THE for America’s Libraries VOICE ISSN 1084-4694 VOLUME 19, ISSUE 5 OCTOBER 2018

New perspectives in advocacy groups: Engaging millennials

BY LINA BERTINELLI, MADELINE JARVIS, applicants. Think critically about KATHY KOSINSKI, & TESS WILSON current board skill sets and which Despite the Pew Research Group’s skills would complement and com- findings that millennials use their plete the makeup. public libraries more than any other • Be flexible on board requirements adult generation, that cohort is under- to accommodate different stages IN THIS ISSUE represented in library advocacy groups of life. Can members serve partial President’s Message 2 such as Boards of Trustees, Friends, terms if a board commitment spans years? If there is a suggested finan- News & Notes 3 and Foundations. Earlier this year, United for Libraries (United) worked cial contribution, is there a sliding Around ALA 5 with an ALA Emerging Leaders team scale or anonymous way to give? Framework for Foundations 6 to see if barriers to millennial service • Empower committees and mem- bers to complete tasks ahead of Tools for Trustees 8 could be identified and eliminated and created a nationwide survey of library scheduled meetings. If volunteers Focus on Friends 11 advocacy groups. One of the biggest are juggling child care and jobs, at- State Friends Spotlight 14 barriers discovered through the survey tending monthly meetings may be difficult. Instead of passing on busy Good Ideas from the Network 15 was that millennials are not informed as frequently of opportunities. Only 46 volunteers, allow them to com- Book Club Central 19 percent of millennials serving in advo- plete worthwhile tasks within their Book Club Choices 21 cacy groups, as opposed to 62 percent schedules. • Pitch to community passions. The Corporate Sponsors & Board of Directors 23 of older generations, heard of open po- sitions through word of mouth. vast majority of millennial survey Books for Babies 24 To increase awareness and under- respondents volunteer for altruistic standing of open positions, we recom- reasons: 33.9 percent do so out mend that advocacy groups: of love of their community/desire to be involved; 28.57 percent vol- ALA TRUSTEE CITATION • Expand your networks. Present unteer because of their interest in Nominations for the ALA Trustee advocacy opportunities to young reading, libraries, and literacy. Citation are due Jan. 7. professional groups and at library • Ask for help. Your state library, page 8 events. One millennial board state library associations, and member said she learned of the op- United all have dedicated staff and BAKER & TAYLOR AWARDS portunity at storytime. If you are resources to help advocacy groups looking for new members who are Learn about this year’s Baker & Taylor thrive. If you have dealt with Award recipients. passionate about the library, ask something in your community, page 11 your patrons. chances are other libraries have as • Explain your work. Help staff, well. patrons, and community members SJP’S NEW BOOK PICK see the direct link between your The team shared initial findings Book Club Central Honorary Chair board’s work and the library pro- at the ALA annual conference in June. Sarah Jessica Parker selects Wayétu grams and resources they enjoy. Session attendees were invited to offer Moore’s She Would Be King for fall • Know your needs. Is a board com- their perspective on advocacy group pick. mitment simply a few hours per involvement both within libraries and page 19 month? Are special skills needed across other cultural and educational for success? Advertise the position institutions. Millennial volunteers description alongside your call for continued on page 10 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 1 President’s Message

Libraries: Why? How? What? What is your tion, Employment, Entrepreneurship, why? Like mil- Empowerment, and Engagement: these lions of others, I five basic “E’s” enabled me talk about watched Simon the “What” and the “How,” but they Sinek’s TED Talk empowered me to find my Why“ .” “How Great My passion is to help people un- Leaders Inspire derstand why libraries are essential Action” and to our community and to our culture. learned to start This is my “Why.” For me, Sinek’s with “Why.” I Golden Circle formed a visual founda- recommend that Skip Dye, United for tion. This helped me understand why you take the time Libraries President I do what I do, and how I do it. I un- to watch it (www. derstood advocacy isn’t just something ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_ you do when you need something. leaders_inspire_action). In the talk, Advocacy is something that needs to be Sinek introduced his Golden Circle. a part of your daily works and deeds. It has three questions: Why? How? Believing and stating our “Why” to The United What? Sounds easy enough, right? But, others supports in a truer understand- for me thinking about Libraries and the ing of why libraries are essential. The for Libraries essential role they play in their com- “How’s” showcase our values. “What” munities, I sometimes got trapped in is the result of our actions. “Why” is office will be the “What” and the “How.” Luckily, the connector that inspires and feds the it seems that a lot of people do. So, for passion. closed Nov. 22- myself, I had to define “Why.” This October edition of our news- What is my “Why?” Especially, letter highlights National Friends of 23 and Dec. as I started this role as President of Libraries Week October 21-27. It is the United for Libraries, I felt I needed to 13th year celebrating the contributions 24-25. answer this. The assumption of “How” and important work of Friends. From we support and advocate for our li- fundraising to supporting their library’s braries and “What” we do to ensure activities and programs and the hun- funding for our libraries, I thought, dreds of other “How’s” and “What’s”, The Voice for America’s Libraries is demonstrates the “Why.” This was Friends groups are vital to the ongoing published by United for Libraries: my assumption. To me it was a clear. I support of libraries. It is a great time to The Association of Library Trustees, realized soon that I was only talking to offer awareness of and promote mem- Advocates, Friends and Foundations, myself. When we meet with civil lead- bership in your Friends group. In this a division of the American Library ers, our local and state legislators, we issue and on our website (www.ala.org/ Association (ALA). say “What” libraries do, and we say united), we offer many ideas around For membership information, call (800) “How” libraries contribute, but we events you can sponsor. Please share 545-2433, ext. 2161, email united@ala. seem to forget to say “Why.” It is the with us your photos of events and cel- org, or visit www.ala.org/united. “Why” that makes the connection and ebrations held at your library by email- clarifies the issue you are advocating. ing [email protected]. United for Libraries In my last President’s Message, National Friends of Libraries Week 859 W. Lancaster Ave. I wrote about my own story around is the great time to celebrate your Unit 2-1 figuring out how to make connections “Why.” Simon Sinek encourages or- Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 as I advocated for library funding ganizations to share their “Why.” By at National Library Legislative Day sharing and proclaiming your “Why,” Send editorial contributions, articles, in 2017. I spoke about my need for you attract others that also share in newsletters and news releases a concise 30-second elevator speech your “Why.” Friends are united. The attention The Voice to the address which helped me bridge the perception community that we build together, above or to [email protected]. verses reality gap that exists when talk- rooted in the basic “Why,” is key to ing about what libraries do for their the continued support of our libraries. The Voice is a copyrighted publication communities. I wrote about how The I have found my “Why.” I encourage and cannot be photocopied and E’s of Libraries® helped me. Educa- you to find yours. distributed.

2 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 News & Notes

Veronda J. Pitchford selected for ASCLA’s Cathleen Bourdon Service Award Upcoming events

United for Libraries Board Mem- ten called “an Teen Read Week ber Veronda J. Pitchford, director of evangelist for Oct. 7-13, 2018 membership development & resource ASCLA, an http://teenreadweek.ning.com sharing for Reaching Across Illinois ambassador Library System (RAILS), was selected for position- National Friends of Libraries Week for the 2018 Cathleen Bourdon Service ing libraries as Oct. 21-27, 2018 Award administered by the Association major players www.ala.org/united/events_ of Specialized and Cooperative Library in the ebook conferences/folweek Agencies (ASCLA). world, and a Veronda J. Pitchford “Veronda is the co-founder and connector ex- Picture Book Month co-chair of the ASCLA Consortial traordinaire.” November 2018 eBook Interest Group from 2014 to Pitchford has also been an influ- http://picturebookmonth.com the present. During this time, the in- ential leaders in United for Librar- terest group has grown to become an ies, serving as Friend at Large on the International Games Week important forum for library leaders United for Libraries board, and mem- Nov. 4-10, 2018 and library vendors to meet to discuss ber guide for the United for Libraries http://games.ala.org/international developments in digital content. If a Emerging Leaders project on engaging -games-week new initiative arises that might enhance Millennials on Friends, Trustee, and the digital experience for consortiums, Foundation Boards. ALA Midwinter Meeting its proponents know that the eBook Pitchford was honored at the AS- Jan. 25-29, 2019 Interest Group is an important place to CLA Achievement Awards Ceremony Seattle, Wash. introduce the idea, hear thoughts on it, at the ALA Annual Conference in New www.ala.org/conferencesevents and generate attention to it,” said nom- Orleans. inator Michael Blackwell. “Her name ASCLA, a division of the American Teen Tech Week is, in short, synonymous with innova- Library Association, enhances the effec- March 3-9, 2019 tion, community and collaboration, tiveness of library service by advocating http://teentechweek.ning.com and using ASCLA’s reach to engage and for and providing high quality network- excite,” Blackwell added. ing, enrichment and educational op- School Library Month Colleagues specifically highlight portunities for its diverse members, who April 2019 Pitchford’s commitment to ASCLA and represent state library agencies, libraries www.ala.org/aasl/slm her efforts to bring more visibility to serving special populations, library co- ASCLA which explains why she is of- operatives and library consultants. National Library Week April 7-13, 2019 www.ala.org/nlw

ALA Midwinter Meeting to be held Jan. 25-29, 2019 Preservation Week April 21-27, 2019 The 2019 ALA Mid- www.ala.org/preservationweek winter Meeting will Children’s Book Week be held in Seattle. April 29-May 5, 2019 http://everychildareader.net/cbw For details on United ALA Annual Conference for Libraries pro- June 20-25, 2019 grams and events, Washington, D.C. www.ala.org/conferencesevents visit www.ala.org/ united/midwinter.

October 2018 3 News & Notes

United for Libraries dedicates John Hope Franklin Literary Landmark

BY PROFESSOR KAREN NEUROHR Research and Oral History Outreach Librarian, Oklahoma State University Library; FOLIO Board Member and Immediate Past-President United for Libraries, in partnership with Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma (FOLIO), the John Hope Franklin Cen- ter for Reconciliation, and the Okla- homa State University (OSU) Library, co-coordinated Oklahoma’s 14th Liter- ary Landmark site dedication on May 31. The John Hope Franklin Reconcili- ation Park in Tulsa was dedicated in honor of the late Dr. John Hope Frank- lin. The dedication occurred during the ninth annual Reconciliation in America Symposium, sponsored by the Center. John Hope Franklin was born in Rentiesville, Okla., in 1915. His father Buck was an attorney and his mother Mollie was a schoolteacher. In early 1921, Buck relocated to Tulsa for bet- ter opportunities. Unfortunately, the family’s plan to join him was delayed Front row, from left: Debanice Hoy, John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation (JHFCR) by four years due to the Tulsa Race volunteer; Rosalind Crenshaw, JHFCR Dinner of Reconciliation chair and Board of Directors Riot/Massacre (1921). At 16 years of member; Sharon Louie, JHFCR volunteer; John W. Franklin, son of Dr. John Hope Franklin, and age, John graduated valedictorian from senior manager, Office of External Affairs, Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African Booker T. Washington High School in American History & Culture; Jean M. Neal, JHFCR program, development, and event manager; Dr. Dewayne Dickens, JHFCR Chair, Annual National Symposium on Race and Reconciliation. Back Tulsa (1931). He furthered his educa- row, from left: Reuben Gant, JHFCR executive director; Julius Pegues, JHFCR chairman, Board of tion with a bachelor’s degree from Fisk Directors. Photo credit: Karen Neurohr University (1935), a master’s (1936) and a doctorate (1941) from Harvard. His lifetime of teaching appointments American Historians (1975), the United versary of the tragic Tulsa Race Riot/ included Fisk University, St. Augus- Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa (1973- Massacre. The ceremony began at the tine’s College, North Carolina College, 1976), and the American Historical corner of Archer Street and Greenwood Howard University, Brooklyn College, Association (1979). During his career, Avenue with a memorial walk to the University of Chicago, and Duke Dr. Franklin delivered State Department the park, then opened with a welcome University. He became one of America’s and United States Information Service from Reuben Gant, executive director most esteemed historians and was lectures throughout the world. of the Center, and a prayer offered by awarded more than 130 honorary doc- In 1982 Dr. Franklin joined the Reverend Debra Garfinkel. OSU Li- torate degrees. Duke University faculty as James B. brary Professor Karen Neurohr, FOLIO Dr. Franklin worked on the land- Duke Professor of History. In 1985 President and co-coordinator for the mark Brown vs. Board of Education he was elected James B. Duke Profes- event, introduced Tulsa writer Michael case (1954), and held several political sor of History Emeritus, and he joined Wallis as master of ceremonies. Tulsa appointments including the Fulbright the Duke University Law School as a City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper Board of Scholarships (1962-1969), and professor of legal history. Dr. Franklin read a city proclamation, and State President Clinton’s National Advisory was awarded the Presidential Medal of Representative Regina Goodwin read a Board on Race (1997). He served as Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian state proclamation. president of several national organiza- honor in 1995. He died in 2009. In presenting biographical infor- tions including the American Studies The Literary Landmark dedication Association (1967), the Organization of was held Thurs., May 31, the anni- continued on page 9

4 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 Around ALA

New video PSAs starring Constance Wu promote library resources

Constance Wu, star of the filmCra - known for her roles in the web series The PSAs zy Rich Asians, is featured in three new EastSiders and ABC’s Fresh Off the are made video Public Service Announcements Boat. She has also had supporting roles possible by (PSAs) promoting the transformative in Law & Order: SVU, Torchwood, Warner Bros. resources available at libraries. In the Covert Affairs, and One Life to Live. Pictures PSAs, Wu shares her love of libraries In 2017, she was named one of the Group, ALA and explains how they advance inclu- TIME 100, an annual list of the 100 Graphics sion and education for people of all most influential people in the world. and Libraries backgrounds. The PSAs are free and are Wu stars as Rachel in the roman- Transform, a available for download at www.iloveli- tic comedy Crazy Rich Asians, based national ini- braries.org/constance-wu. on the worldwide bestseller by Kevin tiative of the ALA members and library sup- Kwan. The story follows Rachel as she ALA which porters are encouraged to share and accompanies her longtime boyfriend, increases post the PSAs to library webpages and Nick, to his best friend’s wedding in public aware- social media channels to publicize the Singapore. Excited about visiting Asia ness of the value, impact and services critical role libraries and librarians play but nervous about meeting Nick’s fam- provided by libraries and library pro- in lifelong learning and transforming ily, Rachel is unprepared to learn that fessionals. Library supporters are wel- lives. Social media graphics and sample he has neglected to mention a few key come to join the Libraries Transform posts for the PSAs are also provided. details about his life…including the campaign at www.ilovelibraries.org/ Wu also makes her debut in a new fact that he is from one of the country’s librariestransform to access free re- READ® poster, which is available for wealthiest families and is one of its sources and tools to promote the value purchase at the ALA Store. Wu is best most sought-after bachelors. of our nation’s libraries.

Attending National Library Legislative Day

The following piece was written by participate in book clubs, receive re- Yolanda Peña Mendrek, winner of sume assistance and attend job training the 2018 White House Conference programs, research about health is- on Library and Information Services sues, and learn a new language, among Taskforce (WHCLIST) Award. many other things. With that in mind, I applied for the WHCLIST Award, Where do I begin? A great many and was amazed when I was informed thanks to American Library Associa- that I had won. I was thrilled and hon- tion for organizing National Library ored to be recognized, in front of my Legislative Day (NLLD), a grassroots advocates peers, during the National event held in Washington, D.C. in May. Library Legislative Day reception at the Yolanda Peña Mendrek and 2017-18 ALA Attending NLLD for the first time was Hart Senate building. President Jim Neal. an exciting, as well as a rewarding ex- On Monday, in order to learn how perience. And that experience started to positively advocate and make the and Lofgren, who are both supporters before I even arrived in D.C best of our time, all attendees received of education and libraries services. In I registered to attend NLLD for advocacy training. We learned what to addition, we met with staff members of the first time because I wanted to tell say in our meetings with members of Representatives Swalwell, and Khanna, our representatives why we needed Congress and how to say it, whether and Senators Feinstein and Harris. I their support in passing legislation we had the opportunity to talk with appreciated meeting with the staffers, that will fund libraries across the USA. the elected official in person or with who were very knowledgeable and gra- Our libraries are not only places to their staffers. cious during our meetings. read books and newspapers, they are On Tuesday, I joined others from community hubs where friends and the California delegation to meet in acquaintances meet with others to person with Representatives DeSaulnier continued on page 6

October 2018 5 Framework for Foundations

Jeffrey K. Riley named new executive director of Denver (Colo.) Public Library Friends Foundation Following a highly competitive na- nership with Denver City Librarian Mi- the Friends tional search, the Denver (Colo.) Public chelle Jeske and the mayoral-appointed Foundation Library Friends Foundation (DPLFF) Denver Public Library Commission. are fantastic announced the selection of Jeffrey K. “The Friends Foundation is a great community Riley as its new Executive Director partner of the Denver Public Library,” assets,” said starting Aug. 13, 2018. Riley will be said Michelle Jeske, city librarian for Riley. “The responsible for leading the fundraising, the Denver Public Library. “Each year, Library strategic leadership and overall man- their philanthropic efforts enhance sev- and Friends agement of DPLFF as the Foundation eral of our programs and services we Foundation works to achieve its vision of being offer our community. We are excited are provid- Jeffrey K. Riley among the top library foundations in to have Mr. Riley lead these efforts. ing access to the nation in terms of dollars raised to His vast experience and passion for the information support the library. work we do will be an asset to all of for all, and in that way are improving “When we interviewed Jeff, we us. We look forward to working with our community every day. I am very were impressed with his thorough un- him and the Friends Foundation Board excited to join the Friends Foundation derstanding of the deep value that the to continue advancing our mission and in carrying out its mission of support Denver Public Library offers to our serving Denver’s diverse community.” for the library.” community,” says Pam Jewett, chair of Riley most recently was chief de- In addition to his employment the Friends Foundation Board of Trust- velopment officer for the American Red experience, Riley has held board or ees. “He comes highly recommended for Cross of Colorado & Wyoming. Prior board leadership positions with orga- his extensive experience, commitment to to his work at the Red Cross, Mr. Ri- nizations including the Economic Club the mission and thoughtfulness. We are ley’s nonprofit experience includes serv- of Colorado, Colorado Business Com- thrilled to bring such a well-respected ing as vice president of development mittee for the Arts, Mile High United professional to lead the Friends Founda- and corporate secretary for the Denver Way, University of Denver Career tion as we embark on our vision to pro- Museum of Nature and Science and Services, Denver Metro Chamber of vide great resources to the library.” senior vice president of donor relations Commerce Membership Services and The DPLFF is a 501 (c)3 whose for Mile High United Way. In addition, the Colorado Association of Personnel Board of Trustees and staff raises mon- he served in the management consult- Consultants. ey to enhance the 26-branch Denver ing field as Executive Vice president Public Library’s programs and services and managing director of EFL Associ- For more information about the Den- and advocates on behalf of the library. ates and with Price Waterhouse. ver Public Library Friends Foundation, Mr. Riley also will work in close part- “The Denver Public Library and visit www.dplfriends.org.

Attending National Library Legislative Day continued from page 5

During my time in Washington changes can be influenced. I am thankful for having the op- D.C., I met some amazing people from I would like to encourage many portunity to be part of National Li- libraries across the nation. Some of more friends of libraries, and the com- brary Legislative Day 2018. Thank the activities offered at their librar- munity at large to get involved. If you you to my new friends for working ies are just terrific and they are all to want to support your libraries, go to hard to support our libraries...till next serve students and community at large. Washington, D.C. for NLLD. If you year! Moreover, walking around D.C. is can’t attend in person, you can always always an energizing experience. It is participate online. We can make a dif- For more information on National Li- where everything happens and where ference if we all take the time to work brary Legislative Day, visit www.ala. we, as community advocates, believe together. I hope to be there next year. org/nlld.

6 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 Framework for Foundations

‘Beat the Winter Blues at Way Library’

In winter 2018, the Way Public Physical attributes to promote: Beauti- Library in Perrysburg, Ohio, held ful, clean surroundings; light streaming an initiative called “Beat the Winter in from our floor to ceiling windows; Blues at Way Library.” Way Public Li- comfortable seating areas with conve- brary Foundation & Friends (WPLFF) nient outlets for charging electronics; funded two stationary bikes, several cozy fireplaces; a quiet study room; HappyLights, and a community chess a display of whimsical winter photo- set, which were rolled out all together graphs in the browsing aisle; art gal- as the main attractions in the “Beat the lery in our lower level with frequently Winter Blues” promotion. WPLFF also changing exhibits; convenient parking; paid for the prize for the Adult Winter drive-up book drops in case it’s snowing Reading Challenge bingo game. or raining when you return your books. Public reaction and response to the promotion along with interest and Social aspects to promote: Friendly curiosity by the press, were tremendous staff to have a conversation with, and positive. Below is the promotion whether getting a book recommenda- plan developed for the program by tion or chatting about the weather. Rose Mills, public relations and graph- Studies show that interacting with ic design specialist, Way Public Library. other people can fight off depression. Getting out of the house can help your Promotion: Beat the Winter Blues at mental health and attitude. Way Library, a marketing initiative of Way Public Library for winter 2018 What we offer to beat the Taglines: You are always welcome at “winter blues” this happy place! Enjoy winter at Way! (from Winter Program Guide) Lift your spirits with a trip to the library! Our Objective: To increase foot traffic in friendly staff, beautiful surroundings, Above: publicity material for “Beat the Winter the library during the winter months and comfortable seating areas are just Blues.” Below: a patron trying out a stationary bike. Target audience: Adults the ticket for chasing away the dol- drums. While you are here, try out some or digital — it’s your choice. Strategy: Demonstrate that the library of these day-brightening activities. • Check out a feel-good movie, some is a happy place to visit and a very upbeat music, or maybe even a pleasant place to pass the time on win- • Give light therapy a try by using musical instrument from our Be- ter days. one of our new “HappyLights.” yond Books collection. These sunlight-imitating lamps • Attend an interesting program or Funding: Purchase of HappyLights, have been proven to boost moods class from our varied calendar of stationary bikes (2), chess set, and gift during the winter months. events. basket have been funded by Way Public • Play our Winter Reading Bingo Library Foundation & Friends. game for a chance to win your Synopsis: A trip to the library can be a own HappyLight! Publicity: very effective strategy for “beating the • Get moving! Our new stationary Program guide winter blues.” You can benefit from bikes are designed to accommodate E-newsletter social inter-actions with our welcoming books or laptops. A little exercise Facebook posts staff, soak up spirit-lifting light from Print ads can work wonders for your mental our huge windows and bright interior, Press releases and physical health. get a little exercise with a spin on one Feature news article - Sentinel-Tribune • Relieve stress and stretch your of our exercise bikes, browse our huge TV location spot mind by playing a friendly game variety of reading, viewing, and listen- TV studio spot of chess or working on a jigsaw ing resources, and go home with a bag In-house posters, displays, decorations puzzle at our community tables. full of materials to amuse you at home Complimentary bookmarks • Escape from reality with an ab- — all without spending a dime! Come sorbing book from our enormous to this happy place — you are always Contest: Adult Winter Reading Bingo catalog. Printed page, audiobook, welcome here!

October 2018 7 Tools for Trustees

ALA Trustee Citation applications due Jan. 7

United for Libraries gives the ALA General Session of the ALA Annual levels. Equal consideration is given to Trustee Citation to a Trustee(s) annu- Conference. Recipients are expected Trustees of libraries of all sizes. Cita- ally. The application deadline is Jan. 7, to be present to accept the award, and tions may not be awarded when there 2019. expenses for attending must be borne is no sufficiently outstanding achieve- The ALA Trustee Citation, estab- by the recipients or their library or- ment brought to the attention of the lished in 1941 to recognize public li- ganizations. The 2019 ALA Annual Awards Committee. brary Trustees for distinguished service Conference will be held in Washington, To apply for the ALA Trustee Cita- to library development, honors the best D.C. (for more information, visit www. tion, visit www.ala.org/united/grants_ contributions and efforts of the esti- alaannual.org). awards/trustees/trusteecitation. Those mated 60,000 American citizens who Trustee service may have been per- who have questions about applying can serve on library boards. formed on the local, state, regional or email [email protected] or call United for It is presented during the Opening national level or at a combination of Libraries at (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161.

New intellectual freedom resources for libraries on social media and controversial programs In response to program cancella- member and co-leader of the working with collection development, programs tions and rising concerns about social group that created the document. “We in libraries enhance the collection, media access and privacy, the ALA believe that this document will help support the institution’s mission, and Intellectual Freedom Committee pub- libraries create a policy to guide their provide the community with access to lished new guidelines and a Q&A for social media strategy and engage with diverse ideas and information.” library workers. their community.” Intellectual freedom resources “Social Media Guidelines for Pub- The IFC also published “Respond- can be found at ala.org/advocacy/int lic and Academic Libraries” provides a ing to and Preparing for Controversial freedom/resources. policy framework for public and aca- Programs and Speakers Q&A,” which demic libraries that use social media. offers strategies and resources for li- About the ALA Intellectual Topics range from staff responsibilities braries to address community concerns Freedom Committee and acceptable behavior, to privacy and and prepare for potentially controver- The ALA Intellectual Freedom reconsideration forms. The guidelines sial library-initiated events. This can Committee, a committee of Council, can be found at www.ala.org/advocacy/ be found at www.ala.org/advocacy/ recommends policies, practices and intfreedom/socialmediaguidelines. intfreedom/controversialprogramsqa. procedures to safeguard the rights of Using recent court cases, the re- The Q&A is divided into four sec- patrons, libraries and librarians, in ac- source explicates the definition of tions: representation of all views at cordance with the First Amendment “public forum” as it relates to social library programs, disinvited speakers and the Library Bill of Rights. media platforms, as well as outlines and authors, dealing with protests and what may be in a library’s social media speakers, and security for programs policy. The guidelines include sugges- and events. It includes suggestions on About the ALA Office for tions for creating social media policies how to “set the tone” during a contro- Intellectual Freedom but is not intended as a comprehensive versial program and how to be trans- The ALA Office for Intellectual list of requirements or legal advice. parent about policies and expectations. Freedom is charged with implementing “There is a great need right now The Q&A also describes why libraries ALA policies concerning the concept for guidance in balancing a library’s host a variety of programs: of intellectual freedom as embodied in desire to interact with their community “ ... Libraries should strive to pro- the Library Bill of Rights. Established on social media — to ‘meet them where vide a full range of viewpoints in their in 1967, the office provides library re- they are’ — with the need to create a programming and experiences, serving sources on a range of intellectual free- space where every voice can be heard,” the needs of all members of the com- dom subjects. OIF supports the work said M. Teresa Doherty, outgoing IFC munity,” states the interpretation. “As of the Intellectual Freedom Committee.

8 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 Tools for Trustees

About Literary Landmarks

The Literary Landmarks Associa- and William Faulkner), libraries and the country. United tion was founded in 1986 by former museum collections, literary scenes (such for Libraries in- Friends of Libraries U.S.A. (FOLUSA) as John’s Grill in San Francisco, immor- vites groups to president Frederick G. Ruffner to en- talized by Dashiell Hammett, and Willa apply for a Liter- courage the dedication of historic liter- Cather’s Prairie near Red Cloud, Neb.), ary Landmark ary sites. The first dedication was at and even “Grip” the Raven, formerly designation for Slip F18 in Bahia Mar, Fla., the anchor- the pet of Charles Dickens and inspira- any special location age of the Busted Flush, the houseboat tion to Edgar Allan Poe and now presid- in a community that home of novelist John D. MacDonald’s ing (stuffed) at the Rare Books Depart- is tied to a deceased literary figure, au- protagonist Travis McGee. In 1989, the ment of the Free Library of Philadelphia. thor, or his or her work. Literary Landmark project became an Recent additions include the Spald- A Literary Landmark dedication is a official FOLUSA committee. ing Gray House in Sag Harbor, N.Y.; newsworthy event that generates public- Literary Landmarks continues to the Pat Conroy Literary Center in ity for your library or group, and your be a program of United for Libraries. Beaufort, S.C., and the Manila House community’s literary heritage. For infor- Dedications have included homes of in Washington, D.C. mation on applying, contact United for famous writers (such as Tennessee Wil- To date, more than 160 Literary Libraries at (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161, liams, Elizabeth Bishop, Eudora Welty, Landmarks have been dedicated across or [email protected].

John Hope Franklin Literary Landmark continued from page 4 mation about Dr. Franklin, Tulsa at- librarian was a new profession for of Oklahoma Center for Democracy torney and writer Hannibal B. Johnson black women. Our fathers and and Culture, Oklahoma Historical So- noted, “His landmark book, 1947’s grandfathers wanted to get their ciety, Oklahoma Library Association, From Slavery to Freedom: A History daughters out of those domestic Tulsa Community College, Friends of Negro Americans, has sold more jobs so they wouldn’t be subject of Oklahoma Center for the Book, than 3.5 million copies in nine editions. to rape. So their first opportunities Duke University’s John Hope Franklin Ranking among the seminal works on were as teachers. The next set of op- Center for Interdisciplinary & Interna- African American history, From Slav- portunities were as librarians. My tional Studies and John Hope Franklin ery to Freedom helped revolutionize father was honored here by the Tul- Research Center, Magic City Books, teaching about the black experience in sa Library and received the Peggy Taylor Entertainment Group, Tulsa the United States.” The ceremony also Helmerich Award a number of years Artist Fellowship, Oklahoma Humani- included musical performances by the ago. So it is indeed a great honor for ties, Tulsa World Media Company, and Taylor Entertainment Jazz Trio and the him and his writing to be honored Tulsa Community Foundation. Reconciliation Community Choir, and here in the park named for him. It The John Hope Franklin Recon- a live painting by Dawn Tree. is a great honor for my father being ciliation Park joins 13 other Literary John W. Franklin, son of Dr. John recognized today and in doing so Landmark sites in Oklahoma. The Hope Franklin, accepted the award. the whole family. And to do it here Park, resulting from the 2001 Okla- Mr. Franklin is Senior Manager, Of- in the park with a picture of my homa Commission to study the Tulsa fice of External Affairs, Smithsonian grandfather up on the statue there, Race Riot, was dedicated in 2010. Institution National Museum of African with a picture of my father here, it’s The Park memorializes the riot/mas- American History & Culture. He stated, just wonderful and I thank you all, sacre and helps tell the story of African all that were involved in making this Americans’ role in building Oklahoma. “Now since this is a library event, possible. Thank you so much.” The Park is adjacent to the John Hope you must know that my mother Franklin Center for Reconciliation, a [Aurelia Whittington] was a librar- The dedication was live-streamed 501(c)3 nonprofit organization www.( ian. Her sister Bertha Whittington on Facebook by the Center for Poets jhfcenter.org/) whose work includes the Gibbs was a librarian. My wife and Writers at OSU-Tulsa. Partners Reconciliation in American Symposium. Karen couldn’t join us today, but for the dedication included the Tulsa The Center’s mission is “to promote rec- her mother was a librarian, too. City-County Library, the OSU Division onciliation and generate trust through And you must understand that in of Institutional Diversity, Oklahoma scholarly work and constructive com- the beginning of the 20th century Department of Libraries, University munity engagement.”

October 2018 9 Tools for Trustees

Former Birmingham (Ala.) Public Library board members honored by the Birmingham City Council for Service

Former Birmingham (Ala.) Public Library Board of Trustees members Georgia Morgan Blair, Dora Sims, and Gwendolyn B. Guster Welch were honored the Birmingham City Council meeting on July 24. Blair, Sims, and Welch were each presented with reso- lutions from the City of Birmingham in recognition of their long-standing service as board members and in hon- or of their commitment to the library system. Birmingham Public Library Executive Director Floyd Council and current Board of Trustees President James Sullivan attended the meeting and extended their congratulations and gratitude to each former board From left: Birmingham Public Library Trustees Georgia Morgan Blair, James Sullivan, Dora Sims, member. and Gwendolyn B. Guster Welch; Birmingham Public Library Director Floyd Council.

Archived Ask a Trustee columns, along with toolkits, current and past newsletters, publications, and special offers for Trustees, are available in the Trustee Zone on the United for Libraries website. Visit www.ala.org/united/trusteezone and sign in with your login and password. If you need help logging in, call (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161, or email [email protected].

Engaging millennials continued from page 1 noted the importance of an age cohort this includes postmillennials and If you would like to help with this or allies from other generations to members of Gen X, who also re- project, please contact United for Li- amplify ideas within volunteer groups. ported facing challenges in board braries at [email protected] or call (800) One attendee mentioned feeling like the membership. This is the first time 545-2433, x2161. board’s “prized poodle” whose insight in history that five generations are was not taken seriously specifically be- working alongside one another as Lina Bertinelli is Branch Manager, cause of her age. colleagues, so research will stay Greenville County Library System, SC; United continues to investigate relevant for years to come. Madeline Jarvis is Adult and Informa- generational trends in library advocacy • Working to increase awareness sur- tion Services Coordinator, Marion groups and expand research on barriers rounding the operations and roles Public Library, IA; Kathy Kosinski is to membership. Goals for this project of boards among younger genera- Statewide Library Services Analyst, Li- include: tions. A deeper understanding of brary of Michigan; and Tess Wilson is the board’s role will encourage Outreach Librarian, Carnegie Library • More closely examining Founda- interest, support, and ultimately of Pittsburgh. tion boards, which were under- participation. In addition, an in- represented in the initial survey crease in awareness will strengthen © Library Hotline Volume 47, No. 22, data and have different needs from the effectiveness of the board’s ISSN 0740-736X, July 23, 2018. This other advocacy groups. reach, help to ensure the relevance piece originally appeared in Library • Strategizing ways to support of board policy, and deepen the Journal’s Library Hotline; reprinted younger generations who want to board’s connection to its commu- with permission. engage. Along with millennials, nity.

10 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 Focus on Friends

2018 Baker & Taylor Award winners

Friends of the Ravenna (Neb.) Commission. The new Baby and Me participate in library events. A Night Area District Library and Friends of Lapsit program, along with the creation in Paris: Adult Prom and Ladies’ Night the Shelby (Mich.) Area District Li- of a mock children’s museum in the Out were two events that also served brary the winners of this year’s Baker new library building, were the elements as fundraisers to benefit the library, the & Taylor Awards. Both groups received that earned the library the recognition latter of which raised about $2,100 in $1,000 and a plaque from Baker & Tay- it needed for the award. The Friends of funds over a few months. lor. Friends of the Stirling Road Branch the Library provided the $750 matching The library implemented around 10 Library (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and the funds required for this grant. Another fundraisers total in 2017. The decora- Friends of the Ferguson Library (Stam- recognition, the Public Service Award, tions from the aforementioned Adult ford, Conn.) received honorable men- was granted on Jan. 17, 2017, during Prom were later recycled to present An tions. For more information on Baker the Ravenna Area Chamber of Com- Afternoon in Paris, a daddy/daughter, & Taylor Awards, including application merce’s annual President’s Banquet. mother/son dance, which was enjoyed information, visit www.ala.org /united/ A big part of the nomination was due by 35 pairs. The Valentine’s Carnival grants_awards/friends/bakertaylor. to the Friends’ donation of $9,000 in raised more than $3,000 in just two matching funds to kick off the library’s hours, and saw an attendance of 250. Friends of the Ravenna (Neb.) Area capital campaign in December 2016. Others saw widespread involvement District Library Several of the library’s 2017 pro- from community volunteers, includ- The public library of the communi- grams were implemented to benefit ing the Junk Jaunt and citywide garage ty of Ravenna was first erected in 1918 the community’s children. The An- sales, both of which called for dona- with funding by Andrew Carnegie. nevar (Ravenna spelled backwards) is tions, as well as the holiday-themed Originally sized at 2200 square feet, the town’s annual four-day hometown Cookie Walk. In total, the Friends of the the 1918 structure was fitting for the celebration, held in June. In 2017, the Ravenna Library raised roughly more city’s small population. When the need Friends of the Library decorated a pa- than $36,000 due to fundraising efforts. for additional library support arose, rade float and handed out candy and The Friends of the Ravenna Li- the Friends of the Ravenna Library was information about the new library. After brary plans to continue to help fund established in 1980. the parade, an informational booth was programs that bring awareness to the In 2015, the library underwent a set up on the carnival midway, where Ravenna Public Library’s services and feasibility study. With the results of this Friends members shared news about the the importance of early literacy. The study, the city of Ravenna undertook new library and sold dedication bricks. system of support the Friends provides the project of building a new library fa- Other programs, like the Summer Read- continues on into the future. cility approximately three times the size ing Program, saw major participation in of the original at 7600 square feet — 2017 with a record-breaking 136 youth. Friends of the Shelby (Mich.) Area District initiated in 2017. On March 28, the Li- For this program, the Friends purchased Library braries Transform Informational Meet- one book for each participant to keep. The Friends of the Shelby Area ing was held to discuss the new library Other family-friendly programs in- District Library (SADL) supports its funding and building design with the cluded monthly Family Movie Nights, local library with three to four major community. The Friends of the Library the Ground Breaking Ceremony and fundraisers each year. The biggest of purchased and served refreshments for reception to initiate the opening of the these is the annual Celebration of the 100 community members, and it was new library facility, and Halloweenies Trees and Holiday Bazaar, held the established that the new building would at Li-boo-rary, during which Friends week after Thanksgiving, Nov. 30 be slated for completion in 2018. provided a low-cost hotdog meal for through Dec. 3. In its 23rd year, 2017 Despite the town’s small popula- parents on the run between work was by far SADL’s most successful tion, the Ravenna Public Library is and trick-or-treating. Thanks to the fundraiser both monetarily and for in- fortunate enough to have a 23-member Friends, the Library was even able to volvement by the community. group These members have helped with participate in United for Libraries’ own Major events require major prepa- the capital campaign, and continue to Books for Babies program, awarding ration. Newly elected Friends President support ongoing programs. Proof of the infants and their families with a little Cindy McKinnon began in September Friends’ extensive effort can be seen in tote containing a book, information — collaborating with a team of commu- the elaborate list of programs — 19 to- about infant literacy, and an invite to nity volunteers to send letters to locals tal — established by the library in 2017, sign up for a library card. (For more informing them of the fundraiser, sub- some for which the Ravenna Public Li- information, visit www.ala.org/united/ mitting several press releases to the local brary was awarded the Youth Grant for products_services/booksforbabies.) Excellence from the Nebraska Library Adults also saw the opportunity to continued on page 12

October 2018 11 Focus on Friends

2018 Baker & Taylor Award winners continued from page 11 newspaper, and placing posters in stores The 2017 Celebration of the Trees ribbean populations within the service and the library. An October 12 meeting had a record number of 63 entries, area of the Stirling Road branch. of the Friends of SADL — which was surpassing all past participation. While For the Project, the Stirling Road advertised in the local newspaper — many of the crafters, artists, families, staff identified three solid opportunities focused on securing volunteers for the and school groups who decorate come for success: the NASA at My Library many sub-committees needed. back every year, Friends of SADL was grant, a Science Fair Readiness Festi- From October through November, pleased to welcome several new volun- val, and a partnership with local art several of the appointed committees teer participants in its 23rd year. and music organizations like the South handled a multitude of tasks associ- The 2017 auction and Holiday Florida Chamber Ensemble (SFCE) and ated with promoting the fundraiser: Bazaar together raised a total of the Hollywood Art and Culture Center. publicity projects, assigning hosts, and $5,693.40, surpassing the previous Two of the library’s recent STEAM placing community yard signs around year’s total of $4556.00, and breaking programs achieved the highest atten- neighborhoods for advertisement. the all-time record. dance rates in the history of program- Then, of course, came extensive event The Friends meet quarterly and ming at the Stirling Road library: the preparation: obtaining live cut trees have three officers and three board Eclipse Day Party and the 2017 Science from local tree farms, trimming and of directors, all volunteers who work Fair Readiness Festival. mounting trees in stands, procuring closely with the library’s director, Tif- The Stirling Friends provided all live green wreaths from local markets, fany Haight, to plan and implement supplemental funding and supplies, and baking cookies, scheduling cashiers, programs like The Celebration of the the Friends’ board dedicated their time decorating the library, contacting local Trees and Holiday Bazaar that support to marketing the events through email churches for Sunday attendance, string- and raise funds for the library. and social media to over 400 people, ing electric cords for the displays, set- Shelby is a small town in a ru- efforts which increased program atten- ting up and staging the displays, creat- ral area of west Michigan. While the dance by 30% in 2017. This led to the ing brochures, and contacting artists. Friends of SADL don’t have the wealth Stirling Friends website receiving state- The Celebration of the Trees and of bigger cities, they do boast of a giving wide acclaim from the Florida Library Holiday Bazaar is a four-day, two-part community spirit and sense of pride in Association. fundraiser: The first part, the Celebra- their local library. The success of SADL’s In May 2017, the Stirling Road tion of the Trees, is a much anticipated fundraisers and events, including the Branch Library became one of three yearly event in the Shelby community. Celebration of the Trees and Holiday libraries in Florida to be awarded the It’s a silent auction of live cut and arti- Bazaar in particular, can be attributed NASA @ My Library grant. The grant ficial trees, wreaths, and other holiday in part to the dedication of Shelby com- enabled Stirling Road librarians and displays, decorated by volunteers just in munity volunteers, whose contagious the Friends to develop a solid agenda time for the season. Guests are encour- enthusiasm serves as evidence that the of STEAM programming. The Friends aged to stroll through the elaborate dis- local library truly makes a difference. used their partnership with the Holly- plays and place bids, munch on Christ- wood Art & Culture Center to expand mas cookies, and drink punch, all the Friends of the Stirling Road Branch the STEAM elements to incorporate while being entertained by the Shelby Library (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) art, music, and movement. High School band and choral groups Throughout the years, the Friends The highlight of the NASA @ My along with other community musicians. of the Stirling Road Branch Library Library programming occurred in The second part of the fundraiser, empowered its community to make August 2017 when the library hosted the Holiday Bazaar, takes place in an a difference by tirelessly promoting its Eclipse Party. The event included a adjoining room of the library. Donations the importance of the library. Their NASA presentation about the Ameri- of gently used and handmade holiday years of hard work advocating for the can Eclipse, a film showing, and the items collected throughout the year are Stirling Road Branch Library reached distribution of eclipse-viewing glasses. priced and arranged by volunteers who a new summit in 2017 with the resur- Friends volunteers participated by talk- oversee the sale until the final day of the gence of the STEAM Project. ing to the crowd, helping staff keep ac- event. At that point, remaining items The STEAM Project was developed curate count, and answering endlessly that didn’t sell are packed up and sent as as a joint effort between the Friends of ringing phones. At an appreciation a donation to a local charity thrift shop. the Stirling Road Branch Library and ceremony some time later, these same Volunteers then shift their attention to the staff of the library in order to pro- volunteers maintained their enthusiasm post-event wrap-up tasks: tabulating the mote science, technology, engineering, for the library and its staff, praising the bids, notifying the winning bidders, and art, and math to female, Latin, Native- Eclipse Party’s importance to STEAM clean-up on the last day. American, African-American, and Ca- and the community.

12 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 Focus on Friends

Throughout the fall and until grew further in 2017 due to an increase National Friends of the end of April, the SFCE developed in demand. As a result, participation STEAM programs for the Stirling Road surged to 150 in 2017 and ticket prices Libraries Week Award Branch Library. The programs centered increased by 50% to $15.00. To ac- applications due Dec. 3 on science in relation to music, art, and commodate the growth in capacity, sound design. In addition, the Friends a fourth restaurant was added to the United for also sponsored the Hollywood Art program in 2017. Many other local Libraries is co- & Culture Center’s “Art, Music, and restaurants expressed interest in par- ordinating the Movement” series for children. In Oc- ticipating in the future. 13th annual Na- tober, the Friends partnered with SFCE While entertainment in the first tional Friends for the World Instrument Station to year was provided solely by Stamford’s of Libraries support the Stirling Road Science Fair regional theater, “Curtain Call,” the Week Oct. 21- Readiness Festival. It became one of Friends made it an effort to diversify 27, 2018. Na- the most popular stations at the festival in 2017 with the objective of dispens- tional Friends and allowed the community’s youth to ing a broader experience for attendees. of Libraries Week offers a two-fold op- learn about world instrument designs. Among the community groups per- portunity to celebrate Friends, who use The Broward County School Board and forming in 2017 were participants of the time to promote their group in the NASA lent their presence to the festival, all ages: Stamford’s All School Musical, community, to raise awareness, and to which drew more than 800 people from who engaged the audience in a sing- increase membership. the community and led to a partnership along production of The Wizard of Oz, United for Libraries Friends group between Stirling Road branch and the involved the community’s school-aged members are eligible to apply for Broward County School Board. children, while Project Music, an im- National Friends of Libraries Week mersive after-school training program Awards. Two groups will be awarded Friends of the Ferguson Library for young at-risk students, provided $250 each in honor of their celebra- (Stamford, Conn.) entertainment during the registration tions during the week. The concept of a Literary Pub process. The Westfair Singers, a talent- Applicants must be current Friends Crawl first came to Friends of the Fer- ed group of adults, wowed with caba- group members through Jan. 31, 2019. guson Library during a meeting in 2015. ret-style musical numbers, and Curtain Applicants must provide a 1-page mini- The original objective was to create a Call delighted once again with Shake- mum (2-page maximum) summary of new type of event that would: appeal spearean performances. 2017’s Literary all activities and efforts in conjunction to a younger demographic; introduce Pub Crawl also introduced a Mystery with the celebration of National Friends a fun, non-traditional type of library Trivia Contest, which was competitive- of Libraries Week, Oct. 21-27, 2018. event; raise money for the Friends orga- ly enjoyed by all participants. Applications are due Dec. 3, 2018. nization; raise awareness for the book Immediately following the event, Applications are judged on the fol- shop and Friends membership; take ad- the local newspaper released a major lowing: vantage of the library’s unique location; article about the Friends. The article • Creativity and innovation. and showcase the talents of Stamford also drew attention to the Book Shop, a • Involvement of Friends, library arts and educational groups to provide desired end goal that had been discussed staff, Trustees, and/or advisory entertainment throughout the evening. during the initial Friends meeting. The committee. It was also during this meeting of Library received a generous amount of • Recognition of Friends group. the Friends that the agenda for the event community feedback as well, including • Promotion of Friends group to the was gestated: Participants would regis- plenty of praise regarding the entertain- community, school, students, and/ ter in the lobby of the Main Library and ment and restaurant venues, and admi- or faculty. be assigned to one of three groups, each ration of the event’s originality. Some of which would have a leader respon- even called for the opportunity of such For more information on the sible for bringing their group to three an event taking place more frequently. awards, visit www.ala.org/united/ different restaurants. Entertainment The Friends of the Ferguson Li- grants_awards/friends/friendsweek. would be provided throughout the night brary pride themselves on being one of Friends groups who have won this as the three groups traveled to different the first Friends groups to launch a Lit- award in the past, and their projects, venues, many perhaps discovering said erary Pub Crawl initiative. The event can be viewed on the page. For future restaurants for the first time. was so successful that they have subse- dates for National Friends of Libraries Though initially brought about in quently received inquiries from other Week, visit www.ala.org/united/events_ 2015, the concept of the Literary Pub Friends groups interested in replicating conferences/folweek. Crawl was expanded upon in 2016 and such an event.

October 2018 13 State Friends Spotlight

‘Serving with a Purpose’ conference provides resources for California library advocates Carr, and Sue Halpern have spoken at the conference. A conference favorite has been the breakout sessions. Organized by the type of role or job attendees have at Eight years ago, on a plane to and their library, the breakouts have been really impactful. These hour-long ses- from a California Library Association sions are where Friends of the Library Conference in San Jose, a conference presidents or Trustee boards can meet was conceptually conceived to provide as a group and discuss questions relat- resources and connections to Friends, ed to the theme or really anything they Trustees, Foundations, and the staff see a need to discuss and share. that support them. From left: Helen McAlary, director of Also featured at each conference community life and culture, City of Ontario; The Serving with a Purpose Con- are speakers representing local Friends Shawn Thrasher, director, Ontario City Library; ference was created to fill a gap in and Foundations. Their presentations Rebecca Elder, adult services supervisor, California for library advocates. Helen are theme-related, and attendees truly Monrovia Public Library; Jene Brown, principal McAlary and Shawn Thrasher from enjoy hearing from their colleagues. librarian, Los Angeles Public Library; Ashely Ontario City Library and Robin Hok- Kagan, California Library Association; Michelle Thanks to sponsors such as the lotubbe (retired from Santa Clarita Perera, director, Pasadena Public Library, California State Library, the City of Public Library) began to develop this and Robin Hoklotubbe, California Library Ontario, 4imprint, and TechLogic, the Association, (retired, Santa Clarita Public one-day conference. The venue for the registration fees for the 220+ attendees Library). past five of the six years has been the (representing 65 libraries mostly from beautiful Ontario Convention Center. Southern California) have been below The Rancho Cucamonga Public Li- $50 per person. Registration includes a brary hosted it one year as well. continental breakfast, catered sit-down Each year, a general theme is de- lunch, and all materials. veloped in an effort to inspire content What has been learned by organiz- and direction. Themes such as board ing this conference each year is there is development, fundraising, PR and mar- a lot of interest and need for this time keting, leadership, and teamwork. Key- of programming. Library board mem- note speakers from around the country bers and advocates value opportunities have led the conference. An added fea- to meet others who do what they do ture in the afternoon is to invite a New Penguin Random House provided and want to learn best practices from complimentary book bags to conference York Times bestselling author to join each other. This conference experience attendees. us for an author talk. Authors such as for some is the only educational type Jacquelyn Mitchard, Lisa See, Robyn experience they engage in and often validates their good efforts. Likewise, to travel as California is a big state. The staff who work with these groups en- venue is close to a major airport, which joy the opportunity to gather with staff makes travel convenient for speakers, from other libraries and glean ideas. author and sometimes even attendees. We have seen a rise in library director As we begin to plan the seventh attendance in the last few years. This annual Serving with a Purpose, we is a great trend that indicates a posi- gratefully now have a larger commit- tive engagement from the top. Some tee! Our inspiration is the hard work attendees even use this conference as a and dedication that California library “board retreat” activity. advocates give every day to make their We have a host hotel across the community library the best. street from the convention center that Attendees of the 2018 Serving with a Purpose gives us a greatly discounted rate for Submitted by Robin Hoklotubbe, Serv- Conference. those attendees who have long distances ing with a Purpose committee member.

14 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 Good Ideas From The Network

Programs for families formed through foster care 11 and up to explore Japanese anima- and adoption, sponsored by Spence- tion, comics, and pop culture. The pro- Walnut Creek, Calif. Chapin. gram introduced children in the com- munity to many different anime and Walnut Creek Library Foundation cel- manga series, allowing open discussion ebrated Hemingway with its 2018 One Toledo, Ohio for fans already familiar with popular City, One Book choice A Moveable On July 9, the Toledo Lucas County Japanese media as well as craft activi- Feast. The program ran on Mondays Public Library celebrated the Steinem ties for all ages. and Wednesdays from Sept. 12 through Sisters Collection, a feminist collection Oct. 3. Featured events included that explores the lives and achieve- Topeka, Kan. “Hemingway’s Paris with Peter Hays” ments of women, champions their his- and “Hemingway and his Women: A torical, cultural and political contribu- Topeka & Shawnee County Public Conversation with Paula McLain and tion, and strives to provide a welcom- Library invited all to experience how Lynn Carey.” Family activities, includ- ing space for women of all walks of art and music influence each other in ing “Float my Boat” and “Wall of life to share their truths. The collection the Library’s Alice C. Sabatini Gallery Sharing: Moveable Feasts” were also was made possible due to a generous during the “Sounds Like Art!” exhibit available. Events and discussions were donation by the Steinem’s Sisters Col- May 25 – Aug 19. The program of- free and open to the public. lective. fered weekly STREAM activities that presented ways in which music con- nects to Science, Technology, Reading, Altadena, Calif. Champaign, Ill. Engineering, Art, and Math. Children On June 30, Altadena Public Library Champaign Public Library’s third an- were encouraged to investigate how hosted Crowne Comedy Live, an im- nual Food Truck Rally was held on instruments work by playing and ex- prov troupe of veteran Comedy Central Aug. 8 at 4:30 p.m. Food truck variet- amining the parts and pieces of a uku- stage comedians Erin Berry, Matt Cat- ies included Chester’s BBQ, Dragon lele, flute, trumpet, a giant xylophone, anzano, Tim Johnson, and Bill Connol- Fire Pizza, Oh, Honey Pie, The Pop horns, and a lap harp in the gallery. ly. At the Altadena Farmers Market on Stop, and many others. Musical groups July 11, the Library’s booth featured of all genres, including Chase Baby Boston, Mass. the Haiku Guys + Gals, authors of 102 (hip-hop) and Katie Flyyn (cabaret), Haiku, who wrote personalized haiku performed while local families enjoyed Boston Public Library challenged city poems on typewriters for individuals food and face painting activities. The residents to participate in Boston Reads on the spot. Rally was sponsored by the Friends of One Million Minutes during the sum- the Library. mer. Interested parties were invited to track their progress by reporting the Meredith, N.H. amount of minutes they spent reading Santa Cruz, Calif. Meredith Public Library celebrated Na- and attending read-ins at the library to tive American history with anthropol- The Santa Cruz Public Libraries 2018 double their time. The city’s collective ogy professor Robert Goodby on Aug. Summer Reading Program, Reading progress was recorded online for par- 16. Goodby investigated and presented Takes You Everywhere, celebrated ticipants to follow along. archaeological evidence that shows the movement and beats of different a deep presence of the Abenaki tribe cultures through the Tannery World Fort Lauderdale, Fla. inches below the earth’s surface. Dance + Cultural Center all summer The Broward Public Library Founda- long. TWD performers presented a tion committed more than $40,000 series of world dance workshops in ad- Provincetown, Mass. to support the 2018 Libraries Rock! dition to workshops from the Diaspora This year’s roster of the Provincetown Summer Learning Program from June Performance Project. Workshops in- Public Library’s annual Family Week 1-August 14. The program allowed cluded KATHAK: Music & Dance of events included celebration of adoptive Broward County residents to partici- India on June 23; CAPOEIRA: Music families. July 29, author Mark Loewen pate in free concerts, workouts, and & Dance of Brazil on June 26; and HIP read from his children’s book What science-related events for all ages. At- HOP: Music & Dance of The United Does a Princess Really Look Like?, a tendees were encouraged to track their States on July 28. story focused on helping young girls reading, writing, attendance, and com- embrace the value of their own charac- pleted activities using the Beanstack teristics and quirks, while also sharing Philadelphia, Pa. Tracker app. Through a partnership the story of young Chloe and her two On July 9, the Free Library of Phila- with the Florida Panthers, the Founda- adoptive dads. On July 30, the library delphia’s Ramonita G. de Rodriguez tion was also able to provide special held an Adoptive Families Gathering branch invited teens and children ages guest appearances from Florida Pan-

October 2018 15 Good Ideas From The Network

ther broadcasters and alumni Stanley Vineland, N.J. C. Panther and the Panther Patrol. During its financial downturn, Vine- land Public Library created an Amazon Florence, S.C. Wish List for anyone who may want Friends of Florence County Library to purchase books, DVDs, music, System’s August author program and supplies for the Library and its 277-0507 or [email protected]. hosted Lisa Patton, author of Rush. patrons. VPL also partnered with the The store will hold a Grand Opening The book is set in modern day Oxford, City to prepare a referendum that will Open House on Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. Miss., and follows a group of campus let residents of Vineland who are regis- to 4 p.m. sorority members, examining mother- tered voters decide if they would like to daughter relationships, female friend- increase funding to the Vineland Public ships, and women in general at differ- Library. Interested participants can find Champaign, Ill. ent ends of the social ladder. contact forms in the library or online Champaign Public Library’s Friend- at http://vinelandlibrary.org. Shop Bookstore offers more than Fundraising 20,000 like-new books, CDs, and New Bern, N.C. movies. Prices are: $3 for audiobooks; Charlotte, N.C. $2 for hardcovers, large paperbacks, The Friends of the New Bern Craven- and DVDs; $1 for small mass market The Charlotte Mecklenberg Library County Public Library held a fundrais- paperbacks and CDs; 50 cents for chil- Foundation’s annual events Verse er luncheon on Mon., April 30 at the dren/teen items, and 25 cents for VHS & Vino and EpicFest welcome their Chelsea Restaurant. Washington Post tapes. Teachers receive 50% discount. fourth and fifth consecutive years. The White House Correspondent Jenna All proceeds benefit the library. fourth annual EpicFest, a free liter- Johnson spoke on the reporter’s role to ary festival that brings children, teens present facts as accurately as possible, Charleston, S.C. and families together with authors, il- leaving the interpretation of them up lustrators, and the library, will feature to the reader. After lunch, there was a The Charleston Friends of the Library award-winning children/young adult drawing for the nine books that John- Summer Book Sale took place on June authors and illustrators on Nov. 2 and son had brought to raffle off, most of 23-25 at the Charleston County Main Library. Attendees browsed more 3. Following the daytime festival, the which were signed by Washington Post than 20,000 books, DVDs, and CDs, young adult authors will participate in reporters. The Friends were pleased at with prices starting at just $1 for pa- a book talk and signing for teens and the turnout of the fundraiser, which perbacks and $3 for hardback books. others interested in young adult lit- saw 70 attendees. erature. Verse & Vino, now in its fifth Book categories included mysteries, ro- year, offers an evening of food, wine, mances, classics, children’s books, local histories, “better” books, cookbooks and conversation with fiveNew York Book Sales and a variety of nonfiction topics. A Times bestselling authors in support of special advance event for Friends of the the Foundation on Nov. 1. Roslindale, Mass. Friends of the Roslindale Public Li- Library members was held at the Main Library on June 22. Kingston, N.Y. brary participated in the Roslindale Village Farmers Market on Aug. 18 The Lisa Libraries, a 501(c)3 private and Sept. 29 at Adams Park. Volun- foundation started by The Babysitters Community Partnerships/ teers sold fiction and nonfiction books Club author Ann M. Martin in 1992, Outreach to audiences of all ages. Unsold books wants to help libraries that serve a high were donated to organizations in need. proportion of underprivileged youth St. Louis, Mo. expand their children’s book collections. St. Louis Public Library and Operation The foundation provides a selection of Marina, Calif. Food Search partnered this summer to new fiction and nonfiction books (K- The Friends of the Marina Library has provide free meals to area children. To- 6) to small libraries and “other small opened a used bookstore in Marina. gether, SLPL and OFS provided meals grassroots organizations” — daycare The Friends’ Community Bookstore is to children 18 years old and under at centers, prison visiting areas, homeless all-volunteer run with proceeds to con- six different SLPL locations on week- shelters, and third party after-school tinue to benefit the Marina Library and days through August. Simultaneously, programs. Interested parties can find county library system. To volunteer or SLPL’s annual Food for Fines program information about applying for a dona- donate books, stop by or call book- returned July 1-31 at all locations. tion at http://lisalibraries.org. store Manager Joanne Bowman at 831- Throughout the month, the Library

16 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 Good Ideas From The Network removed $1 in overdue fines from an thews Parks, Recreation & Cultural sions, educational events, and a mega adult cardholder’s Library account for Resource, and Read Charlotte has reading list of books on diversity for each non-perishable food item donat- resulted in StoryWalk, a program that all ages, with recommendations from ed, up to $25 per account. allows families to read children’s book the community. Recent events hosted pages on special display posts along by the Committee include “The New Columbus, Ohio an outdoor path in the park. Special Jim Crow Book Discussion” and “Is- Columbus Metropolitan activities for families to engage in are lam 101” in September, “Dia de los Library’s 23 locations highlighted on the posts as well, en- Muertos” in October, and December’s are each now a des- couraging active reading skills. upcoming “Posada Navidena.” ignated Safe Place in the central Ohio com- Charlotte, N.C. Other munity. The Safe Place Charlotte Mecklenberg Library Foun- program is an option for dation’s Turning Pages group meets Newbury Park, Calif. young people who feel they have weekly on Tuesdays at the Main Li- On Aug. 25, Friends of the Thousand nowhere to turn due to abuse, neglect, brary. This book club engages homeless Oaks Library hosted a Cultural Bus family conflicts and other issues. Co- members of the community by offering Tour to the Hammer Museum in West lumbus’ Safe Place initiative, operated a gathering place where they can read Los Angeles to view “L.A. Art,” an art by Huckleberry House, is part of a na- together, followed by discussion and exhibit created by local artists and led tional network of Safe Place programs refreshments. The group has seen many by UCLA student art majors. Follow- in 37 states and the District of Colum- members find housing, employment, ing the exhibit, the group traveled to bia. The libraries will display the yel- and even battle cancer. The program is the Annenberg Space for Photography low and black Safe Place sign, which currently accepting donations to fund to see “Not an Ostrich” and Other Im- signifies immediate help and safety for food costs and book copies. ages from America’s Library. Trip costs youth. were $25 for Friends members and $30 Issaquah, Wash. for non-members. Philadelphia, Pa. This year, King County Library System On July 10, the Free Library of Phila- Foundation created a safe space for Columbus, Ohio delphia’s Oak Lane Library partnered LGBTQ+ 7th to 12th graders, initiated Columbus Metropolitan Library with the Rosenbach Museum & Library by the Rainbow Teen Advisory Board. (CML) celebrated the one-year anni- for Teen Tuesday, led by Emilie Parker. The Board planned social events and versary of its new Northside Branch on Participants studied Phillis Wheatley, activities for the community’s LGBTQ+ June 22. The community has embraced the first African American to write a youth. More than 200 teens partici- the new branch, which has seen a 35 book, and learned about how chal- pated. percent increase in customer visits and lenges can be a starting point for a great 1,400 meetings, with an estimated story. Bemidji, Minn. 25,000 attendees in its three meeting The Mary Harding Literacy Project rooms. In addition, CML cut the rib- Tiverton, R.I. saw its eighth year in 2018. Friends of bon on its new Hilliard branch on June Friends of Tiverton Library’s Teen Bemidji Public Library’s board selected 21st, the eighth new city library to Program collaborated with Book Ar- four non-profit groups to support for open in Columbus since 2014. chitecture and CoCoonJournal.org their programs that highlighted lit- to recruit notebook donations for the eracy: Sunrise Rotary (who purchased Toledo, Ohio library’s second annual Notebook and dictionaries for Bemidji 3rd graders), Several locations of the Toledo Lucas Journal Drive. From Aug. 1 to Sept. BI-CAP Head Start (provided books County Public Library hosted Toledo 29, locals stopped by the library’s for participating children to keep), native and retired schoolteacher Alan Information Desk to donate new and Community Education for their School Thompson’s “Biking Around the U.S. like-new journals to the Library, who Readiness program, and Bemidji Com- Perimeter — My Adventure.” Presenta- then distributed them to teen writers in munity Theater for their “Pay it For- tions held on select evenings reviewed the community. ward” program. Thompson’s 12,000-mile bicycle jour- ney along the perimeter of the United Charlotte, N.C. Roslindale, Mass. States for charity, during which he A collaboration between Charlotte Friends of Roslindale Library has re- raised more than $32,000 for Habitat Mecklenberg Library, Mecklenberg ceived positive feedback on the Race for Humanity and Save the Children. County Parks and Recreation, Pineville and Inclusion Committee’s program- Question and answer sessions followed Parks and Recreation, Town of Mat- ming, which includes group discus- his presentations.

October 2018 17 Good Ideas From The Network

Harford County (Md.) Public Library honors volunteers at 19th annual celebration

On April 17, Harford County ing Challenge. In addition, in 2017 the struggling readers that reading is fun. (Md.) Public Library held its 19th An- 11 Friends of Harford County Public “Our library volunteers give so nual Volunteer Celebration at the Bel Library groups donated over $51,000 much of their time and energy to the Air Church of the Nazarene in Belcamp. to support programming and to pur- community,” stated library CEO Mary One hundred eighty people attended chase much needed special items for Hastler. “The Volunteer Celebration is the event which honored library volun- the library. a wonderful opportunity to recognize teers who donated at least 10 hours of Volunteers help in all of Harford the value and commitment that these service during 2017. Awards were pre- County Public Library’s 11 locations volunteers bring to the library.” sented to volunteers who reached mile- and during the 2017 calendar year, Harford County Public Library stone hours from 100 lifetime hours up 1,104 volunteers gave over 32,700 operates 11 branches located through- to 4,000 lifetime hours with nearly 100 hours of the time to the library. out Harford County. The library serves volunteers receiving awards this year. The library also has two outreach more than 194,000 registered bor- Volunteers are unsung heroes who programs where volunteers share their rowers of all ages and has an annual work behind the scenes to provide as- love of reading with children. On circulation of more than 4.7 million. sistance to librarians and customer average, more than 1,200 preschool Harford County Public Library is the service staff. Last summer over 350 children in licensed day care centers recipient of the 2017 The Daily Record middle and high school students helped were read to and entertained by Shar- Innovator of the Year Award. to register the bulk of the 19,096 ing the Gift volunteers each month. children who participated in Harford While Partners in Reading volunteers For more information, visit hcplonline. County Public Library’s Summer Read- met with 240 students weekly to show org.

Harford County (Md.) Public Library staff celebrated library volunteers at the 19th annual Volunteer Celebration on April 17. From left: Human Resources Director Charles Ross; Volunteer Bonnie String; Volunteer Jean Kitlowski; Volunteer Leslie Riden; CEO Mary Hastler; COO Daria Parry, and Senior Administrator-Public Services Beth LaPenotiere.

To submit an item to Good Ideas from the Network, email it to [email protected].

18 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 Book Club Central

Sarah Jessica Parker book club pick is a radiant retelling of Liberia’s early years Wayétu Moore’s ‘She Would Be King’ latest title chosen for ALA Book Club Central

Honorary Book Club Central boldly announces Chair Sarah Jessica Parker has selected the arrival of a re- Wayétu Moore’s She Would Be King markable novelist (Graywolf Press) as her latest pick for and storyteller.” the American Library Association’s The novel is also a (ALA) Book Club Central. She Would #1 Indie Next Pick. Be King reimagines the story of Libe- Ms. Parker’s ria’s early years through three unforget- previous picks for table characters, intermingling history Book Club Central and magical realism. have been No One “I’m honored to announce She is Coming to Save Would Be King by Wayétu Moore as Us by Stephanie Powell Watts, Exit West the new selection for Book Club Cen- by Mohsin Hamid, Stay With Me by tral,” said Ms. Parker. “This novel daz- Ayobami Adebayo and Anatomy of a zles with truth, humanity, and beauty. Miracle by Jonathan Miles. In addition Through the stories of Gbessa, June to being honorary chair of Book Club Dey, and Norman Aragon, Wayétu Central, Ms. Parker is an Honorary Wayétu Moore (photo credit: Yoni Levy) Moore illuminates what it means to Lifetime Board Member of United for be of and from places that are both Libraries, a division of ALA, a role she is faraway and inescapably familiar. I using to raise awareness about the inte- treasured every moment I spent in the gral role of Friends groups in the library. pages of this book, and I’m thrilled to Book Club Central, designed in be able share it with all of you.” consultation with expert librarians, Wayétu Moore is the founder of provides the public with the very best One Moore Book and is a graduate in reading and is a place for engaging of Howard University, Columbia Uni- content and information for book clubs versity and the University of Southern and readers everywhere. Book Club California. She teaches at the City Uni- Central Sponsoring Partners are Book- versity of New York’s John Jay College list, the book review magazine of the and lives in Brooklyn. ALA; United for Libraries, a division “The fondest memories of my of the ALA; and Libraries Transform, childhood are those that included li- the ALA’s public awareness campaign, braries,” said Ms. Moore. “Our visits along with Corporate Platinum Partner were ritual and offered me the comfort Penguin Random House. Corporate and escape I occasionally needed. So, Gold Partners include OverDrive and Sarah Jessica Parker is the Honorary Chair of I’m absolutely honored that She Would Sisters in Crime. ALA’s Book Club Central. Be King has been chosen by Sarah Jes- For more information, visit www. sica Parker for the American Library bookclubcentral.org. lives with her husband, three children, Association’s Book Club Central.” and lots of books in New York City. In a starred review, Booklist called About Sarah Jessica Parker: Ms. Parker She Would Be King a “stunning debut recently launched SJP for Hogarth, About Graywolf Press: Graywolf Press novel… There is an aching sweetness which selectively publishes high-quality is a leading independent publisher com- to Moore’s writing that effectively works of fiction by both established mitted to the discovery and energetic captures the dichotomous and vulner- writers and distinctive emerging voice publication of contemporary American able strength of her protagonists and with critical and commercial promise. and international literature. Graywolf catapults this into the realm of books Ms. Parker is the star and executive champions outstanding writers at all that cast a long-lingering spell.” Ed- producer of “Divorce.” She serves as the stages of their careers to ensure that di- widge Danticat said “Epic, beautiful, Vice-Chairman of the board of directors verse voices can be heard in a crowded and magical, this astonishing first novel for the New York City Ballet. Parker marketplace.

October 2018 19 Book Club Central

Turning Pages: Readers find community and stability in book club hosted by Charlotte (N.C.) Mecklenburg More book club news: Library St. Paul, Minn. They come for coffee, for books, suggestions, The Friends of the Saint Paul Public and most of all for conversation and transportation, Library invited moderator Jeff Kamin connection. job leads, and to bring his unique take on a public This week’s title is Down By the emotional sup- book club show, “Books & Bars,” to Riverside, by Jackie Lynn. One member port. And they Saint Paul on the first Tuesday of each shares that the book resonated for him laugh, celebrate month. July 11’s free event was open because he’s been living in a tent by a birthdays and to all at the Amsterdam Bar & Hall, creek. This is the Turning Pages book successes, and where attendees discussed Hanif Ab- club, and most of the members are socialize. Last durraqib’s collection of largely music- homeless or in transition. month, they Most members of the focused essays, They Can’t Kill Us The book club was started in 2009 read and dis- Turning Pages book Until They Kill Us. Abdurraqib uses club are homeless or by a volunteer who saw a television sto- cussed Hidden music and culture as a lens through in transition. ry about a similar club in Boston, and Figures, and which to view our world, comment- it’s met at Main Library every Tuesday then watched ing on social issues involving the next since. Some of the members have been the film together. generation of young Muslims and the coming for years, a few have left and “The members of Turning Pages everyday threat to the lives of black returned, and the club always welcomes develop friendships that continue out- Americans. newcomers. Harold has been a member side the library,” says Jonita Edmonds, Hollywood, Fla. for seven years. He shares, “I’ve always a library manager who oversaw the been a reader, it’s like self-medication group for several years. “It started as The Broward County (Fla.) Library for me. I can lose myself in reading, primarily a group for homeless par- hosts a “Director’s Book Club,” fea- transcend the situation I’m in. For me, ticipants, but it has morphed into so turing Broward County Library Di- the library is a sanctuary. I need a group much more. Members have found jobs, rector Kelvin Watson. The premiere like this and a place like this.” homes, and stayed engaged with the meeting was held Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. Today, Turning Pages is led by club. The regulars really look out for with the featured title The President volunteer Evelyn Hanneman, who each other and help one another.” is Missing by Bill Clinton and James begins with an update on a member Scott, the member who lives in a Patterson. who’s been battling cancer. She’s found tent by the creek, also attends a writer’s Charlotte, N.C. stable housing, and her latest scan group at the library. He reads many of was cancer-free. The group cheers the the books more than once, and trea- The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library good news, and settles in to discuss the sures his time with Turning Pages. “I Foundation offers “Book Club Ta- book. Like most book clubs, the con- love the books, but I really come for the bles” at its library fundraiser Verse & versation meanders. One member notes camaraderie. I’ve found empathy and Vino. “Each book club table includes that the book’s main character is bi- compassion at the library, and in the ten seats, purchased in one transac- racial, yet the author is white. A discus- time I’ve been involved they’ve been my tion, and guests have the option of sion ensues about whether a writer can backbone. This is my extended family.” adding on book bundles — sets in- authentically capture the experience of Turning Pages is currently funded cluding the latest title from each fea- a different race. Or whether a housed through a combination of library pro- tured author — to keep or share. Like person can understand the perspective gram money and private donations, everyone at Verse & Vino, book clubs of someone who is unhoused. and the organizers stretch every dollar enjoy a seated dinner, wine, program, The group is surprisingly candid to provide snacks and enough copies and of course mingling and book sign- about personal experiences, discussing of each book. Over the club’s history, ing with fiveNew York Times bestsell- the difficulty of navigating seemingly various restaurants have provided food ing authors.” For more information, endless red tape without a car, an ad- for the club, and publishers have do- visit http://foundation.cmlibrary.org/ dress, or a computer, and how essential nated books. news/bring-your-book-club-verse-vino. and sometimes lifesaving library re- sources are. They come from different This piece was originally published on For more ideas for book clubs, plus parts of the country, different back- the website of the Charlotte Mecklen- book picks, author interviews, and grounds, and represent different eth- burg Library Foundation at http:// selections from Book Club Central nicities, but they share experience and foundation.cmlibrary.org/people/turning Honorary Chair Sarah Jessica Parker, a love of reading. They offer each other -pages. Reprinted with permission. visit www.bookclubcentral.org.

20 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 Book Club Choices

November Road by Lou Berney -Nann Blaine Hilyard know one thing about Friends and have seen at least part of one episode, This past sum- Nann Blaine Hilyard retired in 2014 even if you hated it. When I queried mer there was a lot after a 39-year career administering two non-Friends watchers from differ- of looking back 50 small- and medium-sized public librar- ent generations about what they know years at the tumul- ies in Texas, Kansas, Maine, North about the show and one immediately tuous summer of Dakota, and Illinois. She has served answered “That apartment — how 1968. Lou Berney’s on many ALA and division commit- did they afford to live there?” And the new novel provides tees, including the Executive Board and other said: “I remember the one where a look into the Council. She is currently president-elect Ross and Rachel kiss.” Miller touches American land- of the Retired Members Round Table. on both of these in her book, plus so scape that led to She is convener of the ALA Biblioquil- much more. that social turmoil. ters, whose collaborative quilt projects Many people also have painful November Road is set in 1963. In have raised more than $25,000 for li- memories of the show as homopho- Dallas, President Kennedy has been brary school scholarships. bic, transphobic, chauvinist, and very assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald. white. Miller, a true lover of the show, In New Orleans mid-level mobster I’ll Be There for You: The One About doesn’t shy away from analyzing these Frank Guidry gets instructions from ‘Friends’ by Kelsey Miller aspects of Friends in well-written and his bosses to dispose of a Cadillac El respectful depth. Interestingly, some Dorado recently driven from Dealey Friends is hav- of the same people Miller talks with Plaza in Dallas to Houston. Because ing a silver anni- about those painful aspects also love Guidry now knows about the Cadillac versary in 2019; 25 the show, and while the show definitely he knows too much. The bosses send a years of 6 wacky had homophobic moments, transpho- man after Guidry. 20-somethings liv- bic moments, and was lily white, Miller Guidry drives across Texas evad- ing in (and some- writes that it also featured a lesbian ing his pursuer. In New Mexico he how affording) couple getting married, an out-and- meets Charlotte Roy and her young New York City proud transgender woman in the form daughters. They are running away to who are experienc- of Chandler’s father, and Ross dating California, leaving their alcoholic hus- ing that special both an Asian American woman and band/father in Oklahoma. Their car time of life when African American woman for multiple has broken down. Casting himself as “your friends are your family.” episodes — heady stuff for the early an insurance salesman, Guidry rescues Full disclosure: I didn’t start out 1990s. the stranded family and takes them to watching Ross & Rachel & Monica & Friends was a phenomenon in its Las Vegas. Charlotte and the girls are time, now considered the quintessential his cover as he seeks protection from Chandler & Phoebe & Joey; like many ’90s show. It was the most watched tele- the Vegas outfit. The boss guarantees people (especially a new generation of vision show for one season, and always Guidry an out — until a double-cross viewers today), I came to the show via in the top 10 for the decade it aired. ends those plans. re-runs (and later through streaming). I Even after 9/11, when the world became Underlying the intricate cat-and- continue watching for many of the rea- serious and frightening, Friends grew in mouse game are depictions of mul- sons that Kelsey Miller writes about I’ll tiple layers of American society just Be There For You. Friends is a big old popularity, which Miller credits to peo- as the promise of the Kennedy years bucket of nostalgia for anyone born in ple needing comfort and familiarity in a is abruptly cut short. High-flying Las the 1970s; when the show premiered, troubled time. Instead of fading away, Vegas in the Rat Pack years contrasts I was the same age as the six (although Friends is finding new audiences, espe- with a dusty, dead-end farm town in in 1994, I remember watching My So- cially overseas, and particularly among Oklahoma. Both the civil rights move- Called Life instead of Friends). The English as second language learn- ment and the women’s movement are show comes to us now like a scrap- ers. People who love the show, Miller gathering momentum. And the gather- book from a pre-9/11 time, when air- (and myself) included, have favorite ing storm that is Vietnam looms in the ports were friendly; when presidential episodes that they can watch over and background. scandals were sexy rather than scary; over again. If you are like me, think of Berney probes deeper than con when sweater vests for men a la Chan- one now, and I bet you can picture it, men and car chases. It’s an era that is dler Bing were — well, they were not and are smiling. If so, Miller’s book is at once far away and just yesterday. cool, but they were ubiquitous; when for you. It’s behind the scenes, and out all the girls wanted the Rachel haircut. in front, it’s exploratory and occasion- William Morrow/HarperCollins; If you are reading this right now, I 9780062663849; $26.99. would hazard a guess that you at least continued on page 22

October 2018 21 Book Club Choices

Book Club Choices continued from page 21 ally gossipy without being catty. It’s well of an array of di- reason for being at The Center, the researched and well-written, and Miller verse characters at reader’s preconceived notions about injects her love of the show throughout a woman’s clinic, abortion are shattered. This well re- with asides and notes. The Center, during searched and highly engaging book is a hostage crisis. ideal for book clubs and anyone in- -Shawn Thrasher The book terested in the multitude of issues that begins at 5p.m. at affect abortion rights today. Fans of Shawn Thrasher is library director for The Center where Picoult’s Nineteen Minutes and My Sis- Ontario (Calif.) City Library. He loves Wren McElroy, ter’s Keeper will love A Spark of Light. to read. It’s easier to list what he does daughter of a police not like to read: angsty fiction, books hostage negotia- -Erin Christmas about abuse, anything too sappily tor, has been trapped inside for multiple romantic, and books that are full of hours with a doctor, nurses and other Erin Christmas is an avid reader, librar- themselves. He also dabbles in poetry patients, while her father continues to ian, and lover of a good contemporary and art. Follow him on Goodreads try to convince the gunman to release fiction romance. She currently works to see what he’s reading now (www. those he is holding captive. as the assistant library director for the goodreads.com/user/show/2148308). The multiple first person narratives Riverside (Calif.) Public Library. Prior are told in reverse chronological order to Riverside Public Library she worked A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult so though the reader knows how the for the Santa Clarita Public Library and story will end for each character, it is San Bernardino County Library System. Jodi Picoult does it again! In A not clear from the start how or why Erin is passionate about readers’ advi- Spark of Light, her latest novel, Picoult they each get there. sory and loves to match readers with forces audiences to consider all aspects A Spark of Light leaves a lasting books and books with readers. of a controversial topic. This time it impression on the reader. As time goes is abortion, and the unlikely meeting in reverse to reveal each character’s

NOW AVAILABLE — newly redesigned Books for Babies kits, including all-new brochures and bookmarks! See page 24 for ordering information.

22 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 Corporate Sponsors & Board of Directors

Corporate Sponsors of United for Libraries 2018

PLATINUM FRIENDS SILVER FRIENDS CORPORATE FRIENDS • Penguin Random House • Baker & Taylor • Bound to Stay Bound Books • ReferenceUSA • Horror Writers Association • Hachette Book Group USA • Houghton Mifflin Harcourt • Macmillan GOLD FRIENDS • Ingram • Out of Print • EBSCO • Midwest Tape • SAGE • Gale • Sisters in Crime • Simon & Schuster • Harlequin • Workman Publishing Co. • Thrift Books • HarperCollins Publishers • W.W. Norton & Company • Innovative Interfaces, Inc. • Tech Logic

CORPORATE SPONSOR LEVELS OF SUPPORT Platinum $10,000 & up Gold $5,000 – 9,999 Silver $3,000 – 4,999 Corporate $2,000 - 2,999

United for Libraries Board of Directors 2018-2019

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOUNDATION AT LARGE BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE PRESIDENT TRUSTEE AT LARGE • Virginia B. “Ginny” Moore, • Paula Beswick, Library Consultant Retired School Librarian • Skip Dye, VP, Library Marketing & • Kathryn Spindel, Trustee, BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE Digital Sales; VP, Sales Operations, Fountaindale Public Library FOUNDATION AT LARGE • Pat Hogan, Executive Board Penguin Random House (Bolingbrook, Ill.) • Rocco Staino, Director, Empire Member, Bartlett (Ill.) Public PRESIDENT ELECT TRUSTEE AT LARGE State Center for the Book Library Foundation • Peter Pearson, Founder/Senior • Jill Joseph, Trustee, Hennepin CORPORATE AT LARGE BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE Consultant, Library Strategies County (Minn.) Library • Gary Kirk, President, Tech Logic • Libby Post, President/CEO, Consulting Group Communication Services TRUSTEE AT LARGE CORPORATE AT LARGE SECRETARY • Gordon Baker, Dean of Libraries, • MaryEllin Santiago, VP, Sales – LIFETIME BOARD MEMBER • Donna McDonald, Director, Clayton State (Ga.) University Consortia & Special Markets, • Pat Schuman, Past President, Arkansas River Valley Regional Library Gale-Cengage Learning American Library Association Library System FRIEND AT LARGE BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE LIFETIME HONORARY BOARD DIVISION COUNCILOR • Ned Davis, Executive Director, • David Paige, Managing Editor, MEMBER • Christine Hage, Director, Rochester Friends & Foundation of the Libraries Unlimited • Sarah Jessica Parker, Honorary Hills (Mich.) Public Library Rochester (N.Y.) Public Library Chair, Book Club Central BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT FRIEND AT LARGE • Dick Waters, Principal Consultant, • Steve Laird, President, • Alan Fishel, Partner, Arent Fox Godfrey’s Associates ReferenceUSA FRIEND AT LARGE BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE • Veronda Pitchford, Director of • Mark Smith, Director and Librarian, Membership Development and Texas State Library and Archives Resource Sharing, Reaching Commission Across Illinois Library System

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOUNDATION AT LARGE • Beth Nawalinski • Marcellus Turner, City Librarian, The Seattle Public Library MANAGER OF MARKETING & MEMBERSHIP; NEWSLETTER EDITOR • Jillian Wentworth

October 2018 23 United for Libraries NONPROFIT ORG. 859 W. Lancaster Ave., Unit 2-1 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 HANOVER, PA 17331 PERMIT NO. 4 Change Service Requested

Books for Babies

Your Friends group can help increase literacy in your community by supporting a love for books at the ear- liest ages. “Books for Babies” has been a successful Friends project in towns and cities across the country.

The Books for Babies Kit contains: • Born to Read brochure • Baby’s First Library Card • Books for Babies brochure with Reading Tips • Baby’s First Board Book (title subject to change) • Babies Love Books: A Guide for Grown-ups • Bookmark with Reading Tips 

SHIPPING ADDRESS: Provide a street address. UPS will not deliver to post office boxes. Name

Organization Please Circle Address Type: Street Address RESIDENTIAL or BUSINESS City/State/ZIP Phone Email

______Sample Kit(s) in English @ $8.00 each (limit 2) ...... $______Sample Kit(s) in Spanish @ $8.00 each (limit 2) ...... $______SEND FORM AND PAYMENT TO: Books for Babies ______English Kits @ $7.00 each - order in multiples of 25 ...... $______United for Libraries ______Spanish Kits @ $7.00 each - order in multiples of 25 ...... $______859 W. Lancaster Ave. Unit 2-1 Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: (Check payable to United for Libraries). . .$______

For more information, visit www.ala.org/united/products_services/booksforbabies. To order by credit card, call (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161.

Prices include shipping and handling. Additional shipping costs will be added for locations in Alaska, Hawaii, and international destinations. Add sales tax to orders to the following locations, unless a state sales tax exemption certificate is provided: Ill. (6.25%), D.C. (5.75%), Conn. (6.35%), Ga. (7%), and Pa. (6%). 10/18

24 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161