said.
"It makes keeping these types of arrangements more important," Coffey said.
More than 41,000 registered borrowers utilize Flagler County libraries, some of whom are St. Johns County residents, Albanese said.
And while Flagler's neighbors can still get a Flagler County Library Card without charge, Coffey said the library is looking to recoup some of its budget losses from the last few years in part through a new service that would provide passport photos to residents who require them.
heather.scofield@news-jrnl.com
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Local/newFLAG01102108.htm
Flagler seeks library pact with St. Johns By HEATHER SCOFIELD Staff Writer
PALM COAST -- Flagler County residents have always been able to check out books from libraries in neighboring St. Johns County without paying a fee.
Until a few months ago, that is.
The economic downturn, housing market meltdown and subsequent loss of property tax revenues in Florida counties has left libraries and other government-supported agencies around the state scrambling to find new ways to stay afloat, said Flagler County Library Director Holly Albanese.
For the St. Johns County Library system, that meant a new era of charging out-of-county residents for their St. Johns County library card.
But many Flagler residents depend on St. Johns' libraries for services and materials they can't get in Flagler's small system, Albanese said.
"Flagler residents have always enjoyed reciprocal borrowing privileges in St. Johns County," Albanese said. And she wants to keep it that way, Albanese said.
In a meeting Monday, Flagler County commissioners agreed to sign an agreement with St. Johns officials that would keep the neighborly generosity flowing between the counties, with residents of each county able to get free library cards in the two counties.
The Flagler County library system consists of one major library in Palm Coast and a satellite branch in Bunnell that only operates a few days per week. So residents often depend on the larger, neighboring county library systems to meet their needs when Flagler can't. And an August voter referendum that would've protected or even expanded library services in the county in light of recent budget woes was shot down, so officials aren't sure when the funds will be available for library system improvements, County Administrator Craig Coffey said.
"It makes keeping these types of arrangements more important," Coffey said.
More than 41,000 registered borrowers utilize Flagler County libraries, some of whom are St. Johns County residents, Albanese said.
And while Flagler's neighbors can still get a Flagler County Library Card without charge, Coffey said the library is looking to recoup some of its budget losses from the last few years in part through a new service that would provide passport photos to residents who require them.
heather.scofield@news-jrnl.com
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Local/newFLAG01102108.htm
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Treasure Island don't need no li-berry
St. Petersburg Times
By Howard Troxler, Times columnist Published Wednesday, October 1, 2008 8:24 PM
The Gulf Beaches Public Library in Madeira Beach is a bright and friendly place. On Wednesday morning the staff was hanging Halloween decorations in the children's section, and getting ready for the afternoon session of its Alfred Hitchcock film series (Foreign Correspondent).
Just after the library opened, the parking lot already was half filled, and bikes were lined up in the rack. Most of the computers already were in use. "I'm looking for the American Revolution," one patron wandering in the shelves said to a staff member.
I knew how he felt.
For more than 40 years, the Gulf Beaches Public Library has been supported by five Pinellas County cities — Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, North Redington Beach and Redington Shores.
Until now.
Treasure Island has pulled out of the deal for the coming year, citing a tight budget. Treasure Island will not chip in its $107,000 share of the library's $513,000 budget.
If you are a Treasure Island resident who wants a library card, you'll have to pay $100, the same as any other outsider to the Pinellas library system. The city will not reimburse you, as some Pinellas cities do.
It is fair to say that Treasure Island's unilateral pullout has left some bad feelings all around — among the other cities holding the bag, as well as some of its own residents. The library is drawing down its reserves while it figures out what to do.
The library has an explanatory sign at its entrance for Treasure Island residents. To encourage them to buy a card, the library is holding a drawing for two $50 gift certificates at Publix, and two $50 gas vouchers (or these days, about half a tank).
Jan Horah, the library director, asked me to say this: If you're a Treasure Island resident who intends to buy the $100 card, please do it there, so her branch gets the money.
I saw a cheerful fellow come in, sit down at the front desk and eagerly pay his $100. I asked him if he was from Treasure Island, and he said yes.
"My wife and I are frequent users," Dick Krahenbuhl, 70, told me. She'll go through two or three books a week; he's the "shuttle driver" back and forth to the library.
"I disagree with the city, and I'll tell you why," he said. "They'll never convince me there isn't some way to save money somewhere along the way."
Actually, Treasure Island's $16.7-million budget looks reasonably tight. It's cut jobs and jacked up other fees on residents.
If I were mean, I would point out that the City Commission itself will cost $60,000 next year in salaries, life and medical insurance.
Life and medical insurance!
But that would be mean.
Treasure Island's alternative was to keep property taxes just high enough to cover the $107,000 library cost, averaging an extra $21 per parcel of land.
Twenty-one bucks. Not worth it, they said. Let those who want a library card pay $100. And if they don't have $100, the heck with them.
It seems odd to have to argue for the importance of libraries in a democracy. In fact, I don't think you can have the second without the first. But this view is probably out of fashion in a defiantly know-nothing age.
If Treasure Island doesn't think libraries are important, Treasure Island deserves what it gets in return. That goes for the rest of us, too.
By Howard Troxler, Times columnist Published Wednesday, October 1, 2008 8:24 PM
The Gulf Beaches Public Library in Madeira Beach is a bright and friendly place. On Wednesday morning the staff was hanging Halloween decorations in the children's section, and getting ready for the afternoon session of its Alfred Hitchcock film series (Foreign Correspondent).
Just after the library opened, the parking lot already was half filled, and bikes were lined up in the rack. Most of the computers already were in use. "I'm looking for the American Revolution," one patron wandering in the shelves said to a staff member.
I knew how he felt.
For more than 40 years, the Gulf Beaches Public Library has been supported by five Pinellas County cities — Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, North Redington Beach and Redington Shores.
Until now.
Treasure Island has pulled out of the deal for the coming year, citing a tight budget. Treasure Island will not chip in its $107,000 share of the library's $513,000 budget.
If you are a Treasure Island resident who wants a library card, you'll have to pay $100, the same as any other outsider to the Pinellas library system. The city will not reimburse you, as some Pinellas cities do.
It is fair to say that Treasure Island's unilateral pullout has left some bad feelings all around — among the other cities holding the bag, as well as some of its own residents. The library is drawing down its reserves while it figures out what to do.
The library has an explanatory sign at its entrance for Treasure Island residents. To encourage them to buy a card, the library is holding a drawing for two $50 gift certificates at Publix, and two $50 gas vouchers (or these days, about half a tank).
Jan Horah, the library director, asked me to say this: If you're a Treasure Island resident who intends to buy the $100 card, please do it there, so her branch gets the money.
I saw a cheerful fellow come in, sit down at the front desk and eagerly pay his $100. I asked him if he was from Treasure Island, and he said yes.
"My wife and I are frequent users," Dick Krahenbuhl, 70, told me. She'll go through two or three books a week; he's the "shuttle driver" back and forth to the library.
"I disagree with the city, and I'll tell you why," he said. "They'll never convince me there isn't some way to save money somewhere along the way."
Actually, Treasure Island's $16.7-million budget looks reasonably tight. It's cut jobs and jacked up other fees on residents.
If I were mean, I would point out that the City Commission itself will cost $60,000 next year in salaries, life and medical insurance.
Life and medical insurance!
But that would be mean.
Treasure Island's alternative was to keep property taxes just high enough to cover the $107,000 library cost, averaging an extra $21 per parcel of land.
Twenty-one bucks. Not worth it, they said. Let those who want a library card pay $100. And if they don't have $100, the heck with them.
It seems odd to have to argue for the importance of libraries in a democracy. In fact, I don't think you can have the second without the first. But this view is probably out of fashion in a defiantly know-nothing age.
If Treasure Island doesn't think libraries are important, Treasure Island deserves what it gets in return. That goes for the rest of us, too.
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