I used to deliver the Evening and Sunday Press in Binghamton, NY. so I have actual experience getting working papers.
An employment certificate, often referred to as "working papers", is required for minors under 18 before they may begin work. High school graduates, minors who work for their parents, and minors who do industrial homework are included in this group.
A recent pamphlet from the New York State Department of Labor, Division of Labor Standards describes types of working papers, how to obtain them, and the details that apply to different age groups. Additional information on topics such as school attendance, child models, and newspaper carriers, as well as contact information for the District Labor Standards Offices, is available at < http://www.labor.state.ny.us/workerprotection/laborstandards/workprot/wphmpg.shtm >here.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Library Serves When We Need It Most
Library Serves When We Need It Most
Arlen Bensen
September 28, 2008
Orlando Sentinel
A shorter URL for the above link: http://tinyurl.com/4agbp7
We all agree that this is a challenging moment in American History. Our financial markets and economy are in turmoil, unemployment has skyrocketed, record numbers of people are losing their homes to foreclosure, and governments at all levels have had to cut services to balance their budgets. If we cherish our freedom and our democratic nation, this is a time we cannot afford to take our public libraries for
granted.
Municipal-funding crises are endangering these bulwarks against the rising tide of the "digital divide" in America.
As concerned citizens, we need to make sure our leaders are aware of these facts:
*Not only are libraries essential as safe and productive places for young people to spend after-school hours doing homework and learning.
*Not only are libraries essential to low-income families and people on fixed incomes to help protect them from the ravages of inflation through free access to computers, videos, audio books, newspapers and other information sources.
Our elected leaders need to know we see these resources as a crucial part of resolving our current challenges. We all need to collaborate on how we can ensure the continued health and availability of this building block of democracy.
Arlen Bensen
September 28, 2008
Orlando Sentinel
A shorter URL for the above link: http://tinyurl.com/4agbp7
We all agree that this is a challenging moment in American History. Our financial markets and economy are in turmoil, unemployment has skyrocketed, record numbers of people are losing their homes to foreclosure, and governments at all levels have had to cut services to balance their budgets. If we cherish our freedom and our democratic nation, this is a time we cannot afford to take our public libraries for
granted.
Municipal-funding crises are endangering these bulwarks against the rising tide of the "digital divide" in America.
As concerned citizens, we need to make sure our leaders are aware of these facts:
*Not only are libraries essential as safe and productive places for young people to spend after-school hours doing homework and learning.
*Not only are libraries essential to low-income families and people on fixed incomes to help protect them from the ravages of inflation through free access to computers, videos, audio books, newspapers and other information sources.
Our elected leaders need to know we see these resources as a crucial part of resolving our current challenges. We all need to collaborate on how we can ensure the continued health and availability of this building block of democracy.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
A Brain that Changes Itself?
The Friends welcome Richard Evans on Tuesday the 30th at 12:15 pm at the Main Library to review a book by Dr. Norman Doidge who introduces the reader to the concept that the brain has the ability to rewire itself to overcome obstacles of age, physical challenges and birth defects. Light refreshments will be served.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
National Banned Books Week
Stolen heavily from APL's Elissa Kane:
The Albany Public Library invites you to join us in celebrating National Banned Books Week, next week, the only national celebration of the freedom to read.
Launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries, more than a thousand books have been challenged since 1982. People challenge books that they say are too sexual or too violent. They object to profanity and slang, and protest against offensive portrayals of racial or religious groups - or positive portrayals of gays and lesbians.
According to the American Library Association, more than 400 books were challenged in 2007. The 10 most challenged titles were:
1. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell - Children's picture book - Two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo fall in love and start a family by taking turns sitting on an abandoned egg until it hatches.
2. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier - Young Adult fiction - A high-school freshman who refuses to participate in the annual fund-raising chocolate sale is forced to defend his convictions.
3. Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes - Young Adult fiction - On a summer visit to her grandmother's cottage by the ocean, twelve-year-old Martha gains perspective on the death of a classmate, on her relationship with her grandmother, on her feelings for an older boy, and on her plans to be a writer.
4. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman - Young Adult fiction - Accompanied by her daemon, Lyra Belacqua sets out to prevent her best friend and other kidnapped children from becoming the subject of gruesome experiments in the Far North.
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain - Young Adult fiction - A nineteenth-century boy, floating down the Mississippi on a raft with a runaway slave, becomes involved with a feuding family, two scoundrels pretending to be royalty, and Tom Sawyer's aunt, who mistakes him for Tom.
6. The Color Purple by Alice Walker - Adult Fiction - The lives of two sisters--Nettie, a missionary in Africa, and Celie, a southern woman married to a man she hates--are revealed in a series of letters exchanged over thirty years
7. TTYL by Lauren Myracle - Young Adult fiction - Chronicles, in "instant message" format, the day-to-day experiences, feelings, and plans of three friends, Zoe, Maddie, and Angela, as they begin tenth grade.
8. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou - Adult memoir - The poet recalls the anguish of her childhood in Arkansas and her adolescence in northern slums.
9. It's Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris - Young Adult non-fiction - Providing accurate, lucid, unbiased answers to nearly every conceivable question children may have about sexuality, It's Perfectly Normal is here to help.
10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - Young Adult fiction - A series of letters to an unknown correspondent reveals the coming-of-age trials of a high-schooler named Charlie.
I'm so proud that they're all available right here at the Albany Public Library!!!
APL has great Banned Books displays with many titles pulled together for your easy perusal.
The Albany Public Library invites you to join us in celebrating National Banned Books Week, next week, the only national celebration of the freedom to read.
Launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries, more than a thousand books have been challenged since 1982. People challenge books that they say are too sexual or too violent. They object to profanity and slang, and protest against offensive portrayals of racial or religious groups - or positive portrayals of gays and lesbians.
According to the American Library Association, more than 400 books were challenged in 2007. The 10 most challenged titles were:
1. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell - Children's picture book - Two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo fall in love and start a family by taking turns sitting on an abandoned egg until it hatches.
2. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier - Young Adult fiction - A high-school freshman who refuses to participate in the annual fund-raising chocolate sale is forced to defend his convictions.
3. Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes - Young Adult fiction - On a summer visit to her grandmother's cottage by the ocean, twelve-year-old Martha gains perspective on the death of a classmate, on her relationship with her grandmother, on her feelings for an older boy, and on her plans to be a writer.
4. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman - Young Adult fiction - Accompanied by her daemon, Lyra Belacqua sets out to prevent her best friend and other kidnapped children from becoming the subject of gruesome experiments in the Far North.
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain - Young Adult fiction - A nineteenth-century boy, floating down the Mississippi on a raft with a runaway slave, becomes involved with a feuding family, two scoundrels pretending to be royalty, and Tom Sawyer's aunt, who mistakes him for Tom.
6. The Color Purple by Alice Walker - Adult Fiction - The lives of two sisters--Nettie, a missionary in Africa, and Celie, a southern woman married to a man she hates--are revealed in a series of letters exchanged over thirty years
7. TTYL by Lauren Myracle - Young Adult fiction - Chronicles, in "instant message" format, the day-to-day experiences, feelings, and plans of three friends, Zoe, Maddie, and Angela, as they begin tenth grade.
8. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou - Adult memoir - The poet recalls the anguish of her childhood in Arkansas and her adolescence in northern slums.
9. It's Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris - Young Adult non-fiction - Providing accurate, lucid, unbiased answers to nearly every conceivable question children may have about sexuality, It's Perfectly Normal is here to help.
10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - Young Adult fiction - A series of letters to an unknown correspondent reveals the coming-of-age trials of a high-schooler named Charlie.
I'm so proud that they're all available right here at the Albany Public Library!!!
APL has great Banned Books displays with many titles pulled together for your easy perusal.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Montana: Library holds hearing on gay-sex book
In Helena. The responses include this one:
If books deemed as immoral are banned from public libraries than the bible needs to be banned also. Within its covers are topics of homosexuality, incest, mutilation, and other heinous activities. I am NOT advocating the removal of the bible, or any other book that has been approved by the library's collection review committee. Morality can not be legislated.
If books deemed as immoral are banned from public libraries than the bible needs to be banned also. Within its covers are topics of homosexuality, incest, mutilation, and other heinous activities. I am NOT advocating the removal of the bible, or any other book that has been approved by the library's collection review committee. Morality can not be legislated.
Two-Thirds of Americans Have a Library Card
Here's a new survey from Family Health showing the value of the library, as if you didn't know. Almost all Americans (92%) say they view their local library as an important education resource.
Three Quarters of those with a library card have used library in past year
(HealthNewsDigest.com) - ROCHESTER, N.Y. - September 22, 2008 - September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and two thirds (68%) of Americans currently own a library card. According to the results of a new nationwide Harris Poll of 2,710 U.S. adults surveyed online between August 11 and 17, 2008 by Harris Interactive®:
· Certain groups are more likely to have a library card then others - Echo Boomers (those between 18-31) are more likely to have one over other age categories (70% versus 68-65%); women over men (73% versus 62%); Hispanics over African Americans and Whites (72% versus 67% and 66%); Midwesterners (72%) and Westerners (71%) over Easterners (65%) and Southerners (63%);
· Politically there is also a difference as Democrats are more likely to have a library card over Republicans and Independents (71% versus 67% and 61%); and,
· Over one-third (35%) of people with a library card have used the library 1 to 5 times in the past year and 15 percent have used it more than 25 times in the past year.
Read more here.
Three Quarters of those with a library card have used library in past year
(HealthNewsDigest.com) - ROCHESTER, N.Y. - September 22, 2008 - September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and two thirds (68%) of Americans currently own a library card. According to the results of a new nationwide Harris Poll of 2,710 U.S. adults surveyed online between August 11 and 17, 2008 by Harris Interactive®:
· Certain groups are more likely to have a library card then others - Echo Boomers (those between 18-31) are more likely to have one over other age categories (70% versus 68-65%); women over men (73% versus 62%); Hispanics over African Americans and Whites (72% versus 67% and 66%); Midwesterners (72%) and Westerners (71%) over Easterners (65%) and Southerners (63%);
· Politically there is also a difference as Democrats are more likely to have a library card over Republicans and Independents (71% versus 67% and 61%); and,
· Over one-third (35%) of people with a library card have used the library 1 to 5 times in the past year and 15 percent have used it more than 25 times in the past year.
Read more here.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Absentee Voter Guide
The Absentee Voter Guide, presented by the Harvard Institute of Politics, contains all the information college students need to vote by absentee ballot from school, broken down by state.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Video gaming
I'm not really into video games, though I did play PacMan and Ms. PacMan in the day. But there are lots of gamers out there, and this podcast, The Married Gamers, makes the case for libraries to rent out video games, and not just the ones for Everyone and Teens, starting at about 29 minutes in, for about 15 minutes..
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Economic Freedom of the World: 2008 Annual Report
Source: Cato Institute, which promotes "public policy based on individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peaceful international relations."
From the press release:
Economic freedom around the world remains on the rise but it has declined notably in the U.S. since the year 2000, according to an authoritative study released today by the Cato Institute and Canada’s Fraser Institute.
In 2000 the U.S. was the second-freest economy listed in Economic Freedom of the World, an annual report written by James Gwartney from Florida State University and Robert Lawson from Auburn University. This year the U.S. has fallen to 8th place, behind Hong Kong (ranked in first place), Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Chile, and Canada.
More significant than the U.S.’s drop in the rankings is its fall in the freedom ratings: on a scale of 0-10, the U.S. fell from 8.55 in 2000 to 8.04, according to the Economic Freedom of the World Report: 2008 Annual Report. Only five countries have experienced a greater decline over the same time period: Zimbabwe, Argentina, Niger, Venezuela, and Guyana.
From the press release:
Economic freedom around the world remains on the rise but it has declined notably in the U.S. since the year 2000, according to an authoritative study released today by the Cato Institute and Canada’s Fraser Institute.
In 2000 the U.S. was the second-freest economy listed in Economic Freedom of the World, an annual report written by James Gwartney from Florida State University and Robert Lawson from Auburn University. This year the U.S. has fallen to 8th place, behind Hong Kong (ranked in first place), Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Chile, and Canada.
More significant than the U.S.’s drop in the rankings is its fall in the freedom ratings: on a scale of 0-10, the U.S. fell from 8.55 in 2000 to 8.04, according to the Economic Freedom of the World Report: 2008 Annual Report. Only five countries have experienced a greater decline over the same time period: Zimbabwe, Argentina, Niger, Venezuela, and Guyana.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Free films!
Classic Film Series, Friday evenings, 7:30 p.m. (Unless otherwise noted), Page Hall, 135 Western Ave., UAlbany’s Downtown Campus
MADRIGAL (Cuba, 2006)
September 26
NIGHT AND THE CITY (United Kingdom, 1950)
October 3
LAST YEAR AT MARIENBAD (France, 1961)
October 17
A DAY IN THE COUNTRY (France, 1936)
October 24
M (Germany, 1931)
October 31
KWAIDAN (Japan, 1964)
November 7
FROZEN RIVER (United States, 2008)
November 14
NOTE 7:00 p.m. Start Time
MY MAN GODFREY (United States, 1936)
November 21
Friday nights Danes After Dark brings you the First Run Movie Series. All movies shown are out of the theater and not yet released to video. Best part? All the movies are absolutely FREE! Shown in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at 9PM these movies are not to be missed. This semester's movie schedule is below. L
9/26/2008 - Wanted
10/3/2008 - Get Smart
10/17/2008 - The Dark Knight
MADRIGAL (Cuba, 2006)
September 26
NIGHT AND THE CITY (United Kingdom, 1950)
October 3
LAST YEAR AT MARIENBAD (France, 1961)
October 17
A DAY IN THE COUNTRY (France, 1936)
October 24
M (Germany, 1931)
October 31
KWAIDAN (Japan, 1964)
November 7
FROZEN RIVER (United States, 2008)
November 14
NOTE 7:00 p.m. Start Time
MY MAN GODFREY (United States, 1936)
November 21
Friday nights Danes After Dark brings you the First Run Movie Series. All movies shown are out of the theater and not yet released to video. Best part? All the movies are absolutely FREE! Shown in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at 9PM these movies are not to be missed. This semester's movie schedule is below. L
9/26/2008 - Wanted
10/3/2008 - Get Smart
10/17/2008 - The Dark Knight
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Michael Beschloss, 2008 Empire State Archives History Award honoree, in Albany, NY
Best selling author and presidential historian Michael Beschloss will return to Albany, Wednesday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. at The Egg, Center for the Performing Arts at the Empire State Plaza to receive the 2008 Empire State Archives and History Award.
"The New York State Archives Partnership Trust gives this award each year to recognize a national figure for his/her contributions to history. Prior to receiving the award, Mr. Beschloss will engage in a probing hour-and-a-half discussion with nationally prominent author and Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer on Mr. Beschloss’s career in history and his thoughts on one of this nation’s most hotly contested presidential elections which will be decided less than two weeks after his Albany appearance."
You may have seen Mr. Beschloss' analysis on broadcast media; I recall his insightful dialogues with the late Peter Jennings of ABC News.
Tickets for the program at The Egg are $10 and can be purchased at The
Egg Box Office by calling (518) 473-1845. Those interested in attending a pre-event fundraising reception with Mr. Beschloss may call (518) 486-3949. Tickets for both the program and reception are limited.
Visit www.nysarchivestrust.org for more information on the program and
the Archives Partnership Trust.
"The New York State Archives Partnership Trust gives this award each year to recognize a national figure for his/her contributions to history. Prior to receiving the award, Mr. Beschloss will engage in a probing hour-and-a-half discussion with nationally prominent author and Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer on Mr. Beschloss’s career in history and his thoughts on one of this nation’s most hotly contested presidential elections which will be decided less than two weeks after his Albany appearance."
You may have seen Mr. Beschloss' analysis on broadcast media; I recall his insightful dialogues with the late Peter Jennings of ABC News.
Tickets for the program at The Egg are $10 and can be purchased at The
Egg Box Office by calling (518) 473-1845. Those interested in attending a pre-event fundraising reception with Mr. Beschloss may call (518) 486-3949. Tickets for both the program and reception are limited.
Visit www.nysarchivestrust.org for more information on the program and
the Archives Partnership Trust.
Friends Book and Author Lunch
As part pf the Friends of Library Week, the Friends of the APL are offering our Friends Book and Author Lunch, Saturday, October 25th at noon.
Featuring Ron Bassman, Ph.D author of A Fight To Be: A Psychologist's Experience From Both Sides Of The Locked Door.
Lunch catered by Christopher Stallmer; Lunch is $15 per person
Author talk is free and open to the public
Send your check c/o Margaret Lazarczyk, Friends of the Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210
Featuring Ron Bassman, Ph.D author of A Fight To Be: A Psychologist's Experience From Both Sides Of The Locked Door.
Lunch catered by Christopher Stallmer; Lunch is $15 per person
Author talk is free and open to the public
Send your check c/o Margaret Lazarczyk, Friends of the Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210
Friday, September 19, 2008
Albany Symphony Orchestra Vanguard pre-concert event
On Thursday, September 25th, 12-1pm at the Main Library, join conductor David Allen Miller and musicians with the orchestra as he talks about the weekend's program, Voyages of Exploration with pieces by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Brahms.
October is New York State Archives Month!
Archives in the Capital District are celebrating with a full slate of activities, from a lecture on the Murder at Cherry Hill (Oct 15, 1:00 pm, Albany County Hall of Records) to a candlelight tour of Old Fort Johnson featuring readings from diaries and journals of the 19th and 19th centuries (Oct 25, 7:00-9:00 pm, Old Fort Johnson Historic Site, Montgomery County) to an exhibit based on the letters of a local Civil
War soldier (during museum hours, Brookside Museum, Ballston Spa) and much more.
For a complete list of events, visit our web page at www.cdlc.org.
And don't forget the kick-off to Archives Month, the Capital Region Archives Dinner. This year's dinner will be on October 1 at The Mansion at Cedar Hill, Selkirk. The speaker will be William "Chip" Reynolds, Captain of the Replica Ship Half Moon and Director of the New Netherland Museum. Tickets to the dinner are $37. Reservation deadline is September 24. To order tickets, contact Susan D'Entremont at CDLC or Kathleen Newkirk, Bethlehem Town Clerk, at 439-4955 ext. 1183 or knewkirk@townofbethlehem.org
War soldier (during museum hours, Brookside Museum, Ballston Spa) and much more.
For a complete list of events, visit our web page at www.cdlc.org.
And don't forget the kick-off to Archives Month, the Capital Region Archives Dinner. This year's dinner will be on October 1 at The Mansion at Cedar Hill, Selkirk. The speaker will be William "Chip" Reynolds, Captain of the Replica Ship Half Moon and Director of the New Netherland Museum. Tickets to the dinner are $37. Reservation deadline is September 24. To order tickets, contact Susan D'Entremont at CDLC or Kathleen Newkirk, Bethlehem Town Clerk, at 439-4955 ext. 1183 or knewkirk@townofbethlehem.org
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Smithsonian to put its 137 million-object collection online
The Smithsonian Institution will work to digitize its collections to make science, history and cultural artifacts accessible online and dramatically expand its outreach to schools.
Will we get to the point that we NEVER have to leave the house?
(And is that necessarily a good thing?)
Will we get to the point that we NEVER have to leave the house?
(And is that necessarily a good thing?)
Researching Patent and Trademark Information - free seminar
Title: Researching Patent and Trademark Information
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2008
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (lunch on your own)
Location: New York State Library, 7th Floor Librarians Room, 310 Madison Ave. (bet. Eagle & Swan Sts.), Albany, NY 12230
Description:
Representatives from the United States Patent and Trademark Office will present a free, full day seminar for inventors, entrepreneurs, educators, legal professionals and the general public on researching patent and trademark information. The agenda includes an overview of intellectual property, conducting a patent search, conducting a trademark search, using the USPTO web site and dealing with invention promotion firms.
Space is limited. Registration is required.
Contact:
Bill Schilling
518-474-2274
NYSLTRN@mail.nysed.gov
Register online: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm
Agenda: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/patents.htm
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2008
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (lunch on your own)
Location: New York State Library, 7th Floor Librarians Room, 310 Madison Ave. (bet. Eagle & Swan Sts.), Albany, NY 12230
Description:
Representatives from the United States Patent and Trademark Office will present a free, full day seminar for inventors, entrepreneurs, educators, legal professionals and the general public on researching patent and trademark information. The agenda includes an overview of intellectual property, conducting a patent search, conducting a trademark search, using the USPTO web site and dealing with invention promotion firms.
Space is limited. Registration is required.
Contact:
Bill Schilling
518-474-2274
NYSLTRN@mail.nysed.gov
Register online: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm
Agenda: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/ann/patents.htm
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Your home library
The weekend edition of the Wall Street Journal, Sept. 13-14, has an article about the five essential reference books for a home library. #1 is the World Almanac and #2 is the Yale Book of Quotations.
I might mention here that I've gotten the World Almanac every year except one since I was 10 years old.
I might mention here that I've gotten the World Almanac every year except one since I was 10 years old.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Friends of Libraries Week: October 19-25, 2008
The New York Library Association is pleased to announce that the week of October 19-25, 2008 has been proclaimed the 2nd Friends of Libraries Week in New York State by Governor Paterson at the request of the State Legislature.
There are 754 public libraries in New York State serving over 9 million library card holders [51% of the state’s population]. The majority of these libraries have Friends groups that help raise both public awareness and financial support for their libraries, in addition to Friends groups among NYS school, academic and special libraries.
The public support and financial contributions garnered by these Friends groups help their libraries in providing enhanced programming, like expanded summer reading and story time programs, purchasing new equipment and technology, and supporting special events, such as visiting authors and artists.
Libraries statewide on average receive 15% of their annual operating revenue from fundraising efforts like those undertaken by Friends groups [76% comes from local taxes and 9% from state aid]. Friends’ efforts are critical to the ability of libraries to meet the growing needs of their patrons when state and local funding remains static or reduced.
‘Friends groups are comprised of volunteers of all ages and walks of life who believe that libraries are an essential public service and a critical component to a successful community.’ States Susan Swanton, Vice President of Empire Friends Roundtable [EFR] and advocate for National Friends of Libraries Week participation.
‘Thanks to Empire Friends Roundtable winning Friends of Libraries USA [FOLUSA] recognition of EFR’s efforts advocating for a Friends of Libraries Week, EFR is going to ‘pay it forward’ by sponsoring a contest similar to FOLUSA’s National Friends of Libraries Week contest for members of EFR. For details on this contest, see www.nyla.org and go to EFR’s web pages under Roundtables.
‘The New York Library Association encourages all libraries to work with their Friends groups to promote Friends of Libraries Week for October 19-25, 2008 by organizing special events that highlight the contributions and efforts of your library’s Friends group.’ Stated Michael J. Borges, NYLA Executive Officer.
For additional information about Friends of Libraries Week, contact Susan Swanton, VP, Empire Friends Roundtable, 284 Gatewood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624 [585] 247-0142 or sswanton@rochester.rr.com
There are 754 public libraries in New York State serving over 9 million library card holders [51% of the state’s population]. The majority of these libraries have Friends groups that help raise both public awareness and financial support for their libraries, in addition to Friends groups among NYS school, academic and special libraries.
The public support and financial contributions garnered by these Friends groups help their libraries in providing enhanced programming, like expanded summer reading and story time programs, purchasing new equipment and technology, and supporting special events, such as visiting authors and artists.
Libraries statewide on average receive 15% of their annual operating revenue from fundraising efforts like those undertaken by Friends groups [76% comes from local taxes and 9% from state aid]. Friends’ efforts are critical to the ability of libraries to meet the growing needs of their patrons when state and local funding remains static or reduced.
‘Friends groups are comprised of volunteers of all ages and walks of life who believe that libraries are an essential public service and a critical component to a successful community.’ States Susan Swanton, Vice President of Empire Friends Roundtable [EFR] and advocate for National Friends of Libraries Week participation.
‘Thanks to Empire Friends Roundtable winning Friends of Libraries USA [FOLUSA] recognition of EFR’s efforts advocating for a Friends of Libraries Week, EFR is going to ‘pay it forward’ by sponsoring a contest similar to FOLUSA’s National Friends of Libraries Week contest for members of EFR. For details on this contest, see www.nyla.org and go to EFR’s web pages under Roundtables.
‘The New York Library Association encourages all libraries to work with their Friends groups to promote Friends of Libraries Week for October 19-25, 2008 by organizing special events that highlight the contributions and efforts of your library’s Friends group.’ Stated Michael J. Borges, NYLA Executive Officer.
For additional information about Friends of Libraries Week, contact Susan Swanton, VP, Empire Friends Roundtable, 284 Gatewood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624 [585] 247-0142 or sswanton@rochester.rr.com
Star Rebate Check Mailing Starts September 29
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Commissioner Robert L. Megna announced this week that the Department will begin to mail rebate checks the week of September 29 to New York homeowners who qualify for the 2008 Middle Class STAR Rebate Program.
The mailing will continue through the end of October.
Unlike 2007, most homeowners will not have to apply for this year's rebate. If a household's 2008 property information remains unchanged from 2007, no reapplication is necessary. These homeowners will get their checks automatically.
Property owners who did not apply in 2007, and homeowners whose property information changed during the past year, will have to apply. Applications to these households will also be mailed automatically beginning September 29.
Nearly 3.3 million households may be eligible for a STAR rebate, which is in addition to the STAR property exemption on taxpayers' school tax bills. It is expected that more than $1.1 billion will be turned back to homeowners through this year's rebate program.
Commissioner Megna said, "Every eligible household should take advantage of this benefit, which is targeted to middle class homeowners and senior citizens. It is income based, so those who need it most will receive the largest benefit."
Rebate checks and applications will be mailed automatically in alphabetical order, by county, meaning that Albany County homeowners will receive their checks or applications first, followed by homeowners in Allegany and Broome Counties. Mailing to all of the state's counties, including the City of New York, will be completed by the end of October.
Residents can access the Tax Department's website at www.nystax.gov to find out when their checks will be mailed and the amount of the rebate they will receive. Information for senior citizens getting the Enhanced STAR rebate, and information for homeowners who need to apply for the 2008 program, can also be found on the website.
Last year there were about 635,000 rebate checks mailed to senior citizens who receive Enhanced STAR, and about 2.3 million checks mailed to homeowners who get the Basic STAR exemption.
The maximum benefit for those receiving the Basic STAR rebate goes to upstate homeowners earning $90,000 or less, and New York City metropolitan region homeowners earning $120,000 or less. The benefit diminishes until a homeowner's income reaches $250,000. Taxpayers earning over $250,000 are not eligible for the rebate, but continue to receive the STAR exemption on their school tax bills.
Applicants are encouraged to apply on line at www.nystax.gov. All applications must be received by December 31, 2008. Enrollment is easy and the rebate checks are mailed to homeowners as the applications are processed. Online applications take less time to process and the check is issued faster than with a paper application.
To apply, the homeowner only has to verify the property information provided on the application, enter the names, social security numbers, and all required information for all resident property owners and their spouses, verify the mailing address, and submit the application.
This year, rebates for Basic STAR recipients are subject to offset for debts owed to New York State agencies, the Internal Revenue Services, and certain other states.
The mailing will continue through the end of October.
Unlike 2007, most homeowners will not have to apply for this year's rebate. If a household's 2008 property information remains unchanged from 2007, no reapplication is necessary. These homeowners will get their checks automatically.
Property owners who did not apply in 2007, and homeowners whose property information changed during the past year, will have to apply. Applications to these households will also be mailed automatically beginning September 29.
Nearly 3.3 million households may be eligible for a STAR rebate, which is in addition to the STAR property exemption on taxpayers' school tax bills. It is expected that more than $1.1 billion will be turned back to homeowners through this year's rebate program.
Commissioner Megna said, "Every eligible household should take advantage of this benefit, which is targeted to middle class homeowners and senior citizens. It is income based, so those who need it most will receive the largest benefit."
Rebate checks and applications will be mailed automatically in alphabetical order, by county, meaning that Albany County homeowners will receive their checks or applications first, followed by homeowners in Allegany and Broome Counties. Mailing to all of the state's counties, including the City of New York, will be completed by the end of October.
Residents can access the Tax Department's website at www.nystax.gov to find out when their checks will be mailed and the amount of the rebate they will receive. Information for senior citizens getting the Enhanced STAR rebate, and information for homeowners who need to apply for the 2008 program, can also be found on the website.
Last year there were about 635,000 rebate checks mailed to senior citizens who receive Enhanced STAR, and about 2.3 million checks mailed to homeowners who get the Basic STAR exemption.
The maximum benefit for those receiving the Basic STAR rebate goes to upstate homeowners earning $90,000 or less, and New York City metropolitan region homeowners earning $120,000 or less. The benefit diminishes until a homeowner's income reaches $250,000. Taxpayers earning over $250,000 are not eligible for the rebate, but continue to receive the STAR exemption on their school tax bills.
Applicants are encouraged to apply on line at www.nystax.gov. All applications must be received by December 31, 2008. Enrollment is easy and the rebate checks are mailed to homeowners as the applications are processed. Online applications take less time to process and the check is issued faster than with a paper application.
To apply, the homeowner only has to verify the property information provided on the application, enter the names, social security numbers, and all required information for all resident property owners and their spouses, verify the mailing address, and submit the application.
This year, rebates for Basic STAR recipients are subject to offset for debts owed to New York State agencies, the Internal Revenue Services, and certain other states.
Monday, September 15, 2008
September bus meeting
Citizens for Public Transportation will meet this Wednesday evening, September 17, 7:00 PM, at the Albany Public Library, Washington Avenue.
Guest Speaker, Paula Simpson, will address Environmental Justice and Availability. A CDTA representative will attend.
Guest Speaker, Paula Simpson, will address Environmental Justice and Availability. A CDTA representative will attend.
Readers' Advisory in a Library 2.0 World
By The Book: RA in a Library 2.0 World – A Readers’ Advisory Conference
Albany Public Library, Albany, NY; November 14, 2008
Join Albany Public Library to celebrate the fifth annual By the Book Readers’ Advisory Conference! This year, look forward to explore readers’ advisory in a Library 2.0 world. If you’ve heard a lot of about Library 2.0 and would like to learn more about it and how it relates to readers’ advisory, come on Friday, November 14, 2008.
The featured speakers will be Nora Rawlinson and Jessamyn West. Ms. Rawlinson is the co-founder and editor of Early Word, The Publisher | Librarian Connection, a website and blog aimed at collection development for public libraries. Ms. West is a consulting librarian whose work focuses on technology issues and how they relate to libraries. With an exciting sequence of programs for professional and paraprofessional staff scheduled for Friday, November 14th, APL’s By the Book event is designed to give attendees real-world readers’ advisory tips and techniques that they can implement in their libraries.
Nora Rawlinson will begin the morning sessions with a presentation on readers’ advisory and online collection development. Ms. Rawlinson is the former editor of Library Journal and former editor-in-chief of Publishers Weekly, as well as the former Head of Materials Selection for Baltimore County Public Library. Library Journal columns introduced under her editorship include PrePub Alert, the Collection Development series, Classic Returns, and Readers Shelf.
Jessamyn West will give a general presentation on Library 2.0 tools (what they are and how they work) and how they relate to readers’ advisory. In our afternoon session, Ms. West will explore Library 2.0 and readers’ advisory trends. She’ll also lead an afternoon breakout session in the computer lab where participants will enjoy hands-on experience trying out some of the Library 2.0 tools on their own.
Attendees may also choose to participate in either of the other afternoon breakout sessions on conducting readers’ advisory at the reference desk and in the stacks led by APL staff, or teen crossover titles and programming led by our own award-winning librarian Melissa Wasilewski. Ms. Wasilewski won YALSA’s "Excellence in Library Service to Young Adults" award for her Skateboarding Discussion Group program.
Librarians, library school students, and paraprofessional staff are all invited to join up for By The Book: RA in a Library 2.0 World. In celebration of our fifth anniversary, the normal registration fee is reduced – only $50 (includes breakfast and lunch). Student registrations are available for $25 (student ID required).
Registration must be received by Wednesday, November 5, 2008. For more information, see here or contact Amy Maurer McLaughlin, Head of Readers’ Services, mclaughlina@uhls.lib.ny.us, 518-427-4349.
Albany Public Library, Albany, NY; November 14, 2008
Join Albany Public Library to celebrate the fifth annual By the Book Readers’ Advisory Conference! This year, look forward to explore readers’ advisory in a Library 2.0 world. If you’ve heard a lot of about Library 2.0 and would like to learn more about it and how it relates to readers’ advisory, come on Friday, November 14, 2008.
The featured speakers will be Nora Rawlinson and Jessamyn West. Ms. Rawlinson is the co-founder and editor of Early Word, The Publisher | Librarian Connection, a website and blog aimed at collection development for public libraries. Ms. West is a consulting librarian whose work focuses on technology issues and how they relate to libraries. With an exciting sequence of programs for professional and paraprofessional staff scheduled for Friday, November 14th, APL’s By the Book event is designed to give attendees real-world readers’ advisory tips and techniques that they can implement in their libraries.
Nora Rawlinson will begin the morning sessions with a presentation on readers’ advisory and online collection development. Ms. Rawlinson is the former editor of Library Journal and former editor-in-chief of Publishers Weekly, as well as the former Head of Materials Selection for Baltimore County Public Library. Library Journal columns introduced under her editorship include PrePub Alert, the Collection Development series, Classic Returns, and Readers Shelf.
Jessamyn West will give a general presentation on Library 2.0 tools (what they are and how they work) and how they relate to readers’ advisory. In our afternoon session, Ms. West will explore Library 2.0 and readers’ advisory trends. She’ll also lead an afternoon breakout session in the computer lab where participants will enjoy hands-on experience trying out some of the Library 2.0 tools on their own.
Attendees may also choose to participate in either of the other afternoon breakout sessions on conducting readers’ advisory at the reference desk and in the stacks led by APL staff, or teen crossover titles and programming led by our own award-winning librarian Melissa Wasilewski. Ms. Wasilewski won YALSA’s "Excellence in Library Service to Young Adults" award for her Skateboarding Discussion Group program.
Librarians, library school students, and paraprofessional staff are all invited to join up for By The Book: RA in a Library 2.0 World. In celebration of our fifth anniversary, the normal registration fee is reduced – only $50 (includes breakfast and lunch). Student registrations are available for $25 (student ID required).
Registration must be received by Wednesday, November 5, 2008. For more information, see here or contact Amy Maurer McLaughlin, Head of Readers’ Services, mclaughlina@uhls.lib.ny.us, 518-427-4349.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Federal data goes unpreserved
An appaling story for librarians and data users.
In Digital Age, Federal Files Blip Into Oblivion
By ROBERT PEAR
Published: September 12, 2008
WASHINGTON Countless federal records are being lost to posterity because federal employees, grappling with a staggering growth in electronic records, do not regularly preserve the documents they create on government computers, send by e-mail and post on the Web.
Federal agencies have rushed to embrace the Internet and new information technology, but their record-keeping efforts lag far behind. Moreover, federal investigators have found widespread violations of federal record-keeping requirements.
Many federal officials admit to a haphazard approach to preserving e-mail and other electronic records of their work. Indeed, many say they are unsure what materials they are supposed to preserve.
This confusion is causing alarm among historians, archivists, librarians, Congressional investigators and watchdog groups that want to trace the decision-making process and hold federal officials accountable. With the imminent change in administrations, the concern about lost records has become more acute.
We expect to see the wholesale disappearance of materials on federal agency Web sites, said Mary Alice Baish, the Washington representative of the American Association of Law Libraries, whose members are heavy users of government records. When new officials take office, they have new programs and policies, and they want to make a fresh start.
More here.
In Digital Age, Federal Files Blip Into Oblivion
By ROBERT PEAR
Published: September 12, 2008
WASHINGTON Countless federal records are being lost to posterity because federal employees, grappling with a staggering growth in electronic records, do not regularly preserve the documents they create on government computers, send by e-mail and post on the Web.
Federal agencies have rushed to embrace the Internet and new information technology, but their record-keeping efforts lag far behind. Moreover, federal investigators have found widespread violations of federal record-keeping requirements.
Many federal officials admit to a haphazard approach to preserving e-mail and other electronic records of their work. Indeed, many say they are unsure what materials they are supposed to preserve.
This confusion is causing alarm among historians, archivists, librarians, Congressional investigators and watchdog groups that want to trace the decision-making process and hold federal officials accountable. With the imminent change in administrations, the concern about lost records has become more acute.
We expect to see the wholesale disappearance of materials on federal agency Web sites, said Mary Alice Baish, the Washington representative of the American Association of Law Libraries, whose members are heavy users of government records. When new officials take office, they have new programs and policies, and they want to make a fresh start.
More here.
Friday, September 12, 2008
A Chance for Free Credit Monitoring
"If you opened a credit card account, got a car loan or mortgage or used any other line of credit in the past 20 years, you may be eligible for free credit monitoring for up to nine months because of a recent class action lawsuit settlement with TransUnion, one of the three major credit-reporting bureaus...
Under the $75 million settlement, TransUnion will provide free credit monitoring... plus the ability to block third parties from viewing your credit history. You qualify if you had an open credit account or an open line of credit from a registered subscriber with a credit bureau between Jan. 1, 1987, and May 28, 2008.
You can choose from two options—six months of credit monitoring valued at nearly $60 and the possibility of getting an additional cash settlement, or nine months valued at $115, which has more services but disqualifies you from a cash settlement.
To receive either, register before Sept. 24 at www.listclassaction.com or call 1-866-416-3470 toll free."
From AARP.
Under the $75 million settlement, TransUnion will provide free credit monitoring... plus the ability to block third parties from viewing your credit history. You qualify if you had an open credit account or an open line of credit from a registered subscriber with a credit bureau between Jan. 1, 1987, and May 28, 2008.
You can choose from two options—six months of credit monitoring valued at nearly $60 and the possibility of getting an additional cash settlement, or nine months valued at $115, which has more services but disqualifies you from a cash settlement.
To receive either, register before Sept. 24 at www.listclassaction.com or call 1-866-416-3470 toll free."
From AARP.
Parking Violations Amnesty
Have you heard about the City of Albany Parking Violations Amnesty Program? The City of Albany has enacted a parking violations amnesty program whereby the Treasurer and/or her designee may cancel, in whole or in part, any penalties imposed for a traffic infraction constituting parking, standing or stopping violations issued within the City of Albany. The program starts September 12, 2008 and ends December 12, 2008. Check the city's website for details.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
2009 Underground Railroad History Conference
The Planning Committee of the Eighth Underground Railroad History Conference is soliciting brief proposals for presentations, panels, and workshops that address the theme "The Underground Railroad, Its Legacies, and Our Communities". Proposals should be made for a 60-minute workshop session, for a poster session or exhibition, or for a cultural/artistic activity. The UGR asks that all proposals allow for significant audience interaction. And, while the conference committee urges that proposals focus on the conference theme, the group also invites proposals on other important topics concerning Underground Railroad history.
The Eighth Annual UGR History Conference will be held at College Park, Union College, Schenectady, NY, on February 27-28, 2009. It is sponsored by the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc.
For more information, please contact us at 518-432-4432, the addresses noted below, or consult the web site at www.ugrworkshop.com.
Proposals should be submitted to the planning committee by September 30, 2008 at:
Mail – URHPCR, PO Box 10851, Albany NY 12201
Email – urhpcr@localnet.com
The Eighth Annual UGR History Conference will be held at College Park, Union College, Schenectady, NY, on February 27-28, 2009. It is sponsored by the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc.
For more information, please contact us at 518-432-4432, the addresses noted below, or consult the web site at www.ugrworkshop.com.
Proposals should be submitted to the planning committee by September 30, 2008 at:
Mail – URHPCR, PO Box 10851, Albany NY 12201
Email – urhpcr@localnet.com
Underground Railroad Clean-Up Day
You can join Paul and Mary Liz Stewart on Saturday, September 13th over at 194 Livingston for a clean up day at the Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence. If you haven't heard, the Stewarts have devoted much of their lives to raising community awareness, stimulating interest and preserving history surrounding the Underground Railroad movement in our region. Bring your yard gloves...rain or shine (9AM -1PM).
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Films from the Far East
Thanks to Leo in Reader's Services, APL customers will be enjoying some Films from the Far East every Friday in September. This Friday the 12th check out Infernal Affairs and Friday the 19th, Shaolin Soccer.
All movies begin at 2:00pm at the Main Library.
All movies begin at 2:00pm at the Main Library.
Netiquette
On Friday, September 12th at 10:30 - 11:30
You can learn all about email etiquette at the Delaware Branch. Discover the fun of email! Call ahead and reserve your seat at 463-0254.
You can learn all about email etiquette at the Delaware Branch. Discover the fun of email! Call ahead and reserve your seat at 463-0254.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Just an old-fashioned technology
Recent conversation on a library listserv:
*Someone wrote: "Back when I started work there was something called the "Yellow Pages." It was one of my favorite tools."
*Re: finding newspapers in a database (from me) - When I was a page at the Binghamton (NY) Public Library, we had this new-fangled invention called microfilm, where newspapers (such as the NYT, actually) and magazines were stored. In fact, one of my main tasks was to assist the public in the proper use of this high-tech device.
*In the early 1980s, another person had to send a letter, "but all the "Wang" word processors were down, so finally someone just pointed to a typewriter on a nearby desk and said--why not just use that? (Of course, that's no longer an option in an office anymore!)"
*Someone wrote: "Back when I started work there was something called the "Yellow Pages." It was one of my favorite tools."
*Re: finding newspapers in a database (from me) - When I was a page at the Binghamton (NY) Public Library, we had this new-fangled invention called microfilm, where newspapers (such as the NYT, actually) and magazines were stored. In fact, one of my main tasks was to assist the public in the proper use of this high-tech device.
*In the early 1980s, another person had to send a letter, "but all the "Wang" word processors were down, so finally someone just pointed to a typewriter on a nearby desk and said--why not just use that? (Of course, that's no longer an option in an office anymore!)"
Monday, September 08, 2008
Update on the search for the next New York State Librarian:
From NYLINK:
* Preliminary screening of the current pool of applicants has been concluded;
* Phone interviews with a select number of candidates are about to conclude;
* Committee Chair, Liz Hood, envisions scheduling a pool of finalists for onsite interviews by first week of October @ the Cultural Education Center, here in Albany;
* Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education, Jeffrey W. Cannell, seeks to introduce the successful candidate at the forthcoming 2008 New York Library Association Annual Conference scheduled for November 5 - 8, 2008, in Saratoga Springs, New York;
* Search Committee membership (Updated) : Michael Borges, Executive Director, NYLA; Josh Cohen, Executive Director, Mid-Hudson Library System; Frank D’Andraia, Dean & Director of Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York; Liza Duncan, Director, Technical Services & Systems, Cultural Education Center; Dottie Hiebing, Executive Director, Metropolitan NY Library Council; Liz Hood, Chair of the Search Committee and Director, Office of ETV & Public Broadcasting, NYS Education Department; Christine Kleinegger, representing the Public Employees Federation, Historical Survey, NYS Museum; Barbara Lilley, Program Officer, Library Development, Cultural Education Center; John Monahan, School Library System Director, Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES; Frank Munoz, Associate Commissioner, Office of the Professions, NYSED; David Walsh, Chief Information Officer, NYSED; Chris Ward, State Archivist and Assistant Commissioner, NYS Archives, Cultural Education
Center; Pat Whalen, representing the Civil Service Employees Association, Exhibits/Public Programs, NYS Museum.
* Preliminary screening of the current pool of applicants has been concluded;
* Phone interviews with a select number of candidates are about to conclude;
* Committee Chair, Liz Hood, envisions scheduling a pool of finalists for onsite interviews by first week of October @ the Cultural Education Center, here in Albany;
* Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education, Jeffrey W. Cannell, seeks to introduce the successful candidate at the forthcoming 2008 New York Library Association Annual Conference scheduled for November 5 - 8, 2008, in Saratoga Springs, New York;
* Search Committee membership (Updated) : Michael Borges, Executive Director, NYLA; Josh Cohen, Executive Director, Mid-Hudson Library System; Frank D’Andraia, Dean & Director of Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York; Liza Duncan, Director, Technical Services & Systems, Cultural Education Center; Dottie Hiebing, Executive Director, Metropolitan NY Library Council; Liz Hood, Chair of the Search Committee and Director, Office of ETV & Public Broadcasting, NYS Education Department; Christine Kleinegger, representing the Public Employees Federation, Historical Survey, NYS Museum; Barbara Lilley, Program Officer, Library Development, Cultural Education Center; John Monahan, School Library System Director, Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES; Frank Munoz, Associate Commissioner, Office of the Professions, NYSED; David Walsh, Chief Information Officer, NYSED; Chris Ward, State Archivist and Assistant Commissioner, NYS Archives, Cultural Education
Center; Pat Whalen, representing the Civil Service Employees Association, Exhibits/Public Programs, NYS Museum.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Partisan politics and libraries
We have a soon-to-be-former First Lady that was a librarian.
It's is unclear exactly what one Vice-Presidential candidate's position on libraries is, but the New York Times paints a potentially scary scenario:
"Shortly after becoming mayor, former city officials and Wasilla residents said, Ms. Palin approached the town librarian about the possibility of banning some books, though she never followed through and it was unclear which books or passages were in question."
I'd like to hear more.
It's is unclear exactly what one Vice-Presidential candidate's position on libraries is, but the New York Times paints a potentially scary scenario:
"Shortly after becoming mayor, former city officials and Wasilla residents said, Ms. Palin approached the town librarian about the possibility of banning some books, though she never followed through and it was unclear which books or passages were in question."
I'd like to hear more.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
nternet Traffic Begins to Bypass the U.S.
The era of the American Internet is ending. What are the implications?
Friday, September 05, 2008
ALA versus censorship
The American Library Association (ALA) opposes book banning and censorship in any form, and supports librarians whenever they resist censorship in their libraries. Since our society is so diverse, libraries have a responsibility to provide materials that reflect the interests of all of their patrons.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Proper Disposal of Household Prescriptions and Over-the-Counter Drugs
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has launched a new initiative to help reduce the growing presence of pharmaceuticals in water bodies in New York State. The "Don't Flush Your Drugs" campaign provides information about how to dispose of medicines properly to help prevent water quality problems in the future. The DEC web site provides information and links to other sites.
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