Saturday, January 4, 2014

Support Needed for LIBRARY LEGISLATIVE BREAKFASTS 2014

The twentieth annual series of library legislative breakfasts begin this month.   The breakfasts are free to all who attend as advocacy continues to be a priority for librarians in Massachusetts.  Sponsorship helps support the breakfasts and full participation.  We hope trustees, friends groups and individuals will contribute to this effort.  Please support our most important advocacy effort.    
 
To donate to support the Pioneer Valley Legislative Breakfasts:
 
_______$25.00                   ________$50.00                 ________$100.00             ________Other
 
Name:
 
Library:
 
Address:
 
Telephone:__________________________  Email:______________________________
Make checks payable to:  Western Mass Library Advocates    PO Box 609, South Deerfield, MA 01373-0609
 
To donate to support the Berkshire Legislative Breakfast:
 
_______$25.00                   ________$50.00                 ________$100.00             ________Other

Name:

Library:

Address:

Telephone:__________________________  Email:______________________________

Make checks payable to:  Berkshire Legislative Breakfast  c/o Pat McLeod, Milne Public Library, 1095 Main Street, Williamstown MA 01267
 
Full descriptions of the Breakfasts, plus registration information and directions are available at http://mla.memberlodge.org/breakfasts2014
                                     Thanks to the Mass. Library Association for hosting the information this year.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Whately Office Update


The Massachusetts Library System (MLS) has executed a purchase and sale agreement for their Whatley facility.  Closing is planned for late January to allow for inspection needs and other contingencies.  The USDA is reviewing documentation to consider the short sale.

MLS will have a four-month short-term lease after the closing.  Western Mass. MLS staff visited the machine shop operated by the buyers.  After the visit staff members expressed a preference to find a new location.  The chief reasons are that staff would be cramped sharing the existing space with the new owners and there is resistance to working and hosting members in an environment with chemicals, oils, and machine shop odors.

The MLS has been working with their realtor to seek an alternate location in the I-91 corridor.   They are not closing the door on a longer-term lease in the Whately facility until they find a suitable location.

Address any questions to Greg Pronevitz, Mass. Library System, Executive Director,
greg@masslibsystem.org, www.MassLibSystem.org  508-357-2121 x303  |  866-627-7228 x303 (Mass.)

Friday, December 20, 2013

LIBRARY LEGISLATIVE BREAKFASTS 2014 - Mass Libraries are working to end the Digital Lockout


The twentieth annual series of library legislative breakfasts is coming up soon.   As advocacy continues to be a solid impetus for librarians in Massachusetts, this event has grown in importance and attendance.  The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ (MBLC) Legislative Agenda for FY 2015 is available here.  Supplementary information links are available here.  

The MBLC works toward equity of access to library services by creating a level playing field so that residents of all ages across the Commonwealth have access to essential library collections, services, facilities and electronic content regardless of where they live. Through libraries, residents find information and knowledge to improve their lives, to support education, to build their communities and to sustain our democracy.

No library can meet the demands of its users with local resources alone. That’s why state funded programs are so critical to the provision of library services. Citizens of Massachusetts are using libraries more than ever, and they rely on the links between libraries provided through state funding administered by the MBLC. Funding cuts since 2001 have placed immense burdens on local library budgets at a time when demand for services is rising.

Informing your legislators of your concerns and additional funding needs this year will allow Massachusetts libraries to meet today’s challenges.  Please show your support by mailing a contribution and by marking the date of your complimentary breakfast on your calendar.  Every library school, public, academic and special in every town needs a voice to be heard by our Western Mass. legislators.


Western Mass Library Legislative Breakfasts Schedule ~ 2014

Full descriptions of the Breakfasts, plus registration information and directions are available at http://mla.memberlodge.org/breakfasts2014
Thanks to the Mass. Library Association for hosting the information this year.

Senator James Welch
Friday, January 17, 2014 ~ 7:30 a.m. ~ Springfield Technical Community College Library  Bldg 27
Host: Lynn Coakley – Coordinator of Technical Services
Registration email:  Lcoakley@stcc.edu

Senator Benjamin Downing
Friday, January 24, 2014 ~ 8:00 a.m. ~ Milne Library, Williamstown
Host: Pat McLeod, Library Director    
Registration email:  l.kaufmann@mcla.edu

Senator Stan Rosenberg
Friday,  February 7, 2014 ~ 7:30:00 a.m. ~ Jones Library, Amherst
Host: Sharon Sharry, Library Director
Registration email:  sharrys@joneslibrary.org

Senator Don Humason
Friday, February 21, 2014 ~ 9:00 a.m. ~ Holyoke Public Library
Host: Marian Pagan, Library Director
Registration email: library@holyoke.org

Senator Gale Candaras
Friday, February 28, 2014 ~ 8:30 a.m. ~ Storrs Library, Longmeadow
Host: Karen Kappenman, Library Director
Registration email: kkappenman@longmeadow.org

Senator Stephen Brewer
Friday, February 28, 2014 ~ 7:30 a.m.~ Palmer Public Library
Host:  Dorene Miller, Library Director
Registration email:  director@palmer.lib.ma.us


Find the names of your state Senator and Representative(s) by visiting the Massachusetts Library Association - Elected Officials website

Donations to support the breakfasts are welcome.  There is no charge on the days of the events to attendees.  If you would like to contribute:

To donate to support the Pioneer Valley Legislative Breakfasts

_______$25.00                   ________$50.00                 ________$100.00              ________Other

Name:

Library:

Address:

Telephone:__________________________  Email:______________________________

Check Payable to:  Western Mass Library Advocates    PO Box 609, South Deerfield, MA 01373-0609


To donate to support the Berkshire Legislative Breakfast

_______$25.00                   ________$50.00                 ________$100.00              ________Other

Name:

Library:

Address:

Telephone:__________________________  Email:______________________________

Check Payable to:  Berkshire Legislative Breakfast  c/o Pat McLeod, Milne Public Library, 1095 Main Street, Williamstown MA 01267

 
 
 

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Smartphone Guide Makes Touring Boston’s Beacon Hill Easy for Everyone


The Boston Women’s Heritage Trail is on the move again – this time with a smartphone app to guide your steps through the history of Beacon Hill’s illustrious ladies.  Covering the period before and after the Civil War and continuing in the nineteenth century, sites include women writers and artists who used their talents to support social movements ranging from anti-slavery to suffrage.  Follow the stories of African American women and the first women doctors and professional nurses, while meandering through cobblestone streets and observing charming brick homes.

The app is available on iPhones, Androids and any smartphone with a full internet browser.  Visitors can simply go to tour website at Beaconhill.BWHT.org.

The app was developed by TourSphere, a Boston-based mobile app builder.  TourSphere is a leader in the museum technology field and has won several awards for their work with museums and historic sites.

Founded in 1989 by a group of Boston Public School teachers, librarians and their creative students, the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail’s mission is to bring to life the enriching history of Boston’s women – the often overlooked patriots, reformers, abolitionists, suffragists, artists and writers.  Through a guidebook, public walking tours and educational offerings, the Trail continues to keep women enmeshed in the fabric of the “city upon a hill.”  Visit the BWHT website at bwht.org.

Boston Women’s Heritage Trail
c/o Boston Educational Development Foundation
26 Court Street
Boston, MA 02108

BWHT contact
Katherine Dibble, 617-327-7851   kkdibble@gmail.com

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Congratulations Granby and Holyoke!!!


November was a banner month for western Massachusetts libraries.  The Granby Free Public Library dedicated their new building on November 16.  The Holyoke Public Library unveiled their new addition on November 22.  The residents of both of those communities have much to be thankful for. 
Both libraries have vastly increased their service areas with meeting rooms, areas for children, YA’s, and computer rooms.  Work and delivery areas and circulation points are much more usable, and both libraries have accessible buildings and convenient parking. 
The celebrations were perfect for each community and were very well attended.  Among the legislators attending:  Candaras and Story (Granby), Congressman Neal, retired Congressman Olver, Senator Humason, Representative Vega (Holyoke).  MBLC staff were out in force to celebrate these occasions as were Commissioners (Quinn, Resnick – Granby)(Kronholm, Murphy, Resnick – Holyoke.)

Please take the opportunity to visit both new libraries.
Granby

 

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Congratulations, Sue SanSoucie


Library trustees, staff and friends held a public farewell for retiring Montague Public Libraries Director Susan SanSoucie on Wednesday, October 23, 2013.  The event was very well attended by the community and the Western Massachusetts Library Advocates (WMLA) Board and membership.  In addition to her 30 years of service to the Montague Libraries, Sue has been an active member of the Western Region and is currently the Treasurer of WMLA.

“Sue has developed a library system that provides well for the needs of all the town. She has also maintained a great relationship with patrons, staff, town employees and especially with others in the Massachusetts library community. Her leadership extends beyond the town and puts Montague on the map as a town supportive of the need for libraries,” trustee Veronica Phaneuf said in a press statement.

Sue’s service to libraries has been exemplary, and we don’t expect that service to decline just because she has more time for her personal life.  Everyone enjoyed the celebration, praise from library users and colleagues and great food.  In addition to Sue’s fans in the photographs, other librarians attending included Christine Berquist, Janet Moulding, and Commissioner Jan Resnick, Even the Carnegie moose was decorated for the event.  Sue's last day as Director was Halloween.  Congratulations and best wishes, Sue.  WMLA Board meeting in two weeks. 

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Western Massachusetts Library Advocates - Board of Directors – 2014


At the fall meeting on October 16, the Western Massachusetts Library Advocates (WMLA) elected the following slate of officers and board members.  If you are interested in volunteering your support to WMLA, we would be honored to have you.  Please contact any member of the Board to volunteer.

President
Judith Clini
Agawam Pubic Library

 Vice President/President Elect
Vacant

Treasurer
Susan A. SanSoucie
Montague Public Libraries – Soon to be retired

Clerk
Bonnie Isman
Amherst, Jones Library – Retired

Past President
Chris Lindquist
Wellesley Free Library

Members at Large
Betty Johnson
Griswold Memorial Library, Colrain

John Ramsay
Springfield City Library

Jan Resnick
Commissioner, MBLC - formerly WMRLS staff

Cher Collins (new)
Westfield Athenaeum

Eliza Langhans (new)
Hatfield Public Library

Mary Anne Antonelis (new)
M.N. Spear Memorial Library, Shutesbury

Dan Paquette (new)
Learning Commons, UMASS Amherst

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

WMLA Fall Meeting 2013

Holyoke Public Library 2013


The Western Massachusetts Library Advocates (WMLA) held their fall meeting on October 16, 2013, at the newly renovated and expanded Holyoke Public Library.  36 members signed in; Representing Steve Kulik, his aide Paul Dunphy. 
Keynote:  The keynote speaker was Steve Spohn, previously an independent consultant and now the new Resource Sharing Director for the Massachusetts Library System (MLS).  Steve described the planning work he did for Springfield City Library in 2012-13, the data he used to support recommendations for change, and how their strategic plan to sustain library services for the long term was implemented successfully. 
Since 2004, Springfield City Library’s budget had been cut by 15% without closing any of their 10 branches.  It had reached the point where some branches were open only 12 days a month.  Steve’s report recommended closing four branches. The shock value of his report resulted in anger, denial, and, finally, changes in attitudes.  Springfield’s Mayor became an advocate for the Library and allocated $500,000 in new funding for FY 2014. Director Molly Fogarty announced they are hiring 17 new staff members. Library programming has been ‘re-packaged’ under five easy to understand themes: early literacy, workforce development, civic engagement, after-school activities, and lifelong learning.  Steve’s take-away points: Don’t stop with a printed plan.  Make structural and procedural changes. Get someone else (like a consultant) to say unpopular things. 

More on the Springfield success story and the ‘Re: think Springfield City Library Project’ slide show is available at http://www.springfieldlibrary.org/board.html.

Business Meeting:  There are 82 current members of WMLA. A new Board of Directors was elected.  Within WMLA’s regular business, Greg Pronevitz, MLS Executive Director, encouraged people to attend the MLS Annual Meeting on November 4 and congratulated Margo Malachowski who will take over as President of the MLS Executive Board. He also thanked John Ramsay for spearheading the idea of libraries in various parts of the state cooperatively licensing access to newspapers for their service area.  
Greg announced that MLS has entered into negotiations with a small business from Conway to sell the MLS-Whately building.  He reviewed the history of attempting to rent part of the building. He wants to lease back MLS’ current office space while they search for a new location.  Greg said they would use the results of last years’ WMLA survey as criteria, namely a new location between Route 2 and the Mass Pike along I-91.  No timetable for the sale was given.

Judy Clini reviewed some of WMLA’s work in the past year, including the author program with Matthew Pearl (2013 Massachusetts Book Award Winner for The Technologists), the distribution of Summer Reading Club prizes from western Massachusetts attractions, and the recent van tour of five small libraries. 
 

John Ramsay reported on the NewsBank Project which restores access to western Massachusetts newspapers for all libraries in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties. Close to 30 libraries are contributing to pay for this license.  Additional funding is provided through grants from WMLA and MLS. 
The meeting was followed by a tour of the still under construction Holyoke Public Library led by Director Maria Pagan.  The dramatic new and expanded space will open at the end of the month.  Congratulations to Maria, her staff and trustees and the residents of Holyoke.  Dedication of the new facility is expected to occur on November 22.


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

WMLA Fall/Annual Meeting


The Annual Meeting of the Western Massachusetts Library Advocates (WMLA) will be at the beautiful new Holyoke Public Library from 10:00 to 1:00 on October 16th. Come and meet Steve Spohn, the new Resource Sharing Director at the Massachusetts Library System (MLS). Steve will speak on "selling" your library to your community and how to align services with actual needs via data.  He and Greg Pronevitz, Executive Director of MLS, will also describe the new ebook platform that is getting underway  and resource sharing in general.  In addition, join us in a discussion of WMLA’s legislative priorities for the upcoming year.  A tour the newly renovated and expanded Holyoke Public Library will be conducted at the end of the meeting. 

For a preview of the tour, take a look at this photo album.
 
Registration opens at 9:30.  Hope to see you all there! 

Thursday, August 22, 2013

FY2015 Legislative Agenda and Budget Priorities – Your Ideas Needed!


As in the past several years, the Board of Library Commissioners will hold an open forum on its FY2015 budget request and legislative agenda at the Worcester Public Library.  This year the meeting will take place Thursday, September 12 at 1:00 pm in the Saxe Room (directions and bring quarters for the meters).

The purpose of this forum is to provide an opportunity for all members of the library community (librarians, trustees, friends and patrons) representing all types of libraries (public, school, academic and special) to inform the Board of Library Commissioners on FY2015 budget priorities and the Legislative Agenda of the Board.

For FY2014 the Commonwealth has entrusted the Board with administration of $22,241,119 in state resources, and the Board is responsible to many stakeholders for efficient and effective use of these resources, including you.  As recently as FY2009 the Board’s budget totaled $33,659,000. (see the FY2014 budget and budget history)

Your thoughts, comments and concerns about budget priorities for FY2015 will inform the Board’s decisions about the composition of this year’s budget proposal and legislative agenda.

Whether or not you attend the September meeting, please help us compile your comments by completing the survey found at this link:http://mblc.countingopinions.com/s/csurvey/index.php?survey_id=754&loc_id=en_CA

In addition to completing the survey you may also email your comments to Dianne L. Carty, Acting Director, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

5K BOOK IT for the South Hadley Public Library

 
 
CLICK HERE for registration and more information!

Monday, July 15, 2013

Have you signed up for the Whately meeting July 22, 2013?


The Massachusetts Library System (MLS) Executive Board’s next meeting is July 22nd in WhatelyAt 12 noon-1 pm MLS will host a discussion to gather input from stakeholders on the future of MLS’s ongoing presence in western Massachusetts.   They are inviting member libraries and stakeholders to attend and take part in a conversation about MLS’s long-term future in Western Massachusetts.  As they begin to consider alternative locations, they need to hear the members’ preferences.  Have you signed up so the MLS Executive Board can hear your voice?

The Executive Board of the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System (WMRLS) met on June 17th to hear a recommendation by MLS Executive Director, Greg Pronevitz, to investigate new avenues, in addition to continuing to seek a tenant, to eliminate the unnecessary costs incurred for the Whately facility as well as the staff responsibilities required to manage a large building.  These avenues include putting the facility up for sale.  The Board voted to accept the recommendation.  The MLS Executive Board also acts as the Executive Board of WMRLS.

Please register online so they can plan for your attendance: