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July 2010

Library Talk

Libraries are not only about borrowing books. Libraries are not only about housing books. Libraries are one of the vehicles in place to deliver community cohesion, social inclusion, community engagement, equality and diversity. Libraries are a place where you can access the internet. Libraries are venues for homework assistance, family center groups and programs. Libraries work with the education sector to promote reading. We stress adult learning to promote life skills akin to our nickname the People’s University. We work with the business community and members of our labor force. In essence, libraries are local and they are community centers. The best attract all ages and all sections of the community. We want to be the best. You are part of the team. Consider volunteering. Consider joining the Friends of the Library. Consider philanthropy. We are, in summary, among the top five essential services that citizens expect to be in their daily lives which ultimately insures community growth and a solid quality of life.  The Haverford Township Free Library appreciates suggestions, compliments and concerns about library services. If you would like a response, please do include your name and address. Your comments are very important to us and we welcome the opportunity to respond. Richard Thau, Director; thau@haverfordlibrary.org
Posted: Fri, July 30, 2010

Library Speak

Libraries are not only about borrowing books. Libraries are not only about housing books. Libraries are one of the vehicles in place to deliver community cohesion, social inclusion, community engagement, equality and diversity. Libraries are a place where you can access the internet. Libraries are venues for homework assistance, family center groups and programs. Libraries work with the education sector to promote reading. We stress adult learning to promote life skills akin to our nickname the People’s University. We work with the business community and members of our labor force. In essence, libraries are local and they are community centers. The best attract all ages and all sections of the community. We want to be the best. You are part of the team. Consider volunteering. Consider joining the Friends of the Library. Consider philanthropy. We are, in summary, among the top five essential services that citizens expect to be in their daily lives which ultimately insures community growth and a solid quality of life.  The Haverford Township Free Library appreciates suggestions, compliments and concerns about library services. If you would like a response, please include your name and address. Your comments are important to us and we welcome the opportunity to respond. Richard Thau, Director; thau@haverfordlibrary.org
Posted: Fri, July 30, 2010

Friday Night Flick - Up in the Air

Up in the Air

Come to the library Friday, August 6th at 7pm for a free screening of Up in the Air, starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga and Jason Bateman. Ryan Bingham (Clooney) lives out of a suitcase and travels around firing people for a living until his company switches to videoconferencing and he meets a woman who causes him to rethink his freewheeling ways.

The Battle Continues: eBooks or Hardbacks?

{Courtesy of LIS News}

David Carnoy of (CNET) weighs in on the 'titled' topic. He tells Huffington Post readers that plenty of people have come up with lists of reasons why e-books are better than hardcover books, but that he finds the opposite point of view more challenging. So here's his list of why hardcover books are better:
1. Spilling a drink on a hardcover doesn't cause it to die
2. You can't press a leaf in an e-book, even a virtual one
3. You can't have an author sign an e-book (yet)
4. E-books don't float in a pool
5. You can't use an e-book as a doorstop or to prop open a window
6. A hardcover doesn't crack when you drop it
7. An e-book has no resale value on Amazon
8. You don't have to recharge a hardcover
9. In a pinch, you can burn a hardcover to keep warm
10. You don't have to feel ripped off after paying $12.99 for something that's just bits and bytes
-end-
Post Note: Our library would like nothing more than to have the ability to continue to achieve balance in collection development. The reality is that budgetary challenges and the structure of our current Delaware County library community determines to some extent what we are capable of doing and what are just pipe dreams. However, the evolution is here and we are ready, willing, and able to jump in as the water is great! Please send your inquiries to Richard Thau, Library Director. thau@haverfordlibrary.org
 
Posted: Tue, July 27, 2010

Praise for Libraries

 

{Courtesy of LIS News}
 
When Arizona-based Library Manager Lesa Holstine asked author Tess Gerritsen to do a guest post on her blog, Lesa's Book Critiques, she expected the writer might blog about her new book, Ice Cold, which debuted at #10 on this past Sunday's New York Times bestseller list. Instead, Gerritsen offered a piece on recent budget cuts to public libraries across the country, and the
place public libraries have had in her life.   
Check out this interesting piece:

http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/2010/07/tess-gerritsen-guest-blogger.html

Posted: Tue, July 20, 2010

The Great Holtzie visits HTFL

Summer Reading Club at HTFL is happy to invite you to come see The Great Holtzie on Tuesday the 20th of July at 7pm in the Children's Room.

You're sure to have a great time at this program sponsored by the Friends of HTFL!

Posted: Sat, July 17, 2010

Not What You Think

Contemporary librarians in the United States are very much involved and invested in their libraries and the neighborhoods, towns, cities, and counties in which they serve. Take the opportunity to learn about the evolving real world of the American public librarian.  Library colleagues David Votta and Heidi Gustad of the Capital Area District Library in Michigan did a short stand-up presentation recently to dispel eight myths about librarians and to inform communities about the progressive nature of today’s libraries. Librarians are fighting to give libraries a fresh image to keep the community learning. Find out why libraries are so crucial to a community.  Do view the link--http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbJXL-7PRR8  We think you will find it interesting and entertaining.
{See our HTFL facebook site as well. Do join if you have not already done so. See social media links on our primary web page.} 
Please send your library and community insights to Richard Thau, Library Director at thau@haverfordlibrary.org
Posted: Fri, July 16, 2010

Budget and Politics

{Courtesy of AL Direct}

The use of $10 million in state aid to build the Arlen Specter Library at Philadelphia University is drawing unfavorable comparisons to the 9% cut in aid to all libraries in the new Pennsylvania state budget. Funding for the Specter library and $10 million for the John P. Murtha Center for Public Policy in Johnstown were tapped by Gov. Ed Rendell for priority under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. Rendell said he wishes local libraries received more state aid, but a budget with revenue shortfalls and no tax hikes led to many program cuts. Specter himself will have an office in the library, which will be built in the historic Roxboro House.

See Full Newspaper article:

Posted: Thu, July 15, 2010

Communication

{Courtesy of AL: Green Your Library}

Like the vast majority of libraries across the country, the New York Public Library had been sending out paper notices to its patrons using the U.S. postal service for more than 100 years. These notices required thousands of pounds of paper, and drove up postage costs for the library. Starting August 1, this will change. The N.Y. Public Library will cease mailing out hold notices in an effort to help the environment while freeing up funds for additional programs, services, and new materials for its collection.
 

HTFL Customers: The initiative to increase the use of e-mail to improve library service is in full swing here at the Haverford Township Free Library as well. If you have a personal e-mail address, please do provide the library with this information. Communication will improve and we will all be more responsible stewards of the public trust in terms of how we utilize valuable staff time and other budgetary priorities. It will free up staff to do other important project work and therefore improve service provision to the public. Questions? Please ask a library desk person if you would like to make sure that your current e-mail is now on file with us! Good communication is essential for good customer service!  

Richard Thau, Library Director /  thau@haverfordlibrary.org

 

 

Posted: Thu, July 15, 2010

Yo, Vikings! at the Upper Darby Summer Stage

The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center has a special offer just for library card holders and you won't want to miss it!

The library is the star of the show.

An imaginative little girl.

A genuine Viking ship.

A library in need of a rescue.

And it all takes place in Swarthmore, PA!

Posted: Tue, July 13, 2010