Monday, April 19, 2010
MLS Designated as Regional Administrative Entity
Thursday, April 15, 2010
At Springfield City Library, Bases Are Loaded for FUN!
Just like my Dad, in spring my mind thinks baseball, and in my opinion our team looks very good this year. You met our new manager Molly Fogarty last month. She’s backed by seasoned veterans like Reggie Wilson, Norma Couture, and Ed Lonergan, and up-and-comers like Matthew Jaquith, Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe, and Anna Mickelsen. They cover their bases like the pros that they are. Look at a map of the City; our bases (or branch libraries) are spread out similar to the players on a diamond, except we have one additional fielder, which is not a bad thing-less distance for you to cover to catch our hits! We’re always pitching exciting new materials and fantastic programs, so let me tell you who’s on-deck next week, for the visiting team.
Leading off at the Forest Park Branch, 380 Belmont Avenue, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20 is a real power hitter! Tom Ricardi, bird of prey rehabilitator, brings an exciting live presentation to their Community Room. At his non-profit Rehabilitation Center, Mr. Ricardi cares for more than a dozen varieties of raptors, including owls, hawks, falcons, and breeding bald eagles in captivity, so the chicks can be released into the wild. You’ll be able to catch the same program the same day at 3 p.m. at the Liberty Branch, 773 Liberty Street. A not-to-be-missed event!
At 2 p.m. the Central Library Community Room, 220 State Street, has a show with Bill Ross, titled “Book’Em” at the Library. Through juggling, movement, and storytelling, Mr. Ross will explore books of all kinds-adventurous, educational, and those that tickle your funny bones. He’ll turn your kids into fans!
Slide on in to the Central Library between noon and 8 p.m., or Mason Square Branch (765 State Street) from 2-4 p.m., on Wednesday, April 21st for a Drop-In Scavenger Hunt. Children will use clues to find hidden items around the room. Save the 1 p.m. hour for a catbird seat at our Indian Orchard Branch, 44 Oak Street, and be ready for the curve. It’s Shenandoah with Dance of the Hoops! Your children will experience the rhythms of hooping as she leads them through this active, fun program.
Earth Rhythms, with Roger Tincknell, 2 p.m. at Pine Point Branch (204 Boston Road), also on Wednesday the 21st, is a sure bet. From recycling to rainforests, conservation to compost, Mr. Tincknell will explore environmental issues through stories, singing, dancing and percussion. Hitting from all sides of the plate, he wields the Native American rainstick, Incan Charango and flute, Russian balalaika, African Achika drum, as well as guitar, mandolin, banjo and harmonica!
Curious George is Wednesday’s closer, going in at 6 p.m. at the East Springfield Branch, 21 Osborne Terrace. (You all must know him; he’s been around since Ted Williams was with the Red Sox!) There will be a special storytime and fun crafts!
Cheryl Melody starts the Thursday, April 22nd line-up with her Peace Begins With Me program. Ms. Melody uses songs, poetry, storytelling, Tibetan and crystal singing bowls, puppets and instruments to raise awareness about the value of respect and peace. Scheduled for 11 a.m. in the Central Library Community Room, this event is a proven winner!
If you didn’t catch Dance of the Hoops yesterday, slide in to Brightwood Branch Library, 359 Plainfield Street, by 1 p.m. for a replay by Shenandoah. She’ll be hooping it up again and would love to see you there! If you want to whoop it up in a different way, travel to the Sixteen Acres Branch, 1187 Parker Street, by 1 p.m. That’s when Robert Rivest will be pitching his funniest and most heart warming stories in rapid fire succession. Laughter is the Best Medicine, and your kids will be smiling, giggling and laughing with this comic mime master!
At the Mason Square Branch, children will enjoy our 2-4 p.m. program titled “See How Our Garden Grows.” They can drop-in, get creative with our craft supplies, and make a flower to add to our window garden. It’ll be a hit.
I’m calling it- Bonaparte will hit two right out of the park on Friday! Bonaparte’s Magic Show is billed as a high energy, interactive funfest, featuring amazing magic and hilarious comedy! He’s on at 1 p.m. at East Forest Park, 122 Island Pond Road. He’s on again at 3 p.m. at the East Springfield Branch, 21 Osborne Terrace, and my guess is you’ll want to see him! He’s even got a couple of tricks up his sleeve, or in his hat, by the names of Snow and Frisky. Or, if you prefer something more low key, drop in to Mason Square Branch from 1-5 p.m. and work some of our puzzles. We’ll keep you busy for quite a while.
Again Curious George will be closing. What an energetic old timer! At 1 p.m. the Liberty Branch will be hosting a party with special storytime and crafts. Come and monkey around with George and his friends.
Thanks to the generosity of the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, all of the visiting programs are free of charge. We hope to see you there!
Leading off at the Forest Park Branch, 380 Belmont Avenue, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20 is a real power hitter! Tom Ricardi, bird of prey rehabilitator, brings an exciting live presentation to their Community Room. At his non-profit Rehabilitation Center, Mr. Ricardi cares for more than a dozen varieties of raptors, including owls, hawks, falcons, and breeding bald eagles in captivity, so the chicks can be released into the wild. You’ll be able to catch the same program the same day at 3 p.m. at the Liberty Branch, 773 Liberty Street. A not-to-be-missed event!
At 2 p.m. the Central Library Community Room, 220 State Street, has a show with Bill Ross, titled “Book’Em” at the Library. Through juggling, movement, and storytelling, Mr. Ross will explore books of all kinds-adventurous, educational, and those that tickle your funny bones. He’ll turn your kids into fans!
Slide on in to the Central Library between noon and 8 p.m., or Mason Square Branch (765 State Street) from 2-4 p.m., on Wednesday, April 21st for a Drop-In Scavenger Hunt. Children will use clues to find hidden items around the room. Save the 1 p.m. hour for a catbird seat at our Indian Orchard Branch, 44 Oak Street, and be ready for the curve. It’s Shenandoah with Dance of the Hoops! Your children will experience the rhythms of hooping as she leads them through this active, fun program.
Earth Rhythms, with Roger Tincknell, 2 p.m. at Pine Point Branch (204 Boston Road), also on Wednesday the 21st, is a sure bet. From recycling to rainforests, conservation to compost, Mr. Tincknell will explore environmental issues through stories, singing, dancing and percussion. Hitting from all sides of the plate, he wields the Native American rainstick, Incan Charango and flute, Russian balalaika, African Achika drum, as well as guitar, mandolin, banjo and harmonica!
Curious George is Wednesday’s closer, going in at 6 p.m. at the East Springfield Branch, 21 Osborne Terrace. (You all must know him; he’s been around since Ted Williams was with the Red Sox!) There will be a special storytime and fun crafts!
Cheryl Melody starts the Thursday, April 22nd line-up with her Peace Begins With Me program. Ms. Melody uses songs, poetry, storytelling, Tibetan and crystal singing bowls, puppets and instruments to raise awareness about the value of respect and peace. Scheduled for 11 a.m. in the Central Library Community Room, this event is a proven winner!
If you didn’t catch Dance of the Hoops yesterday, slide in to Brightwood Branch Library, 359 Plainfield Street, by 1 p.m. for a replay by Shenandoah. She’ll be hooping it up again and would love to see you there! If you want to whoop it up in a different way, travel to the Sixteen Acres Branch, 1187 Parker Street, by 1 p.m. That’s when Robert Rivest will be pitching his funniest and most heart warming stories in rapid fire succession. Laughter is the Best Medicine, and your kids will be smiling, giggling and laughing with this comic mime master!
At the Mason Square Branch, children will enjoy our 2-4 p.m. program titled “See How Our Garden Grows.” They can drop-in, get creative with our craft supplies, and make a flower to add to our window garden. It’ll be a hit.
I’m calling it- Bonaparte will hit two right out of the park on Friday! Bonaparte’s Magic Show is billed as a high energy, interactive funfest, featuring amazing magic and hilarious comedy! He’s on at 1 p.m. at East Forest Park, 122 Island Pond Road. He’s on again at 3 p.m. at the East Springfield Branch, 21 Osborne Terrace, and my guess is you’ll want to see him! He’s even got a couple of tricks up his sleeve, or in his hat, by the names of Snow and Frisky. Or, if you prefer something more low key, drop in to Mason Square Branch from 1-5 p.m. and work some of our puzzles. We’ll keep you busy for quite a while.
Again Curious George will be closing. What an energetic old timer! At 1 p.m. the Liberty Branch will be hosting a party with special storytime and crafts. Come and monkey around with George and his friends.
Thanks to the generosity of the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, all of the visiting programs are free of charge. We hope to see you there!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Agriculture Without Borders
http://usain.lib.purdue.edu/program.html
- Dr. John Ikerd and Matthew Jose, "Local Food: Revolution and Reality"
- Dr. Gebisa Ejeta "Serving Humanity through Science: a U.S. Land Grant Spirit"
- Dr. Keith M. Moore, Dr. Corinne Valdivia, and Dr. Elizabeth Ransom "Negotiating local change in Globalized Agriculture"
- Dr. John Thor Arnason, "Traditional botanical knowledge meets modern
- science: (and the mystery of the Crystal Skull)"
For more information, contact:
Marianne Stowell Bracke, Agricultural Sciences Information Specialist Associate Professor of Library Science Purdue University Libraries, mbracke@purdue.edu, (765) 496-9620~ Madeleine Charney, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, W.E.B. Du Bois Library
Shake It Up, Baby! The Future of Academic Libraries
Shake It Up, Baby! The Future of Academic Libraries Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 4:30 p.m., Neilson Library Browsing Room, Smith College
Lecture by Sarah Thomas ’70, Bodley’s Librarian & Director of the Oxford University Library Services. Thomas is the first woman and the first non-Briton to serve is this position. She has received accolades for her work on both sides of the Atlantic, including the Melvin Dewey Award in 2007. For more information, see http://www.smith.edu/libraries/fyi/666.htm.
Mary Irwin, Library Gifts and Development Officer, Friends of the Smith College Libraries, Neilson Library, Smith College, Northampton, Tel: 413-585-2903, Fax: 413-585-2904
Libraries Centennial Happenings: http://www.smith.edu/libraries/fyi/centennial.htm
WAMC: Governor Patrick Fields Quetions in Great Barrington (2010-04-12)
WAMC: Governor Patrick Fields Quetions in Great Barrington (2010-04-12)
"GREAT BARRINGTON, MA (WAMC) - Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick made a campaign stop in Great Barrington Sunday morning, our Berkshire Bureau Chief Charlie Deitz reports that Patrick also took time to answer questions from the public and the press regarding library funding, health care and education spending © Copyright 2010, WAMC "
"GREAT BARRINGTON, MA (WAMC) - Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick made a campaign stop in Great Barrington Sunday morning, our Berkshire Bureau Chief Charlie Deitz reports that Patrick also took time to answer questions from the public and the press regarding library funding, health care and education spending © Copyright 2010, WAMC "
Monday, April 5, 2010
MBLC meeting in Chicopee on April 1, 2010
Here are some photos from last Thursday's meeting of the commissioners of the MBLC that was held at the Chicopee Public Library ~ http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=160807&id=98164952633&ref=mf
Visit the Friends of WMRLS Website - http://friends.wmrls.org/
Friday, April 2, 2010
MBLC Meeting on April 1, 2010: Statement of Representative Don Humason, R-Westfield
April 1, 2010
STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE DON HUMASON, R-Westfield, TO THE MASS BOARD OF LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS
I write to add my voice to the thousands of librarians, staff, and patrons of libraries in Western Massachusetts who are the direct beneficiaries of the good works of the Western Mass Regional Library System.
I believe my credentials as a library enthusiast and supporter should be well known but let me fully disclose here that I am a member of the Westfield Athenaeum Board of Trustees as well as a Friend of the Westfield Athenaeum, a member of the Legislature’s Library Caucus, and a Friend of the Western Mass Regional Library System.
I have visited the WMRLS headquarters in South Deerfield personally and have seen the efficiency with which they provide their services firsthand. John Ramsay, the Regional Administrator of WMRLS, is my constituent, and I consider him a friend.
In my meeting with Chairman Charlie Murphy of the House Ways and Means Committee on March 11 to review my personal priorities for the Fiscal Year 2011 House budget, I also submitted my requests in writing and included the following statement:
· Reject the Governor’s draconian cuts to libraries which are already serving more of our constituents during this economic downturn with fewer resources. Specifically: 7000-9401 State Aid to Regional Libraries.
I believe libraries are a cornerstone of our cities and the most Democratic of all institutions. They serve everyone equally. The return on investment is high. For every dollar spent for Regional Library Services, Massachusetts library users get over $8 in services and savings.
You know all the statistics as well as I. A recent study concluded that 70% of our constituents use libraries. I remain hopeful that the House and Senate will restore the funds that Governor Patrick was unwise to cut from his budget.
Western Massachusetts should not have to bear the disproportionate pain that would result from the closing of WMRLS and the creation of one region headquartered in Eastern Massachusetts.
I urge your most favorable consideration on this matter and assure you of my continued commitment to fight for all library services in Massachusetts.
Thank you.
DONALD F. HUMASON, JR.
REPRESENTATIVE
WESTFIELD
District Office
64 NOBLE STREET
WESTFIELD, MA 01085
TEL. (413) 568-1366
Room 542, State House
TEL. (617) 722-2803
Rep.DonaldHumason@Hou.Sate.ma.us
STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE DON HUMASON, R-Westfield, TO THE MASS BOARD OF LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS
I write to add my voice to the thousands of librarians, staff, and patrons of libraries in Western Massachusetts who are the direct beneficiaries of the good works of the Western Mass Regional Library System.
I believe my credentials as a library enthusiast and supporter should be well known but let me fully disclose here that I am a member of the Westfield Athenaeum Board of Trustees as well as a Friend of the Westfield Athenaeum, a member of the Legislature’s Library Caucus, and a Friend of the Western Mass Regional Library System.
I have visited the WMRLS headquarters in South Deerfield personally and have seen the efficiency with which they provide their services firsthand. John Ramsay, the Regional Administrator of WMRLS, is my constituent, and I consider him a friend.
In my meeting with Chairman Charlie Murphy of the House Ways and Means Committee on March 11 to review my personal priorities for the Fiscal Year 2011 House budget, I also submitted my requests in writing and included the following statement:
· Reject the Governor’s draconian cuts to libraries which are already serving more of our constituents during this economic downturn with fewer resources. Specifically: 7000-9401 State Aid to Regional Libraries.
I believe libraries are a cornerstone of our cities and the most Democratic of all institutions. They serve everyone equally. The return on investment is high. For every dollar spent for Regional Library Services, Massachusetts library users get over $8 in services and savings.
You know all the statistics as well as I. A recent study concluded that 70% of our constituents use libraries. I remain hopeful that the House and Senate will restore the funds that Governor Patrick was unwise to cut from his budget.
Western Massachusetts should not have to bear the disproportionate pain that would result from the closing of WMRLS and the creation of one region headquartered in Eastern Massachusetts.
I urge your most favorable consideration on this matter and assure you of my continued commitment to fight for all library services in Massachusetts.
Thank you.
DONALD F. HUMASON, JR.
REPRESENTATIVE
WESTFIELD
District Office
64 NOBLE STREET
WESTFIELD, MA 01085
TEL. (413) 568-1366
Room 542, State House
TEL. (617) 722-2803
Rep.DonaldHumason@Hou.Sate.ma.us
MBLC Meeting on April 1, 2010: Statement of Christopher J. Lindquist, Westfield Athenaeum Director
April 1, 2010
Statement of Christopher J. Lindquist, Westfield Athenaeum Director, Westfield, MA, to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
Dear Chairman Comeau and Library Commissioners:
Since this is the first time I have had the opportunity to address the MBLC, I would simply like to thank you on behalf of the Westfield Athenaeum and the residents of the City of Westfield for the tremendous service you have provided to our library, to the regional library systems, the library networks and to libraries of all types in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I feel certain that you would much rather be celebrating the opening of a new or renovated library building than to be sitting here today listening to public comment about the proposed consolidation of the regions.
Having said that, I think it is the height of irony that we are sitting here on April 1st because I feel very strongly that collectively, we will all be fools if we accept the proposal to consolidate the six regional library systems into one entity at one location
in the hub and spokes model being recommended by the Transition Team. I say this with great respect for Rob Maier, the MBLC staff and all who served on the Transition Team.
However, I feel that the plan fails to effectively address the enormous needs of member libraries and residents of the Commonwealth as we enter the second decade of the 21st century.
I cannot accept that one of the main options considered by the Transition Team, namely the consolidation to three regions, is not being recommended by the Team. It strains credulity to think that geographical considerations did not carry greater weight in the Team’s deliberations, and I am urging you to consider very strongly the option of maintaining three regions, one in the east, one centrally located, and one in the west, which if funds allow, would absolutely be the most effective structure for member libraries going forward. Further, I find it hard to believe that in 9 months time, we will be dismantling what in the case of the Western MA Regional Library System, has taken 50 years to develop. Would it not be more prudent – perhaps even courageous – to limp along for another year, to maintain three regions at three physical locations, even with a substantially reduced staff, in order to develop those regions as funds become available? While we have a proposed budget for the hub and spokes model, I think budget proposals for the other two models should also be drafted in order to see how they compare to the proposal in front of you.
In a state the size of Massachusetts, with libraries located in the hinterlands of the Berkshires as well as on the Cape and Islands, situating a headquarters in the center of the state, located far away from many member libraries and away from a substantial number of our customers, including some of the smallest and most needy libraries in the hilltowns of Western Massachusetts, is in my opinion, irresponsible. There are at least 153 residents from Westfield whose signatures we collected on the Save WMRLS Petition who agree with me. I am sure we could have collected many more signatures had we had more time.
Recently, Tim Brennan, the Executive Director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, said at an economic summit that one of the “key threats” to the economic recovery in the Pioneer Valley is the “never-ending struggle to gain regional visibility in Boston.” Surely, that is part of the dynamic that you are witnessing here today. We cannot and you should not allow one more regional entity to be moved away from the Western region closer to Boston.
Due to the dedication and hard work of many of the people in this room, I feel that the library system in Massachusetts is in the top five library systems in the nation. If you approve the consolidation proposal before you, I think we will have moved well into the second tier of library systems in the country. Please don’t let that happen.
While I have the opportunity, I would like to say of John Ramsay and the staff or WMRLS, that they are the most caring, creative, cost effective and collaborative people I have had the pleasure to know, and that WMRLS is one of the most outstanding, forward-thinking organizations in the Commonwealth. The member libraries and the residents of the Western Region have been extremely well served by WMRLS over the past 50 years and I hope you will do everything you can to help them continue that irreplaceable service.
Finally, having read the Transition Team’s proposal, I am left with one very strong impression that there is something missing in the proposal: There is no passion, no soul, no heart. It is those missing ingredients that the staff of WMRLS brings every day to their jobs serving its member libraries and it is those qualities that can’t be measured and quantified that you will be dismissing if you accept the proposal before you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Statement of Christopher J. Lindquist, Westfield Athenaeum Director, Westfield, MA, to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
Dear Chairman Comeau and Library Commissioners:
Since this is the first time I have had the opportunity to address the MBLC, I would simply like to thank you on behalf of the Westfield Athenaeum and the residents of the City of Westfield for the tremendous service you have provided to our library, to the regional library systems, the library networks and to libraries of all types in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I feel certain that you would much rather be celebrating the opening of a new or renovated library building than to be sitting here today listening to public comment about the proposed consolidation of the regions.
Having said that, I think it is the height of irony that we are sitting here on April 1st because I feel very strongly that collectively, we will all be fools if we accept the proposal to consolidate the six regional library systems into one entity at one location
in the hub and spokes model being recommended by the Transition Team. I say this with great respect for Rob Maier, the MBLC staff and all who served on the Transition Team.
However, I feel that the plan fails to effectively address the enormous needs of member libraries and residents of the Commonwealth as we enter the second decade of the 21st century.
I cannot accept that one of the main options considered by the Transition Team, namely the consolidation to three regions, is not being recommended by the Team. It strains credulity to think that geographical considerations did not carry greater weight in the Team’s deliberations, and I am urging you to consider very strongly the option of maintaining three regions, one in the east, one centrally located, and one in the west, which if funds allow, would absolutely be the most effective structure for member libraries going forward. Further, I find it hard to believe that in 9 months time, we will be dismantling what in the case of the Western MA Regional Library System, has taken 50 years to develop. Would it not be more prudent – perhaps even courageous – to limp along for another year, to maintain three regions at three physical locations, even with a substantially reduced staff, in order to develop those regions as funds become available? While we have a proposed budget for the hub and spokes model, I think budget proposals for the other two models should also be drafted in order to see how they compare to the proposal in front of you.
In a state the size of Massachusetts, with libraries located in the hinterlands of the Berkshires as well as on the Cape and Islands, situating a headquarters in the center of the state, located far away from many member libraries and away from a substantial number of our customers, including some of the smallest and most needy libraries in the hilltowns of Western Massachusetts, is in my opinion, irresponsible. There are at least 153 residents from Westfield whose signatures we collected on the Save WMRLS Petition who agree with me. I am sure we could have collected many more signatures had we had more time.
Recently, Tim Brennan, the Executive Director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, said at an economic summit that one of the “key threats” to the economic recovery in the Pioneer Valley is the “never-ending struggle to gain regional visibility in Boston.” Surely, that is part of the dynamic that you are witnessing here today. We cannot and you should not allow one more regional entity to be moved away from the Western region closer to Boston.
Due to the dedication and hard work of many of the people in this room, I feel that the library system in Massachusetts is in the top five library systems in the nation. If you approve the consolidation proposal before you, I think we will have moved well into the second tier of library systems in the country. Please don’t let that happen.
While I have the opportunity, I would like to say of John Ramsay and the staff or WMRLS, that they are the most caring, creative, cost effective and collaborative people I have had the pleasure to know, and that WMRLS is one of the most outstanding, forward-thinking organizations in the Commonwealth. The member libraries and the residents of the Western Region have been extremely well served by WMRLS over the past 50 years and I hope you will do everything you can to help them continue that irreplaceable service.
Finally, having read the Transition Team’s proposal, I am left with one very strong impression that there is something missing in the proposal: There is no passion, no soul, no heart. It is those missing ingredients that the staff of WMRLS brings every day to their jobs serving its member libraries and it is those qualities that can’t be measured and quantified that you will be dismissing if you accept the proposal before you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
WWLP: Librarians raise voices against $ cuts
Posted on the WWLP website:
"Updated: Thursday, 01 Apr 2010, 6:52 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 01 Apr 2010, 5:16 PM EDT
Amy Phillips
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Local librarians are protesting cuts to services in Western Mass.
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners met at Chicopee Public Library where librarians voiced their concerns. "~ Read More
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Regional Transition Report
The following message was posted to the MBLC "All Regions" email discussion list at 5:08 p.m. today:
To the Massachusetts Library Community:
All members of the library community and all library users are welcome to attend meetings of the Board of Library Commissioners including the meeting this Thursday, April 1, at the Chicopee Public Library. At this meeting the report of the Regional Transition Planning Committee will be presented. This is the first presentation to the Board of the complete report, and it is not an action item.
The Transition Report is the work of the Regional Transition Committee which is comprised of 3 members from the executive boards of each of the 6 regional library systems. They were supported by the regional administrators, the MBLC director and a process facilitator. The report will be the basis for a merger of the regional library systems to form the Massachusetts Library System (MLS). MLS will provide regional services to all member libraries beginning July 1, 2010.
The Board of Library Commissioners is committed to providing services through MLS on an equal basis to all libraries and residents statewide regardless of geography.
Regional library systems have held or are offering presentations on the Transition Report for regional member libraries throughout the Commonwealth. [A copy of the final report was attached to Mr. Maier's email.]
Rob
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert C. Maier, Director
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
98 North Washington Street, Suite 401
Boston, MA 02114
Ph (617) 725-1860 x249
To the Massachusetts Library Community:
All members of the library community and all library users are welcome to attend meetings of the Board of Library Commissioners including the meeting this Thursday, April 1, at the Chicopee Public Library. At this meeting the report of the Regional Transition Planning Committee will be presented. This is the first presentation to the Board of the complete report, and it is not an action item.
The Transition Report is the work of the Regional Transition Committee which is comprised of 3 members from the executive boards of each of the 6 regional library systems. They were supported by the regional administrators, the MBLC director and a process facilitator. The report will be the basis for a merger of the regional library systems to form the Massachusetts Library System (MLS). MLS will provide regional services to all member libraries beginning July 1, 2010.
The Board of Library Commissioners is committed to providing services through MLS on an equal basis to all libraries and residents statewide regardless of geography.
Regional library systems have held or are offering presentations on the Transition Report for regional member libraries throughout the Commonwealth. [A copy of the final report was attached to Mr. Maier's email.]
Rob
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert C. Maier, Director
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
98 North Washington Street, Suite 401
Boston, MA 02114
Ph (617) 725-1860 x249
Words Hurt - West Springfield Teen Advisory Board Video in Preparation for Chris Crutcher Visit on April 14
Members of the West Springfield Public Library Teen Advisory Board made this video in preparation for an upcoming visit from author Chris Crutcher.Thank you to Mia Cabana and the staff of the West Springfield Public Library for permission to post this inspiring video.
MBLC Commissioners Meeting at Chicopee Public Library on April 1
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Board of Library Commissioners
98 North Washington Street ! Suite 401 ! Boston, Massachusetts 02215
617 725-1860 ! 800 952-7403 (in-state only) ! FAX 617 725-0140
Chicopee Public Library - Directions
Thursday, April 1, 2010 - 10:00 A.M.
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
ACTION a. Approval of Minutes - March 4, 2010
Speaker: George T. Comeau, Esq., Chairman
2. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Speaker: Chairman Comeau
3. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Speaker: Robert C. Maier, Director
4. LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Speaker: Maureen Killoran, Head of Library Advisory and Development/Government Liaison
5. MARKETING PLAN UPDATE
Speaker: Celeste Bruno, Communications Specialist
ACTION 6. CONSIDERATION OF A REVISION IN THE LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACT PROGRAM AND BUDGET FOR THE FY2011 GRANT ROUND
Speaker: Maureen Killoran
ACTION 7 CONSIDERATION OF EXTENDING THE BOARD POLICY ON REGIONAL BUDGET REVISIONS THROUGH APRIL 30, 2015
Speaker: Director Maier
8. REPORT ON EXISTING PARTNERSHIPS AND SPONSORSHIPS OF THE BOARD OF LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS
Speaker: Director Maier
9. REPORT ON STIMULUS FUNDS TARGETED FOR LIBRARIES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
Speaker: Marlene Heroux, Reference Information Systems Specialist
10. REPORT ON REGIONAL TRANSITION PLANNING
Speaker: Director Maier
11. STANDING COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS
12. COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES
13. PUBLIC COMMENT
14. OLD BUSINESS
15. NEW BUSINESS
16. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Comeau
