2004 3M Salute to Schools
For the fifth consecutive year, 3M, in cooperation with the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), will donate $1.5 million in 3M Detection Systems and Tattle-Tape Security Strips to 100 middle and high school library media centers in the United States through the 2004 3M Salute to Schools program. Individual donations will vary depending upon specific needs of the library media center, such as the size of a collection and the physical layout. To be considered for the donation, a school must meet eligibility requirements and be able to demonstrate a need for a detection system. Applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2004. Details and application forms are available from AASL or from 3M.
Mock Turtle
Seussentennial Festivities
Every year on March 2, the nation’s readers mark Ted Geisel’s birthday with “Read Across America.” This year is extra special: it’s the 100th anniversary of the birth of The Man Who Would Be Seuss.
The Seussentennial Imagination Tour, which kicked off January 3, will visit more than 40 cities, with performances, readings, and interactive Imagination Workshops.
Here are some suggestions for ways libraries can participate in the observance.
The National Education Association offers a resource kit on “The Many Hats of Ted Geisel” — teaching materials to help K-12 students learn about the man behind the pseudonym (scroll down to find it; for some reason it’s the last item in the box).
Read the Geisel biography on the Seussville web site.
Finally, watch for the March 2 release of the Theodor Seuss Geisel commemorative U.S. postage stamp.
Toxic mold in Guam school library blamed for illnesses, death
The buildup of toxic mold in the library of Jose Rios Middle School in Guam may have been the cause of one death and several cases of respiratory illness among staff members, according to the Guam Federation of Teachers. Administrators at the school and the Department of Education appear reluctant to discuss the issue, claiming only that they never received notice of any concerns regarding the mold. However, the school librarian reported the problem in a letter dated October 17. Officials say that school will reopen on schedule January 5. Get the whole story from KUAM TV-8 News.
Knighthood for Tim Berners-Lee
Tim Berners-Lee, who invented the World Wide Web in his spare time while working in a physics lab, has been awarded a knighthood for his efforts. Berners-Lee makes the UK’s New Year’s Honours List, announced today, alongside the likes of Ray Davies, Eric Clapton, and Philip Pullman. The Independent has the story.
Today in library history – Dec. 24
In 1851 on this date, fire devastated the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., destroying about 35,000 volumes (Associated Press).
One library’s funding solution: Raffle off a Harley
Heritage Public Library, in the western Pennsylvania borough of McDonald, is taking a rather noisy approach to the challenge of preserving the branch. To help ease the impact of Gov. Ed Rendell’s proposed funding cuts, the library is raffling off a 2004 Harley-Davidson Softtail Classic to supplement its revenues. Tickets are $30 apiece, and the bike is valued at nearly $18,000. The library hopes to raise $10,000-$15,000 from the raffle. More from the Observer-Reporter.
“The Bluest Eye” not banned in Bakersfield
High school students in Kerns County, Calif., will continue to have access to Toni Morrison’s novel, “The Bluest Eye,” despite parental efforts to have it removed. Superintendent Bill Hatcher, unwilling to ban the controversial book outright, nevertheless agreed to limit it to junior- and senior-level honors classes. Hatcher’s decision was based on the recommendations of a committee of parents, teachers, counselors, ministers and librarians. The Bakersfield Channel has the full report.
Info architecture group surveys members on 2004 goals
Asilomar Institute for Information Architecture (AIFIA) recently surveyed its members regarding their goals, priorities, and concerns for the coming year. The 112 respondents place the highest value on activities that fall under the heading of “Building the Practice” — sharing tools, research, and best practices. Complete survey results are posted on the AIFIA site.
ALA President among Ms.’s “Women of the Year”
misseli writes “From ALA’s Public Information Office:
Ms. Magazine has selected ALA President Carla Hayden as one of its ten “Women of the Year” for 2003. She was honored today at a luncheon at the National Press Club.
Other honorees this year: Dr. Sima Samar, Martha Burk, Salma Hayek, Joan Blades, Loune Viaud, Pamela Thomas Graham, Niki Caro, Eileen Fisher and Jessica Neuwirth.”
Why value of libraries is going up
Here’s a story from suburban Chicago about rising numbers in circulation and patronage at public libraries. And the economy is not the only reason. Turns out that “rather than being taken over by the Internet, as was predicted by some, libraries have been quick to embrace the technology.” Increased marketing efforts have also paid off. Read about it at the Daily Herald.
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