Save Illinois LIbraries!

Open Letter to Governer Pat Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes*:

We need your help. Illinois regional library systems are on the brink of disappearing. Since July 1, the systems have not received any of their funds authorized by the General Assembly. Without these funds, systems will soon be forced to close their doors.

What will it mean if regional library systems go away? People in Illinois are using libraries in record numbers for help in finding jobs, homework help for kids, and free family entertainment. Without the support of Systems, libraries would be hard pressed to provide these services. Thanks to the Systems, Illinois taxpayers can use their public library cards at almost any Illinois library they choose to visit. Last year, over 9 million items were borrowed from other libraries, up from 7 million the year before. In addition, System vans delivered over 28 million library items between libraries throughout the state -- all without cost to taxpayers.

All of these important services will disappear if the authorized funding is not paid soon by the state of Illinois. In a time of increased need, library service will be decimated, crippling a vital community service.

You have strongly endorsed greater efficiency in Illinois government. Library systems are one of the best examples of economic efficiency in the state, returning as much as $9 for each $1 of investment. Please distribute the funds approved by the General Assembly in the last budget for Illinois regional library systems. Illinois citizens deserve to see their tax dollars being distributed as authorized, and in a cost effective manner for their benefit.

For more information, visit www.saveillinoislibraries.com/systems


*from saveillinoislibraries.com

Do Libraries Need A Social Worker On Staff? Also, PADS schedule is in.

They are starting to do things differently at the main library in San Francisco, CA.

"...the library is a popular homeless hangout because it is centrally located, free, open to anyone, doesn't have security checks and has plenty of bathrooms. But the library has, well, begun to turn the page on the problem by hiring what is believed to be the country's first full-time psychiatric social worker stationed in a public library."

Read more here.

What do you think about this initiative?

In other news, the library has the South Suburban PADS* schedule for the winter. They are available at the Reference Desk. If you or someone you know might need this service, come pick up a schedule.

*PADS offers free emergency, overnight shelter nightly from 7p.m. to 7a.m. between October 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010. For more information on SOUTH SUBURBAN PADS programs please call: (708) 754-4357.

Happy New Year!!!!

The Blue Island Library is closed for the New Year Holiday on Thursday December 31, 2009 and Friday January 1, 2010.

Christmas Open House at the Library

To the Friends of the Library...and all Who Helped!

The Annual Friends of the Library Christmas Open House on Saturday Night, December 5th was a hit thanks to all of you and your hard work. What should we take on next? No, take a little break and we’ll work on an event for the spring.

GREAT JOB!

Jim Deiters, Director

ANNUAL FRIENDS-O-THE LIBRARY CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

Hot Chocolate, Cookies, Santa, Cookies, Family Fun and Music with the JINGLE BELL EXPRESS, More Cookies and OVER 400 PARTICIPANTS!


Thanks to the folks who worked so hard...

“Friends of-the Library” ...Rita Garvin...Rosemary Murphy....Julie Sklom...Sandy Martinez

Library Staffers who weren’t afraid to come early, stay late and do heavy lifting... Jim Deiters & Family, Mary Kay Tueth & Dave Boras...

Co-Workers & Library Trustees who came to support and join the fun... Bea Vallejo ....Claudia Mendoza... Karin Kiggans...Maria Martinez... Mary Martino...Mary Carvlin...Perry Recker

The Eisenhower NHS moderated by Teacher Kelli Mason... Guadalupe Hernandez...Carlos Saugacio...Brenna Ellis.... Priscilla Rodriquez... Autumn Jennings...Debby Hernanadez

Mipham- What About Me

This is a great video. A little food for thought over the holiday...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dandelions among the Literary Roses! (Or Comics for Big People)

Before recieving the assignment to "curate" the new Adult Graphic Novels collection at the Library, I was not a fan of this exciting storytelling format. It wasn't that I disliked graphic novels. I was never a comics reader as a kid, and I excused my lack of curiosity about graphic novels with the assumption that they would be more of the same, mostly superhero tales, just bigger, bolder, and more intricate in design. WRONG! I started doing a little research and a lot of reading... and I discovered...

Graphic novels, until very recently, were like wildflowers in the literary garden, underrecognized as beautiful, unique, and diverse offerings. In our collection, we have the Superhero stuff, yes. But also... illustrated novels, arty graphic noir, heartbreaking memoirs, thrilling (and sometimes spicy) mysteries, beautiful coming-of-age fables, novels by LGBT writers, African Americans, international journalists, Jews, Christians, atheists, anarchists. Histories and Biographies. Bestsellers and Christian parables. As I have collected over these first few months, I have tried to get a really wide variety of what is already a very wide-open format. As I see what Blue Islanders really like to read, I'll zero in on that... but for now, the sky's the limit!

Currently, the collection is located in the kiosk on the Main Reading Room floor, behind the leaping and dancing flames. Check it out!

Tooting Our Horn!

The Blue Island Public Library has been honored with a prize to cap off this great year. We are pleased and proud to share that we have won the 2009 MLS Best Practices in a Library Award for our programs and initiatives with the Spanish-speaking population.

Our successful offerings and engagement with the Spanish-speaking community has been a long time in the making; Lynne Ingersoll, Deb Beasley, Sonia Rodriguez, and I have worked hard with the support of the entire staff and our director, Jim Deiters, to make this library a comfortable and resourceful place for everyone in our community, regardless of language, color, or ethnic background.

In addition, Darren Thompson has won the 2009 MLS Innovation in Technology Award for his introduction of new technologies at our Library. Felicidades to him as well!