Misadventures of the Monster Librarian

Something most libraries/librarians have been watching VERY closely. I can't believe we have to fight so hard to protect our libraries and schools in our country. Sad panda. Colleagues, I’m pleased, but with important cautions, to tell you that all of our collective work to Fight for Libraries! is poised to pay off dramatically. Key parts of the House Appropriations Subcommittee bill that is scheduled to be voted on tomorrow afternoon at 4:30 EDT were released late this afternoon. The bill does NOT cut last year’s funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Once final, that would mean no cuts to LSTA in this critical first vote stage! (We’ll know about Innovative Approaches to Literacy tomorrow.  Now the cautions… While unlikely, an amendment could be offered to the bill that changes the IMLS appropriation. In addition, after tomorrow’s vote, there will be at least two further procedural opportunities for the bill to be amended. After the House acts, of ...

Did you know that Ohio is ranked 2nd for the most STARRED LIBRARIES in the U.S,?! Only coming in second behind NY!! I'm pretty proud and thankful to work in a state that fights hard to make its libraries something to be proud of!

From the American Library Association: "American Library Association supports makerspace in libraries" For Immediate Release Thu, 06/12/2014 Contact: Mary Ghikas Senior Associate Executive Director American Library Association 312-280-2518 mghikas@ala.org CHICAGO — Libraries of all types (academic, public, school, and special) are increasingly transforming their library spaces, resources and programming to offer makerspaces that provide opportunities for library patrons to engage with others in hands-on learning and creation. Reflecting this rising interest in the making movement, the White House plans to host its first Maker Faire on June 18. In addition to the Makers who will be at the White House, June 18 will be a nationwide Day of Making, when communities across America share and celebrate their involvement in this movement. The American Library Association would like to show library support for making in our communi...

By the time you read this I'm either Chicago bound, or already in the city. I am sooooo excited for my 1st ALA Conference; excited for a weekend break from Summer Reading; super excited to be in Chicago! (I can't believe it's already been over a year since my last visit with the Germans!) All the swanky, big hotels were booked already by the time I decided I was going, so I'll actually be staying in the same hostel I stayed at with the Germans...fine by me, it's right down the street from Chicago Public Library's Main Branch! More details soon!