Have any new ideas for an old library?

The Town of South Hadley is seeking proposals for the purchase and redevelopment of the soon to be former Public Library, a 8,800 square foot building on .55 acres located at 27 Bardwell Street, South Hadley, MA 01075. Click here to visit the Town website where you can register and download the documents.

SUMMER READING PRIZES FOR MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARIES

If your library is conducting a Summer Reading Program for children or teens, the Western Massachusetts Library Advocates (WMLA) and contributing sponsors have incentives to supplement your program.

The WMLA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that we have arranged with the Eastern States Exposition to provide each Massachusetts library conducting a summer reading program free tickets for this fall’s Big E (9/12-28/14) in West Springfield.  The Big E will provide two (2) free general admission tickets to each library in Massachusetts with the understanding that these tickets will be used as incentives or rewards for children and teens to encourage them to read over the summer.  

In addition, Yankee Candle has created a prize for the Summer Reading Program. It is a free wax hand mold and is redeemable at their flagship store in South Deerfield. Yankee Candle has a section of the store called Wax Works where guests are allowed to make molds of their hands in wax, color the mold and bring them home. The wax hand normally retails for $8.

Friendly’s is a new sponsor this year.  They are providing 5,000 bookmarks including a coupon for a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal.  WMLA will distribute the number of coupons based on a population formula. 

To participate—NOTE PROCEDURE CHANGE FROM LAST YEAR

We have so many prizes this year, we need to ship via MLS delivery.  If your library is not on the delivery network, contact Jan Resnick at njrezz@comcast.net.

• Prepare a large (10x13) envelope with a DELIVERY ROUTING SLIP made out to your library. 
• Address the DELIVERY ROUTING SLIP to YOUR library with “ATTN:  [your library’s person designated to receive these valuable prizes.]”
• Place the ROUTING SLIP Envelope (IT’S OK TO FOLD IT) inside another envelope.

Mail to:

   WMLA

   ATTN:  SUMMER READING 

   P. O. BOX 609

   South Deerfield, MA 01373

NOTE: Your request must be received by WMLA by Thursday, July 3, 2014.

For security reasons, DO NOT write the words “Tickets” or “Big E” on the outside of your envelopes.

One request for each library building.  For public library systems with branch libraries, you will need to tell us how many branches for which you need prizes.

The only request that our donors have made of Massachusetts public libraries receiving these prizes is that the public be notified of their donation to encourage reading among our young people.  Please add to or create signs or posters with the sponsor information. 

The sponsors suggest that winners of the prizes be chosen through a random drawing of names at the end of your summer reading program.

WMLA Board members will process your requests and mail the tickets shortly after July 17th.

Other questions, contact Jan Resnick at njrezz@comcast.net.

WMLA Invites You a Conversation with the Author

Conversation with:  Jennifer Haigh, author ~ News from Heaven: the Bakerton Stories, Mass Book Award Fiction Winner, 2014.

When:             June 19, 2014 at 2.p.m.

Where:           Massachusetts Library System, Whately 4 Sandy Lane Whately, MA 01093

 What:             Jennifer Haigh is this year’s winner of the Massachusetts Book Award for Fiction 2014.  The Western Massachusetts Library Advocates 2^nd Annual Author Program is an opportunity for a conversation with Ms. Haigh about News from Heaven, a collection of linked stories set in the closely knit community of Bakerton, Pennsylvania, the community featured in her bestselling Baker Towers.  Ms. Haigh will answer questions, and discuss this collection and her other books (Baker Towers, Mrs. Kimble, The Condition, and Faith) with us.  Join us for this informal occasion to talk about Massachusetts books and writing, and the ins and outs of creating such diverse stories and such captivating characters. 

There will be refreshments, door prizes, gifts, and signing opportunities.

Registration is necessary:  Go to the Massachusetts Library System’s Continuing Education Calendar and select June 19 or click here. 

And the Frankie goes to.....

After receiving a record number of applicants for the Franklin Taplin Memorial Scholarship to the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) Annual Conference, the Western Massachusetts Library Advocates (WMLA) “Selection Committee” had some difficult decisions to make.  We attempted to distribute the scholarships among the 4 counties (although we received no applicants from the Berkshires) and tried also to represent as many types of libraries as possible.  And—of course—first-time attendees to the conference were given priority. 

And the winners are……(drumroll)…………..

Lori Carrier—Westfield State University (Hampden)

Ellen Kaye—North Amherst (Hampshire)
Angela Rovatti-Leonard—Montague (Franklin)
Angela Dumas—Ludlow (Hampden)

Congratulations to the recipients. 

Winners were also invited to have lunch with members of WMLA on Wednesday at the Conference.  As a number of applicants stated that the opportunity to network and meet new people was a big reason why they wanted to attend, we felt that extending this invitation would be a solid thing to do. 

WMLA strongly encourages those who were not selected to apply again next year.  It was really a tough choice, and the number of good applicants we received was really a great thing to see. 

The Franklin P. Taplin Memorial  Scholarships provide $250 stipends to allow up to four recipients to attend the MLA Conference.  This year’s conference will be held May 6-8 at the DCU Center in Worcester.

Library Legislative Day 2014

MLA MSLA Legislative Day 2014 was a success this year with over 230 library advocates attending and visiting their legislators.  The Western Massachusetts Library Advocates’ bus was nearly full in spite of the iced roadways in the west.  Forty-six legislators signed in for the activities.  Representative Paul Mark gets high points driving in from Peru in the sleet and ice to make his presentation. 

The day’s highlight was the naming of Senator Stan Rosenberg as Library Advocate of the Year.  Congratulations Stan!

Each year the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) and the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA) combine resources to bring attention to library issues at the State House.  If you haven’t attended, plan to come next year.  It’s a great chance to speak with your legislators and to meet with like-minded colleagues.

Photo credits to Celeste Bruno, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.



WMLA Announces 3rd Annual Franklin Taplin Memorial Scholarships

Have you ever wanted to attend the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) Conference, but found that some of the costs involved got in the way?

The Western Massachusetts Library Advocates (WMLA) are pleased to offer 4 scholarships of up to $250 each to cover conference registration, meals and travel to the MLA Annual Conference which will be held at the DCU Center in Worcester from Tuesday, May 6 to Thursday, May 8th.

Please submit a brief paragraph explaining why you want to attend by April 15 to Eric Poulin at pouline@gcc.mass.edu or John Ramsay at jramsay@springfieldlibrary.org.  Preference will be given to first time attendees, but others will be considered.  Decisions will be made by April 21, 2014, and award winners will be notified that day.

If you have any questions, please contact either Eric or John at the email addresses above.

Celebrate with Mary King

Please join the Western Massachusetts Library Advocates (WMLA) and the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) as we celebrate the career of Mary King at an Open House March 17 (4:30 - 6) at the MLS Office in Whately.

 

In 1985, Mary joined the staff of the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System (WMRLS), where she directed the bookmobile program, the delivery service, and served as a consultant specialist for small libraries.  In 2010, as the Western Region was merged into the Massachusetts Library System (MLS), Mary continued as a small library specialist for the MLS and managed the delivery service in western Massachusetts until it was replaced by an outside contractor.

 

During her tenure, the delivery service grew in volume from several thousand items transported per year to over two million transported per year. 

 

As a guide, consultant, and mentor to small libraries, Mary:

•        Assisted libraries as they gathered data and developed long range plans for their library’s services.  This planning process focused their efforts and resources as they helped their libraries grow and develop and also made them eligible for grant programs.

•        Helped libraries maintain their collections to be appropriate, accurate and up-to-date for their users.

•        Worked to help smooth out rough spots and strengthen positive relationships between librarians, trustees, and friends groups encouraging everyone toward goals that would best serve their users.

•        Served as a sounding board in delicate situations, acting as a colleague and a friend.

•        Took the time to get to know library staff, their communities, and their situations.

•        Was immediately responsive to problems and concerns.

 

Mary King is a champion of small libraries and has always focused the attentions of library agencies on the needs of those small libraries.  Join us to celebrate Mary’s career and to wish her well in her retirement.  See you in Whately on March 17.

 

South Hadley Public Library Building Project: Video Update 2/20/2014

Mark Your Calendars!

Don't forget to sign up for the Library Legislative Day Bus.  Legislative Day at the State House is Monday, March 31, 2014.

March 31 is also the last day for the State House Library’s latest exhibit:   “Courage in the Commonwealth: Massachusetts in World War One” which is on display outside the 3rd floor entrance to the library. 

With the 100th Anniversary of the Great War approaching, interest is building in learning more about the critical role that the American Expeditionary Force played in bringing that tragic conflict to a conclusion.  New England’s own “Yankee Division” was the first to organize, the first to reach France and the first to engage with the enemy.  One particularly heroic engagement was the “Battle of Apremont-La-Foret” after which the first ever regimental “Croix-de-Guerre” was awarded to the Yankee Division’s 104th Regiment.   A very impressive mural memorializes that triumph in the Massachusetts State House. 

Snapshot Day is the week of April 7, 2014. 

Started several years ago by the American Library Association as a way for libraries to highlight the many services that they provide for their community, close to 200 Massachusetts libraries participated in 2011 and 2012 and together we built a wonderful archive of photos that has been used to celebrate and advocate for all types of libraries.  No need to plan anything special to join in the fun, just build on what is already going on at your library.  Take photos and collect comments. 

The website for 2014 is now up and ready for you to register your library. Participating is fun and easy. Just choose a day in the week of April 7th as your library's Snapshot Day and go to http://www.masslibsystem.org/snapmass/  to get started. 

We hope that the website gives you all the tools that you need for a great day. Please let us know if we missed something that would be helpful, and please use the blog to share your past successes or questions.

Library Legislative Day Monday, March 31!

The Western Massachusetts Library Advocates have hired a bus to take library supporters to the State House for Legislative Day.  This gives you a chance to meet with your legislators, network with colleagues from all types of libraries and participate in the Mass. School Library Association Bookmarks awards.  Our own Western Mass Senator Stan Rosenberg will be honored with an Advocacy Award. 

Talking points for the Legislative Agenda will be handed out on the bus or we can get you one ahead of time if you like.

Join us on the bus to Boston for the very reasonable cost of $20.00 per person.  People coming from Berkshire County who carpool in cars holding 2 or more people will be reimbursed for travel to West Springfield.

 The pick-up spots are:

            7:30 am          Table &Vine Liquors, West Springfield

            8:15 am           Palmer Public Library

            9:00 am           Auburn Public Library

The bus will leave Boston at 2:30 pm and will arrive in West Springfield by 4:30 pm.  The group discount cost is still only $20 per person.  This price is a great deal, less than the cost of parking in a Boston garage for five hours. Complete the form below and mail with your check to: WMLA, PO Box 609, So. Deerfield, MA  01373 ~or~ send through delivery to MLS/ Whately Attn: WMLA .  Please include the memo “Legislative Bus” on your check.

*************************************

Your name:                                                         Your library:

Cell phone if available:                                        Email (WMLA use only):

Your pick up spot:
 
amount enclosed:
¨ I want to be a member of WMLA!  Enclosed is my additional $15 check for membership.

Any questions?  Give Lynn Coakley a call.  Coordinator of Technical Services, Library, Springfield Technical Community College, One Armory Square, Springfield, MA  01102; 413.755.4565.

See Lynn’s email (Sent to the WMRLS list) on 2/7/2014 with the attached flyer for an easy to print form. 

Statewide Discovery Platform Survey – Deadline 1/24/2014

The Discovery Solution Working Group, working under the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, is trying to find a discovery solution that Massachusetts library users and residents can use to easily find and obtain the wide array of resources and formats available through the state’s libraries. It is intended to include; the statewide eBook platform, statewide database subscriptions, the Digital Commonwealth, plus other statewide resources as added.

A discovery solution offers a single unified search tool to retrieve as many relevant, library-vetted resources as are available to the user. It reduces and streamlines the amount of searching users would have to do through multiple, separate interfaces. It usually presents facets or other features to narrow the results, and provides access to multiple types of materials, such as print, media, and online resources. A discovery platform can be independent of the library’s local integrated library system.

Answers to this survey will identify further resources and needs of libraries of the Commonwealth, to help us find the most appropriate platform available.  We hope that libraries of all types and sizes will complete the survey.

Here is a link to the survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ma-discovery

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFASTS NEWS

Palmer Breakfast Cancelled

The February 28 breakfast in Palmer scheduled for Senator Brewer's district has been cancelled.

The Western Mass. Library Advocates suggests that anyone who would like show their support for libraries in Senator Brewer’s district attend the breakfast at the Charlton Public Library on March 7 at 8:00 am.  To register, please send your rsvp to Director Cheryl Hansen at chansen@cwmars.org.

Sponsors Still Needed

The Western Massachusetts Library Advocates (WMLA) supports all of the legislative breakfast efforts in western Massachusetts.  WMLA gives a stipend to each host library to help offset the cost of providing breakfasts.  There is no charge to those attending.

WMLA counts on library supporters, trustees and Friends groups to help fund the breakfasts. Information about how to contribute is posted below.

Thank you for your support for libraries and for attending the breakfasts to speak out for libraries!

Enclosed is a contribution to support the Western Massachusetts Library 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