Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Candidate for Library Patron of the Year!

As if US Airways pilot Chesley Sullenberger hadn't endeared himself to the nation already, he has earned a special place in the hearts of librarians everywhere. Read the AP story below.

Library lets late fees fly for Hudson pilot
A book checked out to Chesley Sullenberger was left in the cargo hold


Updated 8:43 p.m. ET, Mon., Feb. 2, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno library to pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger: You're forgiven.
The US Airways pilot splash-landed his jetliner in the Hudson River on Jan. 15, and everyone on board escaped safely. But left in the cargo hold was a book Sullenberger had checked out from California State University, Fresno, through his local library near Danville.
Library officials say Sullenberger asked for an extension and waiver of overdue fees. The pilot and his spokeswoman didn't return messages seeking comment Monday.
The librarians say they were struck by Sullenberger's sense of responsibility and did him one better: They're waiving all fees, even lost book fees, and placing a template in the replacement book dedicating it to him.
The book's subject? Professional ethics.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Forbes Library Health Events

Get your life in shape with Forbes Library!

Did you know that Forbes Library is offering free fitness classes and nutrition workshops? Thanks to a federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the community of Northampton will be working on its fitness! The $5,000 grant, overseen by reference librarians Jen Ditkoff and Rick Hart, gives people access to free nutrition classes, fitness workshops, teen wii sports, pilates, functional training workouts, strength training and more!

Forbes Library was selected to receive the Health Access strand of the Equal Access grant, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). As part of the grant requirements, both Ditkoff and Hart participated this past spring in a professional development program in community-responsive librarianship developed by Libraries for the Future (LFF). LFF is a national non-profit organization whose purpose is to increase innovation and investment in 's libraries. Forbes Library designed a series of fitness and nutrition programs after polling the community to see what they would like for health programs. Partnering with local organizations, Forbes gives you an opportunity to get your life in shape!

It all started off with a workshop on how to start a fitness program, led by USA Triathlon coach and Certified Personal Trainer Martha Grinnell of Dynamic Training.

Upcoming February events include a nutritional workshop with local cookbook author Leslie Cerier on Saturday February 7th from 12:00 - 2:00, Teen Sports Gaming with Wii and Dance Dance Revolution on Wednesday February 11th and 25th from 3:30 - 5:00 and a fitness class with Pioneer Valley CrossFit on Saturday February 21st at 2:00.

Check out the full listings of health programs at www.forbeslibrary.org/events, call 413-587-1012, or stop by Forbes Library to pick up a monthly calendar.

~ Posted by the staff of the Forbes Library, Northampton