Join the dance sensation that's sweeping the nation.
Mondays February 4th & 18th, 4pm.
And everyone is a rock star with American's favorite interactive music game.
Mondays, February 11th & 25th, 4pm
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Crafting Free For All
Help the Pine Hills branch use up its craft supplies before it closes for renovation!
Beginning January 23 through February: every wednesday afternoon from 4 to 5 pm
Directly after Read to Me Storytime
We'll provide some ideas, but bring your imagination with you.
Beginning January 23 through February: every wednesday afternoon from 4 to 5 pm
Directly after Read to Me Storytime
We'll provide some ideas, but bring your imagination with you.
APL Joins First Friday
Join APL as we join First Friday! Our very first event will feature the art of Demetrius Dickerson, the music of Ashley Pond, Hip Hop Dancers, Poetry Reading and the food of Pinto & Hobbs. So come on by the main branch on Friday, February 1st from 6 to 9 pm.
Presidential Primary 2008 - February 5
If you are eligible to vote in the NYS primary – unlike in some states, you’ll already need to be registered as a Democrat or Republican.
If you will be away on February 5, you need to apply for an absentee ballot TODAY. Either go to your county board of elections (Albany’s closes at 4:30) or go to the website of your county Board of Election, print the document (it’s 8 ½ X 14, at least the Albany County version), fill it out, sign it, and make sure it’s POSTMARKED TODAY (January 29). Link to all of the county boards here.
In New York City and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam and Erie, POLLS OPEN AT 6 AM - CLOSE AT 9 PM. In all other counties, POLLS OPEN AT 12 NOON and CLOSE AT 9 PM.
From the NYS Board of Elections re: the February 5 (Presidential) and September 9 (unofficial date for other offices) New York State 2008 primaries.
In New York City and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam and Erie, POLLS OPEN AT 6 AM - CLOSE AT 9 PM. In all other counties, POLLS OPEN AT 12 NOON and CLOSE AT 9 PM.
Here's a list of candidates' delegates.
If you will be away on February 5, you need to apply for an absentee ballot TODAY. Either go to your county board of elections (Albany’s closes at 4:30) or go to the website of your county Board of Election, print the document (it’s 8 ½ X 14, at least the Albany County version), fill it out, sign it, and make sure it’s POSTMARKED TODAY (January 29). Link to all of the county boards here.
In New York City and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam and Erie, POLLS OPEN AT 6 AM - CLOSE AT 9 PM. In all other counties, POLLS OPEN AT 12 NOON and CLOSE AT 9 PM.
From the NYS Board of Elections re: the February 5 (Presidential) and September 9 (unofficial date for other offices) New York State 2008 primaries.
In New York City and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam and Erie, POLLS OPEN AT 6 AM - CLOSE AT 9 PM. In all other counties, POLLS OPEN AT 12 NOON and CLOSE AT 9 PM.
Here's a list of candidates' delegates.
Monday, January 28, 2008
NEWS OF ARREST FOR ALLEGED THEFT OF HISTORIC STATE ARTIFACTS
Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the arrest of a New York State Department of Education employee who allegedly used his position to steal hundreds of historic documents and artifacts belonging to the State Library, sold some for personal profit on eBay, and traded others at collectors’ shows.
State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries Janet M. Welch is providing links to the following sources for your information.
Albany Times Union coverage
Press Release from the Attorney General’s Office
State Education Commissioner Richard Mills stated the following on January 28, 2008:
"Any theft of historic documents is an unconscionable act. This potential theft was reported to the State Library on Thursday, January 17, and we then notified the Attorney General, who has recovered several hundred documents. We are now carefully examining those documents to determine what belongs to the State Library and the people of New York State.
"All research libraries must balance the need for access by staff and researchers with the need for preservation and security. We are now assembling respected national experts in research library and archives security. They will examine current security procedures and will make recommendations to strengthen them. The Board of Regents and I will make their report public and carry out their recommendations.
"We are continuing to work closely with the Attorney General and are grateful for his quick action."
State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries Janet M. Welch is providing links to the following sources for your information.
Albany Times Union coverage
Press Release from the Attorney General’s Office
State Education Commissioner Richard Mills stated the following on January 28, 2008:
"Any theft of historic documents is an unconscionable act. This potential theft was reported to the State Library on Thursday, January 17, and we then notified the Attorney General, who has recovered several hundred documents. We are now carefully examining those documents to determine what belongs to the State Library and the people of New York State.
"All research libraries must balance the need for access by staff and researchers with the need for preservation and security. We are now assembling respected national experts in research library and archives security. They will examine current security procedures and will make recommendations to strengthen them. The Board of Regents and I will make their report public and carry out their recommendations.
"We are continuing to work closely with the Attorney General and are grateful for his quick action."
Albany's bookmobile brings volumes to folks who can't get to the library
A literary license by TOM KEYSER, Staff writer, Times Union
First published: Sunday, January 27, 2008
First published: Sunday, January 27, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Free Tutoring
Did you know that APL offers free tutoring for elementary and middle school students in reading and math at both the Main Library and the Delaware Branch? That's right, free! The library has partnered with the Albany College of Pharmacy in the America Reads/County program to provide our community with star-quality tutors. Call us at (518) 427-4310 (main) or 463-0254 (Delaware) to sign up for the program that starts at the end of January.
And, Tax forms are now available at the Main Library, 2nd floor reference department, and will be available at the Branches this week.
As always, APL looks forward to hearing from you and hopes you'll continue to support your local library. (See sidebar.)
And, Tax forms are now available at the Main Library, 2nd floor reference department, and will be available at the Branches this week.
As always, APL looks forward to hearing from you and hopes you'll continue to support your local library. (See sidebar.)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Free Legal Advice
Visit the Main Library the first Tuesday evening of the month. The Capital District Women's Bar Association Legal Project will be glad to provide legal advice to anyone that can't afford a lawyer...and who really can? They're there for your divorce, tenants' rights, custody, child support, employment and discrimination issue, bankruptcy and credit counseling.
Consultations are by appointment only so give a call to the Legal Project at (518)
435-1770.
Consultations are by appointment only so give a call to the Legal Project at (518)
435-1770.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
APL Sets Ambitious Goals for Minority/Women Hiring for Branch Improvement Plan
As you probably know, Albany Public Library is building five new and renovated libraries. What you may not have heard yet is that the APL board has set ambitious goals for minority and women hiring for the construction phase of the $29.1 million project.
APL is proud to announce that the board voted unanimously to set a combined goal of 20% for both minority and women business and workforce participation.
APL is proud to announce that the board voted unanimously to set a combined goal of 20% for both minority and women business and workforce participation.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
NYLA Legislative Alert
The New York Library Association recently commissioned a Zogby Poll that bolsters its 2008 State Budget Priorities request to the Governor and Legislature. A majority of respondents favor increasing both operating aid and book aid to libraries. NYLA's press release and poll results can be found here under Headlines.
The Governor will be releasing his proposed 2008-09 State Budget on Tuesday, January 22nd and NYLA will keep its members informed of its impact on the library community. Given the state's worsening fiscal situation, NYLA is preparing for the worse- potential cuts in Library Aid.
If you have not already done so, visit www.nyla.org and click on Contact your Elected Officials link to send letter to Governor in support of NYLA's 2008 State Budget Priorities.
The Governor will be releasing his proposed 2008-09 State Budget on Tuesday, January 22nd and NYLA will keep its members informed of its impact on the library community. Given the state's worsening fiscal situation, NYLA is preparing for the worse- potential cuts in Library Aid.
If you have not already done so, visit www.nyla.org and click on Contact your Elected Officials link to send letter to Governor in support of NYLA's 2008 State Budget Priorities.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Computer Literacy Doesn't Mean Information Literacy
The next generation of college students, more wired than any other, might not be as good at Internet research as you may think.
A new report from the Joint Information Systems Committee [JISC], a British higher-education research institute, Information Behaviour of the Researcher of the Future, says the "Google Generation" (those born after 1993, who can't remember a time when the Internet wasn*t widely available) may be computer literate. But that doesn*t make them information literate.
Some of the key problems the study found include:
>>>Young people don*t develop good search strategies to find quality information.
>>>They might find information on the Internet quickly, but they don't know how to evaluate the quality of what they find.
>>>They don't understand what the Internet really is: a vast network with many different content providers.
The report details the implications of these problems for library professionals. It says library resources should be more unified with Internet tools like Google, and adapt to the changing ways younger generations gather information.
A new report from the Joint Information Systems Committee [JISC], a British higher-education research institute, Information Behaviour of the Researcher of the Future, says the "Google Generation" (those born after 1993, who can't remember a time when the Internet wasn*t widely available) may be computer literate. But that doesn*t make them information literate.
Some of the key problems the study found include:
>>>Young people don*t develop good search strategies to find quality information.
>>>They might find information on the Internet quickly, but they don't know how to evaluate the quality of what they find.
>>>They don't understand what the Internet really is: a vast network with many different content providers.
The report details the implications of these problems for library professionals. It says library resources should be more unified with Internet tools like Google, and adapt to the changing ways younger generations gather information.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
NEW YORK ROUTE 5 BUS RAPID TRANSIT LINE
OPEN HOUSE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON STATIONS FOR THE NEW YORK ROUTE 5 BUS RAPID TRANSIT LINE
TUESDAY JANUARY 15th 4:30PM to 7:00PM (stop in anytime)
WAMC Linda Norris Auditorium
339 Central Avenue (at Quail Street)
Albany, NY
Served by CDTA #1, #2, #3, #8, #55
CDTA is embarking on implementation of the Capital Region's first bus rapid transit line from downtown Albany to downtown Schenectady along New York Route 5. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is an enhanced, limited-stop, express bus service with features similar to light rail.
Starting in 2008 CDTA will be constructing BRT stations along the corridor. Stations will include large shelters and numerous customer amenities from ticket vending machines to next-bus arrival displays. The open house will allow the public to have direct conversations with CDTA representatives on stations in each segment of the corridor, their environmental impacts, as well as non-station related components of the proposed service.
For more information, see www.cdta.org or ca1l 437-6852.
TUESDAY JANUARY 15th 4:30PM to 7:00PM (stop in anytime)
WAMC Linda Norris Auditorium
339 Central Avenue (at Quail Street)
Albany, NY
Served by CDTA #1, #2, #3, #8, #55
CDTA is embarking on implementation of the Capital Region's first bus rapid transit line from downtown Albany to downtown Schenectady along New York Route 5. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is an enhanced, limited-stop, express bus service with features similar to light rail.
Starting in 2008 CDTA will be constructing BRT stations along the corridor. Stations will include large shelters and numerous customer amenities from ticket vending machines to next-bus arrival displays. The open house will allow the public to have direct conversations with CDTA representatives on stations in each segment of the corridor, their environmental impacts, as well as non-station related components of the proposed service.
For more information, see www.cdta.org or ca1l 437-6852.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Taxpayers Should Prepare For the 2008 Filing Season
Advance Planning Can Save Time and Money
New York State Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Barbara G. Billet today advised taxpayers that they can save time, effort and, in some cases, money, by preparing now for the upcoming tax filing season.
"The holiday season is behind us, and now we turn our attention to filing our personal income tax returns," Acting Commissioner Billet said. "Taxpayers who plan in advance can reduce the time needed to file returns, especially if they e-file, and avoid errors that may reduce tax refunds. Taxpayers who prepare in advance have a better chance of maximizing their tax savings."
Besides organizing records, receipts and other expenses, taxpayers should check copies of their 2006 tax returns against what they've earned in 2007 and anticipate deducting this year. Taxpayers with concerns should consult the Tax Department's website, www.nystax.gov, or contact the department's customer service representatives at 1-800-CALL-TAX (1-800-225-5829) for more information.
On the website, taxpayers can access information on how to obtain or download tax forms, determine whether they qualify for free online New York State tax preparation and e-filing, how to obtain Form W-2 (an individual's wage and tax statement), or who to contact regarding an outstanding tax liability. Tax filers can also consult the department's catalogue of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), which provides answers to questions regarding personal income tax, estate tax, gift and prize winnings, sales and use tax, child support enforcement, technical assistance and help with other tax-related matters.
There's also information available online or through the Call Center about the state's STAR school tax relief program for homeowners, tax help for individuals serving in and in support of the Iraq combat zone, how to find up-to-date changes to the state's individual and corporate tax forms, and how to check on the status of your refund online or by phone.
Taxpayers looking for detailed information about tuition tax credits or tax credits for homeowners or renters should log onto the department's website and click on Publications and Technical Bulletins. There they'll also get help on Earned Income Tax Credit qualifications, tax issues related to hiring domestic help, questions and answers on New York State's Farmer's School Tax Credit, and tax information for New York State Nonresident and Part-Year Resident tax filers. There are dozens of easy-to-read publications and technical bulletins that cover most concerns of both individual and business taxpayers.
Taxpayers should also be aware that they may benefit from changes made this year in the State Tax Law. Among those changes are:
*The New York City school tax credit has been increased for New York City residents with federal adjusted gross income (minus any IRA distributions) of $250,000 and less. If you are married filing jointly or a qualifying widow(er), the credit is increased to $290; for all others, the credit is $145.
*Full-year New York State residents who are active volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance workers for the entire tax year can claim a new $200 refundable credit.
*New York City residents can claim a new child and dependent care credit for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2007, New York City full-year and part-year residents with federal adjusted gross income of $30,000 or less who paid child care expenses for children under the age of four may be eligible to claim a new refundable New York City child and dependent care credit. This credit may be claimed in addition to the New York State child and dependent care credit.
*There is a new subtraction modification from federal adjusted gross income for living organ donors. Full-year New York State residents who, while living, donate one or more human organs to another person for human organ transplantation can subtract unreimbursed expenses incurred by the donor, relating to their organ donation, for travel, lodging, and lost wages, up to a maximum of $10,000.
*A new historic homeownership rehabilitation credit is available for qualified rehabilitation expenditures paid or incurred for the rehabilitation of a qualified historic home located in New York State. The credit is equal to 20% of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures.
*Tenant-shareholders in cooperative housing corporations or condominium owners may now claim a percentage of the qualified expenditures for qualified solar energy system equipment purchased and installed by the cooperative housing corporation or the condominium management association.
"Resist the temptation to put off filing your taxes until the last minute," Acting Commissioner Billet said. "You can cut tax preparation time if you develop a system for organizing records and receipts, and by logging onto our website for instructions and more information. Check to see if you qualify for free e-filing. By starting now, taxpayers can avoid the stress and frustration of the mid-April tax rush."
The department also encourages taxpayers to use e-file in conjunction with direct deposit of any refund due in place of applying for the refund anticipation loans often offered by tax preparers. Refund anticipation loans carry hefty fees and interest that can reduce a large portion of any refund a taxpayer has coming.
New York State Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Barbara G. Billet today advised taxpayers that they can save time, effort and, in some cases, money, by preparing now for the upcoming tax filing season.
"The holiday season is behind us, and now we turn our attention to filing our personal income tax returns," Acting Commissioner Billet said. "Taxpayers who plan in advance can reduce the time needed to file returns, especially if they e-file, and avoid errors that may reduce tax refunds. Taxpayers who prepare in advance have a better chance of maximizing their tax savings."
Besides organizing records, receipts and other expenses, taxpayers should check copies of their 2006 tax returns against what they've earned in 2007 and anticipate deducting this year. Taxpayers with concerns should consult the Tax Department's website, www.nystax.gov, or contact the department's customer service representatives at 1-800-CALL-TAX (1-800-225-5829) for more information.
On the website, taxpayers can access information on how to obtain or download tax forms, determine whether they qualify for free online New York State tax preparation and e-filing, how to obtain Form W-2 (an individual's wage and tax statement), or who to contact regarding an outstanding tax liability. Tax filers can also consult the department's catalogue of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), which provides answers to questions regarding personal income tax, estate tax, gift and prize winnings, sales and use tax, child support enforcement, technical assistance and help with other tax-related matters.
There's also information available online or through the Call Center about the state's STAR school tax relief program for homeowners, tax help for individuals serving in and in support of the Iraq combat zone, how to find up-to-date changes to the state's individual and corporate tax forms, and how to check on the status of your refund online or by phone.
Taxpayers looking for detailed information about tuition tax credits or tax credits for homeowners or renters should log onto the department's website and click on Publications and Technical Bulletins. There they'll also get help on Earned Income Tax Credit qualifications, tax issues related to hiring domestic help, questions and answers on New York State's Farmer's School Tax Credit, and tax information for New York State Nonresident and Part-Year Resident tax filers. There are dozens of easy-to-read publications and technical bulletins that cover most concerns of both individual and business taxpayers.
Taxpayers should also be aware that they may benefit from changes made this year in the State Tax Law. Among those changes are:
*The New York City school tax credit has been increased for New York City residents with federal adjusted gross income (minus any IRA distributions) of $250,000 and less. If you are married filing jointly or a qualifying widow(er), the credit is increased to $290; for all others, the credit is $145.
*Full-year New York State residents who are active volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance workers for the entire tax year can claim a new $200 refundable credit.
*New York City residents can claim a new child and dependent care credit for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2007, New York City full-year and part-year residents with federal adjusted gross income of $30,000 or less who paid child care expenses for children under the age of four may be eligible to claim a new refundable New York City child and dependent care credit. This credit may be claimed in addition to the New York State child and dependent care credit.
*There is a new subtraction modification from federal adjusted gross income for living organ donors. Full-year New York State residents who, while living, donate one or more human organs to another person for human organ transplantation can subtract unreimbursed expenses incurred by the donor, relating to their organ donation, for travel, lodging, and lost wages, up to a maximum of $10,000.
*A new historic homeownership rehabilitation credit is available for qualified rehabilitation expenditures paid or incurred for the rehabilitation of a qualified historic home located in New York State. The credit is equal to 20% of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures.
*Tenant-shareholders in cooperative housing corporations or condominium owners may now claim a percentage of the qualified expenditures for qualified solar energy system equipment purchased and installed by the cooperative housing corporation or the condominium management association.
"Resist the temptation to put off filing your taxes until the last minute," Acting Commissioner Billet said. "You can cut tax preparation time if you develop a system for organizing records and receipts, and by logging onto our website for instructions and more information. Check to see if you qualify for free e-filing. By starting now, taxpayers can avoid the stress and frustration of the mid-April tax rush."
The department also encourages taxpayers to use e-file in conjunction with direct deposit of any refund due in place of applying for the refund anticipation loans often offered by tax preparers. Refund anticipation loans carry hefty fees and interest that can reduce a large portion of any refund a taxpayer has coming.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Citizens for Public Transportation meeting
Citizens for Public Transportation will meet, Wednesday, January 16 at 7:00PM at the Albany Public Library, Washington Avenue.
Ron Epstein, Director of the Bureau of Public Transporation for NYS Department of Transportation will speak.
Ron Epstein, Director of the Bureau of Public Transporation for NYS Department of Transportation will speak.
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