THE for America’s Libraries VOICE ISSN 1084-4694 VOLUME 18, ISSUE 2 APRIL 2017 ALA and United for Libraries to launch Book Club Central with Sarah Jessica Parker

The American Library Association (ALA) is creating Book Club Central, a new online platform of reading re- sources, including recommendations, expert book lists, and other content for book clubs and their readers. Award- IN THIS ISSUE winning television and film actor, producer, designer, library supporter President’s Message 2 and avid reader Sarah Jessica Parker News & Notes 3 is partnering with ALA to serve as the Honorary Chair of Book Club Central. Framework for Foundations 6 Book Club Central partners include Tools for Trustees 8 United for Libraries and Booklist, the Focus on Friends 12 book review magazine of ALA. As honorary chair, Parker will pro- Friends on Campus 15 vide a selection of recommended titles Good Ideas from the Network 16 for Book Club Central throughout the Conference Update 20 year. She will unveil her inaugural pick at the official launch of Book Club Book Club Choices 22 Central, which will take place during Sarah Jessica Parker Corporate Sponsors & Board of Directors 23 the President’s Program at the ALA to partner with the American Library Books for Babies 24 Annual Conference in Chicago on Sat., June 24 at 3:30 p.m. at McCormick Association and Book Club Central. Place West, W375b/Skyline. I’m thrilled to help champion original voices for dedicated readers as well as STATE OF AMERICA’S LIBRARIES “I can’t think of anyone more per- fect than Sarah Jessica Parker to be the for a new generation, supporting librar- ALA’s report, released during National American Library Association chair of ies in what they do best.” Library Week, details usage and Book Club Central,” said ALA Presi- Libraries and librarians are cham- service trends. dent Julie Todaro. “Ms. Parker is an pions of reading and fostering love of page 5 advocate for libraries and literacy is- books. Whether it’s through early liter- sues, has served on a Presidential Task acy programs for children, one-on-one tutoring or community-wide reading MERGING A FRIENDS AND Force to integrate literature and drama into schools, has experience starting initiatives known as “One Book, One FOUNDATION Community,” libraries and librarians a book club, is the editorial director are transforming lives through read- One library reveals its successes and of a new line of books: SJP for Hog- ing and lifelong learning. According to challenges in merging their Friends arth, and is — most importantly — a Pew Research, more than 78 percent group and Foundation. lifelong reader who shares her love of of Americans believe that libraries are page 6 reading with others. ALA is lucky to be able to share Ms. Parker’s passion and effective at promoting literacy and love expertise with book clubs and readers of reading. Book Club Central is being ANNUAL CONFERENCE everywhere.” designed to provide the public with the very best in reading. Ms. Parker recent- Preview United for Libraries’ Said Ms. Parker, “From an early ly launched SJP for Hogarth in partner- programs at the ALA Annual age, books were my constant com- ship with Molly Stern, senior Conference. panions and my local library a place page 20 I could find a new friend on every shelf. It is a great honor and privilege continued on page 2

www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 1 President’s Message

continued from page 1 Making new friends... vice president and publisher of Crown, I am an only Hogarth, Broadway, Crown Archetype, child and grew up and Three Rivers Press. SJP for Hog- in a household of arth will selectively publish high-quali- adults. I learned ty works of fiction by both established very early in life to writers and distinctive emerging voices enjoy adult con- with critical and commercial promise. versation, make In this new role, Ms. Parker will be in- and keep friends. volved in all aspects of the publication You may think, Susan Schmidt process, from their selection and acqui- “What could this United for Libraries sition to cover design and promotion possibly have to President with her vision providing the editorial do with Friends, foundation for each publication. Trustees, or fundraising?” Sarah Jessica Parker is the star and Lots. It isn’t any fun to volunteer executive producer of Divorce, which alone. You want lots of people around premiered on HBO in 2016. She serves to participate in any efforts — it’s as vice-chairman of the board of di- much more fun! When your library rectors for the New York City ballet. director notices your support and asks In 2009, the Obama administration help to start a Friends group or suggest elected her to be a member of the Presi- Trustee nominees, there is plenty of Susan’s newest best friend is her grandson dent’s Committee on the Arts and the information out there. If you are read- Max, an avid reader and library supporter. Humanities. Parker lives with her hus- ing this newsletter, you know the best band, three children, and lots of books. guidance is on the United for Libraries website, www.ala.org/united. Words nity’s population. If you have a meeting are easy to come by, but if you actually in the morning or afternoon, you will The Voice for America’s Libraries have to go into the community and talk only get volunteers who are retired. If is published by United for about library volunteers it isn’t so easy. you want to engage the next genera- Libraries: The Association of If you aren’t good at that, please don’t tion, find out how they communicate, Library Trustees, Advocates, do it. Find one or two people who are understand their social network, and Friends and Foundations, a comfortable making new best friends. have a meeting in the evening. division of the American Library I always found library supporters at I wish finding volunteers and mem- Association (ALA). PTA meetings, neighborhood parties, bers was painless. There is so much and storytimes at the library. Discover more to think about and know. Mak- For membership information, who belongs to the country club or is ing and keeping friends was easy when call (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161, active in young adult groups at church, we were 10 years old or in college. It email [email protected], or visit or works with corporate bigwigs (or can be challenging, but rely on those www.ala.org/united. are business bigwigs). Ask every person who have been successful. Ask the who comes to an organizational meet- expert! United for Libraries Executive United for Libraries ing to bring at least one person with Director Sally Reed has been making 859 W. Lancaster Ave. them. good friends all through her career. Do Unit 2-1 Then what? I believe meetings have yourself a favor and use our resources, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 a bad reputation. They don’t have to including Sally’s new book (for more be boring or useless. Meetings should information, see page 13). Sally and I Send editorial contributions, match the purpose and your commu- are happy to make new best friends. articles, newsletters and news releases attention The Voice to the address above or to The United for Libraries office will be closed May [email protected].

9 and June 22-27. For assistance during that time, The Voice is a copyrighted please email [email protected] and allow 24 hours publication and cannot be for a response. photocopied and distributed..

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

Beth Nawalinski named United for Libraries Spotlight on Sponsor: executive director ReferenceUSA

ALA has an- a public information specialist at the nounced Beth Norfolk Public Library and a commu- Nawalinski as nity relations coordinator for Barnes & the new executive Noble. director of United Nawalinski has a BS from the Uni- for Libraries, ef- versity of Florida in nuclear engineer- fective July 31, ing sciences, as well as graduate work Patronlink is an easy to use fun- 2017. Nawalinski Beth Nawalinski in public relations. draising tool for library Foundations. currently serves as Nawalinski brings a record of With a few clicks you can target and deputy executive volunteer leadership with two Parent- email the best potential donors for director of United for Libraries. Fol- Teacher Organizations, serving in your library. Target for individuals in lowing a nationwide search, Nawalin- various roles — including president — your community based on household ski will fill the position being vacated with both, and with the Girl Scouts of income, charitable donors, interest in by the retirement of Sally Reed. Eastern Pennsylvania. She has been rec- books, age, and much more. Then send Nawalinski has served as United ognized by the Girl Scouts with several them a compelling email through the for Libraries deputy executive director awards for her volunteer leadership. At easy to use email campaign tool. On since 2015 and has led the division’s ALA, she was the recipient of the 2009 top of this, Patronlink allows you to revenue-producing programs; internal ALA Staff Achievement Award. She is a analyze your current donors to find and external communications; and member of the American Society of As- others just like them. Are you ready to membership retention and growth; and sociation Executives (ASAE). invite them to your next event? has worked seamlessly with a variety In applying for this position, Infogroup Inc. (who also brings of ALA Offices and Divisions. She Nawalinski noted, “I am passionate you ReferenceUSA) supports libraries designed and implemented statewide about libraries and how library support and the librarian profession as cham- purchasing options for digital resources groups will continue to speak out for pion sponsors of ALA, and platinum and membership, resulting in a sig- their libraries in new and innovative sponsors of United for Libraries. nificant gain for United for Libraries. ways to ensure that libraries remain vi- Learn more at www.patronlink. She also created National Friends of tal and receive the funding they need.” com or email patronlink@infogroup. Libraries Week, now in its 12th year, to Thanks for a successful search go com to schedule a demo. help Friends groups across the country to Susan Schmidt (media assistant, communicate the value they bring to Montgomery County Maryland Public libraries. Schools), president, United for Librar- Before becoming deputy executive ies; Steve Laird (president, Reference director, she was director of marketing USA), president-elect, United for To ensure you and communications for United for Li- Libraries; Donna McDonald (direc- braries. Prior to becoming part of ALA tor, Arkansas River Valley Regional or your group in 2009, she was marketing and com- Library System), secretary, United for is receiving all munications coordinator for Friends Libraries; Ed McBride (library Trustee of Libraries U.S.A. In 2009, Friends — Palm Springs [California] Public available member of Libraries U.S.A. merged with ALA’s Library), immediate past president, benefits, United Association for Library Trustees and United for Libraries; Aimee Strittmat- Advocates, to become the Association ter, executive director, Association for for Libraries of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends Library Service to Children (ALSC); needs your email and Foundations, later to become Unit- Mary W. Ghikas (senior associate exec- ed for Libraries. utive director, ALA); and, Dan Hoppe, address. To add Nawalinski also has experience as director, ALA Human Resources. your email, send it to united@ala. To submit an article to The Voice, email it to org. [email protected].

April 2017 3 News & Notes

Skip Dye elected 2018-2019 United for Libraries United for Libraries president presents Public Service Skip Dye, VP, board since 2015. Prior to his position Award to Sen. Jack library marketing at Penguin Random House, he was VP, Reed (D-R.I.) and digital sales at adult library and academic marketing, Penguin Random Random House, LLC, and VP, sales On May 1, House, has been director, Random House Publisher Ser- United for Li- elected 2018-2019 vices, Random House, LLC. Dye was braries Executive United for Libraries co-founder of the Penguin Random Director Sally president. House Literacy Award for Teachers, Reed presented Dye will serve and co-founder of Penguin Random Sen. Jack Reed as president-elect House Innovation Awards for Librar- (D.-R.I.) with during 2017- ies. United for Li- Skip Dye 2018 under Unit- Five additional United for Libraries 2018-2019 United for braries’ Public ed for Libraries Libraries President board positions were filled during the Service Award for President Steve election. Christine Lind Hage, director his support of Laird. of the Rochester Hills (Mich.) Public libraries during a “It is an honor to be elected,” said Library, was elected division councilor. special reception Sen. Jack Reed (D.- Dye. “United for Libraries’ mission Ned Davis, executive director of the in the Hart Sen- R.I.) and Sally Reed, executive director, Friends & Foundation of the Rochester ate office build- and purpose is dear to my heart. Never United for Libraries. before has there been a time where (N.Y.) Public Library, and Kate Park, ing. Friends of Libraries, Trustees, Founda- executive director of the Friends of the Sen. Reed tions, and advocates are more impor- Dallas (Texas) Public Library, were authored key sections of the Every Stu- tant to the libraries they support and elected Friends-at-large. Jill Joseph, dent Succeeds Act (ESSA), which reau- love. By partnering with the impres- Trustee, Hennepin County (Minn.) thorizes the Elementary and Secondary sively creative and active United for Library, and Kathryn Spindel, Trustee/ Education Act of 1965 and seeks to fix Libraries board and its constituents, treasurer, Fountaindale Public Library the No Child Left Behind education I want to raise awareness of public li- (Bolingbrook, Ill.), were elected Trust- law that was signed into law nearly 14 braries in their communities. I embrace ees-at-large. years ago. and welcome the new challenges that For complete information on the He also received the Public Service all libraries are facing today, and I see United for Libraries board, visit www. Award in 1994 when he was a rep- United for Libraries’ role to be para- ala.org/united/about/board/boardmbrs resentative from Rhode Island. Rep. mount in supporting and educating its or see page 23. Reed served in 1992 and 1993 as the members.” For complete information on the original sponsor for the Elementary Dye has been a corporate at large ALA election results, visit www.ala. and Secondary School Library Media member of the United for Libraries org/aboutala/governance/alaelection. bill, argued persuasively for its inclu- sion in the ESEA reauthorization bill, HR 6, in the subcommittee delibera- tions, and later in the full committee mark-up, and defended it twice when it Like United for Libraries on Facebook was under fire on the House floor. The United for Libraries Public Service Award is given annually dur- United for Libraries is on Facebook. To like United for ing National Library Legislation Day Libraries, visit www.facebook.com/unitedforlibraries. to a member of Congress who has supported library related issues. Past awards have gone to Nancy Pelosi, To follow United for Libraries on Twitter, visit www. Bernie Sanders, Susan Collins, Rich- twitter.com/ala_united. ard Durbin, Barbara Boxer, and many others. For more information about the award, visit www.ala.org/united/ grants_awards/public_service.

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

New report chronicles library community’s front line battles against fake news, censorship, bigotry

ALA released its State of America’s • Academic librarians are embracing Libraries Report (www.ala.org/news/ new responsibilities in such areas state-americas-libraries-report-2017), as scholarly communication, digi- an annual report released during Na- tal archives, data curation, digital tional Library Week (April 9-15) that humanities, visualization, and captures usage trends within all types born-digital objects. Other emerg- of libraries. The report finds that li- ing areas include bibliometrics and brary workers’ expertise continues to altmetrics, e-learning, custom in- play a key role in the transformation of formation solutions, and research communities through access to services data management. that empower users to navigate our • Public libraries nationwide are tak- ever-changing digital, social, economic, ing action, using signs and social and political society. media to proclaim “everyone is The term “fake news” is recent, welcome”; creating reading lists but the skills needed to evaluate in- on demographics, voting, social formation are not. Librarians provide justice, and other hot topics; part- users with expertise and the training 1. This One Summer, written by nering with community organiza- needed to evaluate the quality of in- Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by tions to combat Islamophobia and formation in all formats. The report Jillian Tamaki racism and to connect with disen- shows that the library community 2. Drama, written and illustrated by franchised populations; develop- continues to share best practices to Raina Telgemeier ing programs to help community help fuel efforts to combat disinforma- 3. George, written by Alex Gino members spot “fake news” (such tion. With the massive increase in the 4. I Am Jazz, written by Jessica Her- as false or misleading statements, amount of digital content, libraries are thel and Jazz Jennings, and illus- video or images shown out of ramping up efforts to make sure that trated by Shelagh McNicholas proper context, dubious statistics, children and teens are well-equipped to 5. Two Boys Kissing, written by Da- manipulated content, partisan pro- evaluate the sources, content, and in- vid Levithan paganda or satire), and evaluate tended message of all types of media. 6. Looking for Alaska, written by information online. Libraries of all types play a vital John Green • There is some evidence that school role in supporting early childhood liter- 7. Big Hard Sex Criminals, written library budgets may be increasing, acy, computer training, and workforce by Matt Fraction and illustrated by after five years of reductions, and development. In addition, they provide Chip Zdarsky there is hope that the Every Stu- a safe place for everyone, reflecting and 8. Make Something Up: Stories You dent Succeeds Act (ESSA) will be serving the diversity of their communi- Can’t Unread, written by Chuck used in support of school libraries. ties in their collections, programs, and Palahniuk The law includes language that al- services. 9. Little Bill (series) written by Bill lows schools to budget funds for The report documents the library Cosby and illustrated by Varnette school libraries and acknowledges community’s proactive support of P. Honeywood school librarians as specialized in- its core values, which include equity, 10. Eleanor & Park, written by Rain- structional support personnel. diversity, and inclusion, as well as its bow Rowell Other library trends of the past response to actions of the new admin- year are detailed in the ALA’s 2017 istration that threaten to undermine Additional information regarding State of America’s Libraries report. The the nation’s progress towards cultural why books were challenged; access to full text of the report is available at bit. unity. a Top Ten List video announcement; ly/soal-2017. Libraries continue to face challeng- trends, and infographics regarding the ALA is the oldest, largest, and es of censorship to books and resourc- 2016 Top Ten List of Most Challenged most influential library association in es. Out of 323 challenges reported to Books are available online at bit.ly/ the world. Its mission is to promote the the ALA Office for Intellectual Free- soal-2017. highest-quality library and information dom, the “Top Ten Most Challenged Other 2017 State of America’s Li- services and public access to informa- Books in 2016” are: braries report findings include: tion.

April 2017 5 Framework for Foundations

Merging a Friends group and a Foundation: What worked and lessons learned BY MARIA CRISCIONE STEL What worked? Executive Director, Friends & Founda- tion, St. Helene (Calif.) Public Library Above all, having experi- enced outside facilitators, The Friends of the St. who thoroughly understand Helena (Calif.) Public Library the dynamics of Friends and was established in 1968 as a Foundation groups, was es- member-supported organiza- sential to our success. Par- tion with the goal of raising ticipants in the discussions funds to enhance the library’s and planning made sure that programs and services. Begin- members from both groups ning in 1982 to 2013, the were respected during the Friends contributed more than process and represented in $300,000 to fund collections, the new organization. Con- programs, and technology tributions of both groups for the library. The Friends Friends & Foundation, St. Helena (Calif.) Public Library, presented the were recognized and hon- group raised funds through first Bookmark Napa Valley in January 2016. Featured authors included ored. A merger committee its annual membership drive Hampton Sides (above), Cara Black, Laura McBride, and Joel Selvin. It was with representatives from and with library book sales. held at the historic Carriage House at Charles Krug Winery. both organizations was Friends board of directors established to coordinate and members also volunteered hun- the merger process. This committee dreds of hours at the library. their goals, and create a strategic plan included a board member who was In 1998, the library received a with a timeline for moving forward. an attorney, who liaised between the bequest of more than $2 million. The Guided by Library Strategies, Friends group and the legal firm that assisted bequest was managed by the city un- and Foundation board members had us. Regularly scheduled meetings and til 2008, when the St. Helena Pubic frank conversations about the two constant communication among these Library Foundation was established. groups’ goals and successes over the committee members made for smooth Over the next five years, the Founda- years, as well as where there was room sailing throughout the process. Having tion distributed more than $300,000 to for improvement. They discussed what the library director participate in the the library for program enhancements. the positives and negatives of a merger process sent a clear message that the While the Friends continued to might be, what the new board would new organization wanted a collabora- fundraise and volunteer, the Founda- look like, and how the role of the new tive relationship with the library from tion focused on managing the invest- board of directors would change. With the get-go. The library director was ments. But with looming federal, state, the help of Library Strategies and with even involved in the interview process and local budget cuts, the two groups the determination of two groups of for hiring the executive director. Final- realized that the level of financial sup- staunch library supporters, the merger ly, when it came time to name the new port they were generating was not was set in motion. The new organiza- organization, the consensus was that enough. They decided it was time not tion would include board members the word “foundation” conjures up only to ramp up fundraising efforts, from both organizations, and, after as- higher levels of fundraising, but main- but also to proactively advocate for the sessing board strengths and weakness- taining “friends” in the new name was library. They initiated a discussion with es, they would recruit new ones to fill just as important, so after only a few the library director to evaluate how the the skill gaps. They would continue to short months, in November 2013, the groups could work together to better support the library with annual grants, merger was complete and we became achieve their shared goals. The idea of but they would also begin an earnest Friends & Foundation, St. Helena Pub- a merger of the two organizations was advocacy campaign to help the city lic Library. beginning to germinate in many direc- government and the entire community tors’ minds. understand the need for supporting our Lessons learned In the spring of 2013, directors of library. They also determined that they both the Friends and the Foundation could only be successful if they hired Like most Friends groups, ours brought in the consulting group Li- an executive director who would man- had modest membership dues paid brary Strategies (http://librarystrat age the new organization and move it only once annually. There was even an egiesconsulting.org) to help articulate to a higher level of fundraising. option for a lifetime membership for

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

$200. Lifetime members were never again solicited for donations or dues. Broward Public Library Foundation (Fort Four months after the merger, we sent Lauderdale, Fla.) wins the 2017 Loleta D. Fyan an annual appeal letter to all Friends Award members, including lifetime members. Some lifetime members were quite ALA has awarded the 2017 Loleta Public Library (BCPL) will use story- unhappy about this. While we had D. Fyan Award to Broward Public Li- telling to increase tolerance and inclu- sent a letter to the Friends members brary Foundation in Fort Lauderdale sion in its community toward LGBTQ announcing the merger, we might have Fla., for its project “Project upLIFT: persons as well as those vulnerable done a better job emphasizing the need Libraries Inform Family Tolerance.” because of their race, physical appear- for their continued and regular sup- Summarizing the proposed project, ance, or low self-esteem. The program port, despite their lifetime membership project director Dorothy Klein writes: that BCPL develops will not only en- status. All board members were invited “Broward County Library’s Project rich Broward County and improve life to stay on after the merger. The result- upLIFT (Libraries Inform Family Tol- for individuals and families, it will also ing board consisted of 12 members, erance) will inform, uplift, and bond help guide similar efforts among public half from the Friends and half from the diverse community families around a libraries.” Foundation. Once the executive direc- more tolerant, inclusive future through This $5,000 grant, given annually tor was hired and began to lay out an the power of storytime. Project upLIFT on a competitive basis, is named for aggressive fundraising agenda, some will serve LGBTQ, socially vulnerable, Loleta D. Fyan, an ALA past-president board members decided to resign. A and general community families and (1951-52), who provided funds for recruitment committee was ready to individuals, educating and support- ALA in her will. The grant supports seek out new, strong board candidates ing them towards a more inclusive a project that will develop and/or im- who would bring a variety of skills and library and more tolerant community. prove public library services, will effect experience to the new board. The project will provide staff training changes that are innovative and re- Finally, thanks to Library Strate- through trained consultants, a Family sponsive to the future, and have poten- gies, the new board understood that Tolerance Storytime Kit and resulting tial for broader impact and application hiring an executive director — the first storytimes, a Family Tolerance Collec- beyond a specific local need. Applicants paid staff — would likely result in a de- tion of inclusive-themed materials, and can include, but are not limited to, lo- layed payoff. For a while, more money a Family Tolerance Booklet.” cal, regional, or state libraries, associa- would go out than would come in. Fyan jury chair Stephen Wiberley tions or organizations, including ALA remarked on the decision, “Storytelling units, library schools, or individuals. Successes is a powerful way to foster understand- For guidelines and a list of previ- ing among families and individuals ous winners, visit www.ala.org/offices/ In the three years since our merger, whose lives differ. Broward County ors/orsawards/fyanloletad/fyanloletad. we have had many successes. We

• doubled our donor database. • more than quadrupled our annual We want to hear from you! Please send United for fundraising. • produced two successful annual Libraries your library and/or Friends or Founda- fundraisers, Bookmark Napa Val- tion group’s newsletter. ley, raising thousands of dollars and much good will and support for our library. For digital newsletters, please add [email protected] • raised the profile of Friends & to your distribution list. Foundation. • established advocacy goals that have improved relations between For print newsletters, please mail to: our organization and city govern- United for Libraries ment. 859 W. Lancaster Ave. For more information about the St. Unit 2-1 Helena Public Library Friends & Foun- Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 dation, visit http://supportshlibrary.org.

April 2017 7 Tools for Trustees

Libraries Turning Outward

BY MICHAEL R. WOOD we make of this?” and “What are The truth is, we need libraries per- Executive Vice President, The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, Bethesda, Md. the implications for our library?” haps now more than ever. Despite the 2. Instead of only thinking about the divisiveness and acrimony that seems At a time of funding cutbacks, library as providing programs and to have infected community life, people rapid changes in technology and the services to people, think about still hold a deep yearning to come to- way in which people connect, and a your own aspirations for your gether, bridge divides and work toward decline in trust of institutions, librar- community (not your library), the common good. The opportunity in ies are facing unprecedented pressures. the challenges getting in the way front of libraries today is to play an ac- The fundamental question each library of those aspirations being true, tive role in bridging those divides, cre- Trustee faces is, in a changing world, and the conditions that need to ating more impact and in doing so ef- how can their library continue to be a be in place in the community to fectively move from a “nice to have” to critical part of community life — not eliminate those challenges. This a “must have.” Turning Outward is the simply a “nice to have?” simple shift will help you have a key; all you have to do is get started. We believe the answer lies in Turn- discussion about the library’s role ing Outward. in creating those conditions in the For more information about the Har- community. And the solutions may wood Institute, visit www.theharwood Turning Outward is an approach, not be more or better programs. institute.org. developed by The Harwood Institute, to how individuals and organizations 3. Get your library professionals ask- For information on Turning Outward, make both strategic and day-to-day ing different questions when peo- visit www.theharwood choices. When one is Turned Outward, ple come into the library. Set up a institute.org/approach. he or she has a deep knowledge of their kiosk at the circulation desk and community and uses that knowledge equip people around the library For information on Libraries Trans- as their reference point for decision with some basic questions the In- forming Communities, visit www.ala. making and action. Libraries across the stitute has developed that will help org/ltc. U.S. have been adopting this approach them better understand the kind of to deepen their impact and relevance. community people want and the challenges they see in getting there What we often find is even among (see below for where to find these). individuals and organizations with Archived Ask a Trust- public-spirited missions, like libraries, ee columns, along with it is easy to lose sight of the community When libraries have begun adopt- itself. The result is that expert knowl- ing the Turning Outward approach, toolkits, current and edge, data, and “best practices,” frame they build deeper relationships with past newsletters, pub- programs and strategies which often people in the community and start to lications, and special don’t reflect the context of the commu- see ways that they can play a role in nity at hand or the reality of peoples’ addressing community challenges. In offers for Trustees, are lives. People get busy with the activity some cases, they play a convening role available in the Trust- of getting things done, but lose sight of or simply provide a safe space. In other real action. Metrics like the number of cases, they are shifting their programs ee Zone on the United people visiting or attending a program and strategies so that they are better for Libraries website. take precedence over whether those creating the conditions for the commu- efforts are actually creating the most nity to thrive. meaningful change they could. While making these changes isn’t Visit www.ala.org/ There are a number of ways that easy or automatic, the good news is united/trusteezone and library Trustees can stay Turned Out- that libraries across the U.S. have ac- ward in their efforts to move the work cess to resources from The Harwood sign in with your login of their library forward: Institute to help you get started, includ- and password. If you ing different questions to ask, frame- works for understanding your commu- need help logging in, 1. Consider incorporating a discus- nity and improving your programs and please, call (800) 545- sion into some of your meetings strategies, and real stories of library about what is happening the com- 2433, ext. 2161, or transformation and impact. These can munity. Ask yourselves, “What do all be downloaded at www.ala.org/ltc. email [email protected].

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

Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement Urban Libraries Council offers Leadership Brief on ‘Libraries Expanding Summer Opportunities’

The Urban Libraries Council (ULC) offers a Leadership Brief that is a great resource for libraries making the case for summer learning. Libraries Expanding Summer Opportunities focuses on how public libraries are expanding their roles as summer learning leaders. It can be ac- cessed at http://www.urbanlibraries. org/filebin/pdfs/ULC_Leadership_Brief_ Libraries_Expanding_Summer_ Learning.pdf. This publication builds on findings from the Accelerate Summer strategic partnership between ULC and the Na- tional Summer Learning Association (NSLA) with support from the Insti- tute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). able pamphlet that includes both docu- ments to colleagues, board members, The brief provides models of li- and patrons. Remind your community brary summer learning that emerged that libraries will stand for free expres- from the Accelerate Summer research, sion and against censorship; they will examples of successful programs, and remain safe havens to protect ideas, as five action strategies to help libraries well as challenge them. adopt a summer learning approach. A Library Bill of Rights poster For more information on diverse is also available for sale by the ALA public library summer learning pro- Store (http://www.alastore.ala.org/ grams that advance educational out- detail.aspx?ID=11955). First drafted comes for youth, be sure to also read in 1938 and adopted by ALA in 1939, ULC’s report, “Public Libraries and ALA’s Office for Intellectual the Library Bill of Rights was writ- Effective Summer Learning: Opportu- Freedom (www.ala.org/offices/oif) ten to speak out against the “growing nities for Assessment”at www. makes available as a free download a intolerance, suppression of free speech urbanlibraries.org/effective-summer- pocket-sized Library Bill of Rights and and censorship affecting the rights of learning-in-libraries-pages-502.php. Freedom to Read Statement (www.ala. minorities and individuals.” Today, it The Urban Libraries Council org/offices/oif/LBOR-FTR-statement- continues to stand as a fundamental (ULC) was founded in 1971. With the pamphlet). declaration of librarian values. Based help of its members, ULC initiatives The Library Bill of Rights and on the First Amendment, the Library strategically advance the value that Freedom to Read Statement were craft- Bill of Rights guides librarians in serv- 21st century libraries provide commu- ed in times of looming censorship and ing their communities and defending nities in critical areas such as educa- privacy threats. They have stood the the rights of all patrons. This poster tion/lifelong learning, workforce and test of time and remain fundamental is a vivid reminder that libraries are economic development, public safety, declarations of librarian values. Both havens to protect ideas, as well as chal- health and wellness, safety and envi- documents are needed now more than lenge them. Display the Library Bill of ronmental sustainability. ever. The Office for Intellectual Free- Rights and proudly proclaim that you For more information about the dom invites Trustees and librarians to stand for free expression and intellec- Urban Libraries Counil, visit www. print and distribute a free download- tual freedom. urbanlibraries.org.

April 2017 9 Tools for Trustees

United for Libraries debuts new Trustee Academy

United for Libraries has debuted ian, The Seattle library policy and the process of recon- a new series of the Trustee Academy, (Wash.) Public Li- sideration, the purpose of the Office for a collection of online courses to help brary, this course Intellectual Freedom and the Freedom Trustees become exceptionally profi- covers understand- to Read Foundation, and resources and cient in their roles on behalf of their ing where fund- services offered by the Office for Intel- libraries. All courses are taught by a ing comes from, lectual Freedom. professional in the field. Courses in- working with the clude: director to develop Everyday Advocacy — Why the the budget, ensur- Library Matters! ing the budget is Trustee Competencies Led by Libby Post, strategist-in-chief in alignment with Led by Kevin Tomlinson, area field and president of Communication goals, making the case for the budget consultant with the Idaho Commis- Services, this course covers getting to to funders, making effective budget sion for Libraries, this course covers know your funders and letting them presentations, and monitoring the bud- the knowledge, skills, abilities, and at- know what the library is doing, and get at monthly meetings. tributes of a successful public library importantly, why it matters. Learn

Trustee. how to be a powerful voice at budget Evaluating the Library Director time to ensure your library receives the Working Effectively with the Led by Donna McDonald, director, funding it needs. Arkansas River Valley (Ark.) Regional Library Director The cost for the series is $300 Library System, this course covers, for Led by Deirdre Brennan, executive for non-members and $225 for mem- both governing and advisory boards, director of Reaching Across Illinois bers. Special prices are available for why it’s important to do an annual Library System (RAILS), this course statewide or regional purchases of the evaluation, the evaluation process, and covers the role of the board, the role of Trustee Academy. how to coach the library director and the library director, and how to com- State and regional access to the give feedback throughout the year. municate effectively with each other. Trustee Academy is available to the

Learn about strategic planning, board following: Arkansas, Illinois Heartland meetings, an emergency communica- Standing Up for Intellectual Library System, Michigan, Nebraska, tion plan, and how to create a sustain- Freedom Reaching Across Illinois Library Sys- able and effective working relationship. Led by James (Jamie) LaRue, director tem (RAILS), South Carolina, Texas, of the American Library Association’s and Utah. The Library’s Budget for Office for Intellectual Freedom, this For more information about the Trustee Academy, or to register, visit Trustees course covers intellectual freedom, the core value of librarianship, the differ- www.ala.org/united/training/trustee_ Led by Marcellus Turner, city librar- ence between a challenge and a ban, academy.

Short Takes for Trustees videos offer quick Trustee training

United for Libraries is proud to of- well as the limits of an advisory board), for one year of access. Discounts are fer a series of brief videos designed es- as well as how to set policy, how to available for states and regional pur- pecially for Trustees to watch with their evaluate the library director (and why chases. library directors. you should), along with board self- State and regional access to Short Short Takes for Trustees includes evaluation, and the ethical and parlia- Takes is available to the following: 10 videos (8-10 minutes each) that can mentary standards for boards. Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois be shown during Trustee meetings to The courses are in video format Heartland Library System, Michigan, stimulate discussion about the impor- through Adobe Connect. Access is Missouri (select libraries), Nebraska, tant role that Trustees play in the gover- available 24/7. New Jersey, Reaching Across Illinois nance of their libraries. A subscription to the Short Takes Library System (RAILS), South Caroli- Topics in the series explain the for Trustees series, which includes all na South Central Library System (Wis- basics, such as what it means to be a 10 videos, is available to all Boards of consin), Texas, Utah, and Vermont. Trustee (discussing the broad fiduciary Trustees for $79 for United for Librar- For more information visit www. responsibilities of governing boards as ies members and $99 for non-members ala.org/united/training/short_takes.

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

Dynamic engagement for Mark Miller named ALA Trustee Citation recipient boards ALA and United for Libraries from the Univer- Ken Favaro, contributing edi- has named Mark Miller, chair of the sity of Florida and tor of strategy+business and the lead Loudoun County (Va.) Library Board attended graduate principal of act2, which provides of Trustees, a recipient of the ALA school at the Uni- independent counsel to executive lead- Trustee Citation. versity of Mary- ers, teams, and boards, says that the The ALA Trustee Citation, estab- land. He resides amount of time board directors spend lished in 1941 to recognize public li- in Leesburg with on strategy has been rising for at least brary Trustees for distinguished service his wife, Ellyn, the last decade. And most directors he to library development, honors the best and son, Jake. works with want to commit even more contributions and efforts of the esti- Mark Miller His daughter, time to this type of work. They need mated 60,000 American citizens who Gabriella, passed what he calls dynamic engagement. serve on library boards. away from brain cancer in 2013 at the Here’s how dynamic engagement Miller’s leadership resulted in the age of 10. To defeat childhood cancer, works: Whether it’s monthly, bimonth- expansion and relocation of the Ster- the Millers established the Smashing ly, or quarterly, the CEO and board ling Library, tripling its size and posi- Walnuts Foundation. In 2014, the carve out regular time to work together tioning it as a key element of economic Foundation’s work resulted in the Ga- on an ongoing, prioritized agenda of revitalization in a retail district. The briella Miller Kids First Research Act, strategy issues and opportunities. At Stirling community will be the first in authorizing a pediatric research initia- any point in time, this entails one or the county to benefit from extended tive through the National Institutes of more of the following: Friday and Saturday library hours, a Health. Gabriella loved to read, and development pioneered by Miller. In loved the Loudoun County Public Li- • Deciding which particular issues addition, Miller was instrumental in brary: a key reason her father works so and opportunities have potentially developing the unique public-private passionately on the library’s behalf. strategy-changing implications for partnership and lease-purchase agree- “Mark Miller’s dedicated service the company, and which need to be ment that will enable the library sys- and commitment to excellence in li- addressed now. tem to open its ninth branch — the braries has resulted in initiatives that • Agreeing on how to frame each 40,000-square-foot Brambleton Li- benefit all Loudoun County residents,” issue/opportunity (a well-framed brary — in 2018. noted Library Director Chang Liu. statement, based on an agreed- Miller received the Virginia Library “During his time as chair, the board upon set of facts, that calls for a Association Trustee Library Award in has developed innovative solutions to rethink of the strategy in some im- 2016. He has served as a member of serve the needs of our community.” portant way). the Loudoun County Public Library ALA President Julie Todaro will • Generating alternative responses to Board of Trustees since 2011 and as its present Miller with the ALA Trustee each particular issue/opportunity chair since 2013. He has also served Citation at the Opening General Ses- (the ideal number of alternatives is on the Loudoun County Fiscal Impact sion of the 2017 ALA Annual Confer- two or four — an even number to Committee, the Loudoun County ence in Chicago. prevent defaulting to a middle-of- Housing Advisory Board and on the For more information on the ALA the-road fudge, and no more than board of the Friends of Ashburn Li- Trustee Citation, visit www.ala.org/ four to avoid getting bogged down brary. united/grants_awards/trustees/trustee when presented with too many op- A Florida native, Miller graduated citation. tions). • Choosing the criteria that will guide how alternatives are evalu- ated. • Agreeing on whether the alterna- • Deciding on how the company’s BoardSource is an excellent and in- tives have been evaluated well strategy and plans should change expensive way for library boards and enough. in response to the issue/opportu- directors to stay up to date with best • Selecting the alternative that’s best nity, given the selected alternatives. board practices. for the company (the question is not “What is the right thing to Excepted from BoardSource Smart- For more information and resources do?” — it’s “What is the best thing Brief, Feb. 2, 2017. To join Board- for Boards of Trustees, visit www.ala. to do?”). Source, visit http://boardsource.org. org/united/trustees.

April 2017 11 Focus on Friends

Friends of the Kenai (Alaska) Community Library present alphabet wall fundraiser

Friends of the Kenai (Alaska) Community Library hosted an “al- phabet wall” fundraiser. Donors were invited to contribute $125 to purchase a letter that was be engraved with a name of their choosing (11 characters maximum). The original idea was a “tree of hands” that would be engraved, but since there are “X,” “Y,” and “Z” bookcases along one wall in the library, it was decided to use letters instead of hands. They would match the lettered shelves, and of course relate to reading and literacy. The Friends were able to procure the letters at a reasonable price, and they were engraved locally. They are made of wood. Every letter of the al- phabet is represented, so some letters are on the wall without engraving. These are made of a thinner material. Both capital and lower case letters are used for effect, and the letters are vari- ous colors. The lower case letters were Above: The alphabet wall at the Kenai (Alaska) Community Library. The Friends used to fill in spaces, and to cover let- of the Kenai Community Library sold letters for $125 each that could be ters that might not have been bought. engraved with the name of the purchaser’s choosing (maximum 11 characters). The letters are in a variety of fonts. Below: “XYZ” bookshelves in the library helped to inspire the idea for the alphabet wall. Left: engraved letters.

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

Save $5 on ‘good ideas’ resource for Friends Notable Quotables

Though “Every library is the home of a written specifically child’s imagination, an adult’s suc- to help public cess, and the world’s collective and academic knowledge.” librarians work effectively with Josie Brown, their Friends The Housewife Assassin’s groups, there Terrorist TV Guide, 2016 is much in The Good, the Great, and the “What fun I had in sleuthing min- Unfriendly to utes from a hundred years ago, in help Friends groups increase their Carnegie libraries across Kansas. effectiveness as well. Reading perfect penmanship, I got Written by United for Libraries caught up in the communities de- Executive Director Sally Gardner Reed, termined to bring literature to the United for Libraries national spokesperson, the book is loaded with good ideas Plains, before the telephone or in- comedian, and author Paula Poundstone (left) for Friends on fundraising, advocacy, door plumbing. How proud those performed in Rochester, N.Y., on April 7. The membership development, and (mostly) women would be. Those Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public programs. It also discusses how and libraries are still full of patrons — Library hosted an information table at the whether to consider merging with your children discovering books, seniors show. Poundstone concluded the show with a Foundation, how to start a Friends researching genealogy, teenagers testimonial about the importance of libraries, group (both public and academic), and looking for jobs, addicts wanting and joined Ned Davis, executive director of how Friends can attract new and active the Friends & Foundation of Rochester Public one more mystery to devour. To- Library, and Alla Levi, librarian at the Rochester members, along with best practices for day, the first copies of my novel,To Public Library. getting along well with your library. the Stars Through Difficulties, ar- If you have a group that is divided rive. How do I want to celebrate? on how to provide the best support Go to the library, of course. See Information for Friends, for the library, you’ll find a chapter what other nuggets lie there.” addressing this as well. Friends groups including past issues of are essential to their libraries — raising Romalyn Tilghman, The Voice, special offers, money and their voices when necessary. To the Stars through Difficulties, publications, and toolkits, This book can help you do what you’re 2017 is available to United for doing even better! Libraries personal and To purchase, the book, visit the “Libraries and librarians connect ALA Store (www.alastore.ala.org), group members. To log us to unknown worlds both real where you can also read an excerpt. and imagined.” in to the Friends & Foun- To download a coupon for $5 off, visit dations Zone and access www.ala.org/united/products_services/ Joe Harvey, resources, visit www. publications. From Blue Ground, ala.org/united and click Personal and organizational 2015 members of United for Libraries will on “Friends & Founda- automatically receive a 10% member “Local libraries in the Ireland of tions Zone.” If you need discount when purchasing the book my childhood truly opened win- your login or password, online. To use the $5 coupon and dows to the world.” email United for Librar- receive the 10% discount, group ies at [email protected] or members should call the ALA Store at Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin, (866) Shop ALA. call (800) 545-2433, ext. Flowing Tides — History and Memory in an Irish Soundscape, 2161. ALA Editions; 978-0-8389-1498-4; 2016 $57; www.alastore.ala.org.

April 2017 13 Focus on Friends

Caulkins wins United for Libraries/Thrift Books Friend Upcoming events Conference Grant

GLBT Book Month June 2017 www.ala.org/glbtrt/glbt-book-month

ALA Annual Conference If it wasn’t the school libraries, it was Chicago, Ill. the public ones. It was the one thing June 22-27, 2017 that was the same wherever we went. www.alaannual.org Anyone who ever knew me growing up would never be surprised to know that Library Card Sign-Up Month I have now chosen to live and work September 2017 with books.” www.ala.org/librarycardsignup Caulkins will share her experiences attending her first ALA Annual Con- Banned Books Week ference in an upcoming issue of The Sept. 24-30, 2017 Voice. www.ala.org/bbooks The United for Libraries/Thrift Books Friends Grant enables one mem- Banned Websites Awareness Day Sandi Caulkins ber of a Friends of the Library group at Sept. 27, 2017 a public library to attend the ALA An- www.ala.org/aasl/advocacy/bwad United for Libraries has awarded nual Conference. Applicants must be the 2017 United for Libraries/Thrift first-time attendees, and must be active Teen Read Week Books Friend Conference Grants to in their public library Friends group. Oct. 8-14, 2017 Sandi Caulkins of the Friends of the The Conference Grant, made possible http://teenreadweek.ning.com Kirbyville (Texas) Library. by a gift from Thrift Books, is adminis- Caulkins will receive $850 plus tered by United for Libraries. National Friends of Libraries Week full conference registration to attend For more information about the Oct. 15-21, 2017 the 2017 ALA Annual Conference in United for Libraries/Thrift Books www.ala.org/united/events_ Chicago. A formal presentation to the Friend Conference Grant, visit www. conferences/folweek grant winner will be made at the con- ala.org/united/grants_awards/friends/ ference at “Nuts & Bolts for Trustees, thriftbooks. Picture Book Month Friends and Foundations” on Friday, Thrift Books is proud to again November 2017 June 23, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (For more sponsor the United for Libraries/Thrift http://picturebookmonth.com information, visit www.ala.org/united/ Books Friend Conference Grant. Every annual). day Thrift Books helps extend the life ALA Midwinter Meeting Caulkins is a former two-term of books by finding them new readers Denver, Colo. secretary and now active member of through online sales, while provid- Feb. 9-13, 2018 the Friends of the Kirbyville Library. ing needed fundraising for libraries, www.alamidwinter.org For the last five years she has spent 24 schools, and literacy programs world- hours a week as a Friends of the Li- wide. Teen Tech Week brary volunteer, leading projects such Thrift Books LLC is the largest March 4-10, 2018 as a Reader of the Month program online seller of used books in North http://teentechweek.ning.com for youth, summer reading programs, America, and likely the world. Found- book sales, and local author events. ed in 2003, Thrift Books has 11 distri- Public Library Association “As someone who has lived within bution affiliates throughout the United Conference the military lifestyle in one aspect or States that purchase, sort and distribute March 20-24, 2018 another until recently, I moved around used books. Based in Seattle, Wash., www.placonference.org a lot,” said Caulkins. Thrift Books relies on proprietary soft- “Through it all, I have had books. ware to identify, value, sell, and ship It was always the first thing I sought used books using a variety of online out when we moved somewhere new. platforms, including Thriftbooks.com.

14 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 Friends on Campus Kippur wins United for Libraries/SAGE Academic Friend Conference Grant

United for Libraries has awarded Voice. the 2017 United for Libraries/SAGE The United for Libraries/SAGE Academic Friend Conference Grants to Academic Friend Conference Grant Lisa Kippur, executive assistant to the enables a person who is active in his or deans at University of Colorado Boul- her college or university Friends of the der Libraries. Library group, or a college/university Kippur will receive $850 plus library staff member who works in full conference registration to attend development, to attend the ALA An- the 2017 ALA Annual Conference in nual Conference for the first time. The Chicago. A formal presentation to the Conference Grant, made possible by grant winner will be made at the con- a gift from SAGE, is administered by ference at “Nuts & Bolts for Trustees, United for Libraries. For more infor- Friends and Foundations” on Friday, mation about the United for Libraries/ June 23, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. SAGE Academic Friend Conference At University of Colorado Boulder Grant, visit www.ala.org/united/ Libraries, Kippur has refocused and Lisa Kippur grants_awards/friends/sage. reorganized the Friends of the Library Sara Miller McCune founded group and forged relationships with SAGE Publishing in 1965 to support several libraries and bookstores in the the dissemination of usable knowl- area. She revamped the group’s market- edge and educate a global commu- ing materials and is planning several nity. SAGE is a leading international special events through 2019. provider of innovative, high-quality A native-born Coloradoan, Kip- content publishing more than 1,000 pur studied psychology, counseling journals and over 800 new books each psychology, and counselor education at year, spanning a wide range of subject the University of Colorado, and began Chamber of Commerce. areas. Its growing selection of library working at the university after obtain- “I am honored to receive the Unit- products includes archives, data, case ing her master’s degree in education. ed for Libraries/SAGE Academic Friend studies and video. SAGE remains ma- Her career at the university has includ- Conference Grant and learn more jority owned by its founder and after ed positions in student affairs, academ- about a variety of practices that I’ll be her lifetime will become owned by a ic affairs, and working with university able to incorporate in my position as charitable trust that secures the com- administration. She also earned a cer- Friends of the Library coordinator and pany’s continued independence. Princi- tification in health coaching from the executive assistant to the deans,” said pal offices are located in Los Angeles, Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and Kippur. London, New Delhi, Singapore, Wash- has volunteered for the Avon Walk for Kippur will share her experiences ington, D.C. and Melbourne. For more Breast Cancer, the GLBT Community attending her first ALA Annual Con- information, visit www.sagepublishing. Center of Colorado, and the Boulder ference in an upcoming issue of The com.

Samuel Huang, curator of the Harold P. and Mary Jean Hanson Rare Books Collection at the University of Florida, was among those featured in “Members Say It Best,” a collection of profiles in which ALA members share how the association supports them in developing skills and advancing in their profession, and using those skills to change the world for the better through libraries. Huang is a former United for Libraries board member and committee member, and was formerly associate dean for development and advancement at University of Florida Libraries, and has found great success in fundraising and working with Friends groups at several university libraries. To view more profiles, visitwww.ala. org/membership/memconnections.

April 2017 15 Good Ideas From The Network

Programs Ithaca, N.Y. Austin, Texas The Tompkins County Library The Austin Public Library Friends Foundation Foundation invited their community sponsors a “Play to join a discussion of March, the ‘n’ Talk” — a three-volume graphic memoir by local support Congressman John Lewis, one of group for families the key figures in the Civil Rights raising children Movement. Created in collaboration on the autism with co-writer Andrew Aydin and spectrum. Parents New York Times bestselling artist and caregivers are Nate Powell, March is a vivid first- invited to discuss hand account of John Lewis’ lifelong and learn about struggle for civil and human rights. various issues Badgerdog Teaching Artist Julie Poole and resources led three open-ended discussions about concerning Dr. Daniel Levitin and Dr. H. Eric Bender were featured authors at the the three-volume epic in various Austin Walnut Creek (Calif.) Library Foundation’s eighth annual Authors Gala. ASD. Childcare Public Library branches. is provided for children ages chronicles the story of her own family 3-13, who match up with “buddies” — — and hundreds like them — who Alden, Mich. college student volunteers — for group made the harrowing trek from their The Friends of the Alden District and one-on-one activities. native Laos, to refugee camps in Library engaged 3rd-, 4th- and 5th- Thailand, and ultimately to the United grade students who like to write. They States in the wake of the Vietnam War. sponsored a Short Story Contest and Lexington, Mass. offered three monetary awards for each Since 2004, Cary Memorial Library grade level. has promoted Lexington Reads, the Walnut Creek, Calif. town-wide book club that encourages The Walnut Creek Library Foundation the love of reading and community hosted “Meditation: Inner Peace connections through book-related Ithaca, N.Y. Awaits You” earlier this year. This events. This year, Lexington Reads was a lively and practical introduction The Tompkins County Library considers “Wanderlust: Traveling and to accurate meditation, presented by Foundation offers a “Snack and Exploring the World, Self-Development author and psychiatrist Dr. Marshall Chat” event during which non- by Experiencing the Unknown, Zaslove. The event was billed as a native English speakers are invited to Confronting Unforeseen Challenges, powerful technique for going within join informal, drop-in conversation Getting to Know Other Ways of Life.” oneself to experience peace, calm, and groups to practice their speaking and The first program in the series will a stress-free existence. Everyone who comprehension skills, meet new people, be a travelogue on Uzbekistan by a attended this workshop was given a and learn about library and community Lexington resident who experienced firsthand experience of meditating on resources. the “trip of a lifetime” in traveling the inner light. there.

St. Paul, Minn. Fundraising Anoka, Minn. The Friends of the St. Paul Public Walnut Creek, Calif. Library and the Advocates for Human In recognition of a growing new Rights partnered for a 12th season of population in town, the community The Walnut Creek Library Foundation thought-provoking and enlightening of Anoka was invited to hear from presented an “Out of This World!” films followed by moderated Kao Kalia Yang, a Hmong-American experience at their 8th annual discussions throughout the fall and memoirist and teacher, and a leading Authors Gala this spring, featuring spring. Films in the series cover a broad voice for one of Minnesota’s fastest local Bay Area authors, a silent range of human rights issues that affect growing ethnic groups. Her moving auction, libations, and hors d’oeuvres. women around the globe. 2008 memoir, The Latehomecomer, Following the reception, guests moved

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

upstairs for “Dinner Among the Stars,” Sevierville, Tenn. sharing an elegant catered meal by 2018 Book Lover’s Van Noy Catering with guest authors. The Friends of the King Family Library Tickets sold for $75 each. are holding a “10 Mile Yard Sale” Calendars available this spring to benefit their library. Community members are encouraged Lexington, Mass. to rent a parking spot on the sales The Friends of the Cary Memorial grounds for $20 each to then sell their Library provided a testimonial to stuff. There are 123 slots available and encourage their members to make a all rental money goes to the Friends. legacy gift. The donors said, “I know that our library is supported by the State and the Town, but I also know Florence, S.C. that our library wouldn’t be what it The Friends of the Florence County is today if it wasn’t for individual, Library System held their annual voluntary support, both in terms of fundraiser called “Guess What Friend time and treasure. That’s why we is Coming to Dinner” this spring decided to include Cary Library in our featuring best-selling author Mary Kay wills.” — Thomas Tsaros on why he Andrews. The evening began with a United for Libraries members and his wife Amantha joined the Maria champagne reception with the author can purchase the 2018 Book Lov- Hastings Cary Legacy Society. followed by surprise assignments of the er’s Calendar at a greatly reduced location where each guest was going price. Sell these calendars at a deep to dinner. Tickets cost $75 for the discount to Friends, use them as an Riverside, Calif. evening or $25 for the reception alone. incentive for joining your group, in For more information on finding an recognition of volunteer hours, or Last fall, Main Library Friends were as prizes. A great fundraiser, these gifted with several thousand new, author for your next event, visit www. authorsforlibraries.org. calendars are so popular they prac- some still in their wrappers, super- tically sell themselves. hero comics. A local former collector The retail price for the 2018 helped to organize them by title, series, Book Lover’s Calendar is $14.99; Marshall, Wis. marketability, and other criteria. The the discounted rate for United Friends sold the more rare comics in Every summer the Friends of the for Libraries members is $3.50 their glass cases and they quickly sold Marshall Library partner with the per calendar. There is a 30-copy out. The Friends held a special sale for Marshall Pet Care Clinic to host a dog minimum order (no maximum), the remaining issues at 25 cents each wash to support the library. Many and calendars must be purchased and more than 40 people attended. teens volunteer for this event and each in increments of 30. Calendars are Several hundred were sold at this dog gets a bandana or a hair ribbon. non-returnable. special event. The Friends say, “At least once a year, Shipping and handling is in- Marshall has the best smelling dogs in cluded in the cost of the order. Austin, Texas the nation — paws down!” Other Workman calendars may be added to your order at 50% off It’s an exciting time for Austin the suggested retail price (plus 7% Public Library Friends Foundation, Advocacy shipping and handling). A wide Austin Public Library, and the entire selection of wall and Page-A-Day St. Paul, Minn. community as Austin builds a new calendars can be viewed online at central library scheduled to open in The Friends of the St. Paul Public www.workman.com. Stock your 2017. In celebration of the opening Library promoted the importance book store with a selection of of the new central library — and in of the library in the era of fake calendars offered at a special dis- support of the Austin Public Library — news saying they are “committed to count. the Library Foundation is raising funds supporting libraries in their efforts to For more details, including to establish a Children’s Collections uphold the values of freedom, equality, ordering information, log into the Endowment. The endowment will safety, and access to information for Friends & Foundations Zone or ensure that future generations have all people, regardless of age, origin, the Trustee Zone at www.ala.org/ access to a dynamic and robust economics, background, citizenship, united. collection. or views, as outlined in the American

April 2017 17 Good Ideas From The Network

Library Association’s Bill of Rights Community Engagement support, enhance, and showcase (www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/ their local library. The FOML Grants librarybill). Rochester, N.Y. Committee looks at the following The Irondequoit Public Library Board priorities when reviewing applications: of Trustees welcomed feedback from 1. A new Friends group is being Minnesota the community on the library’s draft officially formed; 2017-2020 long range plan. Copies Minnesota Association of Library of the draft were made available Friends in conjunction with sponsor 2. A Friends group that is being for review at the library, town hall, Demco presented, “Libraries = rejuvenated, with a higher priority Pinegrove Community/Senior Center, Education,” a free webinar on library given to a group with a longer and on the library’s website. The messaging and branding. Hosted by period of inactivity; deadline for comment was March 15 Howard County (Md.) Library System and the plan was adopted in April director Valerie Gross, this hour-long 3. An existing Friends group 2017. session was designed to help librarians: has a proposal for increasing membership, increasing community • Rebrand your library in a new, awareness, or a proposal for a innovative way using strategic Minneapolis, Minn. novel approach to advocating for their library in the community. vocabulary. The Friends of the Hennepin County Library started out the year by asking • Increase respect for libraries as “What does 2017 reading look like institutions of learning. for you?” A very short survey was St. Paul, Minn. • Heighten your library’s visibility distributed to members at http:// The Friends of the Saint Paul Public and stature with community survey.constantcontact.com/survey/ Library recently sponsored a Letters members and potential education a07edpbs286ixw3kwpu/_tmp/greeting. About Literature contest for grades partners like schools. 4-12. Sponsored nationally by the Center for the Book in the Library of • Introduce this approach to key Charleston, S.C. Congress, the Letters about Literature constituents and develop strategies contest asks young readers to write you can integrate immediately into Bay Street Biergarten teamed up a letter to an author describing how your work. again with the Friends to support the his or her work touched their life in Charleston County Public Library a personal way. To read the winning To view the webinar, visit http:// system this spring. Community entries from Minnesota, visit http:// ideas.demco.com/webinar/libraries- members were invited bring a gently thefriends.org/about/center-for-the- education-your-key-to-success. used book to Bay Street Biergarten and book/letters-about-literature. More receive one free beer. Also, any child than one million students have that brought in a children’s book to participated in the national program, donate received a free root beer. (Limit Rochester, N.Y. made possible by a generous grant one beverage per person.) During their from the Dollar General Literacy The Friends and Foundation of the Books for Beer event, the Friends sold Foundation, with additional support Rochester Public Library say, “We books and had some amazing silent from gifts to the Center for the Book. all know libraries provide valuable auction items up for bid. Admission For more information about the resources to our communities, but was free. national Letters About Literature how do you quantify that value? The program, visit www.read.gov/letters. New York Library Association has developed an easy-to-use tool that Other allows you to calculate the dollar Michigan value that you receive from your To submit an item to library.” The calculator can be used In honor of Harriet Larson, a founding by any library to show its value to the member of the Friends of Michigan Good Ideas from the community. View the calculator at Libraries (FOML), FOML awards up Network, email it to www.nyla.org/max/4DCGI/cms/review. to two $400 grants annually. They are html?Action=CMS_Document&DocID designed to help new or rejuvenating [email protected]. =1181&MenuKey=advocacy. Friends groups in their efforts to

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

Tips on being an effective library advocate in Congress

In these times of uncertainty and more influence. Meeting with staff who are interested in the topic; upheaval, many library supporters will is valuable — you don’t always the constituent’s reason for being be strapping on their marching boots have to meet with the elected concerned about, or supporting or for the first time to make calls, write official. opposing the issue; a proposal of a emails, send tweets, and make visits to solution or alternative to the issue their national legislators. 2. Moderately effective strategies are or bill; a specific ask (what is it the The executive director of the phone calls, attending a town hall, constituent wants the Congress Young Adult Library Services Associa- writing a letter to the editor that member to do?), and a story that is tion, Beth Yoke, recently attended a references a pending issue before related to the issue or bill (keep it webinar called “How to Be an Effec- Congress and the name of the brief: up to eight sentences). tive Advocate in Congress,” which Congress member, personal emails, and personal letters. was administered by the Congressional What else should I do? Management Foundation (CMF) and 3. .Somewhat effective strategies presented by CMF President & CEO When asked what type of advocacy are social media messages, form Brad Fitch. activities constituents should do more emails, and form letters. If an Here is what Yoke learned, which of, the majority said: organization provides a sample United for Libraries believes will be email message for you to use, helpful to you as you work hard to • Provide materials that show the take the time to personalize it — protect library funding! impact of the issue on the state or especially the first few lines. If an district. organization asks you to send an • Get to know the legislative assis- • .Webinar content was taken from email through their web site or tant. the CMF’s forthcoming report, online form, just copy and paste • Provide materials in advance of “Citizen-Centric Advocacy: The the message and send it from your meetings. Untapped Power of Constituent personal email account. Engagement,” which surveyed • Get to know the district or state staffers from all 535 Congressional 4. .Least effective strategies are level director/office manager. offices. petitions and postcards. • .Attend a meeting in the Congress member’s district or state. • 95% of Congressional staffers said that keeping in touch with What should I write/send? .When asked what most influenced at constituents was a top priority Congress member’s decision making, • Staffers recommended that 1-2 of their member of Congress. staffers said: This means that it’s critical for days prior to a visit, the constituent advocates to build relationships send materials in advance • Meetings between Congressional with elected officials and their via email. The best format is staff and constituents. staff. Microsoft Word. This way a • Communication from constituents staffer can easily copy and paste and groups that represent constitu- • .Direct contact from constituents your content into reports, memos, ents. has a significant impact on decision etc. to share with their boss and • Attending events in the district or making, but the type of contact others. Only 37% of staffers said state. matters. documents that were brought to • Meetings between the Congress the meeting were useful. member and constituents. • Personalized messages from What works? • The material’s content should constituents. focus on a description of the issue/ 1. Most effective contact is in- problem; information about the The best way to train others to become person visits from constituents impact the issue or bill would effective advocates is role playing or representatives of constituents have on the Congress member’s — such as how a visit between a — this can be at the Congress district (if it’s a bill, provide the constituent and a Congressional staff member’s in-state office or bill number); a description of should play out. Washington, D.C., office .If you who in the district or state is are a part of an organization, state impacted by the issue or bill; any For more tips on library advocacy, visit so in the meeting — this gives you VIPs from the district or state www.ala.org/fight-for-libraries.

April 2017 19 Conference Update

ALA Annual Conference, Chicago, Ill. Journal’s Prepub Alert. A book signing will follow each author panel, with June 22-27, 2017 most books available for free and some for sale at a discount. Ticketed events: Auditorium Speaker Andy The Laugh’s On Us, sponsored Weir, hosted by United for by Ingram Content Group Libraries Sun., June 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mon., June 26, 8:30-10 a.m. Hilton Chicago, International South Join United Comedian for Libraries and United President Susan for Libraries Schmidt for a talk spokesperson and signing by Paula Poundstone Andy Weir. Weir will be joined built a career as a by mother- Andy Weir software engineer daughter duo Author panels: until the success Lisa Scottoline of his debut novel, The Martian, and Francesca Out and Proud: LGBTQ allowed him to write full time. He is Serritella, in Literature devoted hobbyist of subjects such as addition to James Lisa Scottoline Sat., June 24, 10:30-11:30 a.m., McCormick relativistic physics, orbital mechanics, Breakwell and Place West, 190a and the history of manned spaceflight. David Litt. Wine Featuring Eileen Myles, Rakesh Satyal, Presented by Penguin Random House. and cheese will be served, and a book Joseph Cassara, and Sophie Yanow. signing will follow. Tickets cost $60 Cosponsored with GLBTRT. in advance ($55 United for Libraries Workshops and training: division members), $65 onsite. Event code: UNI2. Crossing Over: Adult Lit with Nuts & Bolts for Trustees, YA Appeal Friends, and Foundations Sun., June 25 8:30-10 a.m., McCormick Fri., June 23, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Hilton Place West, W185a Chicago, Waldorf Room Gala Author Tea, sponsored by Featuring Jeffrey Cranor, Camille RSVP at www.ala.org/united/rsvp Bordas, Benjamin Percy, Christopher Library Trustees, Friends groups, ReferenceUSA Meades, and Mort Castle. Mon., June 26, 2-4 p.m., Foundations, and staff are invited to McCormick Place West S103 join a free day of information and Jonathan Safran First Author, First Book resource sharing and roundtable Foer, A.J. Finn, Sun., June 25, 3-4 p.m., McCormick Place discussions. This year’s theme will Brianna Wolfson, West, W196c be board development. Speakers Celeste Ng, Featuring Emil Ferris, C. Morgan will include Peter Pearson of Allison Pataki, Babst, Devin Murphy, Sarah Library Strategies; Libby Post of and Elly Griffiths Shoemaker, and Gregory Scott Communication Services; Deirdre will discuss their Katsoulis. Brennan, executive director, Reaching forthcoming Across Illinois Library System, and books and writing It’s a Mystery to Me: Crime Kathy Caudill, Trustee, Ela Area lives. Enjoy tea, Fighting Authors Library Public Library District, Lake finger sandwiches, Mon., June 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Zurich, Ill. The featured author will be Amy E. Reichert (The Simplicity of Jonathan Safran Foer and a variety of McCormick Place West, W184a Credit: Jeff Mermelstein sweet treats. A Featuring Scott Turow, Kate White, Cider). For the agenda, visit www.ala. booksigning will Brian Pinkerton, Diane Vallere, and org/united/annual. follow. Tickets cost $60 in advance Susanna Calkins. ($55 United for Libraries division Board Development for members), $65 onsite. Event code: Author panels will be moderated by Library Trustees, Friends UNI1. Barbara Hoffert, editor of Library Groups, and Foundations

20 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 Conference Update

Sat., June 24, 10:30-11:30 a.m. onerous! A panel of speakers will talk and bring your best practices to share McCormick Place West, W181a about fun and innovative ways to and questions to ask of fellow Trustees Board development is a key factor raise funds for your library without from across the country. of success for library Trustees, volunteer burnout. Hear about Friends Groups, and Foundations. ideas for big and small libraries, Friends & Foundations This program will feature a panel of Friends Groups and Foundations, Discussion Group (Public speakers who will discuss evaluating and new trends in nonprofit and the current composition of your board, library fundraising. Speakers will Library Friends, Academic identifying qualifications for future include Dwain Teague, director of Library Friends, and Library board members, board self-evaluation, development, University of North Foundations) board orientation, job descriptions, Carolina at Chapel Hill; chair of Sat., June 24, 8:30-10 a.m. and succession planning. Presented LLAMA, FRFDS; Charity Tyler, Hilton Chicago, Williford C by the Annual Conference Program executive director, Cedar Rapids (Iowa) This joint discussion group will Committee Public Library Foundation, and Peter feature open roundtable discussions Pearson, principal consultant, Library about topics of interest to public and Engaging Elected Officials Strategies. academic Friends groups and library Foundations. Table topics will be based with Your Library on the interests and needs of attendees. Sun., June 25, 8:30-10 a.m. Crisis Communication: Who Past topics have included fundraising, McCormick Place West, W194b Speaks for Your Library? recruitment, marketing, and more. A panel of advocacy experts and local (joint discussion group with elected officials will offer tips on what RUSA and Chapter Relations) your library can offer to local elected Sun., June 25, 1-2:30 p.m. How to Register officials, and how to engage them. McCormick Place West, W194b Speakers will include Libby Post of What happens when a newspaper calls Attending the full ALA Annual Communication Services and Kent the library for a quote on a Saturday Conference: Oliver, director, Nashville (Tenn.) morning? Is it your Library Director Those registering for the full ALA An- Public Library. Presented by the or Trustee who answers an elected nual Conference can attend any of Legislation, Advocacy & Intellectual official’s question about the library? In the nonticketed United for Libraries Freedom Committee. the event of a materials challenge, who events and, for an additional cost, add the Gala Author Tea sponsored by Ref- serves as the library’s spokesperson? erenceUSA and/or The Laugh’s On Us Engaging Book Clubs in Your Stuff happens, whether you work for sponsored by Ingram Content Group, Community a public, academic, or school library. onto their conference registration. To Sun., June 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Are you ready in a crisis, whatever register, visit www.alaannual.org. McCormick Place West, W193 it may be? This program/discussion Join United for Libraries for this will feature Macey Morales, deputy Attending only United for program on supporting and engaging director of ALA’s Public Awareness Libraries programs: your community's book clubs. Learn Office; Susan Jennings, past president If you wish to attend only United for Libraries’ nonticketed events, you can more about Book Club Central, of the Tennessee Library Association, get a free exhibits-only pass by using and Brian Auger, director of the an initiative of ALA President Julie the code TRUSTEES during registration Todaro. Book Club Central, created in Somerset County (N.J.) Public Library. at www.alaannual.org. This pass grants partnership with Booklist and United Participants will use scenarios and admission to the exhibits Sat.-Mon. and for Libraries, is an online platform role-playing, and learn how to prepare all United for Libraries non-ticketed of resources for book clubs. Among statements and a crisis communication programs, including Nuts & Bolts. Youu the featured panelists will be Jennifer plan for their libraries. can add the Gala Author Tea sponsored Lohmann of NoveList. by ReferenceUSA and/or The Laugh’s On Us sponsored by Ingram Content Discussion groups: Group onto your exhibits-only pass for FUN-Raising: Big and Small an additional cost. Ideas on Ways to Raise Funds, Public Library Trustees Friends, and Have Fun Along Discussion Group Attending only the Gala Author Tea sponsored by ReferenceUSA Sat., June 24, 8:30-10 a.m. the Way and/or The Laugh’s On Us spon- Sun., June 25, 1-2:30 p.m. Hyatt Regency McCormick, Jackson Park/ sored by Ingram Content Group: McCormick Place West, W178b CC 10AB Purchase tickets at www.alaannual.org. Fundraising doesn’t have to be Join this informal discussion group

April 2017 21 Book Club Choices

Anything is Possible loveless, isn’t too quietly investigated by the government by Elizabeth Strout alarmed (and even for possible involvement with child This wonder- a bit relieved) pornography, and he’s obsessed with ful collection of when her hus- illegal and cruel experimentations on loosely connected band, Gene, ends animals for a new depression drug. stories shines up among the This novel exposes a dark side of a spotlight on missing men fight- pharmacology that will have readers a small, rural, ing the fire. Hav- on the edge of their seats. Perfect for and mostly poor ing nowhere else book clubs interested in the strength county in upstate to go, she takes and the fragility of the human psyche. Illinois. Lives are her children to led below the at- the home that her MIRA/Harlequin; ISBN 978-0-77833- tention of anyone hated mother-in- 001-1; $26.99. other than those law left Gene when she died. Expecting who live there, and then the scrutiny an empty house, Grace is surprised to Sycamore find a squatter who was also displaced and judgement is intense. What else to by Bryn Chancellor focus on besides your neighbors, who by the fire. Small towns have lived in close proximity for gen- This is a stirring story of a woman all have their erations? who finally finds her independence and stories, and for The connection among the stories a wonderful pick for book clubs that two decades, in is Lucy Barton, who has made it out love strong women characters who pre- Sycamore, Ariz., of this poor town and into a degree of vail when all odds are against them. Jess Winters was fame as a writer. Exploring the town, theirs. Jess and its inhabitants, and the small successes, Knopf/Penguin Random House; ISBN her mother moved failures, secrets, and aspirations (both 978-0-38535-090-7; $25.95. into town after her achieved and not), the stories are pre- father fell in love sented as each character reflects on Find Me with someone new his or her relationship to Lucy. Begin- by J.S. Monroe and left them to ning with a retired janitor who tries to When Jar start a new family. The hope is that a elevate Lucy’s self-esteem as a young learns that Rosa, fresh town might provide a fresh start. and very poor girl who is the butt of the love of his life, Jess has a hard time getting over others’ jokes, to a final story in which has committed her feelings of abandonment and her Lucy returns to visit her brother who suicide, he can’t mother, Maud, can barely keep her lives alone, nearly a hermit; we see the believe it, even own life together, sleeping more than universal elements of the human condi- though he knows she’s awake. To try to relieve her pain, tion. she was very Jess often takes late night walks and Book clubs who relish beautifully depressed over one night, she doesn’t return. After 20 rendered stories of families and small the death of her years of waiting, Jess’ body is found, towns will love this book. father. In addition bringing the town together as family to the fact that her and bringing a small sense of closure. Random House; ISBN 978-0-81298- body has never This novel brilliantly moves back 940-3; $27. been found, Jar just knows that Rosa and forth through time to reveal the wouldn’t leave him this way. residents’ lives in Sycamore and their The Stars Are Fire Jar isn’t the only one with doubts; relationship to Jess and later, to her by Anita Shreve Rosa’s aunt Amy doesn’t believe Rosa mother. We learn about the small town Based on a true story of a fire on would kill herself either. Together they love affairs — some ordinary, some the coast of Maine in 1947, this novel keep hope alive despite all evidence to lovely, some forbidden — and we learn is about Grace, whose town was one the contrary. There is something big about the nature of betrayal and for- of many that burned to the ground. As going on. Jar is being watched and fol- giveness, and the power of friendship. the fire rushes toward her home, Grace lowed. But by whom and why? Was This moving and multi-layered novel is and her best friend grab their young Rosa involved in something nefarious? perfect for all book clubs. children and head to the ocean, where Adding to the intrigue in this dark they are eventually saved. and involving novel, Amy’s husband Harper/HarperCollins; ISBN 978-0- Grace, whose marriage is entirely Martin has his own secrets. He’s being 06266-109-8; $26.99.

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

Corporate Sponsors of United for Libraries 2017

PLATINUM FRIENDS SILVER FRIENDS CORPORATE FRIENDS • Penguin Random House • Baker & Taylor • Bound to Stay Bound Books • ReferenceUSA • Horror Writers Association • Consortium GOLD FRIENDS • Houghton Mifflin Harcourt • Hachette Book Group USA • EBSCO • Thrift Books • Macmillan • Gale • Workman Publishing Co. • Simon & Schuster • Harlequin • W.W. Norton & Company • HarperCollins Publishers • ProQuest • Sisters in Crime

• 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 2016-2017

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT TRUSTEE AT LARGE FOUNDATION AT LARGE BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE • Susan J. Schmidt, Friends of the • Don Roalkvam, Treasurer, Indian • Deborah Doyle, Library Consultant; • Patricia Glass Schuman, Past Presi- Library, Montgomery County, Md. Trails (Ill.) Public Library District Board Member, California Public dent, American Library Associa- PRESIDENT ELECT Board of Trustees Library Advocates tion • Steve Laird, President, Reference TRUSTEE AT LARGE FOUNDATION AT LARGE BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE Division of Infogroup, Omaha, Neb. • David Paige, Chair, Conway (N.H.) • Marcellus Turner, City Librarian, Se- • Peter Pearson, Lead Consultant, SECRETARY Public Library Board of Trustees; attle (Wash.) Public Library Library Strategies Consulting Group Editorial Director, Libraries Unlim- • Donna McDonald, Director, Arkan- FOUNDATION AT LARGE BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE sas River Valley Regional Library ited • Virginia B. “Ginny” Moore, Retired • Fred Stielow, Vice President/Dean System, Dardanelle, Ark. TRUSTEE AT LARGE School Librarian Emeritus, American Public Univer- • Camila Alire, Past President, Ameri- DIVISION COUNCILOR CORPORATE AT LARGE sity System; Trustee, Anne Arundel can Library Association • Christine Lind Hage, Director, Roch- • Kathleen McEvoy, Vice President of County (Md.) Library System ester Hills (Mich.) Public Library FRIEND AT LARGE Communications, EBSCO Informa- BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE • Peggy Barber, Consultant, Library tion Services IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT • Mark Smith, Director and Librarian, Communication Strategies, Inc. • Ed McBride, Library & Research CORPORATE AT LARGE Texas State Library and Archives Publisher Professional; Trustee, FRIEND AT LARGE • Skip Dye, Vice-President and Commission Palm Springs (Calif.) Public Library • Michael LaCroix, Commissioner, Director of Sales Operations, BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE Nebraska Library Commission Penguin Random House • Paula Beswick, Library Consultant EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FRIEND AT LARGE CORPORATE AT LARGE • Sally Gardner Reed • Veronda J. Pitchford, Director of • MaryEllin Santiago, VP Sales - Membership Development and Re- DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Consortia & Special Markets, Gale source Sharing, Reaching Across Il- • Beth Nawalinski Cengage Learning linois Library System, Burr Ridge, Ill.

MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST; NEWSLETTER EDITOR • Jillian Wentworth

April 2017 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%). 4/17

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