Dewey love our libraries? Storrs Library's Inspiring Blog

Visit the Blog of the Storrs Library, Longmeadow

One of our part time staff, Phyllis Bogert, has been photographing libraries for many years. She did not use a digital camera, but collected all her beautiful photographs in an album which she would share with us from time to time. Barbara Fitzgerald, our Adult Services Librarian, thought it would be a great idea to turn this album into a Picasa Web Album and put it online for all to see. We enlisted the help of a volunteer, Doris Brodeur, who scanned in all the photos. I then created a blog, using all the skills that I learned the WMRLS "Blogging for Beginners" Workshop! This collaborative effort was finally finished and posted last week. It is accessible from our homepage, www.longmeadow.org/library.

Curiosity about the WMRLS extraordinary delivery system, linking so many libraries of different size and architecture, was what motivated Phyllis and John to set out on their trips. We thought you might like to let other libraries know about the blog so that they, too, can enjoy the lovely photographs.

~ Farida Pomerantz, Storrs Library, Longmeadow

WMRLS is closed on Wednesday, December 9

Due to hazardous driving conditions expected across the 4 county area through much of today, the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System (WMRLS) will be closed today. There will be no delivery, and the workshop "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: New Teen Books" has been canceled. Please notify any staff at your library if their work is affected by delivery.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but the safety of staff, vehicles and library materials is of utmost importance. We expect to resume full services tomorrow.

~ John Ramsay, WMRLS Regional Administrator

Berkshire Athenaeum hosts Foundation Center Librarian Ines Sucre

On Tuesday, December 1, the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, was thrilled to host Foundation Center Librarian Ines Sucre for a full day training on grantseeking. Fifty-four Berkshire area residents registered for this free training opportunity that included a hands on session searching the Foundation Center databases. Attendees included staff from area cultural, human service and other non-profit organizations as well as local artists. The Berkshire Athenaeum is a Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center and routinely provides access to FC resources.

~ Madeline Kelly, Supervisor, Reference Services
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield

December 31 is deadline to apply for Laura Bush Foundation Grant

Visit the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries for complete information on this grant opportunity.

10 Things to do at a Library that Don't Involve Renting Books

Anna Miller, author of the Online Degree Blog, recently posted a tribute to libraries titled
"10 Things to do at a Library that Don't Involve Renting Books".  Anna's blog begins:

"Libraries have long stood as a cornerstone of neighborhoods across the world, offering access to books and other resources for entertainment in addition to research purposes. In their continuing devotion to nurturing a love of reading and knowledge in the citizenry, many have expanded their offerings beyond the ability to rent books. Some newer features embrace technological advances, while others provide free services blending education and enjoyment. No matter what extras these libraries offer, all of them continue the tradition of intellectually and creatively stimulating their respective communities... "Read More ...

Ware High School Library Goes GREEN

Many thanks to Ware High School Librarian, Valerie Wlodyka, and all of the faculty, staff, and students, who decorated the library GREEN in preparation for our recent WMRLS Summer Reading Program Roundtable (Focus on Teen Programs)

WRapper - Fall/Winter 2009 issue now online

Extra! Extra! Hot off the Virtual Press ~ WRAPPER NEWSLETTER!


We have just posted the fall/winter issue of WRapper: the newsletter of the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System This issue features the following:


WMRLS Annual Meeting: An Emotional Experience by John Ramsay, Regional Administrator, WMRLS

WMRLS Night at MassMutual Center Fundraiser – The Springfield Falcons Hockey Team is dedicating the Saturday, January 23 game to benefit the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System. Tickets (regularly $17) are only $10 for everyone who orders using the special form on page 3 of Wrapper. This offer of discounted tickets to the January 23 game is extended to the general public. Please help WMRLS promote this fundraiser by making copies available for people to take. (A great holiday gift!)

Self-Service Disc Repair Machine now available to ALL WMRLS Libraries at No Charge
Sincerely, Janet Eckert, Editor; WRapper: the newsletter of the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System

Falcons vs. Wolfpack ~ WMRLS NIGHT AT MASSMUTUAL CENTER ~ Join us on January 23

Falcons vs Wolf Pack ~ WMRLS Night at the MassMutual Center

Saturday, January 23 at 7:30

This offer of discounted tickets to the January 23 game is extended to the general public. Please help WMRLS promote this fundraiser by making copies available for people to take.

 

http://www.wmrls.org/events/2010-01-23-falcons.pdf

 

Come out and meet Wally the Green Monster along with a night of action-packed hockey to benefit the Regional Library System that faces deep State budget cuts!

Regularly $17, tickets are only $10 with this offer!

Simply fill out the order form and mail back to the Falcons office, or call Julia Kincade at (413) 739-3344 x105.

(*Offer not valid at the box office. Tickets will be mailed up to January 18th. Tickets ordered after this date will be available at the Will-Call window of the Box Office lobby on the night of the game.)

Together We Thrive LSTA Grant Project - Presentation at WMRLS Annual Meeting

As part of our recent Annual Meeting of the WMRLS Council of Members, Becky Marconi, presented a summary of the recently concluded Together We Thrive LSTA Grant Project. Complete information on this project is posted on our WMRLS website

Becky's PowerPoint presentation is posted below:



Upon the conclusion of the WMRLS Together We Thrive LSTA grant, the Self Service Disc Repair Machine is now available for the use of all WMRLS Member Libraries.

Sarah Pirtle in concert at the GPL!

Families with young children, treat yourselves to a special free concert Saturday morning, December 5 at 10:30 with the wonderful Sarah Pirtle. The community is invited to the Greenfield Public Library for a joyful concert for all ages with the award-winning singer-songwriter.
With humor and warmth, Sarah beckons us to experience the exploration and enchantment of the seasons, farm life, city neighborhoods, and family time. These lively songs encourage outdoor play and a childhood nourished by imagination, curiosity, and nature. The concert is free and open to all; for more information contact Kay Lyons at 772-1544 ext. 5 or online at http://www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org/.

Libraries and Autism

From the Libraries and Autism: We're Connected Website

"The Scotch Plains Public Library and the Fanwood Memorial Library, together with our partners, produced a customer service training video primarily for library staff to help them serve individuals with autism and their families more effectively. The video focuses on what you need to know about autism and will empower you with specific techniques to offer more inclusive service to this growing and underserved population.

To receive a free "Libraries and Autism: We're Connected" Decal for your library, contact us at autism@thejointlibrary.org. We encourage you to explore this site and make free use of our support resources. "

Director Essentials: An Aid for MA Library Directors

A new resource for Massachusetts library directors in all kinds of libraries is now available on the web: http://directoressentials.org/. Arranged by topic or type of library, it is an ever evolving collection of tools and lists to help new directors understand their environment and challenges.

Developed by the six Massachusetts Regional Library Systems and funded by an LSTA grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the site is a collaborative effort to acquaint new library directors with a variety of tools and tips to help them acclimate to their position and their new circumstances. There is even a lot of information to interest 'old' directors.

The site was developed with the assistance of an advisory committee. Western MA representatives include: Christine Bergquist (Wilbraham), Tamson Ely (STCC), Alison Ernst (Northfield/Mt. Hermon), Howard Polonsky (Franklin Law Library), and Sharon Sharry (Sunderland and now Greenfield). Jan Resnick (WMRLS) serves on the Director Essentials Grant Committee.

~Jan Resnick, Assistant Regional Administrator, WMRLS