Colorado
The Visibility & Invisibility of Librarians
Nov 24th
Jamie LaRue (who I am lucky enough to call “boss”) has a new article in LJ. Great read- how can we build $upport and funding if we linger in the background? How can we fulfill the promise of libraries if we hang back, and fail to connect with and join our community?
Colorado Defeats Anti-Public Service Measures
Nov 3rd
Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101 went down last night. They would have laid waste to public service across Colorado, resulting in at least 70,000 lost jobs, plummeting property values and thoroughly-stifled local business. At my own library, we would have lost 58% of our revenue, and been forced to close half our branches and reduce hours at the remaining libraries. Of the 332 staff members, at least 172 of us would have lost our jobs. But that didn’t happen. The public voted for public service. And today we’re all breathing big gasping sighs of relief.
So what’s next?! Here’s my blog post over at Bad3Bad4Libraries, the blog we set up to help library lovers fight the three initiatives on their own time and dime.
The news is good in Colorado today, but libraries across the nation are in trouble and we’ve all got to work together to create a vibrant future for libraries. After all, can you picture a future without libraries? I don’t want to.
Please keep following SaveLibraries.org and check out LibraryRenewal.org while you’re it. If you feel the call in your heart, consider blogging here at SaveLibraries.org. We could use your help. Let us know; we look forward to talking with you.
My Elevator Speech
Oct 14th
So you meet someone new, and they say, “What do you do?”
I could start by saying, “I’m a public librarian.” But let’s be honest, that simple statement could be tainted by the myriad of perceptions and preconceptions the other person uses to color their own reality (and after all, we know there are a host of stereotypes out there about librarians). First impressions last, and I want to shape and frame this one-time opportunity.
So here’s my ten-second elevator speech:
“I help people change their lives, connect with their community, and boost their local economy, while enjoying the present and preparing for the future. I do this without a charge, because you have already paid for my services.”
Chances are, they will say, “Wow. Tell me more.”
And that’s my golden chance to tell them all about the wonders of public libraries, which can be summed up (and expanded upon) with four simple messages:
1. Libraries change lives.
2. Libraries build community.
3. Libraries mean business.
4. Libraries are a smart investment.
See also:
http://bhagcolorado.blogspot.com/
OCLC’s From Awareness to Funding
#savelibraries
#CObhag
Reprieve for Some Denver Libraries
Oct 12th
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper announced Monday that he has agreed to amend his proposed budget to restore some library and recreation center hours originally targeted for cuts.
His decision follows a request that he restore those hours and look for budget cuts elsewhere.
To come up with the money, the mayor will have Denver Public Schools put up $600,000 to help shoulder the burden of putting police officers in city schools.
In his original budget proposal, the city was going to pay the entire $1.5 million cost of putting the officers in city schools.
Eric Brown, the mayor’s spokesman, said the school district has agreed to accept the $600,000 cost.
The additional money will allow the city to:
• Restore 16 hours at the library branches of Woodbury, Montbello, Bear Valley and University Hills.
• Cancel proposed staggered closures at recreation centers throughout the city.
• Restore 20.5 hours at nine recreation centers to current levels.
Read more: Hickenlooper restores library, rec-center hours in proposed budget – The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_16314520#ixzz129fzpZCy
Caught on Tape: Public Library Director Super Summit
Sep 25th
http://vimeo.com/15269616
Yesterday, six public library directors answered surprise questions about the future of libraries on-the-fly and off-the-cuff in Castle Rock, CO.
Featuring: Shirley Amore (Denver Public Library), Kari Baumann (Elbert County Library District), Jamie LaRue (Douglas County Libraries), Eloise May (Arapahoe Library District), Bob Pasicznyuk (Cedar Rapids Public Library, IA), and Marcellus Turner (Jefferson County Public Library).
Presented by the Douglas County Libraries New Professionals Committee.
Turkey Shoot to Save the Louviers Library
Sep 16th
The community of Louviers, CO is determined to keep their library open. Check it out. Here’s to communities who $upport their library!
The Louviers Library & Village Clubhouse
Libraries Mean Business- A Story & Data Too
Aug 12th
I’ve got a new post up on my blog about the economic benefits of public libraries.
Recent Comments