Another “Fourth” Has Come and Gone

And I feel the need to re-share this post from 2014:

Look, I like fireworks as much as anybody (although I shouldn’t–they aren’t good for the environment), but I have to say I’m not very comfortable with the July 4 emphasis on militarism and American superiority.

When the rights of, and respect for, women, gay people, immigrants, minorities, people from other cultures, those living in poverty, and many other groups are compromised, it seems we could find better ways to spend July 4 than patting ourselves on the back.

 

Library Photo of the Month–July 2016

This gallery contains 5 photos.

This month’s library is the Morrill Memorial Library in Norwood, MA.

Dog Days

Embed from Getty Images

It’s been what I call hot here in the Midwest (some folks call it “warm.”) I also call it the “dog days” of summer. (Although those apparently don’t technically begin until July.)

Anyway, it’s been hot, I’ve been busy, and I’ll write another blog post soon (when I’ve cooled down.)

 

 

Libraries Forever?

You know how I feel about libraries. But I’m happy to say that the article Has the Library Outlived its Usefulness in the Age of the Internet? supports my view.

You’ll want to read the whole article of course, but just to give you a hint, here are the last sentences:

. . . we are beginning to design libraries that seek to restore parts of the library’s historic role as an institution of learning, culture and intellectual community.

Any library, public or academic, able to live up to so important a role will never outlive its usefulness.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

As the author of 10 Ways You Can Earn Respect comments, respect may be an old-fashioned idea, but it still matters.

Cheers!

Here’s a different kind of library! The John Wilkinson Family Wine Library at Cornell University (NY) “contains no books and offers no borrowing privileges.” 

What Do They Think?

Library leaders and staff members like to know what their users think of them.

Fortunately, as it turns out, most Americans think local libraries are doing a pretty good job, particularly when it comes to serving the educational needs of their community 

Someone to Celebrate

Last week I was away from home, and busy helping my mom celebrate her 95th birthday. She rates mention because, well, she’s my mom. Also, because she’s 95 years old!  But, in keeping with one of the main themes of this blog, she still reads. Her local library delivers large print books every month or so.

And finally, I think I’ve mentioned this before, but she instilled in me a love for books and reading. So, celebrating Mom in today’s blog post.

Problems or Solutions?

This is a tough one I think.

 

Library Photo of the Month–June 2016

Not far from the booming metropolis of Madison you can find the quaint village of Cross Plains (population around 3,500),