Colbert Report - Media Gone Wrong

The Express-Times reports on the Colbert Report piece on the Tatamy boy who had his library card from Nazareth taken away because he should be using the Easton Library (read the article here).

The Report identifies the boy as being accused of being a 'thief' for stealing books from one library because he should have gone to another.

Unfortunately, Nazareth gets the black eye, when in fact it was Easton Library that called the family and our state regulations coupled with Tatamy's refusal to financially support the library that caused the problem (read the article on the situation here).

This is probably a good reason why one should not get their news from a comedy channel, and it should make one think and question each piece like this in the media we see instead of taking it as gospel truth.

I know, the Report is intended to be funny, and not news, but they should at least be factually accurate.

PA Lawmakers to Slash Library Funding - Your Help Needed

Received a plea for help from the Library and wanted to pass it along to everyone:

Libraries Face a 50% PlusCut in State Funding

PLEASE CALL OUR HARRISBURG LEGISLATORS AND ASK THEM TO SUPPORT LEVEL FUNDING FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN 2010

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

JULY 20‐24, 2009

Is Pennsylvania Library Association Call in Week

Please Call:

Gov. Rendell 717‐787‐2500 governor@state.pa.us

Rep. C. Dally 610-746-2100 cdally@pahousegop.com

Rep. R. Grucela 610-614-1312 rgrucela@pahouse.net

Sen. P. Browne 610-821-8468 www.senatorbrowne.com

Sen. L. Boscola 610-868-8667 lboscola@dem.pasen.gov

Current Pa Budget discussions include the real possibility of a 50% cut or worse for public libraries so we need to rally our efforts to support level funding for public libraries which preserves vital federal dollars as well.

During the week of July 20‐24, 2009 we’re asking that library supporters call Governor Rendell’s office and the offices of their State Senator and State Representative to urge them to make libraries a priority for level funding.

More information resources can be found at the PaLA website, www.palibraries.org

You’ll find state budget updates, Talking Points, Frequently Asked Questions, Advocacy Soundbites and links to recent news stories that point out why libraries need level funding in the next budget.

Thank you for all of your hard work! We do not yet know when this state budget process might conclude so Call‐In Week will be an important way to keep the issue of library services and funding front and center.

Thank you for calling.

Library Priviliges Update

Apparently the initial post on the boy from Tatamy that lost his Nazareth Library privileges was a part of "breaking news" and a follow-up in print (available here) clarified some points.

The Nazareth Library did not call the family, the Easton Library made the call.

The root of the problem is that the Borough of Tatamy is assigned to the Easton Library system. Further, since Tatamy Borough does not make a municipal donation to the Library (instead it reimburses residents who purchase a library card), residents can only use the Easton Library.

Library Priviliges

The Express-Times has a story on a 7 year old boy from Tatamy who had received a library card, and later, when a library employee found out the boy lived in Tatamy, the card was revoked (read it here).

The reason for the revokation is that Tatamy is zoned with the Easton Library system, not Nazareth. Nazareth and Easton have no control over this as it is set by the state.

It would only make sense to align libraries with school districts, but this is bureacratic state-level, government, and one can hardly expect it to be practical and/or logical.

I feel bad for the parents and kid along with all the people in Tatamy who attend Nazareth schools, but can't use the Nazareth Library, but if they need to complain about the situation, they should be directing their attention to their state representative and senator about the situation, because that is the cause of the problem.

Library Funding Update

I was glad to see that SB 850 was voted down (it would have cut state funding of public libraries by over 50%), but disappointed that it was a party-line vote with Republicans in favor the cuts.

Again, forwarded from the Nazareth Library from the state library association, the following update:

Now what? Well, the June 30 deadline is approaching. Senate Republicans have said that they will not negotiate a final plan until the House puts forward and passes a budget. Meanwhile, Governor Rendell is expected to announce sometime soon a revised budget plan that will include approximately $400 million more in programs cuts. This is necessary because the recession continues to decrease the pace of tax collections for state coffers. Right now, most observers believe that the budget shortfall going into the next budget will be a little more than $3 billion out of a budget that totals roughly $28 billion.

So after the Governor reveals his revised plan, the battle lines will be drawn. S.B. 850 which already passed the Senate, will stand as one marker representing a budget solution that relies almost exclusively on cuts to existing state programs. Most likely the other marker will be the new plan that Governor Rendell will unveil. That plan will include deeper cuts than he requested back in February as well as some tax increases, use of the state’s Rainy Day Fund, and aggressive use of federal stimulus dollars.

Request to Support Funding of Libraries by State

Was forwarded this email message by the Nazareth Library -

(Correction: Rep. Dally was kind enough to reply to an email I sent on this topic, and the vote is expected today, however, he no longer serves on this committee as indicated by the Library Association, so I've removed the contact info.)

Good morning Library Stalwarts:

It appears that an important vote may take place today—Monday, June 08, 2009 at 2:00—in the House Appropriations Committee on S.B. 850, a bill that slashes library funding by 53%. There is some dispute about whether or not a real vote will take place or just debate. But let’s err on the side of caution and try to call the office of every member of the House Appropriations Committee right now with PaLA’s message:

Level-fund libraries---help us keep serving your constituents.

1. Libraries are bursting at the seams serving the unemployed, their families, and others most in need. Don’t cut our funding and force us to close our doors for people who most depend on us. S.B. 850 will force library closings.

2. Cutting state funding will cost Pennsylvania badly needed federal funds. Federal money pays for shared resources, incentives for local projects, and vital programs like the Summer Reading Club (525,000 kids reached last summer.) Passage of S.B. 850 will result in the loss of about $3.8 million in federal funding.

If your State Representative is on list below, please do two things ASAP:

1. Call his/her office with our urgent message. Call their Harrisburg Office. If you cannot get through, leave a message at the District office

2. Spread the word to others to do likewise.

I realize that the window here is tight. But every call that we can generate in a short period of time may help make a difference in final decisions coming in a matter of weeks.

Thanks for keeping the pressure on.

Glenn

Glenn R. Miller

Executive Director

Pennsylvania Library Association

How to Contact the Governor

I've been putting posts up about the library funding being slashed, and thought I ought to advocate to those responsible.

There is a form on the PA Powerport site that you can fill out and send an email to the Governor

http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Governor/govmail.html

Please take a moment to support our libraries, here is what I sent:

Dear Governor Rendell, A library is a critical public resource. People rely on libraries when they can't afford internet service, newspaper subscriptions, or the ability to purchase each new book that comes out. During hard economic times, library usage spikes, which is the case now. I was extremely upset to learn that your budget cuts library funding, which will result in lost federal matching money, and further that Senate Bill 850 will cut funding 53% and eliminate the Power Library research database. I report on our community on a daily basis online and have watched our various municipal entities over the past several years. Between the boroughs and townships, non-profits (including the library), and school system, by far the greatest spending and most waste is in the school system. Despite that, the Department of Education budget cuts what is already lean and throws money at waste and bloat. All of our elected officials have an obligation to represent the people, and the people need this resource now more than ever. Please correct the mistake made in your budget and if it comes to your desk veto SB 850. Thank you, Ross

Community Resource at Risk

The Express-Times reports on the severe financial concerns local libraries are having during this recession, which is resulting in record usage (read the article here).

A library is a critical resource in a community. It is available for any individual, regardless of socio-economic status. It provides a wonderful leisure activity, reading, at no cost, but more importantly, if you can't afford internet, subscriptions to local newspapers, the ability to hire someone to fix something or do something for you, you can access that information at the library.

You can also take out audiobooks, videotapes, dvds, and they offer programs for children.

The loss of library services will impact everyone, but it will most impact those that most need a little help.

Contact your legislators and the Governors office to preserve current funding levels.

PA Senate Bill to Cut Library Funding 53%

Thanks to the Library for forwarding along this information:

LIBRARY SUPPORTERS WE NEED YOUR HELP

 

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR HARRISBURG LEGISLATORS TODAY!

 

 

Gov. Rendell’s Proposed 2009-10 State Budget Cuts Library State Aid 5.1%

Senate Bill 850 Proposes to Cut Library State Aid 53%!

 

 

The Governor’s 2009-2010 Budget Proposal (H.B. 1416) calls for a 5.1% reduction in funding for Pennsylvania’s libraries.  And just when we thought it couldn’t get worse, the State Senate passed S.B. 850 – a proposal that slashes library services by cutting more than 53% of library funding including eliminating the funding for the Power Library a collection of digital research databases. Libraries would have to pay $40,000 to subscribe to these digital resources individually.

 

1. Demand for library services is up dramatically during this recession. Libraries all across Pennsylvania are busier than ever before serving people looking for work, families on tight budgets, and retirees grappling with shrinking savings. Budget cuts will reduce library services for the very people who need libraries the most.
2. Reduced library funding will cost Pennsylvania nearly a million dollars in lost federal library funding under H.B. 1416.  Even worse, Pennsylvania’s library users will lose $3.8 million in federal funds if S.B. 850 became law.

 

The Governor’s budget proposes to cut 5.1%  from state support for library services, or $4,790,000, even as the $14 billion Department of Education budget grows overall.  Libraries which are part of the Pa Department of Education will receive no increases just more cuts. 

 

 

CALL, WRITE OR EMAIL TODAY AND ASK FOR LEVEL FUNDING

AND SAY NO TO S.B. 850!

 

Governor Rendell 717-787-2500 email: governor@state.pa.us

 

Rep. R. Grucela                     rgrucela@pahouse.net                            610-614-1312

Rep. C. Dally                  cdally@pahousegop.com                            610-746-2100

Senator L. Boscola                 boscola@pasenate.com                            610-868-8667

Senator P. Browne       pbrowne@pasen.gov                               610-821-8468             

Rendell Budget Cuts Library Funding

In an economic downturn, libraries become most valuable for residents. Want to save a few dollars, don't buy the latest book, check it out, same with audio books, dvds and videos.

If things are really tight, you can read the daily newspaper and get internet access their. These tools will allow you to job search as well. The more hours the library is open, the better the chance you will be able to have time around your daily schedule to visit.

Despite this, I received the following announcement from the library regarding the governor's proposed budget:

Governor’s Proposed 2009-10 State Budget Cuts Libraries, Again

In order to maintain vitally needed library services for constituents in FY 2009-10, libraries are calling for state funding equal to the current year (FY 2008-09)

Pennsylvania’s librarians understand the impact of this current recession. They experience it every hour of every workday. Our staff members serve on the front line:

1. Providing vital services to unemployed, undertrained and first-time jobseekers including access to the Internet and electronic resources for jobs, education, and training; information on careers and opportunities; and staff expertise to assist with resumes and applications.

2. Guiding students, families, and business people to the latest books and other printed and computer resources as well as DVD’s and downloadable books.

3. Offering well-trained, professional staff to meet the informational and educational needs of all library customers.

Demand for library services is up dramatically during this recession. Libraries across Pennsylvania, including the Nazareth library are busier than ever before serving people looking for work, families on tight budgets, and retirees grappling with shrinking savings. Yet the Governor’s budget proposes to cut 5.1% from state support for library services, or $4,790,000, even as the $14 billion Department of Education budget grows overall. Libraries which are part of the Department of Education will receive no increases just more cuts.

Even worse, these cuts not only reduce library services, they also will trigger the loss of nearly one million dollars in federal funds.

It makes no sense to leave federal LSTA dollars on the table at the very same time when Pennsylvania is trying to secure every nickel possible from Washington.

Librarians certainly recognize the reality of added budget pressures during a recession. They have been living with cuts in state aid since the 50% cuts to funding in 2004. But they also recognize the real growing need for library services precisely because of the recession. That’s why Pennsylvania’s libraries have not asked for a funding increase but, instead, level funding in order to meet some part of the rising demand for hours and access to computers, training classes, current books, publications, programs and much more.

In order to maintain vitally needed library services for constituents in FY 2009-10 contact your Harrisburg legislators and ask for state funding equal to the current year (FY 2008-09)

CALL

Rep. R. Grucela 610-614-1312 Senator L. Boscola 610-868-8667

Rep. C. Dally 610-746-2100 Senator P. Browne 610-821-8468

Young Author Contestants Recognized

Last Tuesday afternoon the Library recognized its 2009 Young Authors.

These students from K-12, submitted two copies of an illustrated story to the library.

There were age groups and a winner in each age group was to have their work published and entered into the library collection with one copy being provided to them.

Thanks to corporate sponsorship, everyone who entered had their work published again this year. I believe this is the sixth year for the program. As you can see from the picture there were a good number of entries again this year.

Many thanks to the library for again having this program for the children.

Many Levels of Disgust

Thanks to the reader who pointed this out from the Morning Call (announcement here):

Criminal mischief, theft -- Reported Friday at Nazareth Memorial Library, 295 E. Center St., by Director Lynn Snodgrass-Pilla; donation jar containing $20 was stolen; someone defecated on the floor in the fiction section.

If you know anything, please call the police.

Library Announces Stimulus Package

During National Library Week ONLY – April 13-18th – the Memorial Library of Nazareth & Vicinity is offering their very own Stimulus Package: HALF PRICE ON LIBRARY OVERDUE FINES, LOST OR DAMAGED CHARGES, AND FAXING FEES, ONLY.

We want our customers back, so if you have been staying away because of a large fines on your card, come back and clear them between April 13-18th. www.nazarethlibrary.org Cardholders whose cards have expired are encouraged to bring identification with their correct address so that they can have their card updated at the same time.

Community Treasure

It should come as no surprise to those that regularly read posts that I happen to be a strong advocate of our public library. Each year around budget time, I hope everyone implores their local elected officials to provide full support as requested by the library board, because the service provided is exceptional and, yes, critical for many people.

Recently the Morning Call had a story on Ten Treasures at local libraries (including a few references to Nazareth - read it here) and a follow-up "More Hidden Gems, again including reference to Nazareth (read it here). One tremendous item that wasn't mentioned was the online version of the "Nazareth Item" collection. The newspaper was first published in 1891 and its final issue was 1975. The online version is searchable, allowing those with relatives to learn more about their history, and for the curious you really can get a sense of what life was really like 'back then'.

On Monday, the Express-Times wrote specifically about Memorial Library of Nazareth & Vicinity (read the article here). In it, was mentioned the increased use and record number of loans despite fewer hours due to budget cuts.

Our library is not only housed in a wonderful facility, but in addition to books, there are collections, resources, internet service, story hours, craft programs, movies, audio books, and so much more.

This Saturday is the deadline for the Young Authors Contest. A program where students write and illustrate a book. The winners in each age category have their book bound and entered into the library collection, and receive a copy to keep. The past several years the Friends of the Library have funded the publication of all entries. Students are recognized for learning the art and craft of writing and illustrating a story, and they have a great time doing it.

Congratulations to all of those who work and volunteer to provide our community with an exceptional and invaluable resource. To those elected officials, please do not look at the library as a way to cut or save money, but instead make an investment in the betterment of the residents you serve and support it at the requested funding level.

Library Vandals Caught?

The Express-Times reports that Nazareth Police believe they have caught the individuals who vandalized the library at the end of 2008 (read the article here).

The three teens were from Bushkill, Upper Nazareth, and Gillette. In addition to charges they face for the library, additional charges are pending for at least six vehicle thefts.

Let's hope in addition to penalties they may face, these individuals are required to pay to replace and repair all damage at the library as well.

Library Offers New Research Tools

The Memorial Library of Nazareth & Vicinity announces additions to the Gale Reference Library Collection. These subscriptions are made available to our library as a member of the Bethlehem Area District Library Center and through a grant from KNBT.

The databases include full text versions of electronic editions of important and useful library reference resources. Both databases can be searched from the library webpage at www.nazarethlibrary.org

Search in the Library or remotely from home or work. When searching from home or work you will need your Nazareth library card. To search from the library webpage first click the “Electronic Resources” button and then look for this Gale Virtual icon.

The new databases include:

• Literature Criticism Online is designed to provide easy access for readers of all ages and skill levels. Beginning-level users may simply enter an author or title and find a wealth of content, while experienced researchers may broaden or narrow their results via cross-searches on names of critics, journal titles, topics and more.
• The 10 individual Gale series that comprise Literature Criticism Online represent a range of modern and historical views on authors and their works across regions, eras and genres:
• Contemporary Literary Criticism A reference staple! Each volume profiles influential writers via excerpted passages from selected criticism. This is an indispensable source for our public library.
• Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism This highly useful series presents substantial excerpts from the best criticism on the major literary figures and nonfiction writers of 1900 to 1999—the era most frequently studied in high schools.
• Drama Criticism For each play or playwright featured, a full range of critical opinion is presented, along with a biographical sketch, a chronological list of the writer’s major works and more.
• Electronic full text versions of the following Medical and Science books:
• The Comparative Guide to American Hospitals, 2nd ed., 4v, 2007
• The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine , 3rd ed., 4v, 2009
• The Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer , 2nd ed., 2v, 2006
• The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition , 2v, 2008
• The Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders , 2nd ed., 2v, 2006
• The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine , 3rd ed., 5v, 2006
• The Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Health , 2nd ed., 2v, 2008
• The Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders , 2v, 2005
• The Gale Encyclopedia of Senior Health: A Guide for Seniors and Their Caregivers , 5v, 2009
• The Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery and Medical Tests , 2nd ed., 4v, 2009
• The Gale Encyclopedia of Science , 4th ed., 6v, 2008

Young Authors Contest 2009!

Thanks to Catherine Stewart, Children's Librarian, Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity for forwarding to me the 2009 Young Author Contest. Outside of its core services, I really believe this is the single best program the library offers.

It provides an opportunity for the children to understand how to tell a story, illustrate it, and see it published. Winners get a copy of their book and second copy becomes a part of the library collection. Young Author's books are shelved alongside published authors and they are searchable in the catalog.

My daughters always take a moment to search the status of their books, and are always thrilled when someone tells them they read their book.

They also enjoy going to the library and receiving their certificate. At recent events an author has participated by talking about a new book they've published and taking questions from the children on being an author.

MEMORIAL LIBRARY OF NAZARETH AND VICINITY

PRESENTS

THE SIXTH ANNUAL WRITE AND ILLUSTRATE YOUR OWN BOOK CONTEST

Contest runs from February 2^nd through March 14^th, 2009.

1. The contest is open to children in grades K through 12 who reside in the Library service area (Borough of Nazareth, Bushkill Township, Lower Nazareth Township, and Upper Nazareth Township).

2. Categories are K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12^th grades.

3. Entries must be original. The ideas, words and pictures must be your own, not copied from anywhere else.

4. Please leave at least 1 ½” margin on the sides of your entry.

5. Do not fasten your pages together (no glue or staples, paper clips are recommended).

6. Entries should be at least 12 pages of story.

7. Text can be handwritten or typed. In the K-2 category only, an adult may assist with the words but please do not change words or improve the text.

8. Please use non-smear markers, crayons or any permanent medium for illustrations. No photographs are allowed.

9. Paper should not exceed 8 ½ x 11 inches and should be durable and unlined. Cover page should be made of regular paper with at least a ½” margin all the way around. COVER PAGE MUST BE THE SAME SIZE AS THE INSIDE OF THE BOOK! PLEASE SUBMIT 2 COPIES OF THE FINISHED BOOK.

10. A title page is required.

11. Entries will be accepted in the Children’s Department of the library starting March 1^st.

12. Entries should be submitted in a large, flat envelope or securely paperclipped and should not be folded. Make sure your name and phone number is on your entries.

13. Winners will be chosen in each of the four categories.

14. Winners will be announced April 14, 2009 during National Library Week.

Upper Nazareth Reorganization

Upper Nazareth Township recently had its reorganization meeting and the Express-Times reports (read the article here) that the township manager was not retained for a second year.

Apparently, Steven Salvesen, the township manager, was unaware that their were any issues with his performance and was notified as supervisors left a closed session prior to the public meeting. His desk was cleared and no explanation was given at the meeting.

Additionally, Joseph Emrick was named chairperson replacing James Fahr and Michael Rinker became vice-chairperson.

A reader emailed to say that the zoning officer was retained on a 'trial' basis and that Upper Nazareth failed to commit to the library's requested payment.

Municipal Tax Rates

The Morning Call had an article on area municipal tax rates for 2009 (read it here).

I was a bit surprised, maybe naive, to see that the borough tax rate was much higher than the townships (tax on a $50,000 assessment, 2009 Budget):

• Nazareth - $510, $3.2M Budget
  
• Bushkill - $275, $7.34M Budget
  
• Lower Nazareth - $207.5, $3.4M Budget
  
• Upper Nazareth - $175, $2.3M Budget

This isn't a negative on the borough, it is due to the size of the municipality which impacts the number of properties that can be taxed.

I am surprised that Bushkill's budget is so much bigger than everyone else's.

Finally, in light of how much less in tax the residents are paying in the townships, I hope when it comes time for Library funding these townships pay their requested share and don't claim poverty as they have in recent years.

Library News

Thanks to Lynn Snodgrass-Pilla for forwarding this piece on the different ways you can use the library, especially during a tough economy:

There's a great deal of talk these days about the economy. A lot of scary words are being tossed around, economic downturn, recession, bank failure, foreclosure, lay-offs, jobless rates. Everywhere people are spending more and getting less. A trip to the gas station or to the grocery store can mean empty pockets and purses. People are finding it necessary to cut out most of the extras and even some of the basics in their everyday living.

While the Memorial Library of Nazareth & Vicinity can't change the price at the pump or stave off the job loss, the library can help the community during tough times. As a matter of fact, if you seek advice on how to save money, using your public library is likely to be at the top of the list. Most services offered at the library are free or at little cost to you. Library cards are available for free to residents of Nazareth, Bushkill, Upper Nazareth and Lower Nazareth Townships.

Here are 10 important ways to make the most of your library.

1. Money is tight. Don't buy a CD, DVD, or book. Come to the library and borrow it. You will know if it is an item that you want to own and will have tested that out for free. The library collection includes most of the latest bestsellers and many popular movies. If it is something we don't have, you can request it and we will work to get it for you.
2. FREE INTERNET! 2 words that mean so much. Many people are finding it difficult to continue to pay for an internet provider. The library has 12 computers free for public use, as well as free wireless access. These computers can be used for research, school work, email, word processing, etc.
3. The library's website www.nazarethlibrary.org gives you access to the Power Library’s full text databases, Downloadable audiobooks and e-books, Learning express databases, etc. You can access these from the library or from your home computer.You can read full text magazine and newspaper articles, learn to fix your car, entertain your children, take practice tests for academic (SAT, GRE, EMT) and licensing tests and much, much more.
   
4. Boost your business. We have a Business Collection of books and databases with tips on managerial skills, building a business, solving problems, and winning customers.
   
5. Get the skills you need. The library offers computer classes, and other educational and craft programs.
6. Find Entertainment. Your library offers Storytime for ages 6 months to 6 years, other events and activities for child and family at no cost, thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library for these programs. A fun time doesn't have to be expensive! Upcoming programs in 2009 include: Messy Mondays a monthly craft program, Resume Writing Workshop, Young Writers Contest, Book Discussions, and much more.
   
7. Hold a meeting. The library offers free meeting room space to non profit and other organizations. Whether you need to hold a business meeting or organize a fundraiser, stop by the library and see if our meeting rooms are right for you.
8. Read current newspapers and magazines. The library has a collection of local newspapers, the Wall Street Journal and a wide variety of popular magazines including Business Week, Rolling Stone, People and Gourmet.
   
9. Find a new job, a better job or a different job. Use computers, books, newspapers and more to find employment and build resumes and cover letters. Copy, Fax, Print. Whether you need a copy of a document, to fax a document or to print from the computers, the library offers those services for a small fee.
10. Regain a sense of community. Feeling a bit disconnected through tough times? Libraries are places where communities come together. Stop in and take a moment to take in the action…you'll find it abuzz with information, people and possibilities!

The Memorial Library of Nazareth & Vicinity can’t make the tough times go away but, it can make thema little easier to get through. Stop in and discover how much your library has to offer today and everyday.