Lobby From Home!

By now you've surely seen the messages from the Iowa Library Association reminding you that Wednesday, February 22nd, is "Lobby from Home Day." Here's an excerpt from an email from Susan Craig, President of ILA:

"This is the day that ILA asks the whole Iowa library community to contact their state legislators to ask them to support Iowa libraries. This year we are supporting the Governor’s increases in funding for the State Library of Iowa and Enrich Iowa. We are joining the Library Service Areas to ask the Legislature to add $50,000 to the LSA budget to allow them to continue their vital work. In addition, ILA and the IASL are working with allies—including the ISEA and the School Administrators of Iowa—to restore the requirement for a teacher-librarian in each school district. ILA is also opposing the Internet filtering bills and obscenity law revisions that would override existing, locally created, library policies."

We would like to encourage everyone to go to the ILA Website to learn what to say, and who to contact. Remember, your voice is important--and everyone's voice needs to be heard!

Trustees Discuss Funding Difficulties

Ten Library Trustees, representing the four libraries in Scott County, came together at the Scott County Library Headquarters in Eldridge for a Trustee Roundtable last evening. The discussion was lively, and focused primarily on the difficulty of providing quality library service on dwindling budgets. Of particular concern to the group was Senate Study Bill 3085, known informally as the "Essential Services Bill." There is growing concern that if libraries are on a theoretical "non-essential" list that funding from cities will continue to worsen. Directors LaWanda Roudebush (Davenport) and Faye Clow (Bettendorf) were also on hand to provide statistics and definitions to the group.

Other topics included the low reimbursement rate for programs such as Open Access and Access Plus, bills related to obscenity and filters, and the Libraries Together project.

Fort Madison announces Website Re-design

After months of work, the Fort Madison Library would like to invite you to visit their newly-designed website:
www.fortmadisonlibrary.org

Visitors to the site can see a caledar of events, a great set of reference links, and even plans for the new library, which is slated to be open in mid-to-late 2007. Check back for updates!
[Source: Emily Rohlfs, director]

(Director Ardee Ostrem shows off her NEW office!!!)

Columbus Junction cuts Ribbon at new Civic Center Building

Most say it took more than 15 years for this community's dream to become a reality! On February 13, the citizens of Columbus Junction were invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony for the city's new Civic Center. The building, which houses the library, council chambers, city offices, a New Iowan center, and much more, cost an estimated $2 million to build. Approximately $1 million was raised locally, while about $525,000 came from the State in the form of a Vision Iowa C.A.T. grant. Director Ardith Ostrem, her staff, and her Board were all on hand to give tours. Congratulations Columbus Junction!

Regional Roundtables cover Hot Topics

Twenty-three librarians, representing 18 communities in Southeastern Iowa participated in Regional Roundtables during the month of January. During each of two sessions, (graciously hosted by the libraries in Sigourney and West Point) librarians discussed issues related to equitable funding, changes to the SILO locator, upcoming Gates Foundation initiatives, and top library trends.

Check out the Princeton Branch!

On Friday, January 20th, Southeastern was treated to a tour of the newly-renovated Princeton Branch of the Scott County Library System. The branch, housed in an old bank building, features a totally re-done interior with fresh colors, furniture, and technology. Note the "safe" in the photos--that space is used for a teen area and has its own computers. Special thanks to Pam Collins, director, for our tour.

Library Supply Vendors for 2006

When ordering supplies, remember to take full advantage of the state negotiated discounts for Iowa libraries. Several library supply vendors offer sizeable discounts on office supplies, among them Brodart, Demco, Highsmith, Quill, and The Library Store. The staff at North Central LSA negotiates these supply discounts each year. Public and school libraries are eligible; remember to include the specific bid number for each vendor with your orders. All bids run from January 1, 2006 through January 31, 2007. Here's the link to the discount schedule and details from each vendor; scroll down and click on LIBRARY SUPPLY VENDORS. http://www.nclsa.lib.ia.us/
[Source: NWLSA and NCLSA]

*UPDATE* DEADLINE EXTENDED! Applications will now be accepted until March 1, 2006. See website below for further details.


"We The People" project Expands

The grant initiative will award sets of 15 classic books for young readers that address the theme of "Becoming American" to a total of 2,000 libraries across the country. School (K-12) and public libraries are eligible to apply. Libraries selected to receive the grants are required to use the Bookshelf selections in programs for young readers in their communities. For complete information, including a list of titles, visit www.ala.org/wethepeople

Bettendorf Public Library Foundation Love & Logic Seminars

Thanks to a generous grant from the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation Betsy Geddes of the Love and Logic Institute will present two free seminars in Bettendorf on Monday, March 27th. "Discipline that Builds Self Discipline" is geared toward educators and will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. "Responsible Parents Raise Responsible Kids" will focus on the needs of parents and will take place from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Although the programs are geared toward specific audiences, they are both open to all patrons. Both programs will be held at the Bettendorf High School Auditorium, thanks to the cooperation of Bettendorf Community Schools.

Jim Fay, the founder of the Institute, is an internationally recognized expert on the issues of parenting and school discipline. No registration is required to attend the programs. For more information call Rita Rosauer at 344-4191.