Category Archives: Library in Community

Praise is Not Enough

Posted on March 5, 2015 by cbecker53

There is an article, In Praise of Libraries (The Rotarian Magazine, March 2015), that is getting a lot of buzz in library circles.  Even if you aren’t in the library world, you should read it.  It’s a hymn of praise, … Continue reading →

Posted in Collections, Library Funding, Library in Community, Library Programs, Library Services, Library spaces, Public Libraries | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

Snow and Libraries

Posted on February 4, 2015 by cbecker53

Much of the country had snowy and blizzard conditions recently.  Lots of libraries closed.  So begins the ever popular debate, whether to close or stay open.  Personally, I think it is a hard call.  I don’t think libraries should necessarily … Continue reading →

Posted in Library in Community, Public Libraries | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Makerspaces

Posted on November 17, 2014 by cbecker53

OK, I’m stepping outside my comfort zone.  I don’t know a lot or understand a lot about the makerspace movement.  You probably know a lot more about it than I do.  But basically, a makerspace is just a place where … Continue reading →

Posted in Library in Community, Library Programs, Public Libraries, Services, Technology | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Now, THIS is Scary!

Posted on October 28, 2014 by cbecker53

This article has nothing to do with Halloween. It is a letter from a resident of Park Ridge, Illinois voicing his opinion against a library referendum, and it is filled with misinformation and bias against public libraries.  What’s scary is … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Economy, Library Funding, Library in Community | Leave a comment

Avant Garde

Posted on October 23, 2014 by cbecker53

Today I’m looking at a site called The Daily Post from WordPress, and discovered that every day they publish a new “daily prompt” for bloggers to use when they’re having trouble blogging that day.  The daily prompt pushes them to … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Collections, Customer Service, Information Services, Library in Community, Library Partnerships, Library Programs, Library Services, Public Libraries, Services, Technology | Leave a comment

This is NOT Good Service

Posted on October 3, 2014 by cbecker53

So, I’m apparently a little late to this party.  Yes, I knew some folks, and some “states” don’t like the Affordable Care Act (abbreviated ACA, and also sometimes called Obamacare).  My own state refused federal money to expand healthcare coverage … Continue reading →

Posted in Censorship, Customer Service, Information Services, Library in Community, Library Programs, Public Libraries, Services | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Arts in Libraries

Posted on September 26, 2014 by cbecker53

To me, libraries, perhaps especially public libraries, are natural spaces for the arts, and it is natural for libraries to partner with artists, whether performing or visual artists. This article (Huffington Post) showcases 5 ways libraries cultivate community art.  Perhaps … Continue reading →

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Let’s Have a Party!

Posted on September 9, 2014 by cbecker53

So, with today being our 25th wedding anniversary, I am thinking about celebrations.  Which makes me think about creative use of library spaces.  I’ve been hearing and reading more and more about weddings and other celebrations in libraries, and I … Continue reading →

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The Times They are a-Changin’

Posted on August 26, 2014 by cbecker53

So, you know I support libraries.  All libraries, of all kinds. But you also know, today’s libraries are not your mama’s libraries.  Or if they are, they probably aren’t doing well, or aren’t well-supported. Libraries, like people, animals, cultures, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Change, Funding, Library in Community, Library Partnerships, Library Services, Services | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Library Advocacy Done Right!

Posted on July 18, 2014 by cbecker53

There is very little I can say about Thing 1 and Thing 2 (from The M Word).  Except, read it.  And watch the video.  And read the Power Guide.  And learn how your library can do this too.  Library boards, … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Funding, Library Boards, Library Funding, Library in Community, Library Trustees, Marketing, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment