OCTOBER 26, 2010
America's Star Libraries 2010
If you hadn't heard, Wright Library has once again been listed as one of Library Journal's Star Libraries. Check out the article. We are in the $1-$4.9 million expenditure category and were given three stars. Thank you to all our patrons and supporters.
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posted by Reference Staff |
Category: Libraries
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MAY 3, 2010
Choose Privacy Week
The first ever
Choose Privacy Week, May 2 – 8, is a new initiative sponsored by the
American Library Association’s (ALA)
Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) that invites library users into a national conversation about privacy rights in a digital age. More information and resources are available from
www.privacyrevolution.org.
Other starting points for understanding this issue are
You can also view the
Choose Privacy video. Get a preview with the
Choose Privacy Week Trailer.
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posted by Reference Staff |
Categories: Libraries,
Libraries,
Libraries
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APRIL 11, 2010
National Library Week
Communities thrive @ your library
This week, April 11-17, is National Library Week. Libraries, librarians, library workers, and supporters across America are celebrating.
- Libraries everywhere play a vital role in supporting the quality of life in their communities.
- Our nation’s school, academic, public and special libraries make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans, today, more than ever.
- Librarians are trained professionals, helping people of all ages and backgrounds find and interpret the information they need to live, learn and work in a challenging economy.
- Libraries serve as crucial technology hubs for people in need of free Web access, computer training, and assistance finding job resources.
- Libraries are part of the American Dream – places for opportunity, education, self-help and lifelong learning.
- Library use is up nationwide among all types of library users, continuing a decade-long trend.
Today’s libraries are modern community centers where everyone is invited to explore, dream and learn. All that’s missing is you! This is National Library Week, so visit us today – in person or online. Come see how your library helps our community thrive.
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posted by Reference Staff |
Category: Libraries
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APRIL 5, 2010
ALA/Woman's Day Initiative
The American Library Association and Woman's Day magazine are looking for stories that showcase the importance and value of libraries within the communities they serve. Women ages 18 and up are invited to send in their stories in 700 words or less to womansday@ala.org. Up to four stories will be profiled in the March 2011 issue of the magazine or at www.womansday.com. Entries must be submitted no later than 12:00 Noon ET on May 9, 2010. For more information and contest rules, visit the Woman's Day Web site.
The initiative continues a nine-year partnership between Woman's Day and ALA's Campaign for America's Libraries that has generated millions of dollars worth of editorial coverage for libraries. Since 2002, Woman's Day has asked its readers to write in about "how the library has changed my life," "how the library helped improve my health" and "how the library helped me deal with the tough economy."
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posted by Reference Staff |
Category: Libraries
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DECEMBER 14, 2009
Your Help Is Needed
Inaction on the part of the Ohio Senate is threatening the latest effort to balance the state's budget. The failure to balance the budget will likely adversely affect Wright Library and other community services already dealing with reduced funding.
House Bill 318 proposes to delay a state income tax cut to provided funds to balance the budget. The Senate has yet to act on this legislation. Read about this issue at the SaveOhioLibraries Web site.
Please consider contacting your State Senator to express your concern on behalf of libraries. A sample letter is available, which can be sent in an email. As always, your support is greatly appreciated.
Contacts:
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posted by Reference Staff |
Category: Libraries
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NOVEMBER 23, 2009
Wright Library a Star Library
Wright Library has been awarded a three star rating for the second time in the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service. You can read the article printed in Library Journal, plus view the additional online content being made available.
Wright Library isn't the only star library in Ohio. Read this press release from the State Library of Ohio to see how well Ohio libraries serve their patrons.
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posted by Reference Staff |
Category: Libraries
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SEPTEMBER 8, 2009
National Library Card Sign-up Month
September is National Library Card Sign-up Month. A library card is the key to a host of free resources, which make it the most important school supply and smartest card in your pocket. Get one today!
If you already have a library card, join 2008 WNBA Rookie of the Year and Gold-medalist, Candace Parker, the Honorary Chair of the Library Card Sign-up month, in encouraging friends and family to get a card of their own.
52 Ways to Use Your Library Card
(for each week of the year)
1. Get to know your librarian, the ultimate search engine @ your library.
2. Update your MySpace page.
3. Research new job opportunities.
4. Find a list of childcare centers in your area.
5. Learn about local candidates for office.
6. Pick up voter registration information.
7. Check out your favorite graphic novel.
8. Pick up a DVD.
9. Get wireless access.
10. Participate in a community forum.
11. Find out how to navigate the Internet.
12. Prepare your resume.
13. Get new ideas for redecorating your house.
14. Get a list of community organizations.
15. Attend a lecture or workshop.
16. Hear a local author reading his/her latest novel.
17. Join a book discussion group.
18. Attend preschool story hour with your child.
19. Get homework help.
20. Look up all kinds of health information.
21. Research the purchase of a new car.
22. Trek to another planet in a Sci-Fi novel.
23. Call the reference desk if you have a question.
24. Research your term paper.
25. Learn about the history of your city or town.
26. Decide which computer to buy using a consumer guide.
27. Check your stock portfolio.
28. Borrow or download an audiobook for your next road trip or commute.
29. Use the library’s resources to start a small business.
30. See a new art exhibit.
31. Volunteer as a literacy tutor.
32. Find a new recipe.
33. Ask for a recommended reading list for your kids.
34. Make photocopies.
35. Get a book from interlibrary loan.
36. Enroll your child in a summer reading program.
37. Take a computer class.
38. Hear a poetry reading.
39. Take out the latest fashion magazine.
40. Enjoy a concert.
41. Trace your family tree.
42. Check out a special collection of rare books.
43. Check out a legal question or issue.
44. Find out how to file a consumer complaint.
45. Learn about home improvement.
46. Borrow some sheet music.
47. Learn how to use a database or computerized catalog.
48. Find the latest romance paperback.
49. Pick up tax forms.
50. Connect with other people in the community.
51. Find a quiet spot, curl up with a book and enjoy.
52. Read a newspaper from another country.
list provided by ALA
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posted by Reference Staff |
Category: Libraries
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AUGUST 15, 2009
When the Library (Building) Is Closed
Even though the doors of the library will be closed from August 16 - 23 due to a drop in State funding, our Web site will be up and running. All the online tools and resources that you're used to will continue to be available.
The Library Catalog Although no items will be due the week we are closed you can still check your account and renew items. You can also request items, but they will not be processed until Monday, August 24. This is also true of items requested through interlibrary loan using Ohio Libraries Share MORE.
Digital Collection Download your books while we're closed, and music and videos, too. If you haven't tried it before, start with this slide show.
Know It Now If you find yourself with a question that you need the help of a reference librarian to answer, you can make use of this live online information service provided by the State Library of Ohio, Wright Library, and other public libraries.
Databases All the Library's online resources will still be accessible from your home computer, allowing you to do research of all sorts, find newspaper and magazine articles, and for students and parents preparing for the beginning of school. Search multiple databases at the Ohio Web Library.
What Do You Want to Read? Maybe you forgot to stock up for the week, or you just want to find a great read. Use the resources listed on this page to find ideas and recommendations. Return to the Library with a list books you want to read.
Get and stay involved with Wright Library with our Blogs, Facebook, Newsletters Teen MySpace.
Concerned about the closing of the Library? Check out ways to Support Wright Library, including our annual book sale.
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posted by Reference Staff |
Category: Libraries
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JUNE 22, 2009
Libraries Facing Funding Crisis
UPDATE
Thank you to all library supporters. Your voices are being heard. Thanks also go out to members of the legislature who have voiced their support of public libraries. Go to SaveOhioLibraries.com to witness some of what is being done and the effect it is having. You can also keep track of the budget process and its effect on libraries at the Ohio Library Council Web site.
On Friday, June 19th, Governor Strickland released his framework for reducing the $3.2 billion gap in the state’s budget. His proposal includes a cut of $227.3 million in public library funding for fiscal years 2010 and 2011. This is approximately a 50% cut in funding for many of Ohio's public libraries.
Wright Memorial Public Library depends on state funding for 80% of its annual revenue. The loss of half of our state funding would be devastating. Please help Wright Library prevent the loss of this crucial funding.
Below are listed ways to contact the Governor and our state legislators. Please call or email these individuals in support of public libraries. Sample statements are provided below. This budget will be finalized by June 30th so the time to act is NOW!
For more information visit Save Ohio Libraries.
Contact Information:
Governor Strickland can be contacted using this online form or by calling (614) 466-3555. (back)
Members of the Ohio House and Senate from local districts can be contacted with the following:
House Members:
(back)
Senate Members:
(back)
The following legislators belong to the Conference Committee which will be determining the final budget.
Senator John Carey,
Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee
614-466-8156
SD17@senate.state.oh.us
Representative Vernon Sykes,
Chairman of the House Finance Committee
614-466-3100
district44@ohr.state.oh.us
Representative Jay Goyal
Phone: 614-466-5802
Fax: 614-719-3973
district73@ohr.state.oh.us
Representative Ron Amstutz
Phone: 614-466-1474
Fax: 614-719-0003
district03@ohr.state.oh.us
Senator Dale Miller
Phone: 614-466-5123
SD23@maild.sen.state.oh.us
Senator Mark Wagoner
Phone: 614-466-8060
SD02@senate.state.oh.us
(back)
Additional important members of the legislature to contact:
Senator Bill Harris,
President of the Senate
614-466-8086
SD19@senate.state.oh.us
Representative Armond Budish,
Speaker of the House
614-466-5441
District08@ohr.state.oh.us
(back)
Sample Statements (Cut and paste or write your own.)
- Sample letter ready to cut and paste.
- Please keep funding strong for Ohio libraries.
- Libraries are important to me and my family. Please do not allow funding to be cut. In this difficult economy, our communities need strong libraries.
- When the economy is down, library use goes up, as libraries provide so many services necessary for those looking for a job, looking to educate and entertain themselves and their families without spending money from their shrinking budgets.
- The Governor’s proposed funding cuts come at a time when Ohio’s public libraries are experiencing unprecedented increases in demand for services. In every community throughout the state, Ohioans are turning to their public libraries for free high speed Internet to access information on employment opportunities, children and teens are beginning summer reading programs, and people of all ages are turning to the library for
information, education, and entertainment.
Contact friends and family and ask them to join the action. Use this sample letter. For more information direct them back here (http://tiny.cc/SaveLibraries), to SaveOhioLibraries.com, or to the Ohio Library Council.
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posted by Reference Staff |
Category: Libraries
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MAY 27, 2009
World Digital Library
A new international cultural resource has opened its virtual doors. In April, the Library of Congress, UNESCO, and other partner institutions launched the World Digital Library. These partners are contributing digitized content from their collections to the World Digital Library. All content is included on a nonexclusive basis.
The project brings together on a single website rare and unique documents – books, journals, manuscripts, maps, prints and photographs, films, and sound recordings – that tell the story of the world’s cultures (Library of Congress).
You can search and browse features in seven languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish) and the content itself will be in more than two-dozen languages. Explore the collection by borwsing Place, Time, Topic, Type of Item, or Institution and learn about our world.
For more information on the World Digital Library:
image from World Digital Library
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posted by Reference Staff |
Categories: Libraries,
History,
Education
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APRIL 13, 2009
National Library Week
This week, April 12-18, is National Library Week. We love our patrons and we love your support. Check out our Support Wright Library page, which provides different ways for you to contribute to the well-being of the library, including a link to the Wright Library Foundation. Also, look for the Friends of the Library table this week when you visit the library and learn about other ways to help support your community resource.
As part of National Library Week the State Library of Ohio is announcing the Choose to Read project designed to promote reading across Ohio.
Additional information about National Library Week is available from ILoveLibraries.org.
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posted by Reference Staff |
Category: Libraries
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MARCH 11, 2009
Save Money @ Wright Library
Lately we have been trying to highlight online resources that may be useful to those being affected by the downturn in the economy. (Check out the Employment and Finance categories.) Beyond what this blog can do, libraries offer their communities access to computers and the Internet, financial literacy skills, job-hunting information, and resources to help small businesses.
In recognition of the role public libraries play as Americans face tough economic times, the American Library Association and Woman's Day magazine have announced a new initiative. From now until May 18, Woman's Day magazine is collecting stories on how libraries have aided their users in saving money, finding jobs and providing necessary resources to weather the current economy. Women 18 and over can submit their stories in 700 words or less to womansday@ala.org. Up to four submissions will be featured in the March 2010 issue of Woman’s Day. View the Official Rules.
The partnership between the ALA’s Campaign for America’s Libraries and Woman's Day dates from 2002. Essays on how libraries make people healthier were published in the March 2009 issue of Woman's Day. Read them.
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posted by Reference Staff |
Category: Libraries
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FEBRUARY 9, 2009
Libraries in the News 2
Another story about the rising popularity of libraries in these troubled economic times, this time from CBS.
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posted by Reference Staff |
Categories: Libraries,
News
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DECEMBER 17, 2008
Libraries in the News
Hard economic times, says a recent NBC Nightly News report, have made libraries an attractive free alternative for entertainment and information. View the video below. Also, check out the report Return on Public Investment: Valuing Montgomery County’s Public Libraries, which calculates the value your public library has in the community.
If the video does not play, click here.
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posted by Reference Staff |
Categories: News,
Libraries
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SEPTEMBER 6, 2007
Other Local Libraries
Although the Wright Public Library is not affiliated with any other libraries, we often work with them to ensure that our patrons receive the materials and information they need.
Public Libraries
Locate other Ohio public libraries using Find an Ohio Public Library from OPLIN (Ohio Public Library Information Network).
University and College Libraries
Other Ohio college and university libraries can be searched through Ohiolink.
When looking for items Wright Library does not own, you can try the online catalogs of these other local libraries, or for a wider search and to have your items delivered to Wright Library for you to pick up, use Ohio Libraries Share MORE, a statewide resource sharing service supported by the State Library of Ohio.
As always, the Reference Staff can help you locate any item. Just ask.
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posted by Reference Staff |
Categories: Libraries,
Local
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