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July
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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A PATRIOT?
Flag waving is fine…writing to legislators to encourage their support or
opposition of some piece of legislation is often useful…serving in a branch of
the armed forces is a choice of many…serving in public office is an obvious
way to serve your fellow citizens…voting is, of course, essential…
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A LIBRARIAN?
Most of the same reasons listed above plus…getting special training…selecting,
purchasing, arranging materials to meet the needs of the library's customers…scheduling
storyhours…arranging for adult programming… preparing budgets…living by
those budgets…fund-raising…paying attention to legislators and the
library-related legislative issues they enact or ignore…maintaining the
privacy of library users…being totally vigilant about providing open access to
information of all types - at all times…
LIBRARIANS CAN BE PATRIOTIC, TOO!
The June 23, 2005 issue of the Christian Science Monitor included an
editorial with the above title. A few excerpts from that article include…"Librarians
are not known for fueling dissent, but they're on target in criticizing a
provision of the 2001 USA Patriot act that allows easy access to their records
by federal agents…The Patriot Act allows federal agents to secretly obtain
business documents and files, including library records, by getting orders from
an administrative court within the Justice Department. The traditional way is
for federal agents to ask for a warrant from an impartial federal judge or grand
jury…the House of Representatives recently voted 238-187 - with 38 Republicans
joining in - to deny funds to the Justice Department to conduct records searches
in libraries unless it has a warrant from a judge or grand jury. The Senate has
not voted on such a proposal, but it would do well to follow the House…The
White House wants the act renewed and made permanent with its current
provisions, and with greater subpoena power for the Justice Department. It makes
the case that, to date, bipartisan congressional oversight of the
administration's use of the act hasn't resulted in the fundamental attack on
American liberties feared by opponents. That good behavior, however, isn't
enough to safeguard a basic right. A librarian should be required to comply with
the act only when ordered to by an impartial judge. Renewal of the Patriot Act
is a catalyst for an epic debate on what it means to be a democracy in an age of
terror. In joining this debate, librarians provide a service every bit as
important as dispensing books."
Especially in a month when we focus on the importance of freedom, it just plain feels good when others occasionally recognize that the work of our profession is, actually, REALLY IMPORTANT in the whole scheme of the world. No other profession fights for freedom in the same way that library folks (and their trustees…and their Friends…and their volunteers…) do.
If that isn't being 'patriotic,' I don't know what is.
-- Heather Eldred
Second
Annual
NORTHWOODS
CONFERENCE
for
Library Friends, Supporters &
Volunteers
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!
Due to the huge success of the first Northwoods
Conference for Library Friends, Supporters & Volunteers, the Friends of
the Marathon County Public Library and the Wisconsin Valley Library Service
(WVLS) are planning a second conference!
A sampling of speakers lined up for this conference include: Rick Krumweide, Outagamie-Waupaca Library System (Appleton) Director; Heather Eldred, WVLS Director; Mark Merrifield, Nicolet Federated Library System (Green Bay) Director; Mary Bethke, Marathon County Public Library Director; Mary Coates, Certified Public Accountant at Wipfli, LLP; and Sharon Virnig,Treasurer of the Frances L. Simek Memorial Library (Medford) Friends group.
As more information about this event becomes available, details will be posted at the WVLS web site at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/Workshops/workshop.html To receive conference updates via email, please submit a request to Marla Sepnafski, WVLS Workshop Coordinator at msepnafs@wvls.lib.wi.us
KIDS,
BOOKS, MOVIES: A LIVELY COMBO AT THE LIBRARY
Reading classics and loving it might seem like a foreign concept to junior high
youth, but that's all changing thanks to a new book discussion and movie review
group offered at the Rhinelander District Library.
The brainchild of librarians Melanie Kirsch and Renee Loebbaka, the program was launched two months ago, and now there are nearly 30 enthusiastic readers involved.
"We had a list of classics as well as new releases, and the kids chose the ones they wanted," Loebbaka explained. "Treasure Island was the top pick."
The books are always read and discussed before they see the movie.
"We have yet to have any of the kids say they wish they had seen the movie first," said Kirsch. "They are beginning to realize that the movie is one of thousands of possible interpretations."
"I like reading the books first, then I can make my own picture in my mind," explained 13-year-old Preeshis Domaika.
"The books give me a better idea of what the characters are really thinking, instead of just having somebody show me in the movie," added 12-year-old Nathan Sackett.
The book discussions are anything but boring - and there are always snacks that relate to the story. For example, while discussing the Hitchhiker's Guide series, they chatted while chomping on astro pops and atomic bombs. For the discussion of Lemony Snicket, they munched on "miserable snacks," including dirt cake with gummy worms. In addition, that book mentions chilled cucumber soup, so fresh veggies were also served. Everyone is particularly looking forward to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Whenever possible, if there is a new movie based on a selected book, the schedule is coordinated with Rouman Cinema, which has been a strong supporter of the program. Other movies are rented and shown on a 62-inch digital monitor at the library. On a recent afternoon, the meeting room was transformed into a theater atmosphere, complete with popcorn.
One of the main reasons for bringing this group together is to promote library use, as well as life-long reading. "There's been a lot of recent research that indicates we're losing kids, especially boys, to movies and computers," said Kirsch, "so we're using these tools to bring them back." Boys, ages 10-14, account for more than half of the current discussion/movie group.
"I've always liked to read, but now I read more carefully and pay more attention to details," said 10-year-old Quinlan Smith, admitting that he still prefers "funny" books.
Among the reasons that it pays to remember details is a trivia contest (with prizes) held at the end of each book discussion.
Eventually, the librarians in the young adult department hope to initiate a teen council, that will give input on books and music to be purchased by the library.
"As these kids get older, we will accommodate their tastes," Kirsch added.
It is unlikely that other libraries have a program for youth similar to this, combining books and movies, but Kirsch and Loebbaka are hoping to spread the word. They are also looking at the possibility of responding to requests they have received from adults to start something similar for older readers.
There is no cost to participate. Grant money is being pursued, donations are accepted from the community, and some funding comes from the library's program budget.
Anyone wanting more information about contributing or participating is welcome to call the library at [715]365-1070. -- Mary Grieco, Editor emeritus, The North Star Journal, 6/19/05 (Used with permission.)
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THE
CLARK COUNTY INTERNET LIBRARY SITE IS EXCELLENT!
The Clark County, WI Internet Library/American Local History Network (ALHN) web site recently received national acclaim by winning The Genealogy Sleuth Excellence Award from Ancestral Branches. Ancestral Branches found the Clark County, WI Internet Library site to be "informative, easy to navigate, original and an excellent contribution to the internet genealogy community as a whole." The Clark County, WI Internet Library site, which receives over 3,000 visitors a month, contains comprehensive records for nearly all of the county cemeteries, plus a huge collection of obituaries, biographies and news items found nowhere else. The goal of the nation-wide group of volunteers who run the site is to promote the preservation of Clark County's local area history, historic landmarks and museums. You are encouraged to visit this FREE, nationally-acclaimed, award-winning site at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/ClarkCounty/ and to contact webmasters, Janet and Stan Schwarze (Schwarze@Charter.net) if you have any questions. |
T.B. SCOTT FREE LIBRARY CELEBRATES FREEDOM The program, Celebrate Freedom, was held at the T.B. Scott Free Library (Merrill) on June 27th to unveil and promote its new We the People "Freedom" Bookshelf. Funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities in cooperation with the American Library Association, the "Freedom" Bookshelf consists of classic books for children and young adults that tell the stories of freedom sought, freedom denied, and freedom lived. Such stories remind us how precious freedom truly is.
Celebrate Freedom included a presentation of colors by a local boy
scout troop, and readings from the We the People "Freedom"
Bookshelf by Representative Don Friske, Senator Roger Breske, Merrill Mayor
Doug Williams, and Ellie Schwartz, staff member of the T.B. Free Scott Library.
Refreshments and children's craft tables followed the program.
(Click here to view snapshots of the
event.)
KIDS
NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES
Based on research conducted since 1958, Search Institute has identified 40
developmental assets that all young people need to grow up to be healthy,
principled and caring adults. The more assets a young person has developed, the
more likely they are to make positive choices. Conversely, the fewer assets a
young person has developed, the more likely they are to become involved in
risk-taking behaviors. It has been found nationwide that most students have
fewer than half of these 40 assets. The list of 40 developmental assets as well
as tips for focusing on each one is too long to include in its entirety here,
but may be requested from Beth Sillars at the WVLS office (715/261-7255 or sillars@wvls.lib.wi.us).
Following is the featured asset for July:
RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY - Asset #19
Kids who have this asset spend one or more hours each week
in religious services or participating in spiritual activities.
To develop this asset, families must choose a congregation wisely and find one that emphasizes your family values. Include your children in the decision-making process to be sure that their needs will be met and their concerns will be dealt with openly. It helps when the whole family is involved in activities that encourage spiritual development. Get involved in the many inter-generational opportunities that most faith-based organizations offer. Find ways to build relationships with members of your congregation who are willing to spend time with young people. Encourage faith development by sharing your own faith experiences and religious traditions, while being open to establishing new traditions that belong to your own family. Simple activities like breakfast together before or after church each week can build lifelong positive memories and strengthen a young person's involvement in their religious community. Learn about how others practice their faith and teach your children to understand and respect the diversity of different traditions.
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MY
LIFE WINS 2005 AUDIOBOOK OF THE YEAR
Early in June, the Audio Publishers Association honored standouts among the year's audiobooks with the 10th Annual Audie Awards. Finalists were selected in 31 categories by a panel of over 150 judges representing all areas of the audiobook world. A complete list of 2005 Audio Award winning titles may be found at http://audiofilemagazine.com/2005_finalists.html Following is a sampling of 2005 Audie Award-winning titles: (AudioFile; June/July 2005) Fiction, Abridged - Brimstone by Douglas Preston & Lincoln
Child (Time Warner Audiobooks) |
THE
TURTLE WARRIOR WINS BANTA AWARD
The Literary Awards Committee, of the Wisconsin Library Association's Reader's
Section, has selected Mary Relindes Ellis' novel, The Turtle Warrior, as
the winner of the Banta Award. The award is for the highest literary achievement
by a Wisconsin author in 2004. The Turtle Warrior, which is Ellis' first
novel, is a dark, emotionally powerful tale of two brothers living on a failing
farm in northern Wisconsin with a violent alcoholic father. Ellis is a resident
of Hammond, WI.
Ten titles were also selected for Outstanding Achievement:
The Literary Awards Committee also chose three Notable Wisconsin Authors for their body of work:
The Banta Award is made possible by the Banta Corporation Foundation through a grant to the WLA Foundation. The 2005 Literary Award Committee members are: Sandra Sechrest (chair), Patricia Bordak, Nanette Bulebosh, Beverly DeWeese, Susan Bushouse Foran, John Hendricks, Anne Kasuboski, Constance Mahsem, Catherine Morris-Nelson, and Edell Schaerer. For more information about the work of the Literary Awards Committee, go to http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/lac/ (WLA Blog; posted 7/12/05)
GRANTS
FOR LITERACY PROJECTS AVAILABLE
The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy ( http://www.barbarabushfoundation.com/
) has announced its 2006 national grant competition. Application
deadline is September 9, 2005.
The foundation's grantmaking program seeks to develop or expand U.S. projects that are designed to support the development of literacy skills for adult primary care givers and their children. A total of approximately $650,000 will be awarded; no grant request should exceed $65,000.
In order to be considered eligible for a grant, an organization must: have current nonprofit or public status; have been in existence for two or more years as of the date of the application; and must have maintained fiscal accountability. The organization must operate an instructional literacy program that has been in existence for at least two years and includes one or more of the following components: literacy for adults; parent education; pre-literacy or literacy instruction for children pre-K to grade 3; and intergenerational literacy activities.
Application guidelines and form as well as answers to Frequently Asked Questions are available on the foundation's Web site. (RFP Bulletin, 6/30/05 as seen in Children's Event Organizer, newsletter of the Lakeshores Library System and MidWisconsin Federated Library System, 6/30/05)
BIG BOOK
GIVEAWAY!
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Wisconsin Historical Society Press,
the state's first book publisher. The WHS Press will be honoring this landmark
occasion with events throughout the year topped off with a "Big Book
Giveaway" on October 17, 2005.
The WHS Press will give away to one Wisconsin school or public library a complete set of all WHS books in print - more than one hundred titles! Individuals are invited to nominate their favorite school or public library. The winning library, chosen by random drawing, will take home the big prize, and the individual will win one WHS Press title of his or her choice.
Winners will be announced on September 30, 2005, and the books will be awarded on October 17 at the grand finale to the Wisconsin Book Festival. WHS Press's extensive collection of books in print includes something for everyone, from amateur genealogists to folklore enthusiasts; from Badger fans to Harley riders; from kids and families to students and scholars. The Press's author list is equally impressive, including illustrious, well-known writers from Jerry Apps to Richard Zeitlin. The complete collection of WHS Press books in print is valued at more than $3,000.
To nominate a library for the Big Book Giveaway, fill out the form at www.wisconsinhistory.org/publications/ Or, mail a postcard containing the following information to Big Book Giveaway, WHS Press, 816 State Street, Madison, WI 53706:
Library name:
Library address:
Library phone number:
Individual's name:
Individual's address:
Individual's phone number:
Email: Under 18 years of age? _______ Yes _______ No
All nominations are due by September 15, 2005.
(Newsflashes; newsletter of the Indianhead Federated
Library System; 6/29/05)
MORE
GIVEAWAYS FROM MCPL
The Marathon County Public Library has the following reference resources to give
away:
Cumulative Book Index
Hardcover volumes for: 1928-32, 1933-37, 1938-42, 1943-48, 1949-52, 1953-56, 1957-58, 1959-60, 1961-62, 1963-64, 1965-66, 1967-68, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990.
United States Catalog
4th edition, 1928
United States Catalog Supplement
books published 1912-1917
Annals of the American Academy
Bound volumes from 1971-1987
Unbound volumes from 1987-1998Editorial Research Reports
Hardcover volumes from 1981-1989
Information Please almanac
Hardcover volumes for 1947-1973; 1975-1983
International Who's Who (Europa)
Hardcover volumes for 1988-89; 1990-91; 1991-92; 1992-93; 1993-94; 1994-95
Who's Who (Macmillan; St. Martin's)
Hardcover volumes for 1914, 1916, 1917, 1927, 1930, 1932 1934, 1936, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1944, 1947, 1968-69, 1970-71, 1972-73, 1974-75, 1976-77, 1978-79, 1980-81, 1982-83, 1984-85, 1987-88, 1989-90
If your library is interested in receiving any of these resources, please
contact Mike O'Connor (mikeloconnor@yahoo.com)
or Marla Sepnafski (msepnafs@wvls.lib.wi.us)
by July 29, 2005. Materials will be sent to requesting libraries via the
courier.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The June issue of the Lamplighter also
includes a listing of giveaways from MCPL.
JUNK FAXES
The FCC has amended rules to regulate the delivery of facsimile advertisements.
The rules state:
For more information, visit http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/unwantedfaxes.html
(Newsflashes, newsletter of the Indianhead Federated
Library System, 5/18/05)
MICROSOFT
INTERNET EXPLORER LOSING FAVOR
Frustrated with ongoing concerns about the security of Microsoft's Internet
Explorer, Information Technology (IT) staff at several campuses in the United
States are encouraging faculty and students to use other browsers instead.
Several months ago, Penn State officials started advising users to opt for
either Firefox or Opera. IT staff at the University of Florida recently started
urging users to switch to Firefox, saying that all Windows users should install
the open source application and define it as the system's default browser.
Because of Firefox's security and simplicity, the university-wide Office of
Information Technology at Florida now includes Firefox on a CD that is given
free to all students. The CD previously offered Internet Explorer and Netscape
Navigator as browser choices.
(Chronicle of Higher Education; 7/7/05)
Also, according to NetApplications' HitsLink.com, which tracks global traffic statistics from web sites, Internet Explorer is losing market share. As of April 12, 2005, the market share for browsers was as follows:
According to the same report, slightly more Internet users were installing
Firefox than Internet Explorer.
("The Bigger Browser War: Alternatives to MS Internet
Explorer;" SEARCHER: The Magazine for Database Professionals;
July/August 2005)
WEB SITES OF INTEREST (tourist traps on the information superhighway!)
PACKERSTRAININGCAMP.COM http://www.packerstrainingcamp.com/
Last season, the Green Bay Packers launched a new web site,
PackersTrainingCamp.com, designed to assist Packers fans as they make plans to
visit their favorite team's training sessions each summer. A vacation-planning
resource, the site features a practice schedule as well as information on other
Lambeau Field attractions, including the Packers Experience, the Packers Hall of
Fame, Stadium Tours, the Packers Pro Shop and dining options.
KNITPRO http://www.microrevolt.org/knitPro/
KnitPro is a web application that translates digital images into knit, crochet,
needlepoint and cross-stitch patterns. Just upload jpeg,git or png images of
whatever you wish - portraits, landscapes, logos - and it will generate the
image pattern on a graph sizable for any fiber project.
POPULAR BABY NAMES http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/
This site by the Social Security Administration provides a list of the most
popular names for a particular year of birth; you can select the year and the
length of the popularity list. To see how the popularity of a name has changed
over time, you can search the name and, optionally, the sex and number of
years.
PRESBYCUSIS http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/presbycusis.asp
Fact sheet on presbycusis, the loss of hearing that gradually occurs in most
individuals as they grow older. Discusses symptoms, causes, prevention, hearing
aids, communication tips, and related topics. From the National Institute on
Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health.
THE KIM KOMANDO SHOW http://www.komando.com/index.asp
Billed as the "Digital Goddess," the radio host Kim Komando has been
providing assistance to those befuddled by computer technology for many years,
and her website will prove to be most valuable to those looking for assistance
in this area. First-time visitors to the site will want to peruse some of her
recent columns, which address such timely topics as hacking, preserving digital
images, and securing laptops from theft. The homepage also offers access to
shareware that she has found valuable. Those guests who find the site helpful
may also want to sign up to receive her tip of the day or her newsletter.
August
August 4 - WVLS V-Cat Council meeting - T.B. Scott Free Library, Merrill - 9:30 a.m.
August 7 - National KidsDay - for details, see article in the Youth Matters section of the June issue of the Lamplighter.
August 18 - WVLS Executive Committee meeting - Marathon County Public Library - 9:30 a.m.
September
September 17 - WVLS Board of Trustees meeting - Marathon County Public Library - 9:30 a.m.
September 21-25 Wisconsin Library Association Foundation-sponsored tour of New York City, coordinated by Spotlight Theatre Tours, with tour host Rebecca Roepke - for details, visit http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/wlaf/NYCtour.htm
September 22-23 - Northwest Children's Book Conference - Schwan's Retreat and Conference Center - Trego, WI. For more information about this 2-day conference, visit http://www.nwls.lib.wi.us/ncbc
September 24 - October 1 - 2005 BANNED BOOKS WEEK: It's Your Freedom We're Talking About - more information on the 24th BBW, including a place to order a BBW kit and images of this campaign's posters, t-shirts, and bookmark, may be found at http://www.ala.org/bbooks
October
October 15 - 2nd Annual Northwoods Conference for Friends, Supporters & Volunteers - sponsored by the Friends of Marathon County Public Library and WVLS - Skateway, Medford, WI.
October 16-22 - TEEN READ WEEK - theme: "Get Real! @ your library" - the focus is on nonfiction and realistic fiction - for more information, visit the Young Adult Library Services Association new Teen Read Week web site at http://www.ala.org/teenread
October 25-28 - WLA Annual Conference - Radisson Hotel, La Crosse, WI - more information may be found at http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/conferences/2005/index.htm
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ATTENTION: WESSLER SCHOLARSHIPS are available to cover some/all costs associated with attendance at reference and/or interlibrary loan continuing education events. If interested in becoming a Wessler Scholar, contact the WVLS office (715/261-7250) for more information. The application form and more information are available at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/About/wessler.htm
is a monthly newsletter of the Wisconsin
Valley Library Service.
300 N. First
Street / Wausau, WI 54403
Contributions are welcome!
Back issues are available at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/Newsletter/newsindex.htm
(Note: Web links in past issues are not checked for currency and may no
longer work.)
| EDITOR: Marla Sepnafski Phone: 715/261-7252 FAX: 715/261-7259 |
Contributions are welcome!
News items should be submitted by the first of the month.
WVLS serves Clark, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, and Taylor counties.
When the most recent issue becomes available, readers are alerted by a notice
posted to WISPUBLIB, or sent an email.
To subscribe to WISPUBLIB, send an email message to wispublib@badger.state.wi.us
In the body of the message (subject line is ignored) type: subscribe WISPUBLIB.
Then send your email. To have The Lamplighter emailed to you without subscribing
to WISPUBLIB, contact Barbara Freimund at 715/261-7252, or email freimund@wvls.lib.wi.us
