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The Little Library that Could

March 7, 2011

Inspiring libraries are often the ones with big budgets. They have impressive buildings, enormous collections, and large staffs. The Makiki Community Library in Honolulu, Hawaii, has none of these things, but that doesn’t make it any less remarkable. This small donations-based, volunteer-driven organization effectively executes its deep-seated mission of engaging the community. In the 1940s, … Continue reading The Little Library that Could


IMLS, LSTA Saved – for Now

February 17, 2011

This just in from Kristin Murphy, government relations specialist for the American Library Association’s Washington Office: “Because of ALA’s unprecedented grassroots efforts this week on Amendment #35 to H.R. 1 (the Continuing Resolution to the FY2011 budget) was defeated. This victory for libraries is undoubtedly due to the strong grassroots efforts of librarians and library … Continue reading IMLS, LSTA Saved – for Now


LSSI Finds More Resistance to Its Library-Management Bids

February 16, 2011

Officials approved an agreement February 8 to keep the city of Stockton, California, running the Stockton–San Joaquin Public Library, continuing a partnership that dates back to 1910. In voting to maintain the arrangement, the Stockton City Council and the San Joaquin Board of Supervisors rejected a bid by Library Systems and Services (LSSI) to operate … Continue reading LSSI Finds More Resistance to Its Library-Management Bids


All IMLS, LSTA Funding in Jeopardy

February 15, 2011

A bill that is coming up for a vote this week in the House of Representatives calls for the elimination of all Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funding, including Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding, for the remainder of FY2011. Reaction to the introduction of Amendment 35 to the Continuing Resolution was … Continue reading All IMLS, LSTA Funding in Jeopardy


Approachable You

February 8, 2011

I am not a behavioral psychologist but it seems to me the most basic element of establishing a connection with someone is making eye contact. Take my granddaughter, Sophia. She’s 3 years old and is always the most popular person wherever she goes because she loves to go right up to people, look them in … Continue reading Approachable You


Running a Passport Acceptance Facility at Your Library

February 1, 2011

Becoming a PAF has paid off for Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Public Library. Last April, we made passport processing and photo services available seven days a week at seven branches from opening until one hour before closing. We have since collected more than $100,000 in execution fees. This new revenue stream has enabled us to restore … Continue reading Running a Passport Acceptance Facility at Your Library


Spread the Word: There’s New Evidence of Libraries’ ROI

January 19, 2011

The promise of a fresh start is part and parcel of the beginning of a new year, particularly when hardship has darkened your door in the year just past. Although no one in the library community realistically expected their institution’s fiscal standing to magically move from strapped to solvent, a new study conducted by the … Continue reading Spread the Word: There’s New Evidence of Libraries’ ROI



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The Year in Review 2010

January 3, 2011

1. Supply and Demand Several Fox TV affiliates aired a segment June 28 titled: “Are Libraries Necessary, or a Waste of Tax Money?” The answer should have been apparent before the question was even asked: Gate counts and circulation documented that libraries were more in demand than ever, and patrons were not about to surrender … Continue reading The Year in Review 2010



12 Ways Libraries Are Good for the Country

December 21, 2010

Americans love their libraries, and advances in technology have multiplied the ways in which libraries enrich the quality of life in their communities. Whether they are in an elementary school or a university, a museum or a corporation, public or private, our nation's libraries offer a lifetime of learning. To library supporters everywhere—Friends, trustees, board … Continue reading 12 Ways Libraries Are Good for the Country


My Own Private Bookmobile

November 18, 2010

My car, a Subaru Outback, doubles as a library. There are always a lot of books in there. I never go anywhere without a copy of the Bible, the Qur’an, Ulysses, Gravity’s Rainbow, assorted editions of Mother Goose, a complete collection of the Peter Rabbit series, and a vast and diverse array of brain-candy books. … Continue reading My Own Private Bookmobile