Misadventures of the Monster Librarian

Just received this email from Ohio State Librarian, Beverly Cain.  Even if you're not from Ohio, it's worth the read.  Even if you're not a librarian, it's worth the read.  The following message is sent on behalf of State Librarian Beverly Cain: Dear Colleague, The White House has released its new budget blueprint, an advisory document that proposes increases in spending to military programs and national security, coupled with major decreases to—or the complete elimination of—many programs supporting museum and library services, scientific data and research, human health, and environmental safety; social uplift, education, and protection for the poor; international diplomacy, cooperation, and aid; and the arts, culture, and history. The House and Senate will now begin offering their own budget resolutions, and a long process of negotiation—informed by the will of the people, as expressed to our elected representatives—will ultimately re...

You guys, I think I just booked reindeer for our Library's Santa Visit!! This has been one of those weird things I've wanted to do since I've been here, but honestly always forgot about as we were scheduling the craziness of December, i.e. Santa's visit and our Gingerbread House program (which brings in over 70 people--which is A LOT for us!) And there I was, at a library breakfast meeting, when someone said they'd used this farm before... So, I am waiting to hear back from the reindeer owner. He promised an email or call tomorrow. So, fingers crossed...it's all I want for Thanksgiving. Well, that and an engagement ring. You guys ChicagoBoy is having an engagement ring designed as we speak. What the what!?!!!??!?!

Super excited to see the information is finally available for the OLC Convention and Expo . And reallyvexcited to spend 2.5 days in Cinci! Get going and book your room at the amazing Millenium before it's too late! Only $125 +tax/night and register soon!

"The conference report on House Bill (HB) 64, the state’s two year main operating budget bill, was adopted on a 4-2 party-line vote at about 2:30a.m. this morning.   The Senate is expected to approve the report later today and the House will vote tomorrow . Rep. Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell), Sen. Scott Oelslager (R-N. Canton), Sen. Bill Coley (R-Liberty Township) and Rep. Kirk Schuring (R-Canton) voted for the report.   Sen. Mike Skindell (D-Lakewood) and Rep. Denise Driehaus (D-Cincinnati) voted against the report. PLF – The Conference Committee kept the language increasing the PLF percentage to 1.7% of the total General Revenue Fund (GRF).   This is a huge success because anything can happen in Conference Committee.   However, they chose not to include a provision guaranteeing us the actual dollar amounts estimated in the budget documents. Tax Package – The Conference Committee made a few changes as they worked out the differences between the Ho...

...sorta... more soon...? Until then, an update on the PLF, from Michelle Francis at Ohio Library Council: "RE: PLF CHANGES IN STATE BUDGET BILL Yesterday, the House Finance Committee accepted a substitute version of HB 64, the state's biennial budget bill. The House's version of the bill includes a provision increasing the PLF from 1.66% to 1.7%. In addition, the substitute bill makes numerous changes to the governor's tax reform proposal. The substitute bill contains more than 3,000 pages. We will send out additional information and talking points once we have an opportunity to review all of the changes. This is definitely a step forward, but we still have a long way to go in the overall budget process. The House hopes to finish their work next week after additional hearings and amendments. Then, the bill will move to the Senate for consideration. This change will be the primary focus of our advocacy efforts on Legislative Day on April 28th!...

*toot toot*

The Huron County Community Library has 2 Youth Programming Clerk positions available for immediate hire.  The positions are at separate locations (Greenwich and Willard), 25 hpw, $7.95 - $9.00 depending on experience.  Candidates with teen programming experience especially desirable.  We are a member of SEO, using the ILS Symphony WorkFlows. Resumes received prior to November 15 will be given first consideration, please send to director@huroncolib.org Laura Lee Wilson, MLIS Library Director Huron County Community Library 6 West Emerald Street Willard, OH 44890 PH: 419-933-2544 FX: 419-933-4783 llwilson@huroncolib.org

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!

Just wanted to shout out a huge THANK YOU! to Ohio voters! The fact that all but 3 library levies passed speaks volumes about this states dedication to education! 

"Among the Rocks" Oh, good gigantic smile o’ the brown old earth,       This autumn morning! How he sets his bones To bask i’ the sun, and thrusts out knees and feet For the ripple to run over in its mirth;       Listening the while, where on the heap of stones The white breast of the sea-lark twitters sweet. That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true;       Such is life’s trial, as old earth smiles and knows. If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you:       Make the low nature better by your throes! Give earth yourself, go up for gain above!  --Robert Browning Another lovely poem for another lovely autumn morning.    Heading out soon for a gathering of Adult Librarians at the Upper Sandusky Community Library, where we will discuss creative program...

I remember how hard I searched for jobs when I was coming out of grad school, so that's why I've been periodically sharing what passes through my inbox. Young Minds Program Leader job opening at The Columbus Metropolitan Library THE POSITION: The Young Minds Program Leader has the opportunity to help address community needs identified in the library’s Young Minds strategy, our top priority. Building a foundation for a successful life is the outcome we strive to attain for the children we serve, and the work we do every day reflects this aspiration. This position is responsible for key areas in our Youth Services program that support our goals of preparing children, their parents and caregivers for kindergarten (Ready for Kindergarten); increasing school-age literacy and reading proficiency (Third Grade Reading – Ohio’s state mandated initiative; Summer Reading Club) and supporting high school graduation success (Homework Help). Columbus Metropolit...

Just read this an interesting email from the Ohio Library Council: "Cleveland Public Library, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, and Toledo-Lucas County Public Library were recently awarded a combined total of $508,457 in federal LSTA funds from the State Library of Ohio, matched with $251,964 from the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) to create a network of coordinated Digitization Hubs. The Digitization Hubs will be regional digitization centers with specialized, state-of-the-art technology to digitize and archive, for online access and hard copy reproduction, rare and culturally significant materials located in their libraries. Once established, the hubs will also serve other libraries, museums, archives, and local communities. The goal of this four library partnership is to expand, standardize, and coordinate the digitization programs located in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo, ...

I fell off the map there for a few days; caught something that first appeared on my birthday, then seemed to be going away, before then turning into a terrible cough/congestion/ear ache/fever/sore throat that kept me home for a day and a half this week. Ugh. It was terrible. It's been a week and I still feel exhausted and sore, and not quite right...hoping that going for a long walk and breathing in this glorious, chilly fall air tonight will help! Just want to share this bit of gloriousness, which was passed along by the Ohio Library Council; according to the OLC: "Ohio voters approved all but one of the 26 public library issues on local ballots around the state. Unofficial election results for the library ballot issues show that four new levies, 16 renewal levies, three replacement levies, and two replacement/additional levies were successful. One renewal levy was defeated." For the unofficial ballot results, or if you're just curious which libraries had ...