Posts tagged Arden Elizabeth

Libraries are People

Jun 10th

Posted by Arden Elizabeth in Advocacy Tools

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Charlotte’s media folks have latched onto the plights of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system and continue to offer compelling stories to their audiences. Creating Loafing recently highlighted one of our staff, Sam Shapiro, and his film series that will be eliminated due to budget cuts. Programs and classes make our system outstanding and it’s the people behind these efforts that make everything happen. Check out the story and see if you can use a similar theme with your media contacts.

Libraries are more than buildings and books, much more. Libraries are the people inside these buildings; they make it all possible.

Check out Sam’s story here: What budget cuts mean for library programs.

The Newbie

Jun 9th

Posted by Arden Elizabeth in Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

1 comment

Lori Reed asked me to assist in the monitoring and updating of this Web site. Though excited to contribute to such a worthy cause, I’m also extremely nervous. Lori is a guru at technology and I’m… well, I’m really good at talking. Hopefully, I can link you to the correct locations, educate you about the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system, and give you hope for a brighter future in the world of life long learning.

I wanted to have my first post be about me, or more specifically, why me? Why would Lori ask me, a girl with a blog called Lipstick Makes Everything Better, work and write for a library system? Because a library takes everyone, even me, a former head cheerleader and Sweetheart Princess who may very well own library books from my childhood because I couldn’t give them up. I still don’t know my way around my home town because I read everywhere we went.

Libraries are for everyone. The young to old; rich to poor; doctorate degree to no high school diploma; you walk in our doors and you will be served by educated and trained staff. Your story time will include necessary building blocks to ensure you are ready to read. Your homework research assignment will be accommodated. Your need for further technology skills will be addressed.

Or, at least, all of that used to be the case. I believe staff will continue to meet community needs as best they can. But financial support is critical. When it comes to retaining the best talent, libraries are no different than any other business. It takes money, along with a positive work environment, to retain the best talent.   I’m ready to stand up for an institution that needs champions. As a former cheerleader, I’m used to rallying fans. Join me. Let’s go, fight, win!

 arden elizabeth