Speak up for Libraries' Access to Ebooks (and craft requests for Children's Library)

If you have not yet heard, there's a controversy out there.

Many of the newest, most popular books, are not available to libraries as ebooks.  Some that are have prices (to libraries) that might cause your jaw to drop.  Luckily, action is possible now.  Several websites are hosting information or petitions. Facebook has a group.  [Did you know Facebook changed the rules recently on "liking Pages"?  Now you not only have to like the page, but then, on that page, click on the little box with a gear and select "add to list"--and you may need to name that list the first time--in order to ever see that page's posts in your regular news-stream.]

One library advocate made a short video, comparing which titles you are accustomed to seeing in hardback at the library and which are still not available to libraries electronically.  http://youtu.be/l5anyt9jooI or

The blog where this video first posted is:
http://ebooksforlibraries.com/news/libraries-advocacy-and-ebooks-whos-doing-what/
It is one place to keep current with developments on this issue.

One library system is leading the charge.  Here is their specific list of actions to take: http://www.piercecountylibrary.org/books-materials/audiobooks-ebooks/Default.htm#scrooge

Does this affect you? Let us know in the comments or chat with us during your next visit.

P. S.: The Children's department hopes to collect stacks of the following items for this year's Summer Reading Programs crafts:
styrofoam trays (the kind under meats or produce at the store)
oatmeal containers
metal coffee cans (1 to 2 lb and 5 lb)
scrap 2x4s (about 5 inches)
net bags (the orange mesh around fruit and root vegetables)
everlasting flowers, or fresh flowers to dehydrate into everlasting displays
And just as a reminder: the rolls in wrapping paper or paper towels
the lids on juice bottles or milk jugs

#5 Children's programming and materials

Cheryl's Teddy Graham Racers

Ruidoso Public Library is honored to have Cheryl Volosin as Youth Services Supervisor and Kari Dawn Kolander on our Children's Services Team.  This pair packs energy and enthusiasm into every activity, plan, and presentation.  Our Summer Reading Program is off and running with different themes for each week's activities.

click to view larger version of Summer Schedule

Cheryl and Kari Dawn are go-to gals for questions about how to incorporate more reading into your kid's, or kids', daily schedule.  We have audiobooks to help those not yet reading at their peers' level.  Listening to a book still adds new vocabulary--if you note it and practice the new word.  Audiobooks can really help with attention spans if the child can move around or play a little while listening; perhaps drawing a picture about that part of the story.  In a different side of attention spans, audiobooks can engage all the riders in a long car trip, whether discussing what just happened or guessing what comes next.  Audiobooks are also helpful for undiagnosed dyslexia as they keep literature fun and attainable while the system catches up. 

Our children's department has a growing graphic novel collection.  Graphic novels may contain as many words as early reading books and stretch the reader's visual literacy.  This means learning how to interpret a picture, especially to gain context from the background images and to interpolate events between frames.  I think of graphic novels as a gateway--to reading.  Our Kids' catalog is built upon the same principles: Scout displays images rather than words to help our youngest visitors find books of interest.

Ruidoso Public Library has resources for home schooling, too.  You and your student can access online, anytime, free classes from spelling to writing, science to math.  Khan Academy provides free tutoring recordings in maths, science, economics, and test preparation.  

Overdrive is now available; this means you can access, on your computer or download to many different devices and players, kids' ebooks and kids' e-audiobooks.  

I can't end this post without plugging our Pre-School Story Time, Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:15.  Kari Dawn, Cheryl, and occasionally Jennifer, bring two or three picture books to life.  Each week has a theme followed by a similar craft project, geared toward 2-5 year olds.  Anyone with a pre-schooler, who can sit still for 15 minutes, is welcome.

Library Day at New Mexico's Legistature; Resume Reviews at Workforce Solutions; and birds @your library

Libraries need you!
Thursday, February 2nd, is Library Day at New Mexico's Roundhouse in Santa Fe.



If you happen to be in Santa Fe, please, stop by the Roundhouse and stand up for libraries in New Mexico.

If that drive is not on your list, can you spare a phone call? Please visit the NM Legislature website to look up your representative's and senator's phone number.

I was an intern in an legislative office, back in college, and learned that legislators notice when the phones are all ringing.  You don't have to say anything witty or long, just let the staff know why you are calling.  Emails count, too, though they may hide in an e-mail inbox.  Every call, letter, and email supports libraries.

If you are looking for help with your resume', Workforce Solutions offers a workshop, today from noon-2 pm and the last Tuesday of each month.   Call  (575) 257-9296 for more information.  Workforce Solutions is now located on White Mountain Drive, in the complex with Sierra Vista Primary and White Mountain Elementary Schools.


Thursday at 4pm, Ruidoso Public Library hosts the Lincoln County Bird Club.  Join us (kids welcome, too!) to learn how to identify our local feathered friends.  

Thank you!

Ruidoso Public Library is here because of you--your support and your involvement.  

Image by Vernhart

Many of you are so kind when you visit, thanking us, the staff, for doing what we love to do.  Whether this means finding a book, an online resource, learning how to use something, or connecting with a service, we are happy to help.  Your commiserations after an awkward conversation and your compliments really help me (and all of us) keep smiling.

So I just wanted to share my gratitude with you as well!  Thank you!

Here's a video, created by the American Library Association, with authors advocating for libraries.  This may be 'preaching to the choir,' but it might come in as a handy resource to share with someone who isn't in touch with their library.  

Video by the American Library Association

See you at the library!