]]> Reference Staff Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:17:27 GMT http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=4725&BlogID=143&BlogPostID=6853 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

• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse FAQ
• Privacy Myth Buster
• ALA's Office of Intellectual Freedom Privacy Position Paper

]]> Reference Staff Mon, 03 May 2010 10:02:24 GMT http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=4725&BlogID=143&BlogPostID=6500 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.
  

]]> Reference Staff Sun, 11 Apr 2010 11:44:12 GMT http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=4725&BlogID=143&BlogPostID=6642 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."

]]> Reference Staff Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:06:08 GMT http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=4725&BlogID=143&BlogPostID=6050 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:

• Jon Husted, District 6
• Fred Strahorn, District 5
• Bill Harris, President of the Senate 
  
• Senate leadership
• Ohio Senate Directory

]]> Reference Staff Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:59:52 GMT http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=4725&BlogID=143&BlogPostID=5952 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.

]]> Reference Staff Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:57:18 GMT http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=4725&BlogID=143&BlogPostID=5450 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

]]> Reference Staff Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:56:30 GMT http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=4725&BlogID=143&BlogPostID=5311 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.

]]> Reference Staff Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:17:22 GMT