Thursday, December 27, 2007

The Library Staff's Favorite Books

On December 6, the library folks gathered for a staff development day. As you might imagine with a room full of library employees, the discussion navigated towards books... the good, the bad, the notorious and, of course, their favorites. So, in the spirit of the season, they shared their favorites with our community through a display at the front desk of the main library.


Come by and check them out! (Literally!)

Here's a sneak peak at your librarian's "top ten or so" in Fiction, Nonfiction and Children's and Youth/Teen Literature:

Fiction:

Rule of the Bone
The Second Greatest Story Ever Told
Factotum
The Golden Bottle
The Great Gatsby
Good Omens
Neverwhere
Ghost Orchid
To Glory We Steer
Dharma Burns

Nonfiction:

Band of Brothers
How to Talk Dirty and Influence People
Practicing Peace in Times of War
Salt House
Rats: How the World's Most Notorious Rodent Clawed It's Way to the Top
Touching My Father's Soul
A Sherpa's Journey to the Top of Everest
The Edge of the Bed: How Dirty Pictures Changed My life
Confessions of an Economic Hitman


Children's and YA Literature:

The Hotel Cat
Big Golden Book of Elves and Fairies
The Little House on the Hill
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
The Black Stallion
Uncle Wiggly and His Friends
TTYL
Charlotte's Web

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Dear Library Advocate (from NYLA)

If you have not already done so, please contact the Governor to request him to maintain level spending for library operating and construction aid (i.e. not cut Library Aid). This may be your last opportunity to impact the formation of the Governor's 2008-09 Executive Budget.

The Governor will give his State of the State Address on January 9th, where he will provide broad outlines for his budget and legislative goals for 2008.

On January 22nd, the Division of Budget will release the Governor's 2008-09 Executive Budget to the public. So please act now!

Remember Tuesday, March 11th is Library Lobby Day, please make every effort to attend.

Visit www.nyla.org and click the "Contact Your Elected Officials" button to send letter to Governor Spitzer or send your own letter - see sample below.


Hon. Eliot Spitzer
Governor
New York State
Executive Chamber
State Capitol
Albany, New York 12224

Dear Governor Spitzer:

I am writing to urge you to maintain current levels of state aid for library systems and public library construction and make it permanent.

You were the first Governor in over a dozen years to mention libraries in the State of the State Address and backed those words up by including increased funding for library systems ($8 million) and public library construction ($14 million) in the 2007-08 State Budget and I thank you for that.

The library community waited eight long years before finally obtaining an increase in state aid for library systems and public library construction. Between 1998 and 2006, library aid remained stagnant and was even cut by $4.5 million in 2005.

The modest increase in operating and construction aid are greatly appreciated and needed. In several cases, they arrived just in time to permit library systems to sustain their full range of operations. These funds have benefited libraries, schools and communities, like my own, by enhancing both the services and facilities available to library patrons of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.

However, libraries cannot initiate long-term service improvements using these funds without a firm commitment from the state that these funds will be available in subsequent years to sustain those improvements. That is why I urge you to maintain current levels of state aid for library systems and public library construction and make it permanent.

The increase in funding has provided hope to the over 9 million New Yorkers with library cards, that our state finally has leadership that values the contributions that libraries make to our information-based economy, to the flourishing of our democracy and to society’s insatiable need for information and life-long learning.

I also urge you to amend the Contracts for Excellence initiative to permit increased funding for the purchase of books for school libraries (increase in Library Materials Aid from $6.25 to $10 per pupil) as well as hiring school library media specialists in these high need school districts.

Thank you for your continued support for libraries and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Events Calendar for December 24-30, 2007

Monday, December 24

Tuesday, December 25

Wednesday, December 26

Thursday, December 27

Friday, December 28

Saturday, December 29

Sunday, December 30

Friday, December 21, 2007

The Far East on Western Avenue

The Chinese Collection at Pine Hills Branch

In the Capital Region area, there are nearly five thousand Chinese and Chinese-Americans and more are joining our community every day. With this growing population in mind, the Albany Public Library has established a collection of Chinese materials at the Pine Hills Branch.

Librarian Xiaofei Li, who has worked at the Branch for the past four years, manages the collection of approximately one thousand books, sixteen magazine subscriptions and three hundred Chinese language movies. "This is the biggest popular collection of Chinese language materials in Upstate New York, and we are adding to it all the time," says Li. One of the most popular categories in the collection is the children's collection. "Parents who have adopted children from China are taking out the books, and so are people who speak Chinese fairly well but want to work on their Chinese."

Xiaofei hosts a weekly discussion group for immigrants called "Connecting With America." Attendees include immigrants from many countries including Korea, the Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Africa and India. The group meets every Friday at 4:30PM at the Pine Hills Library. For information, call Xiaofei at 482-7911 or visit the APL website.

Get to Know Your Computer in December!

Computer training continues at the main library and all of our branches! Get to know your computer better by joining us for our trainings. This training is offered throughout the year and is free to Albany residents. Pre-registration is strongly suggested as there are technological limitations for these classes.
Below are the upcoming trainings for December. Check out our monthly newsletter for training information throughout the year.

Pine Hills Branch
Call 482-7911 to register
INTRODUCTION TO WORD PART I
Learn the basics of word processing. Find out how to create, edit and format simple documents using Microsoft Word. Basic computer and mouse skills are required.
Friday, December 21, 10:30 to 11:30AM
INTRODUCTION TO WORD PART II
A continuation of Introduction to Word Part I. Learn some of the additional features of Microsoft Word, including how to cut and paste. Previous MS Word experience required.
Friday, December 28, 10:30 to 11:30AM

Monday, December 17, 2007

Snow emergency in Albany

Usual alternate side regs suspended.

Effective at 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17 cars should be parked on the even side of the street for 24 hours. At 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18 cars must park on the odd side of the street for 24 hours.

Additional parking is available during the snow emergency at the following locations:

Arbor Hill/Sheridan Hollow

1. Parking Area, Arbor Hill Softball Field (N. Lark St.)

2. 230 Colonie St. (playground lot)

3. 178 Colonie St. (playground lot)

4. 124 Second St. (playground lot)

5. Ten Broeck Mansion (parking lot & sidewalk west end)

Pine Hills

1. Ridgefield Park (on Partridge St.)

2. Woodlawn Park Little League

3. Waterson Park (Westland Hills) Enter On Colvin Ave.

4. Washington Park (all roadways and parking areas)

South End

1. Krank Park Area

2. Franklin St. (between Schuyler & Bassett Sts. - east side)

3. Lincoln Park (all interior roadways & parking area)

Center Square/Mansion

1. 77 Philip St. (playground)

2. 88 Philip St. (playground)

3. Orange St. Parking Lot Below Lark St. - Park Sidewalks

4. OGS East Garage (corner of Madison Ave & Eagle St) This location is only available on a case-by-case basis. To see if this location is approved for parking contact the department of general services at 434-2489 (CITY) once a snow emergency has been declared.

North Albany

1. N. Second St & N. Third St. (dead ends above Pearl St.)

2. Parking area across from N. Albany Post

West End

1. Bleecker Stadium (parking area & roadways)

2. North Side of Livingston Ave. lot (opposite Judson St.)



For more information, call 476-SNOW

Sunday, December 16, 2007

New York’s 2007 Statewide Summer Reading Program Reaches 1.35 Million Children & Teens

State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries Janet M. Welch announced last week that over 1.35 million children and teens throughout New York State participated in the 2007 New York State Summer Reading Program at their local libraries. This represents a statewide increase of 10% over 2006 and is on target for the participation goal of 1.5 million by 2010. Kids are reading for fun during the summer months and that summer reading is associated with academic success.

Studies have shown that children who read during their summer vacation perform better in the fall when school resumes. The New York Statewide Summer Reading Program website links to studies that support the value of summer reading.

"When children read what they enjoy, they learn to love reading and become better readers," said Janet M. Welch. "The summer reading program is particularly important to children in less economically advantaged families where books might not be readily available. This program can be an effective tool in helping to close the achievement gap between rich and poor."

Thanks go out to all the public library systems and the public libraries that made the Statewide Summer Reading Program such a success in 2007. New York's public library system youth and teen services consultants offered training and technical support, and library staff and volunteers in New York's public and association libraries provided the programming and resources that made kids want to join the fun.

This year five public library systems reported 15% or higher increases in participation levels over 2006. Congratulations to these *Stars* and to all the systems for a wonderful 2007 Summer Reading Program.

PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEMS WITH 15% OR HIGHER INCREASES IN PARTICIPATION:

* Chautauqua Cattaraugus Library System *
* Four County Library System *
* Queens Library *
* Southern Tier Library System *
* Suffolk Cooperative Library System *

MORE NEWS ON SUMMER READING....

The Board of Regents 2008 - 2009 budget and legislative initiatives for libraries includes a request for $1 million to support the growing New York State Summer Reading Program and its contributions towards academic success and increased literacy among school age children throughout New York State.

For 2008, "Catch the Reading Bug" and "Metamorphosis @ Your Library" are the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program themes.
For information please see this
or contact Karen Balsen, Library Development Specialist and Coordinator of Statewide Summer Reading Program, New York State Library, kbalsen@mail.nysed.gov or 518/486-2194.

For more information on Regents budget and legislative initiatives for
2008 - 2009, please see the “New York Library Initiative” Web Site:
www.nysl.nysed.gov/fundingproposals/

Friday, December 14, 2007

Be an advocate for library funding

The legislative process for the NYS budget for 2008-09 has begun. The Governor is preparing his budget and will release it on January 22, 2008.

Last year, the Governor and Legislature included $8 million additional funding for library systems and $14 million for public library construction. However, that funding was ONE TIME ONLY. If that funding is to become permanent, it needs to be included in the Governor’s budget.

Your help as a library advocate is needed NOW, to let the Governor know the importance of funding for libraries. NYLA has made it easy for you to do this. Please go to the NYLA website - www.nyla.org - and click on "Become a Library Advocate" to send a fax to the Governor.

Last week, more than 300 of library advocates did this. Please join them!
***
SAMPLE MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNOR

I am writing to urge you to maintain current levels of state aid for library systems and public library construction and make it permanent.

You were the first Governor in over a dozen years to mention libraries in the State of the State Address and backed those words up by including increased funding for library systems ($8 million) and public library construction ($14 million) in the 2007-08 State Budget and I thank you for that.

The library community waited eight long years before finally obtaining an increase in state aid for library systems and public library construction. Between 1998 and 2006, library aid remained stagnant and was even cut by $4.5 million in 2005.

The modest increase in operating and construction aid are greatly appreciated and needed. In several cases, they arrived just in time to permit library systems to sustain their full range of operations. These funds have benefited libraries, schools and communities, like my own, by enhancing both the services and facilities available to library patrons of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.

However, libraries cannot initiate long-term service improvements using these funds without a firm commitment from the state that these funds will be available in subsequent years to sustain those improvements.
That is why I urge you to maintain current levels of state aid for library systems and public library construction and make it permanent.

The increase in funding has provided hope to the over 9 million New Yorkers with library cards, that our state finally has leadership that values the contributions that libraries make to our information-based economy, to the flourishing of our democracy and to society’s insatiable need for information and life-long learning.

I also urge you to amend the Contracts for Excellence initiative to permit increased funding for the purchase of books for school libraries (increase in Library Materials Aid from $6.25 to $10 per pupil) as well as hiring school library media specialists in these high need school districts.

Thank you for your continued support for libraries and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future

TO WRITE TO THE GOVERNOR
Governor Eliot Spitzer
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224


TO EMAIL THE GOVERNOR
http://161.11.121.121/govemail

Citizens for Public Transportation

Two outstanding speakers will attend the next meeting of Citizens for Public Transportation: Rocky Ferraro, Executive Director of the Capital District Regional Planning Commission (CDRPC), and Chris O'Neill, Senior Transportation Planner for CDRPC. They will address important issues of urban/suburban planning. Christina Younger of CDTA will also be present.

Time: Wednesday, December 19th 7:00 PM
Place: Albany Public Library, Washington Ave. near Lark

Email Lucille at: citizensforpublictransportation@hotmail.com

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Women's Book Discussion

At The Howe
Monday, December 17th @ 6:30
howe
Have you read Zane or K'wan's latest books? Are you dying to talk about your favorite new books? Well, then join us at the Howe on Monday the 17th for a lively book discussion.

Call us at 472-9485 for more information.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Albany Symphony Orchestra Preview

Thursday, December 13th, 12PM

Vanguard-Albany Symphony will present Conductor David Alan Miller in a preview lecture discussing the Friday, December 14th Albany Symphony Orchestra concert at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. The concert will feature Schubert's Symphony No. 8 "unfinished" and Schostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1.

Get to Know Your Computer in December!

Computer training continues at the main library and all of the branches! Get to know your computer better by joining APL for trainings. This training is offered throughout the year and is free to Albany residents. Pre-registration is strongly suggested as there are technological limitations for these classes.
Below are the upcoming trainings for December. Check out the monthly newsletter for training information throughout the year.

Main Library
Edgar Tompkins Computer Lab
Call 427-4303 to register
INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNET
Learn the basics of navigating the World Wide Web. Basic computer and mouse skills required.
Wednesday, December 12, 10:30 to 11:30
INTRODUCTION TO WORD PART I
Learn the basics of word processing. Find out how to create, edit and format simple documents using Microsoft Word. Basic computer and mouse skills are required.
Wednesday, December 19, 10:30 to 11:30

Delaware Branch
Call 463-0254 to register
INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNET
Learn the basics of navigating the World Wide Web. Basic computer and mouse skills required.
Friday, December 14, 10:30 to 11:30AM

Howe Branch
Call 463-1581 to register
OPEN LAB
Come practice newly learned computer skills in the computer lab. The instructor will be present to answer questions and provide assistance as you work on your own projects.
Tuesday, December 19, 11AM to 12PM

North Albany Branch
Call 463-1581 to register
OPEN LAB
Come practice newly learned computer skills in the computer lab. The instructor will be present to answer questions and provide assistance as you work on your own projects.
Wednesday, December 19, 11AM to 12PM

Pine Hills Branch
Call 482-7911 to register
INTRODUCTION TO WORD PART I
Learn the basics of word processing. Find out how to create, edit and format simple documents using Microsoft Word. Basic computer and mouse skills are required.
Friday, December 21, 10:30 to 11:30AM
INTRODUCTION TO WORD PART II
A continuation of Introduction to Word Part I. Learn some of the additional features of Microsoft Word, including how to cut and paste. Previous MS Word experience required.
Friday, December 28, 10:30 to 11:30AM

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

The Third Annual Appeal Begins!

Can We Count on You?

Five state-of-the-art libraries are about to begin construction thanks to the might generosity of the voters of Albany.
We invite you to share your enthusiasm for the momentous community support generated for this historic library project by contributing generously to this year's Annual Appeal.
Your gift to the Annual Appeal ensure that library customers will find everything they have come to expect in excellent libraries - robust collections, ample computers, welcoming spaces, engaging programs and great service.

So, look for Appeal information in the in the mail, online and at all of our libraries. We thank you!

Donations to the Library Appeal can be sent to the Albany Public Library Foundation, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210. Credit card contributions can be processed by calling 518.427.4346

Monday, December 10, 2007

Renovation Designs for the Pine Hills Branch

Public meeting Monday, December 10 at 6 PM

Held at the Pine Hills Branch, 517 Western Ave.

Join Us!

The plans for the renovation projects (Pine Hills, Howe and Delaware) have reached 60% completion and the library staff and design team from Collins and Scoville are currently meeting to develop preliminary furniture and shelving layouts as well as discuss the details of the service desks and all other program needs. As a member of the community, we invite you to participate in the progress and see the current designs.

Subject: The Supreme Court

Tuesday, December 11 12:15 pm
Speaker: Steven Gottlieb, President, New York Civil Liberties Union - Capital Region Chapter. His latest book is Morality imposed--the Rehnquist Court and Liberty in America. He is well known for his work on the Supreme Court, Constitutional Theory and Election Campaign Law. He was educated at Princeton and Yale law schools and is on the faculty of Albany Law School.

BOARD OF REGENTS APPROVE 2008-2009 BUDGET PROPOSAL

The Board of Regents approved a budget proposal for libraries for 2008-2009. The proposal includes two parts - the New York Library Initiative, and an item in the State Aid to Schools Proposal.

The total request for libraries from the Board of Regents, including both the New York Library Initiative and the State Aid to Schools item is $57.3 million. The proposal is broken down as follows:

NEW YORK LIBRARY INITIATIVE:

* New York’s Statewide Internet Library - $10 million annually to
fund a permanent Statewide Internet Library to serve higher education, research and development, business and industry, and students. This would include $2.5 million for library systems to assist their member libraries in using new technologies. A pilot project funded with federal dollars can be seen at www.novelny.org.

* Libraries and Systems: Partnerships that Build Capacity - $11
million annually, including the continuation of the $8 million in 2007
- 2008 library systems aid to enable local libraries to benefit from cooperative ventures, including shared catalogs, collections, and cost effective technical services and a $3 million increase to all library programs to ensure that the $100 million total aid to libraries keeps
pace with inflation. In addition, the Regents proposal includes
$750,000 annually to strengthen local accountability through training and support programs for governing boards and trustees.

* Public Library Construction - $20 million annually to repair
library buildings and provide energy efficiency and accessibility for people with disabilities with funding for renovation and construction.

* Growing Readers @ the Library: Raising Academic Outcomes - This
includes: $5 million annually for cooperative early literacy programs for youngsters birth to age 5; $1 million annually to expand summer reading programs in libraries; $800,000 annually to provide more support for library materials and services for the blind and physically disabled; $750,000 annually to open the State Library and State Archives to the public on Saturdays.

STATE AID TO SCHOOLS PROPOSAL:

* Increase School Library Materials Aid from the current $6.25 per
pupil to $10 per pupil.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Library Advocate Alert

As you may know, the state is potentially facing a $4 billion plus deficit in the next fiscal year starting April 1, 2008. The NYS Division of Budget is currently working on putting together the 2008-09 Executive Budget, which the Governor is scheduled to release on January 22nd

In order to preserve the gains libraries have made over the past few years, the New York Library Association is asking library advocates to contact the Governor in support of keeping the increases in Library Aid ($8 million) and Public Construction Aid ($14 million) in his proposed 2008-09 Executive Budget.

NYLA is also urging the Governor to amend the Contracts for Excellence Initiative to permit increased funding for schools to purchase books and to hire school library media specialists in high need school districts.

Visit www.nyla.org and click on "Become a Library Advocate" button to send a fax to the Governor. Also NYLA's full 2008 State Budget Priorities are listed under Headlines.