For one year only, Library Advocacy Day will replace National Library Legislative Day (NLLD).  On June 29, 2010, library advocates from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. will meet at Upper Senate Park on the U.S. Capitol grounds.   The event, which will begin at 11 a.m., will feature guest speakers, photo ops, and a chance to cheer on libraries!  After the Rally, participants will meet with their elected officials and their staffs.

This is a great opportunity to show our congressional representatives how important libraries are to Ohio and their particular Congressional District.  To register for the event please click on the register now button on the ALA Library Advocacy Day page at http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/advocacy/libraryadvocacyday/index.cfm

Bill Morris, Governmental Affairs Coordinator for the State Library, will be working with each Congressional Office to schedule appointments on behalf of those attending the Rally and will be providing key talking points and supporting materials to attendees.  Please take a moment to fill out this brief survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MTFBG8D before May 14, 2010 if you are planning on attending the Rally and visiting your congressional office that afternoon.  If you’re uncertain which congressional district you live in enter your ZIP + 4 here to find out: http://www.house.gov.

I wish you the best in these challenging times.  I will miss you.
Best wishes, Jo

Program to Help Generate $3.7 Million in Local Funding for Public Technology Access in 11 States

SEATTLE – The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced today $6.5 million in grants to help public libraries in 11 states increase and sustain free, quality public access to computers for their patrons. These Opportunity Online hardware grants will help libraries upgrade and add public computer workstations for patrons in communities with high concentrations of poverty and where a library’s public computers are at risk of becoming outdated with limited capacity for users. For more information go to: http://library.ohio.gov/Marketing/PR/2009/July#Gates

For the past nine years, Mr. Crawford has served as the Director of the Ida Rupp Public Library located in Port Clinton, Ohio, and its branch, the Erie Islands Library located on Put-in-Bay. There he successfully developed the library, implemented technology, cultivated the collection and expanded hours through strategic analysis, planning, community involvement and investment. He administered three capital improvement projects for the library.

Mr. Crawford has held service and leadership positions in the Ohio library community, including the Ohio Library Council Government Relations Committee and the Ohio Library Council Diversity Awareness and Resources Committee. He earned his M.L.S. degree at Kent State University and A.B. at Miami University. In addition, he holds a J.D. from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. Prior to public library service, he distinguished himself as a trial attorney with expertise in employment law and insurance.

Mr. Crawford will be working closely with the Trustees, Library staff and community representatives to update the Library’s strategic plan and to assure that the Library continues to deliver superior service to patrons.

Mr. Crawford replaces Kenneth Warren who is retiring after distinguished 25-year tenure as Library Director. In the coming weeks, Mr. Crawford will be meeting with Mr. Warren, for a series of strategic briefings concerning budget, building, operations, personnel, program and technology. Mr. Crawford’s official date to begin as Director is August 3, 2009.

The Lakewood Citizen

Contact: Robert J. Rua

Communications Coordinator
216.749.9487

rrua@cuyahogalibrary.org

Parma, OH – April 14, 2009 – Kacie Armstrong is the newly appointed Branch Manager of Cuyahoga County Public Library’s North Olmsted Branch, located at 27403 Lorain Road.

Armstrong, a North Olmsted resident, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Notre Dame College of Ohio and went on to earn her Master of Library Science degree from Kent State University School of Library and Information Science. Since 2005, she served as manager of Cleveland Public Library’s Rice, Sterling and Mount Pleasant branches.

She is a member of the American Library Association, the Ohio Library Council and the Cleveland Area African American Library Association.

Library Journal has named Ohio University Business Librarian Chad Boeninger to the “Innovators” category of their “Movers & Shakers 2009″ list.  Launched in 2002 to identify librarians and others who are ’shaping the future of libraries,’ the list represents a “Who’s Who of creativity and library trends in the field.”  Read more about Chad and the other movers and shakers at http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6642687.html.

“Sari’s initiatives to promote play . . . have been invaluable to the Children Service’s staff in Cuyahoga County,” said USA-TLA President James Rancilio, “and it is for that reason that we nominated her for the prestigious Player of the Year award.”

“As we know,” said Feldman, “play is critical to learning. The work with toys and play that librarians do is important in the lives of the children and families we serve. We hope to continue to make the connection between toys and early learning at Cuyahoga County Public Library.”

About Cuyahoga County Public Library

Cuyahoga County Public Library consistently ranks as one of the nation’s ten busiest and best library systems. Its 28 branches serve 47 communities. The Library’s mission is to provide our community open access to resources that inform, entertain and enrich. For further information, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org.

CONTACT: Robert J. Rua

Communications Coordinator

216.749.9496

mbrookshire@cuyahogalibrary.org

Adams’ personal library-a collection of 3,500 books willed by Adams to the people of Massachusetts-provides first-hand insight in to how John Adams shaped American history and how he in turn was shaped by his lifelong dedication to reading and books.  Visitors to the exhibit will witness one of our founding fathers wrestling with intellectual and political ideas at every stage in his long life-as a boy, university student, Boston lawyer, revolutionary leader, diplomat, President, and citizen of the early American republic.

The Boston Public Library and the American Library Association organized the exhibit with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities: great ideas brought to life.

The Minerva Public Library is offering a variety of free programs, including talks by local scholars, a “Bookcollecting 101″ program, and a visit from Abigail Adams, in connection with the exhibit.  Please call 330-868-4101 for details, or visit www.minerva.lib.oh.us.  “John Adams Unbound” will be on display at the library until May 6, 2009.

Tom Dillie
Director, Minerva Public Library
677 Lynnwood Dr.
Minerva OH 44657
330-868-4101
dillieto@oplin.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Robert J. Rua

Communications Coordinator

216.749.9487

rrua@cuyahogalibrary.org

Parma, OH – February 4, 2009 – Cuyahoga County Public Library is pleased to announce Judith E. Carey as its new Development Director. As the head of the Library’s newly created Development Office, she will oversee fundraising activities for the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation; build and expand community partnerships; and manage planned giving and major donations. Prior to joining the Library, Carey served as Chief Development Officer for the Cleveland Society for the Blind. She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs, and is affiliated with numerous community organizations.

Deborah Ensor has been named the Library’s new Technical Services Director. She will oversee the purchasing, cataloging and processing of Library materials (books, periodicals, CDs, DVDs, etc.). Ensor spent thirteen years as the Collection Resources Manager for the Medina County District Library. She earned her MLS from the University of Pittsburgh and is an active member of the American Library Association, the Public Library Association and the Ohio Library Council.

Pamela Matthews has been named the Library’s new Acquisitions Manager. Matthews will supervise and direct the ordering, receiving, processing and conservation of library materials. She has extensive acquisitions management experience, and has worked in acquisitions in public and university libraries. Matthews received her Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh.

About Cuyahoga County Public Library

Cuyahoga County Public Library consistently ranks as one of the nation’s ten busiest and best library systems. Its 28 branches serve 47 communities. The Library’s mission is to provide our community open access to resources that inform, entertain and enrich. For further information, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org. ###