A new Times Union blog, by the director of the Albany Public Library.
After being away for several years, I was given the opportunity to return to APL and Albany as the executive director. I am very happy to be back. This is an exciting time for the library, and libraries in general. I’m also happy to be back in my adopted “hometown,” this time as a father with a very different perspective on life and community.
Read more HERE.
Showing posts with label Times Union. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Times Union. Show all posts
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Monday, July 21, 2014
Albany removes ‘no left turn’ sign on Washington Avenue eastbound onto Dove Street
From Times Union "Getting There" blog:
Q... I park in a lot on Elk Street between Dove and Lark streets. There is a “no left turn” sign for cars travelling east on Washington [at Dove] and trying to get to Elk... That means that any employees or patrons of the library, Armory or any other establishment on that block have to go to Swan Street to make the left to get to Elk... Between 4 and 6 p.m., there is no left on Swan and we have to go another block [to Hawk]. This makes no sense.
— Marty Richmond, Fultonville
A: As a result of your question, the city removed the sign this past Wednesday, said Steve Smith, Albany’s spokesman on traffic issues.
Q... I park in a lot on Elk Street between Dove and Lark streets. There is a “no left turn” sign for cars travelling east on Washington [at Dove] and trying to get to Elk... That means that any employees or patrons of the library, Armory or any other establishment on that block have to go to Swan Street to make the left to get to Elk... Between 4 and 6 p.m., there is no left on Swan and we have to go another block [to Hawk]. This makes no sense.
— Marty Richmond, Fultonville
A: As a result of your question, the city removed the sign this past Wednesday, said Steve Smith, Albany’s spokesman on traffic issues.
Monday, July 05, 2010
The future of passenger rail
Linda Norris Auditorium 339 Central Ave, Albany
Wednesday July 7 2:00 PM
The Times Union and WAMC/Northeast Public Radio will present a forum on Wednesday, July 7, to further explore the future of rail passenger industry and its potential impact on the Capital Region.
The panel discussion, open to the public, will be hosted by WAMC's Alan Chartock, political scientist and president and chief executive officer of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio. Moderating the panel will be Eric Anderson, Times Union business editor who has written extensively on the topic of rail transportation.
The panel will pull together representatives from the industry and present the historical perspective. Also, Bruce Becker, president of the Empire State Passengers Association, will participate.
Organizations dedicated to the history and expansion of railroads will be invited and members of the public are welcome to attend and to bring photos and related rail memorabilia to display after the formal panel discussion.
The program will be recorded for future broadcast on WAMC.
This event is free to the public but seating is limited and the audience must arrive by 1:45 p.m. To reserve a seat, call The Linda box office at 465-5233, ext. 4.
FREE Call 518-465-5233 ext. 4 for tickets.
Wednesday July 7 2:00 PM
The Times Union and WAMC/Northeast Public Radio will present a forum on Wednesday, July 7, to further explore the future of rail passenger industry and its potential impact on the Capital Region.
The panel discussion, open to the public, will be hosted by WAMC's Alan Chartock, political scientist and president and chief executive officer of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio. Moderating the panel will be Eric Anderson, Times Union business editor who has written extensively on the topic of rail transportation.
The panel will pull together representatives from the industry and present the historical perspective. Also, Bruce Becker, president of the Empire State Passengers Association, will participate.
Organizations dedicated to the history and expansion of railroads will be invited and members of the public are welcome to attend and to bring photos and related rail memorabilia to display after the formal panel discussion.
The program will be recorded for future broadcast on WAMC.
This event is free to the public but seating is limited and the audience must arrive by 1:45 p.m. To reserve a seat, call The Linda box office at 465-5233, ext. 4.
FREE Call 518-465-5233 ext. 4 for tickets.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
VOTE, Come to the Annual Meeting, Listen to Rex Smith
Polls open until 9 p.m. Vote early and come to the annual meeting at 7 pm, followed by a talk by the Times Union's Rex Smith.
Oh, and please let me know if you saw my incoherent babbling on Capital News 9 today. I was the first person voting at my location.
Oh, and please let me know if you saw my incoherent babbling on Capital News 9 today. I was the first person voting at my location.
Monday, January 28, 2008
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
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A few words in defense of books
From the 10/7/2007 Times Union: Albany Public Library, residents mark national Banned Books Week
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Bigger library will replace New Scotland branch, but not its memories
The story Closing the book is bittersweet by Paul Nelson from the June 13, 2007 Times Union is linked here.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Library vote reflects investment in future
First published in the Times union: Tuesday, February 13, 2007
On behalf of the entire staff and board of trustees of Albany Public Library, I want to thank the city's voters for overwhelmingly approving our branch improvement plan.
The 2-1 ratio of victory sends a strong message that the people of Albany value learning and the important role that libraries play in our quality of life.
Sincere thanks go to the many elected officials, neighborhood leaders and average citizens who provided valuable guidance and support for this initiative.
As we prepare final designs over the next year, we will be seeking input from the public on how to make these new facilities as welcoming and useful as possible. I invite everyone in the city to participate in helping us create an excellent library system that will be a source of pride for us all.
This is a historic turning point for Albany's libraries. I'm confident we will be able to look back on this decision as a wise investment that will improve the lives of Albany residents for generations to come.
JEFF CANNELL
Director
Albany Public Library
cannellj@uhls.lib.ny.us
On behalf of the entire staff and board of trustees of Albany Public Library, I want to thank the city's voters for overwhelmingly approving our branch improvement plan.
The 2-1 ratio of victory sends a strong message that the people of Albany value learning and the important role that libraries play in our quality of life.
Sincere thanks go to the many elected officials, neighborhood leaders and average citizens who provided valuable guidance and support for this initiative.
As we prepare final designs over the next year, we will be seeking input from the public on how to make these new facilities as welcoming and useful as possible. I invite everyone in the city to participate in helping us create an excellent library system that will be a source of pride for us all.
This is a historic turning point for Albany's libraries. I'm confident we will be able to look back on this decision as a wise investment that will improve the lives of Albany residents for generations to come.
JEFF CANNELL
Director
Albany Public Library
cannellj@uhls.lib.ny.us
Monday, February 05, 2007
Reasons to vote for library bond issue
First published in the Times Union: Sunday, February 4, 2007
We two seniors will be voting in favor of the library bond issue on Tuesday. The new branch libraries will be fully accessible to all people, disabled or not. They will enhance neighborhoods.
Many of us who live in Albany will be able to save gasoline by walking or busing to our libraries, "the university for the rest of us." Young and old will have the latest books and information science available for instruction and use. Interest groups will have nice meeting rooms.
In this vote, as a community, we will be able to pass on what we always accepted as ours, but which was in fact paid for by preceding generations.
VERA AND RICHARD PROPP
Albany
We two seniors will be voting in favor of the library bond issue on Tuesday. The new branch libraries will be fully accessible to all people, disabled or not. They will enhance neighborhoods.
Many of us who live in Albany will be able to save gasoline by walking or busing to our libraries, "the university for the rest of us." Young and old will have the latest books and information science available for instruction and use. Interest groups will have nice meeting rooms.
In this vote, as a community, we will be able to pass on what we always accepted as ours, but which was in fact paid for by preceding generations.
VERA AND RICHARD PROPP
Albany
Libraries are invaluable for Literacy Volunteers
First published in the Times Union: Sunday, February 4, 2007
No doubt contrary to the writer's intention, committeeman Albert Paolucci's comment in these pages, "Libraries we don't need," prompted a flood of letters in support of the library bond that will be proposed to voters on Tuesday. Literacy Volunteers would like to add to the chorus of voices advocating improvements to Albany's public library system.
We wonder if Mr. Paolucci knows that Literacy Volunteers -- Mohawk/Hudson, which has been providing free instruction to Albany adults in reading, writing, and speaking English for more than 40 years, relies almost exclusively on our public libraries for space and resources. Most of our volunteer tutors meet with their students in the safe and welcoming atmosphere of a neighborhood library.
There are private rooms in which to hold lessons, books and other educational materials easily accessible, and friendly and knowledgeable librarians to offer professional advice.
Our tutor training workshops and inservices are held in the libraries, and the Pine Hills Branch houses a special literacy resource center for the use of tutors. Many of our adult students apply for their first library card at the encouragement of their tutors, beginning a lifelong practice of reading that many of us take for granted.
Literacy Volunteers could not fulfill its mission of "changing lives and building community by strengthening literacy skills" in the commercial atmosphere of Borders or Barnes & Nobles or the research ambience of the New York State Library. We urge residents to vote yes to support their local libraries.
ROBERT N. STEVENS
Executive Director
Literacy Volunteers
Mohawk/Hudson, Inc.
Albany
No doubt contrary to the writer's intention, committeeman Albert Paolucci's comment in these pages, "Libraries we don't need," prompted a flood of letters in support of the library bond that will be proposed to voters on Tuesday. Literacy Volunteers would like to add to the chorus of voices advocating improvements to Albany's public library system.
We wonder if Mr. Paolucci knows that Literacy Volunteers -- Mohawk/Hudson, which has been providing free instruction to Albany adults in reading, writing, and speaking English for more than 40 years, relies almost exclusively on our public libraries for space and resources. Most of our volunteer tutors meet with their students in the safe and welcoming atmosphere of a neighborhood library.
There are private rooms in which to hold lessons, books and other educational materials easily accessible, and friendly and knowledgeable librarians to offer professional advice.
Our tutor training workshops and inservices are held in the libraries, and the Pine Hills Branch houses a special literacy resource center for the use of tutors. Many of our adult students apply for their first library card at the encouragement of their tutors, beginning a lifelong practice of reading that many of us take for granted.
Literacy Volunteers could not fulfill its mission of "changing lives and building community by strengthening literacy skills" in the commercial atmosphere of Borders or Barnes & Nobles or the research ambience of the New York State Library. We urge residents to vote yes to support their local libraries.
ROBERT N. STEVENS
Executive Director
Literacy Volunteers
Mohawk/Hudson, Inc.
Albany
Monday, January 22, 2007
COMMENTARY: Library improvements vital to Albany
By JOHN BACH
First published in the Times Union: Sunday, January 21, 2007
On Feb. 6, Albany voters will be asked whether to approve a significant upgrade of the city's branch libraries. Many citizens are naturally asking: Why now? What's wrong with the libraries we have? The short answer is that surging demand and faltering facilities have created a situation that requires immediate attention.
Last year, the Albany Public Library circulated more than one-million items, and handled nearly as many visits. Since 2000, use of our facilities is up 67 percent and circulation has spiked 53 percent. This fits with a national trend of library use doubling in the past decade, and counters the theory that the Internet has rendered libraries obsolete.
In fact, the overwhelming amount of information available on the Web is driving bewildered people to libraries for help determining which Web sites have credible information. Growing numbers of people also are coming to us for assistance with health research, government applications, job searches and computer training. This is all in addition to the traditional visitors who want to check out books, magazines and a growing selection of electronic media.
We are doing our best to meet this heavy demand in generally small, outdated facilities that need costly repairs. The 90-year-old Howe library has a leaky roof, falling plaster and temporary heating units. None of our branches have space for new books, more public computers or program areas for teens. Access for the disabled is substandard. The New Scotland branch is closing because of the renovation of School 19, and it will not be replaced unless voters approve the referendum. And our tiny Delaware branch has an uncertain future because of a monthly lease arrangement.
With all of that in mind, it is understandable that our publicly elected board of trustees feels a responsibility to act. The trustees have spent the past several years working with hundreds of citizens and a wide array of experts to develop a branch system that will feature modern, environmentally sustainable facilities equipped to meet the needs of Albany's residents in the 21st century.
The branch improvement plan renovates, relocates or builds five neighborhood libraries, and expands service to Arbor Hill/West Hill for the first time in 40 years. The plan reflects that our trustees heard the insistent voice of Albany's neighborhoods to build on the strong tradition of walkable branches; they agreed with the concerned citizens who urged the creation of productive places for teens to go after school; they responded to complaints about limited collections and hours; and they acted on the persistent plea for community meeting rooms.
If voters approve the referendum, Albany's renovated and new libraries will also feature:
Larger children's collections and space.
Small meeting rooms for tutoring.
Public computers for each age group.
Full access for the mobility impaired.
Wireless Internet access.
Sustainable "green" designs.
The cost for all of these improvements is $29.1 million -- including construction, borrowing costs and new library books -- or about an additional $47 a year for the owner of a home assessed at $100,000.
The benefits in this plan for library users are obvious. But what about those who don't regularly visit the library? National studies show the benefits of good libraries extend to everyone by producing a stronger economy, a better educated population and higher property values. A new study from the Urban Libraries Council and the Gates Foundation concludes that public libraries play an important role in economic development efforts because they build technology skills, boost entrepreneurial activity and contribute to the creation of vibrant, livable places. Researchers for this study repeatedly found that libraries contribute to stability, safety and quality of life in neighborhoods.
Cities and states across the country report that for every dollar spent on libraries, approximately $4 to $10 is returned to the community in wages, purchases and savings for individuals and small businesses.
That's one reason why U.S. cities are making major investments in libraries. Poughkeepsie; Springfield, Mass.; Hartford, Conn.; and many communities on Long Island have all undertaken major library improvements in recent years. Leaders of these cities tell us that new or improved libraries spark positive economic and social change and become the heart of their neighborhoods.
I encourage you to visit our Web site (http://www.albanypubliclibrary.org) to see preliminary site plans, polling locations, details on costs and answers to frequently asked questions.
All members of the public are invited to meetings at the main library during which library staff and trustees will answer questions about any aspect of this project. The meetings will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Friday, 6 p.m. on Feb. 1.
This is an extraordinary moment for our library system and our city.
Our proposal is a result of the first strategic, long-range facilities plan in the 150-year history of the Albany Public Library. Its approval by referendum would bring about the first major capital investment in Albany's libraries in more than 80 years.
I hope every registered voter will go to the polls on Feb. 6 and participate in a decision that will have a very significant impact on our city's future.
John Bach is president of the Albany Public Library Board of Trustees.
First published in the Times Union: Sunday, January 21, 2007
On Feb. 6, Albany voters will be asked whether to approve a significant upgrade of the city's branch libraries. Many citizens are naturally asking: Why now? What's wrong with the libraries we have? The short answer is that surging demand and faltering facilities have created a situation that requires immediate attention.
Last year, the Albany Public Library circulated more than one-million items, and handled nearly as many visits. Since 2000, use of our facilities is up 67 percent and circulation has spiked 53 percent. This fits with a national trend of library use doubling in the past decade, and counters the theory that the Internet has rendered libraries obsolete.
In fact, the overwhelming amount of information available on the Web is driving bewildered people to libraries for help determining which Web sites have credible information. Growing numbers of people also are coming to us for assistance with health research, government applications, job searches and computer training. This is all in addition to the traditional visitors who want to check out books, magazines and a growing selection of electronic media.
We are doing our best to meet this heavy demand in generally small, outdated facilities that need costly repairs. The 90-year-old Howe library has a leaky roof, falling plaster and temporary heating units. None of our branches have space for new books, more public computers or program areas for teens. Access for the disabled is substandard. The New Scotland branch is closing because of the renovation of School 19, and it will not be replaced unless voters approve the referendum. And our tiny Delaware branch has an uncertain future because of a monthly lease arrangement.
With all of that in mind, it is understandable that our publicly elected board of trustees feels a responsibility to act. The trustees have spent the past several years working with hundreds of citizens and a wide array of experts to develop a branch system that will feature modern, environmentally sustainable facilities equipped to meet the needs of Albany's residents in the 21st century.
The branch improvement plan renovates, relocates or builds five neighborhood libraries, and expands service to Arbor Hill/West Hill for the first time in 40 years. The plan reflects that our trustees heard the insistent voice of Albany's neighborhoods to build on the strong tradition of walkable branches; they agreed with the concerned citizens who urged the creation of productive places for teens to go after school; they responded to complaints about limited collections and hours; and they acted on the persistent plea for community meeting rooms.
If voters approve the referendum, Albany's renovated and new libraries will also feature:
Larger children's collections and space.
Small meeting rooms for tutoring.
Public computers for each age group.
Full access for the mobility impaired.
Wireless Internet access.
Sustainable "green" designs.
The cost for all of these improvements is $29.1 million -- including construction, borrowing costs and new library books -- or about an additional $47 a year for the owner of a home assessed at $100,000.
The benefits in this plan for library users are obvious. But what about those who don't regularly visit the library? National studies show the benefits of good libraries extend to everyone by producing a stronger economy, a better educated population and higher property values. A new study from the Urban Libraries Council and the Gates Foundation concludes that public libraries play an important role in economic development efforts because they build technology skills, boost entrepreneurial activity and contribute to the creation of vibrant, livable places. Researchers for this study repeatedly found that libraries contribute to stability, safety and quality of life in neighborhoods.
Cities and states across the country report that for every dollar spent on libraries, approximately $4 to $10 is returned to the community in wages, purchases and savings for individuals and small businesses.
That's one reason why U.S. cities are making major investments in libraries. Poughkeepsie; Springfield, Mass.; Hartford, Conn.; and many communities on Long Island have all undertaken major library improvements in recent years. Leaders of these cities tell us that new or improved libraries spark positive economic and social change and become the heart of their neighborhoods.
I encourage you to visit our Web site (http://www.albanypubliclibrary.org) to see preliminary site plans, polling locations, details on costs and answers to frequently asked questions.
All members of the public are invited to meetings at the main library during which library staff and trustees will answer questions about any aspect of this project. The meetings will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Friday, 6 p.m. on Feb. 1.
This is an extraordinary moment for our library system and our city.
Our proposal is a result of the first strategic, long-range facilities plan in the 150-year history of the Albany Public Library. Its approval by referendum would bring about the first major capital investment in Albany's libraries in more than 80 years.
I hope every registered voter will go to the polls on Feb. 6 and participate in a decision that will have a very significant impact on our city's future.
John Bach is president of the Albany Public Library Board of Trustees.
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