Building up

There was a letter to the editor in Monday's Times Union,titled "An all-new main building isn't needed for Albany's library system". In it, DEAN W. HARTLEY, Ph.D. of
Albany writes:

I mentioned that plans should be scrapped for an "all-new" main library in favor of the priority of new and rehabbed branches. There is also the possibility of a compromise, with the remaining funds: could not a second parking level be added to the existing back lot, and a floor or two floors added on top?

On completion, it could be joined to the existing library floors. That would not interfere with existing services as it was under construction, as the razing and wholly-new construction of a new main library would have.

I hope that Dr. Hartley came to the meeting on Thursday, for he would discover that there will be disruptions in the main library to do needed repairs, albeit for a shorter time frame, and that the cost to do those repairs would be about $5 million less than the plans to build new. Not chump change to be sure, but the repair option will not create as much savings as one might desire.

One of the folks at the meeting asked if another floor might be added on. This was not feasible for reasons having to do with load-bearing; books are heavy!

Still, no decision has been made by the library trustees on the plan, though one is expected soon.

You Cannot Vote If You Are Not Registered!

New York's registration deadline to vote in the general election is that the form must be postmarked no later than Oct. 13, 2006. Please remind people you know, and especially people who may have moved in the last year, who must re-register, lest they become disenfranchised..

Need to know where to vote? Go to this site. Note though that the address info is a bit...non-intuitive:

Leave out punctuation ("St James" not St. James")
Use abbreviations. Don't spell out Road, Avenue and so on. For example "Main Street"
would just be "Main St"
Don't spell out numbered streets. Use "1st Ave" or "1 Ave" instead of "First Ave"
Do use the single initial letter "N," "S," "E," or "W" instead of North, South, East or West.

Don't Forget

The Building Libraries for the Future Reception tonight at 6 pm at the main branch and an observance of Banned Books Week on Saturday at 2:00 pm, both in the auditorium of the main library, 161 Washington Avenue.

In Anticipation of the Libraries for the Future Reception

Check out the design plans here, read the facilities committee recommendation here, then come to the reception on Thursday.

SONGS FROM THE PIANO BENCH

Last Wednesday of each Month, Noon - 2 pm, at the New York State Museum

These singing sessions are based on the New York State Library's sheet music collection, approximately 35,000 songs, dating from the 1790s to 2000s. The subjects and styles range from 18th and 19th century sacred and secular music, Shaker hymns, and 1930s pop, to contemporary works.
All singers, would-be-singers, and listeners are welcome. No experience is necessary to participate and song sheets are provided. Great fun, a way to chase the blues away and make friends!

Contact information 518-474-2274

Building Libraries for the Future - Reception

The Friends of the Albany Public Library invite members of The Friends and contributors to the Albany Public Library to a reception and presentation of the exciting plan for the future of Albany’s libraries on Thursday, September 28, 2007, 6:00pm, Main Library, 161 Washington Avenue. Come share tasty hors d’oeuvres and view the drawings for six new and renovated libraries. R.S.V.P.’s not necessary, but appreciated to Elissa Kane at 427-4346, or kanee@uhls.lib.ny.us.

APL Observes Banned Books Week

On Saturday, September 30 at 2:00 pm, in the auditorium of the main library, there will be an observance of Banned Books Week, which runs from September 23 through 30.
Observed since 1982, Banned Books Week reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met. The American Library Association Code of Ethics states, "We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources."

Albany Public Library and its partner, the New York Civil Liberties Union – Capital Region Chapter are presenting this special program to bring attention to attempts in our society to restrict the flow of information to legitimate users. Local actors and community leaders will read excerpts from books that have been banned or challenged in America.

Many local poets will be reading from their own works. NYCLU members will also discuss current challenges to intellectual freedom and free speech, including the USA PATRIOT Act.
** In addition, the Ramblin Jug Stompers, consisting of luminaries from the local music scene, will be performing censored or challenged songs from the past.*
* Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the American Library Association (ALA), the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the Association of American Publishers. It is endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

For more information on Banned Books week visit the ALA website.

For more information on the New York Civil Liberties Union visit here.

For more information on the PATRIOT Act visit the American Civil Liberties Union.