Take a look at our updated and expanded Historical Fiction (Some Place in Time) and Mystery (Deadly Pleasures) book lists updated with new titles and authors http://www.wmrls.org/services/colldev/ra_lists.html. I hope you and your readers will find them useful. If you have additional suggestions, I'd love to have them.
Don't forget that Neal Wyatt, author of The Readers' Advisory Guide to Nonfiction, will be at WMRLS on April 15 to offer her tips on nonfiction and readers' advisory services. Sign up today while there is still space http://www.wmrls.org/ce/main.html#080415.
~ Jan Resnick, Assistant Regional Administrator, WMRLS
Friday, March 21, 2008
Amherst Holds Legislative Breakfast
Friday, March 21, more than 52 library supporters attended the final 2008 western Massachusetts legislative breakfast at the Jones Library. It was a blustery day for the first Friday of Spring, but the trustees, friends, librarians, local officials and legislators had many warm things to say about libraries and their value to their communities. Speakers included: Bonnie Isman, Jones Library Director; Chair Gerald Weiss of the Amherst Select Board; Lisa Downing representing the Friends of WMRLS; Rob Maier, Director of the MA Board of Library Commissioners; Commissioner Mary Rose Quinn; Jan Resnick, WMRLS; and Joan Kuklinski, C/W MARS. In the 'Telling our Stories' segment of the program, Jones Library Trustee Kathleen Wang told of how important the library was to her as a child. Yukun Jia, high school student, spoke of the value of the Jones Library English as a Second Language program tutors who were able to help her parents learn English which helped them find jobs in their new country.
State Senator Stan Rosenberg spoke of his support for libraries and his concern that a November ballot question to eliminate the income tax might jeopardize libraries and other community services. Representative Ellen Story commented on the many valuable services libraries offer and that their cooperation improves services and controls costs. Representative Kulik appreciates WMRLS efforts to bring high speed Internet access to the libraries in the 16 communities he serves, and he has seen those cars sitting outside the libraries taking advantage of the WiFi access provided through the project. Representative Scibak used the statewide databases from his home to prepare for the lengthy casino hearings held this week. All the legislators encouraged breakfast attendees to come to the State House April 2 and speak out for libraries. (Join us on the bus http://wmrls.blogspot.com/2008/03/library-legislative-day-take-bus.html).
~ Jan Resnick, Assistant Regional Administrator, WMRLS
State Senator Stan Rosenberg spoke of his support for libraries and his concern that a November ballot question to eliminate the income tax might jeopardize libraries and other community services. Representative Ellen Story commented on the many valuable services libraries offer and that their cooperation improves services and controls costs. Representative Kulik appreciates WMRLS efforts to bring high speed Internet access to the libraries in the 16 communities he serves, and he has seen those cars sitting outside the libraries taking advantage of the WiFi access provided through the project. Representative Scibak used the statewide databases from his home to prepare for the lengthy casino hearings held this week. All the legislators encouraged breakfast attendees to come to the State House April 2 and speak out for libraries. (Join us on the bus http://wmrls.blogspot.com/2008/03/library-legislative-day-take-bus.html).
~ Jan Resnick, Assistant Regional Administrator, WMRLS
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Reading for the Light ~ Worthington Library
Worthington Library recently hosted a very successful program series entitled “Reaching for the Light”. In a town where a quorum for a special town meeting is 21 people, we were thrilled to average 20 at each of the five sessions. For four weeks, a minister or spokesperson for a different spiritual path practiced in Worthington spoke about their spiritual practices. We had a Buddhist, a Sufi, a Christian and a Pagan. The last week, brought all of them together in a panel. The response was extremely favorable. Many folk would have liked for the discussions to continue and all learned a lot about the differences and similarities of these paths. It was a great way to bring people together during the winter months.~ Leona Arthen, Director, Worthington Library
Clip Art from LibraryClipArt.com
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Troubleshooting Computer Problems
WebJunction is now offering a free course titled "Troubleshooting Computer Problems". This 1.5 hour self-paced online course is free to all WebJunction members (and WebJunction membership is free).
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Ghost Hunters in Belchertown
On Wednesday, March 19, the Sci Fi Channel will reveal the presence, or not, of a ghost in the Belchertown Library. In November, the Ghost Hunters visited the Clapp Memorial Library with their sensor equipment to check for the ghost or ghosts that have appeared to various staff over the years. The custodian at the library contacted the show. The season opener will be broadcast at 9 p.m. We wonder if the ghosts exist, will they support the library's proposed expansion grant? The full report and photos appear in the March 18 edition of the Springfield Republican.Library Focus of Ghost Hunters by John Appleton in The Republican, Tuesday, March 18, 2008
See Also: November 28, 2007 WMRLS-One-Blog posting Sci-Fi Ghost Hunters Visit Clapp Memorial Library
~ Jan Resnick, Assistant Regional Administrator
