For America's Libraries United for Libraries to Dedicate Literary

Home , Farewell Summer, Seattle Public Library

THEVOICE for America’s Libraries ISSN 1084-4694 VOLUME 20, ISSUE 2 April 2019

United for Libraries to dedicate Literary Landmarks in celebration of Children’s Book Week

In celebration of Children’s Book mance of Week (May 1-7, 2019) United for Bradbury’s Libraries will dedicate five Literary short Landmarks™ celebrating children’s play The IN THIS ISSUE book authors. This program was spear- Whole headed by Rocco Staino, director of Town’s Conference Preview 2 the Empire State Center for the Book, Sleeping, News & Notes 3 and is presented in conjunction with and a Around ALA 5 the American Library Association/Chil- Literary dren’s Book Council Joint Committee. Landmark Framework for Foundations 6 Launched in 1919, Children’s Book plaque was Tools for Trustees 8 Week will celebrate its 100th anniver- unveiled. Focus on Friends 10 sary this year. The cer- The following Literary Landmarks emony Friends on Campus 11 will be dedicated: followed State Friends Spotlight 14 the Illinois • The Harvin Clarendon County Good Ideas from the Network 15 Reads Library, in honor of Peggy Parish Book Festi- Book Club Central 20 (in partnership with Clarendon val, which Book Club Choices 21 County Chamber of Commerce honored Ray Bradbury with trib- and South Carolina Center for the Corporate Sponsors & Board of Directors 23 utes throughout, including a Pop- Book). The dedication will be held up Museum. Books for Babies 24 Thurs., May 2 at 5:30 p.m. fol- • Schenectady Public Library, in hon- lowed by a reception and children’s or of Arnold Lobel (in partnership ANNUAL PROGRAMS activity. with Empire State for the Book). Peggy Parish is best known Preview United for Libraries programs The dedication will be held Wed., for creating the original “Amelia at the ALA Annual Conference in May 5. Bedelia” books, a children’s series Washington, D.C. Arnold Lobel is best known that follows a character who takes page 2 for writing and illustrating the idioms and figurative phrases liter- “Frog and Toad” children’s books. ally, leading to humorous mishaps. LIBRARIES = STRONG He is the recipient of the Caldecott • Ray Bradbury Park in honor of Medal and Honor Award, the John COMMUNITIES Ray Bradbury (in partnership with Newberry Medal, and the Golden ALA releases its annual State of Ray Bradbury Experience Museum Kite Award. America’s Libraries report. (RBEM) and Illinois Center for • Vera’s Story Garden in honor of page 5 the Book). Bradbury’s well-known Vera Williams, author of A Chair novel Fahrenheit 451 featured the for My Mother and other chil- LIBATIONS IN THE LIBRARY park as a crucial part of his child- dren’s books which often featured hood. diverse characters in urban set- Serving wine and beer at fundraisers The dedication was held Sat., tings. The ceremony will be held can draw new, younger supporters. March 16th, at Ray Bradbury on Sat., May 4. page 11 Park in Waukegan, IL. During the ceremony, Waukegan High School students put on a special perfor- continued on page 12

www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 [email protected] 1 Conference Preview

United for Libraries programs at the ALA Annual Conference provides the building blocks for creating A Successful Budgeting Process: your own. By attending, you will acquire Perspectives from An Elected Official, fundamental fundraising skills neces- County Manager, Library Trustee, sary to engage prospective donors for and Library Director your organization and seek their phil- Sun., June 23, 10:30-11:30 a.m. anthropic support. Presenter Lisa Lint- In this panel discussion, the Chair of ner, a library director leading a newly Below is a selection of Loudoun County Board of Supervi- formed foundation in 2016, will share sors, the County Manager, the Library United for Libraries her experience in developing her foun- Trustee Chair, and the Library Director programs for Trustees, dation’s first case for support, and the will discuss how library budgets are de- Friends, and Founda- subsequent updated versions. Presenter veloped, lobbied for, proposed, and ap- Dr. Sarah Nathan, Lilly Family School tions at the 2019 ALA proved in Loudoun County, a rapidly of Philanthropy’s Associate Director of growing county in the suburb of Wash- Annual Conference in Public Programs, will share an overview ington D.C. This is a great example of of their signature program “Fundraising Washington, D.C., June how elected officials, County Adminis- for Small Nonprofits,” where Lisa first 20-25. For complete in- tration, Library Board of Trustees and learned how to create a case for support. formation on programs, library staff work collaboratively to address the Library’s funding needs while meetings, ticketed events, How Everyday Relationships Build Support and Help Libraries Transform keeping in mind the other competing author panels, and more, issues in the county. visit www.ala.org/united/ Sat., June 22, 1-2 p.m. Libraries are fighting for support and annual. dollars in every community across the The Financial Forest Through the Trees country. Asking for support when the Mon., June 24, 9-10 a.m. ballot is printed is too late. How do you Come and explore the exciting world Donuts & Dialogue for Trustees, create a community of advocates before of library finances as seen through the Friends, and Foundations a ballot initiative or budget request is on eyes of the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Me- Fri., June 21, 9-11 a.m. (ticketed event: the agenda? Learn how one library has morial Library. This presentation will $10, free for United for Libraries mem- developed an advocacy plan to build a provide helpful hints and a toolkit for bers; event code UNI1) community of library champions who monitoring expenses, developing bud- Join United for Libraries and Federation are ready to be activated when needed. of Friends of the DC Public Library for Through strategic communications continued on page 7 this networking event for library Trust- planning, utilizing the Libraries Trans- ees, Friends, and Foundations. form campaign, and one-on-one meet- The Voice for America’s Libraries is ings with stakeholders, the Cedar Rap- 21st Century Friends: Advocacy, published by United for Libraries: ids Public Library will show you how to The Association of Library Trustees, Book Selling and Membership take on advocacy one step at a time. Advocates, Friends and Foundations, Sat., June 22, 9-10 a.m. a division of the American Library This interactive program will explore Make the Largest Generation of Association (ALA). traditional foundations of Friends of Library Users Your Best Advocates Library groups, advocacy, book selling Sat., June 22, 2:30-3:30 p.m. For membership information, call and membership. The focus will be on Learn how to attract Millennials to (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161, email how to use 21st century technology to your Friends group by moving beyond [email protected], or visit www.ala.org/ make advocacy, book selling and mem- traditional fundraisers, and turn the united. bership successful in the library sup- largest generation of library users into port world of today and tomorrow. your best advocates. This session will Send editorial contributions, articles, guide your organization in how create newsletters and news releases Crafting a Compelling Case for meaningful advocacy messaging, and attention The Voice to [email protected]. Support equip your volunteers to understand Sat., June 22, 10:30-11:30 a.m. the ins and outs of library operations. The Voice is a copyrighted publication This interactive session offers an over- Attendees are encouraged to share local and cannot be photocopied and view of the importance of a fundrais- trends and will leave with tips and tricks distributed. ing organization’s case for support and for libraries of any size.

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

Remembering Joan B. Larson

Minnesota Association of Library Library Friends board. Among other out with a Friends (MALF), along with United for priorities, she was a driving force be- Distinguished Libraries, honors the life and memory hind MALF’s first foray into United for Achieve- of Joan B. Larson, who passed away Libraries’ Literary Landmarks™ pro- ment Award February 23, 2019, at the age of 89. gram — starting with the dedication of in 2009. Long-time library staff and support- the Sinclair Lewis boyhood homestead She will ers may remember Larson best as head in Sauk Centre (2013). be missed! of the Northern Lights Library Network On top of MALF, Joan contrib- Family asks — a cooperative of 280 public, school uted her time and energy to a dizzying that, in lieu Joan Larson (right) won and special libraries in northern Min- litany of like-minded organizations: of flowers, Minnesota Association of nesota. Under Larson’s leadership, the her local Douglas County Friends and charitable Library Friends’ “Friend of consortium pooled valuable administra- Foundation; the Minnesota Library As- gifts be given the Year” award in 2014. tive, technological, and educational sup- sociation (of which she was president); in Joan’s port services for the betterment of all. the Minnesota Reading Coalition, and name to the However, she was also a staunch United for Libraries. Douglas County Library Friends and Friends leader, both at the local and MALF named Joan as its Library Foundation. Her obituary can be found state level. Larson served for a full 10 Friend of the Year in 2014, and the Min- at www.andersonfuneral.net/notices/ years on the Minnesota Association of nesota Library Association singled her Joan-BallardLarson.

United for Libraries designates Ray Bradbury Park a Literary Landmark during 2019 Illinois Reads Book Festival United for Libraries, in partnership by welcoming 22 Illinois authors and il- perfor- with the Illinois State Library and Il- lustrators to the Waukegan High School mance of linois Center for the Book, designated Brookside Campus. The authors partici- Bradbury’s Ray Bradbury Park a a Literary Land- pated in the festival with book signings short play mark on Sat., March 16. The unveiling and author sessions. Several interactive The Whole ceremony began at 4:51 p.m. in honor Bradbury-themed vendors, activity sta- Town’s of Bradbury’s well-known novel Fahr- tions, and a Fahrenheit 451 production Sleeping, enheit 451 (1953). presented by Waukegan High School and the Ray Bradbury (1920-2012) was students made up the afternoon. Literary born and raised in Waukegan, Ill., be- Priscilla Dwyer, President of the Landmark fore his family moved to Los Angeles Illinois Reading Council, served as plaque was in 1934. He was a prolific author best Master of Ceremony throughout the unveiled. known for his work in the science festival. Ty Rohrer, Manager of Cultur- In ad- fiction genre. He is the recipient of al Arts at the Waukegan Park District, dition to Sandy Petroshius, Terry Fertig, several awards, including the National opened the ceremony at 4:51 by giving United for Bonnie Matheis, and Ty Rohrer with the Literary Landmark Medal of Arts (2004), a Pulitzer Prize background information on Bradbury Libraries, plaque. Special Citation (2007), and a Daytime and the significance of Ray Bradbury partners Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing Park to the author’s life. Ty also intro- in the cer- in an Animated Program for his screen- duced each of the speakers throughout emony and writing work on The Halloween Tree the program, including Greg Mc- festival (1994). Ray Bradbury Park, located Cormick, Director of the Illinois State included Ty Rohrer, Tammy Potts of Il- in Bradbury’s “Green Town” neigh- Library; Sandy Petroshius and Terry linois Reads, Terry McHugh of Illinois borhood, played a major part in his Fertig of the Ray Bradbury Experience Reads and Waukegan High School, the childhood Waukegan upbringing and Museum; Illinois Secretary of State and Ray Bradbury Experience Museum, was referenced in his works Dandelion State Librarian Jesse White; and fea- and Bonnie Matheis of the Illinois Cen- Wine, Something Wicked This Way tured speaker Dr. Jonathan R. Eller, Di- ter for the Book. Comes, and Farewell Summer. rector of the Center for Ray Bradbury Ray Bradbury Park is the first Lit- The dedication ceremony took Studies in Indiana, among many others. erary Landmark established in Lake place as part the 2019 Illinois Reads During the ceremony, Waukegan County and the eighth in the state of Book Festival, which honored Bradbury High School students put on a special Illinois.

April 2019 3 News & Notes

How to make sure your new elected officials value your library

BY LIBBY POST time when the library is busy—story how you can United for Libraries Board Member and Advocacy time or lap sit, teen after-school pro- help with Committee Chair; President, Communication gramming, etc. In other words, having research on Services some constituents there wouldn’t hurt issues of The 2018 elections had the highest either. education voter turnout since the 1914 mid-term Friends can invite elected officials and economic elections. More than 250 women ran to open their annual book sale or make development. for US House or Senate seats. 102 an announcement on funding library Work with women now serve in the House and programs. They can engage local elect- your state li- 25 in the US Senate. More than 350 ed officials on advocacy conversations brary associa- state legislative seats across the country around funding or building programs. tion on how Libby Post flipped. Suffice it to say, there are a lot So can library Trustees. Trustees have to talk to him of new faces in elected positions from to be a little more careful. They don’t or her on library funding. It is essential local government all the way to the give up their first amendment rights that the messaging on the state issues House and Senate. when they become Trustees. But, if that directly affect libraries be consis- This turnover is a wonderful op- they ask the elected official to vote a tent across your state. portunity for public libraries and their certain way, they should be clear that Invite your local and state elected Friends and advocates to introduce they’re speaking as a constituent and a officials to large events. Have them yourselves to your new elected officials. taxpayer as well as a library Trustee. come and help kick off your summer Some of the new elected officials may Think of innovative ways to make reading program. Cut the ribbon on an already have a relationship with your the library an asset for the elected of- art opening. Introduce a major speaker library. Some of them don’t. Treat them ficial. On the really local level (mayor you have coming in. Whatever your all the same but be prepared to go to and city council/town supervisor and invitation, make sure you have a good the next level quickly with the folks board), have a discussion on how the camera on-hand and take lots of pic- that already know you (and, hopefully, library can be helpful researching lo- tures. Post them on social media, tag/ love you!). cal municipal issues with which their hashtag the elected official, put them First thing, send out a congratula- deliberative bodies are grappling. The in your email and/or print newsletter. tory letter wishing them well as your library can be their research depart- Nothing makes an elected official hap- new mayor, or city councilmember or ment. Let them know you’d be more pier than having his or her picture fea- state senator. It should be signed by than happy to have someone from the tured in someone else’s print, electronic your board president. The president of library come to their office, if need be, or social media. And, don’t forget to the library Friends and/or Foundation to show them how to use the databases send the pictures to the elected so he or board should do the same. Be sure to you have access to that might be help- she can put it up on their print, elec- add them to your mailing lists — snail ful to them — government records, tronic or social media. and email — so that they get all the in- newspaper archives, etc. Libraries are essential to our com- formation the rest of their constituents Your library director can get in- munities. We solve problems. We edu- get. volved in community-based problem cate. We entertain. We employ. We are After about a month or so, call solving efforts based on the municipal the last bastion of democracy. Anyone their offices and ask to set a date for issues your community is facing. Work can walk in our doors and access in- the elected official to come and tour with the elected official(s) and let them formation for free. Our elected officials the library. Reinforce the constituent see the library as a key partner in solv- need to know this. They need to value theme — you serve their constituents. ing community problems. This is a what we do. They need to understand Make sure you have a good showing of decision that the library’s trustees have how important we are to their con- your Trustees and Friends/Foundation to support. stituents so that when the time comes, boards there as well. Schedule it for a For state reps, reach out and see they’ll be in our corner.

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

State of America’s Libraries 2019 report affirms Libraries = Strong Communities

ALA released its State of America’s Reason: for LGBTQIA+ characters Libraries 2019 report, an annual sum- and themes mary of library trends that outlines 6. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay statistics and issues affecting all types Asher of libraries. Never have our nation’s Reason: for addressing teen suicide libraries played such a pivotal role in 7. This One Summer by Mariko Ta- strengthening communities through maki, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki education and lifelong learning. Reasons: for profanity, sexual ref- Libraries are a microcosm of the erences, certain illustrations larger society. They play an important 8. Skippyjon Jones series, written and and unique role in the communities illustrated by Judy Schachner that they serve and provide an inclusive Reason: for depicting cultural environment where all are treated with stereotypes respect and dignity. 9. The Absolutely True Diary of a No longer just places for books, Part-Time Indian by Sherman our public libraries serve as a lifeline Alexie for some of our nation’s most vulner- Reasons: for profanity, sexual ref- able communities. From community- erences, religious viewpoint wide issues as illiteracy, homelessness 10. This Day in June by Gayle E. Pit- and community silos, our nation’s list, and both books were burned by man, illustrated by Kristyna Litten public libraries are acting as catalysts a religious activist to protest a Pride in fostering community-wide solutions Reason: for LGBTQIA+ content event. that strengthen communities. 11. Two Boys Kissing by David Levi- In 2018, the ALA Office for Intel- The report found that library than lectual Freedom (OIF) tracked 347 workers are on the frontlines address- Reason: for LGBTQIA+ content challenges to library, school and uni- ing community challenges. Many serve versity materials and services. Overall, Additional information regarding as first responders who take on roles 483 books were challenged or banned why the books were challenged, access outside of traditional library service in 2018, with the following comprising to a Top 11 List video announcement, that support patrons’ needs and com- the top 11 most frequently challenged: and infographics regarding the 2018 munity development. Functioning at Top 11 List of Most Challenged Books various times as career counselor, social 1. George by Alex Gino are available at www.ala.org/bbooks/ worker, teacher and technology instruc- Reason: for including a transgen- top. tor, library staff give special care to der character Other library trends are available adopt programs and services that sup- 2. A Day in the Life of Marlon Bun- in the full text of the 2019 State of port our most vulnerable and curious. do by Jill Twiss, illustrated by E. America’s Libraries report, available at Additional findings illustrate li- G. Keller http://bit.ly/soal-2019. brary workers’ efforts to safeguard Reasons: for LGBTQIA+ content, library collections and the freedom to political and religious viewpoints American Library Association read. In 2018 hundreds of attempts 3. Captain Underpants series, written (ALA) is the foremost national organi- to remove materials or eliminate pro- and illustrated by Dav Pilkey zation providing resources to inspire li- grams took place in public, school Reasons: for including a same-sex brary and information professionals to and academic libraries. Many of these couple, perceived as encouraging transform their communities through library materials and services included disruptive behavior essential programs and services. For or addressed LGBTQIA+ content. 4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas more than 140 years, ALA has been Traditionally the ALA releases Reasons: for profanity, drug use, the trusted voice of libraries, advocat- a Top Ten List within the State of sexual references, deemed “anti- ing for the profession and the library’s America’s Libraries Report. This year cop” role in enhancing learning and ensuring 11 books were selected, since two titles 5. Drama, written and illustrated by access to information for all. For more were tied for the final position on the Raina Telgemeier information, visit www.ala.org.

April 2019 5 Framework for Foundations

Literacy Access Fund Announces three 2019 Grant Awards Literacy Access Fund. “We’re thrilled to accept this award that will be used to enhance the library system’s technology offerings to children,” she said. “Thanks to the generos- ity of Literacy Access Fund, we will be able to purchase a Literacy Access Fund, a 501(c)(3), new AWE Platinum computer public charity, announces three grant designed for 21st century awards: a grant award of $7,500 to digital learning as well as a the Burlington County Library System suite of coding robots that of- Foundation (BCLSF) in Westampton, fer hands-on digital literacy Burlington County, N.J.; a grant award learning programs.” of $7,770 to the Montgomery County- Burlington County Li- Pictured, left to right: Ranjna Das, Director, Burlington Norristown Public Library in Norris- brary System Director Ranjna County Library System; Pedro Figueroa, Assistant Vice town, Montgomery County, Pa.; and Das noted the funding will President, Store Manager, Republic Bank, Lumberton, NJ; an award of $10,000 to the Coatesville help BCLS continue to pro- Leslie DiLuigi, Senior Vice President, Retail Market Manager, Republic Bank; Jessica Siragusa, President, Burlington vide library programs and Area Public Library in Coatesville, County Library System Foundation; Duke Doblick, CFRE, Chester County, Pa. services to meet state and fed- Director of Fundraising, Literacy Access Fund. Literacy Access Fund secures fund- eral STEAM curriculums for ing from corporate, foundation, and pre-K and elementary school individual partners in order to provide students. “We appreciate the financial support to underfunded public support that will help BCLS critical areas of STEM education.” libraries through a competitive granting meet its goals of expanding technology Nakea Morris, President of the process. The goal of the organization and STEAM offerings to a diverse pop- Coatesville Area Public Library’s Board is to help libraries provide equal access ulation of young learners,” she said. of Trustees, noted the Board’s gratitude to quality resources for young learners, Kathy Arnold-Yerger, Executive to Literacy Access Fund for the award. regardless of economic factors. Director of the Montgomery County- “We thank Literacy Access Fund for The awards were made possible Norristown Public Library, wished to recognizing how important libraries through partnership funding from thank Literacy Access Fund, Republic are to the communities in which they Republic Bank (Philadelphia, Pa.) and Bank, and Bryn Mawr Trust. “These serve. Because of this grant, we are able Bryn Mawr Trust. The grant will help funds will go a long way in continu- to continue to provide access to tech- fund the acquisition of state-of-the- ing our efforts to make the library not nology and other resources that will art technology for young children and only a safe and nurturing environment enhance the lives of our patrons.” other library resources. for children and their families, but one For more information about Liter- BCLSF President Jessica Siragusa in which young people will gain new acy Access Fund, visit www.literacyac- expressed the Foundation’s gratitude to skills, confidence, and knowledge in the cessfund.org or call 610-833-6411.

United for Libraries is on Facebook. To like and follow United for Libraries, visit www.facebook.com/ unitedforlibraries. To follow United for Libraries on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/ala_united.

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

Four types of board members — and why to recruit each, Part 1 Minnesota Association of Library upcoming vacancies — or, more likely However, whereas Curtain Raisers Friends originally presented this two- still, some combination — turn to your are invaluable in securing sizable do- part miniseries on Friends leadership board’s Curtain Raisers. nations or long-term commitments, recruitment, adapted with permission Put simply, Curtain Raisers facili- Friend Raisers cast a wider net and are from a piece originally prepared by tate new connections; these adroit net- valuable allies in furtherance of one-off and for Library Strategies, our office workers are your best bet for reaching or shorter-term programming and pub- management firm. United for Libraries as-yet-untapped contributors. Studies licity efforts. is reprinting it with permission. Part have conclusively shown that in-per- If your Friends group or Founda- two will be featured in the June issue son, one-on-one asks from a passionate tion hosts special events of any kind — of The Voice. personal connection are the best way to be they ticketed galas, free library pro- increase your fundraising and recruit- grams, or one-off parties to celebrate a When a Friends or Foundation ment reach. major milestone of some kind — look board looks for new directors, it can be You can get the most out of your to your Friend Raisers. They will drum tempting to prioritize deep pockets over Curtain Raisers by doing two things. up attendants who might not otherwise all else. It’s an understandable impulse. First, actively identify areas in which have heard of your programs, and — After all, fundraising is a major part of they can help. (“We are $5k short of just as critically — stoke enthusiasm our “raison d’être,” and most nonprofit our campaign goal. Do you know any- among those who are within your boards boast an 80%+ giving rate. one who might bridge that gap for us?” sphere but may not have turned out Even so, board donations alone “Our treasurer’s term is up next year, otherwise. will never sustain your organization. and we don’t have a finance person Attending an in-library author As you vet new directors, consider oth- on deck to replace her. Do you know reading, annual gala, or even a well- er assets candidates could bring to the anyone?”) Second, as problems or op- orchestrated used book sale represents table to further your mission. Specifi- portunities arise, be receptive to their a minimal commitment on the part cally, don’t overlook potential directors referrals and encourage them to reach of those approached. However, if you who fit one of these four profiles. out to strong prospects (“I might know leave a positive and lasting impression, 1) Curtain Raisers. No matter how someone who can help…”) you may sow the seeds for a donation well-networked you are, odds are that 2) Friend Raisers. Friend Raisers (or time commitment) at a later date. you yourself do not know everyone in (alternatively known as “Cheerlead- What of the other two psycho- the community who might be receptive ers”) are much like Curtain Raisers graphic profiles, Barn Raisers and to aiding your organization in some in several key respects. They boast a Consciousness Raisers? Keep your eyes big way. Whether you are seeking more robust network and are willing to tap peeled for the piece in the June 2019 is- large donations, new leaders to fill into it to benefit your organization. sue of The Voice.

Conference preview continued from page 2 gets, conducting audits, and securing a ing ways to turn your community into of your own. In addition to a Citizens’ long-range fiscal plan for your library. advocates and donors. Denver Public Academy, DPL activated their most Examples of each will be provided to Library (DPL) successfully experi- loyal customers and book lovers by attendees to take back and modify to mented with a traditional “Citizens’ hosting a tattoo fundraiser asking our meet your library’s individual needs. Academy” utilized in other sectors customers to create stories and become This program is great for both Trustees and a not-so-traditional tattoo fund- lifelong advocates of the library. Dur- and senior staff to insure everyone un- raiser. Denver Public Library created ing the Books + Ink Tattoo Fundraiser, derstands what expenditures are doing the Denver Public Library Academy, Denver Public Library created history to the bottom-line. during which 30 community members by hosting a tattoo pop-up shop in one from across the city learned all about of their branch locations and engaged Tattoos and Academies: New Ways library services. As a result, the Acad- with a new audience on a new level. to Create Donors and Advocates emy created civically-engaged library They created stories for devote library Mon., June 24, 10:30-11:30 a.m. advocates across the city and serve as and book lovers and will have a lasting Taking into account the recent OCLC a feedback mechanism to improve ser- impression in the community for the study “From Awareness to Funding,” vices. This presentation will share the life of the tattoos and raise some funds come learn about some new and excit- nuts and bolts of starting a program along the way.

April 2019 7 Tools for Trustees

Reviewing the performance of your library director BY DEBRA CAPLAN conducting the review. Other trustees, been agreed to? How have things The purpose of conducting a per- particularly those with human re- gone since you last spoke? Progress formance review is two-fold; it fosters sources backgrounds or interests often made? What are the agreed upon clarity and better communication participate. To begin the review, start goals/plans until next review time? between the Library Director and the by looking at the job description and • Obstacles: What’s standing in your Board and it serves as documentation, strategic plan and review all areas of way? What have I noticed getting providing an historical record of per- responsibility. Priorities will shift based in your way? What can I do to formance that supports salary recom- on changing needs. Try to gather a help? mendations and/or disciplinary actions. well-rounded picture before beginning. • Opportunities: What are you The review should be a two-way While some of this may be difficult proud of that people don’t know discussion that looks back on behav- to accomplish in a very small library about? Do you see opportunities iors and accomplishments for the entire setting, if possible ask staff about (or that we should pursue? Do you feel review period. It is a coaching opportu- observe) management skills, ask town you’re growing professionally? nity for the trustees to act as manager- colleagues about project management • Decisions: What actions will you coach vs. judges. While the review re- and collaboration skills, or ask Library take before next meeting? What flects on the past, the goal setting por- Friends or other town organizations actions will I take before next tion of the review serves as the basis of about advocacy and leadership skills. time? Is there agreement on who is agreement on next steps and priorities Ask for examples. getting buy-in from others? for the upcoming review period. Set SMART GOALS. These are: Remember best practice is to Most organizations conduct per- Document, Document, Document! formance reviews annually. However, • Specific:Goals must be clear and unambiguous; throughout the year. Set up a “desk quarterly reviews have been gaining file” either on paper or as a computer • Measurable: Goals should be mea- in popularity. Quarterly reviews tend file; make a note when something hap- surable and have milestones; to focus on more immediate goals and pens (good or bad); keep feedback • Attainable: Goals must be realis- the ability to act more quickly. Annual from others; document conversations tic and attainable. The best goals reviews tend to focus on the bigger if something important was discussed require employees to stretch a bit picture and on setting long-term goals. or agreed to; and address problems to achieve them, but they aren’t Regardless of the frequency, the review quickly, so they don’t mushroom. discussion is important, and the ap- extreme; • Realistic: Realistic or “do-able” propriate amount of effort and time Debra Caplan coaches job seekers on should be devoted to it. means that the learning curve is job search strategies and has worked There are many performance re- not a vertical slope; that the proj- extensively with those who are reenter- view format options. Some libraries use ect fits with your overall strategy ing the working force or changing jobs. their town/city’s review format, others and goals; More information can be found on use a format found on the internet. • Time-Bound: Goals must have www.dccareercoaching.com. Deb also Some reviews are documented in a starting points and fixed ending serves as an alternate trustee on the Pe- narrative or para-graph format. In gen- points. Without deadlines or sched- terborough Library Board of Trustees. eral, it is best to avoid a check-off-the- ules for completion, goals tend to box format for professional reviews. be over-taken by the day-to-day This piece originally ran in the spring Regard-less of format, the review is crises that can arise. 2019 issue of NH Library Trustee, the written documentation that the conver- During the one-on-one conversa- newsletter of the New Hampshire Li- sation that has taken place. tion, document discussions around: brary Trustees Association, which can The Chair of the Board of Trust- be found at www.nhlta.org. Reprinted ees has the primary responsibility for • Goals: What long-term goals have with permission.

For more information on evaluating the library director, see the tip sheet at www.ala.org/united/trustees/tipsheets. Additional tip sheets on Trustee competencies, chairing a committee, mission statements, and more are also available at no cost to United for Libraries members.

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

Tips for Trustees—Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion BY ANNE PHIBBS • Does your library have a separate do you purchase goods and ser- PhD, Strategic Diversity Initiatives EDI strategic plan? If so, how are vices? Can you create a policy that The following is a list of actions the Trustees involved with this minority-, women-, LGBTQ-, dis- library Trustees can take to promote plan? If not, can an EDI strategic ability-, and veteran-owned com- equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) plan be requested by the Trustees, panies and providers will be used and develop as a leader on these issues with Trustees involved in its devel- whenever possible? within their library system. opment? And can EDI-focused initiatives be woven into the overall 5. Research EDI-focused funding op- 1. Suggest a review of all library poli- strategic plan? portunities. Reach out to library sys- cies and procedures, using an EDI lens. tems—and other organizations—across For example: 3. Pay attention to the make-up of your your local area, your state, and the U.S. staff and board. Do the people who to ask how they are funding their EDI • Do you have equitable policies work in your library and who are re- efforts. Learn what resources exist for around parental leave (for parents sponsible for oversight reflect the com- moving EDI forward at your library. of all gender identities, for those munity surrounding your library? Do 6. Make a commitment to develop, who adopt, etc.)? they reflect diversity in terms of race, personally, as a leader around equity, • Do you have policies around paid class, gender, disability, sexual orienta- diversity, and inclusion. Let others in time off for all religious holidays? tion, nationality, religion, age, etc.? your life know that about this commit- • Are your policies up-to-date • Ask for whatever demographic ment. Ask them to hold you account- around accommodating staff with able for this commitment. disabilities? data you have access to; if you • What information do you capture need more data, convene a work- • Commit to ongoing education and from staff and from library patrons ing group (of staff and trustees) to learning around issues of race, gen- — and do you capture it in a way create avenues for gathering more der, nationality, sexual orientation, that is inclusive (e.g., giving more data. disability, age, religion, class, etc. options than “male” and “female” • If diversity is lacking, make hiring Educate yourself about issues of on questions about sex/gender)? a more diverse staff and creating a microaggressions and implicit bias, more diverse Board of Trustees a and how these affect organizations, Remember that all policies and priority, with resources to back up workplaces, and boards. procedures can be reviewed with an new initiatives. Consider innovative • Make a commitment to have cof- EDI lens, but you don’t have to review programs that other boards have fee with someone you identify as everything all at once. You can under- developed, like a “board mentor- a leader around issues of equity, take this review one policy/procedure ing” program where individuals diversity, and inclusion. Ask them at a time. from marginalized and underrep- to tell you how they developed as a resented communities learn about 2. Make sure you and your other trust- leader. Build a community of other boards and are paid to participate. ees are aware of the EDI resources at EDI champions who will push you your library: 4. Review your relationships with ex- to continue to do this work, as it ternal constituents and communities. gets complicated, messy, and chal- • Does your library have an EDI lenging. statement? Is that statement on • Do you have strong relationships • Keep a list (just for a week or your library’s website? How might with community leaders? If not, two) of the assumptions you make potential staff, patrons, community how can you develop them? How about other people and notice how members be able to access it? can your Trustees participate in privilege plays out in your life. • Does your library have an EDI community events so marginalized Consider jotting down times that Committee? If so, do you know and underrepresented community you know your privilege made who chairs it and who is on it? Are members trust you want to engage things easier for you. Trustees able to participate? If not, with them and meet their needs? • Learn the history of the nation or can there be an EDI Committee for Remember it won’t work to expect nations that inhabited the land on the Trustees? community members to come to which your library sits. • What EDI training and educational you — as representatives of your opportunities are available for library, you need to be out in the For more United for Libraries re- staff and Trustees at your library? community yourself. sources on equity, diversity, and inclu- If none are available, what can be • Pay attention to supplier diversity. sion, and to view this as a printable tip done to bring them in? From what vendors and suppliers sheet, visit www.ala.org/united/edi.

April 2019 9 Focus on Friends

Libations in the library Alcohol-friendly events draw new, younger faces

BY ANNE FORD new patrons to the library Editor-at-Large, American Libraries or even raising money, but also about increasing Sipping in the stacks. Boozing accessibility. “Colorado amid the books. Whatever you call it, hosts the Great American libraries and Friends groups are doing Beer Festival, which brings it: serving alcohol after hours, usually in thousands of people as part of a fundraiser, and usually who pay $85 and up to with great success. learn about beer. Not The idea of alcohol at a library- everyone can afford to at- sponsored event may strike some as tend a program like that,” unusual. But supporters say that serv- she says. “With this kind ing alcohol increases event attendance, of program, we’re able to particularly among younger adults, and make it accessible to the cultivates a public image of the library community.” An attendee samples craft beer at a 2018 “Stouts and Stories, as a hip, up-to-date social setting. The library did hear Ales and Tales” event hosted by Jefferson County (Colo.) “People are used to relaxing with from at least one patron Library Foundation. Photo: Steve Hostetler a beer or a glass of wine,” says Marcy who expressed disap- James, programming coordinator for pointment in the founda- Jefferson County (Colo.) Public Library It may also help that students are not tion’s decision to serve alcohol. Still, (JCPL). “When was the last time you “I’d say the response was overwhelm- permitted at the events. went to a big fundraiser or a wedding ingly positive,” James says. “It attract- “There’s an appreciation of the without alcohol? I think people see ed a little bit of news and a different disconnect: ‘Oh my gosh, I’m hav- libraries as a place to take your child patron base. It was really nice on social ing a beer in the library.’ ” Lisa Fuller, for storytime, which is wonderful, but media, too; we had 26-year-old guys director of community engagement, not as a place to kick back with other commenting.” Worthington (Ohio) Libraries. adults. If we’re going to change that Still, the notion of someone wan- view, I think alcohol is part of that.” dering through a library while brandish- Last fall, the Jefferson County Intoxicating concerns Library Foundation hosted a six-week Whenever alcohol is served, wor- ing a glass of Chianti or Cabernet may program titled “Stouts and Stories, ries around overserving — that is, the inspire mental images of wine-soaked Ales and Tales.” Because county regu- possibility of a patron becoming inebri- books or stained carpeting. But Droll lations prohibit alcohol from being ated — will arise. So far, that hasn’t says a few commonsense precautions served within the library itself, the been an issue at the events she’s over- have warded off those issues. “Our staff program’s kickoff fundraiser took place seen, says Leia Droll, executive direc- is pretty careful,” she says, “and we at a local event venue. But that didn’t tor of development at North Carolina don’t let people touch anything that’s deter about 150 attendees from paying State University Libraries in Raleigh. valuable or rare. They typically say, ‘If $15–$25 to sample craft beer from lo- The libraries’ Friends group holds you come to this particular area, you cal brewers, play games such as giant regular onsite programs called Library put down your drink,’ and we have staff beer pong, enjoy live music and a pho- Libations, at which members enjoy and volunteers monitoring that.’” hors d’oeuvres and alcoholic beverages to booth, sample food-truck fare, and In her view, all the regulations and listen to informative talks about the while learning more about the library’s precautions have been worth it: Serv- brewing process. Participants also re- offerings. ing alcohol has helped attract many ceived “beer tour passports” that could “We hire professional bartend- be stamped at local breweries in the ers. It’s not like people are serving younger alumni to the Friends group. weeks following the kickoff event and themselves,” she points out. “Very “It’s just had a really incredible reach,” used to access discounts and prizes. few attendees drink a lot. We’ve never Droll says of the program, which typi- For Cindy Matthews, the library’s had anything go wrong.” It helps that, cally sells out. “One of the things we’ve promotions and marketing manager, per university regulations, only beer heard is: ‘It’s so great to see young the event was not just about attracting and wine (no hard liquor) are served. people and new faces here.’”

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

Limiting the liquor event attracts about 225 patrons ages Director of Community Engagement Worthington (Ohio) Libraries has 21 and up, who pay $35–$45 for Lisa Fuller, one of her colleagues came seen similar success with its Friends’ samples from nearby breweries, food up to her and said, “Look, Lisa! Young annual Books and Brews fundraiser. donated by local restaurants, a silent people in the library!” Now in its fourth year, the evening auction, a jazz combo, and a trivia con- Like Droll, Fuller has not encoun- test. The first time it was held, recalls tered any instances of intoxication at

In recent months, Friends of the Li- were encouraged to bring a gently used Watson, Ph.D., on Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. brary and library Foundations around book in exchange for a beer. Children preceded by wine, hors d’oeuvres, and the country have held an increasing who donated books received free root raffle baskets at the Spanish River Li- number of programs and events that beer. The event also featured a silent brary in Boca Raton. featured alcohol — both in and out- auction and book sale. side the library’s walls: Meredith, N.H. Chapel Hill, N.C. On Tues., Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m., Mere- Mecklenberg County, N.C. Friends of the Chapel Hill Public Li- dith Public Library held Books on Tap The Charlotte Mecklenberg Library brary opened a Spring Sip & Shop at the Lakehouse Tavern at Church Foundation’s annual events Verse & Book Sale on Fri,, April 5 from 7-9 Landing. Attendees participated in a Vino and EpicFest welcomed their p.m. Shoppers enjoyed wine, sweets, laid back book discussion about any fourth and fifth consecutive years. The and savory snacks while shopping for book they desired in hopes of inspira- 4th annual EpicFest, a free literary fes- books. Event was free to members; tion for their next read. tival that brings families together with members were permitted one free guest authors, illustrators, and the Library, for the evening. Mecklenberg County, N.C. featured award-winning children/ In April, the Charlotte Mecklenberg young adult authors and illustrators Hollywood, Fla. Library Foundation invited adult on Nov. 2-3. Verse & Vino offered Stirling Library Friends hosted The library patrons to four events: Chili an evening of food, wine, and con- Movie Club at Cinema Paradiso on Cookoff at Pilot Brewing on April versation with five New York Times Thurs., April 4. The club aired a view- 6, 2-5 p.m.; Sunday Funday at Pilot bestselling authors in support of the ing of the Oscar-nominated German Brewing on April 7, noon-7 p.m.; Foundation on Nov. 1. filmNever Look Away. Wine and pop- University City Wine Fest on April corn were included in ticket price. 13, 2-6 p.m.; Final Draught at Town Chapel Hill, N.C. Brewing Company on April 23, 6-8 On Fri, Dec. 1 Friends of the Chapel Issaquah, Wash. p.m. Proceeds from all events benefit Hill Public Library hosted a Holiday King County Library System Founda- the Library. Sip & Shop from 7-9 p.m. Attendees tion held a Literary Lions Gala to cele- enjoyed wine and cheese and shop brate the future of the King County Li- Fort Lauderdale, Fla. for books, sweets, and art. Members brary System on Saturday, March 16. Broward Public Library Foundation’s entered free and were permitted one The event featured a keynote presenta- Night of Literary Feasts Silent Auc- guest per. tion by Pulitzer Prize-winning Author tion offered two vacation packages Jennifer Egan and wine provided ex- that included wine tasting and tours: San Francisco, Calif. clusively by J. Bookwalter Winery. “Sip and Soar through Napa” in Napa On Thursday, April 4, at 5 p.m., Valley, Calif., and Tuscany Culinary Friends of the San Francisco Public Roswell, Ga. Escape in Tuscany, Italy. Library held a Books and Brews event Friends of the Roswell Library pre- at Anchor Brewing Public Taps. Visi- sented “Southern Cooking from Rick Jefferson County, Colo. tors browsed books to explore, read, Bragg’s Momma” on Thurs., March In 2017, Jefferson County Public and buy while sampling Anchor beers. 14 at 7 p.m. at Publix Aprons Cooking Library partnered with nearly 20 lo- Money raised from the sale of every School. Attendees enjoyed a 3-course cal breweries for a six-week program book went towards Friends and its dinner paired with wines and a cook- called Stouts & Stories, Ales & Tales. mission to support the San Francisco ing demonstration. Tickets were $45 Library patrons were offered program Public Library. per person. “passports” providing coupons to participating breweries. The passports Charleston, N.C. Boca Raton, Fla. also directed patrons to beer-centric The Charleston Friends of the Library Friends of the Boca Raton Public Li- programming as part of the program, held their 4th annual “Books for Bier” brary held a lecture led by Lynn Uni- including trivia nights and talks by lo- on April 9 from 5:30-8 p.m. Attendees versity professor and author Robert P. cal brewers.

April 2019 11 Focus on Friends the event. “It’s not as if you have an it’s really fun to be in the library after unlimited supply of alcohol available,” hours. I think there’s an appreciation of Upcoming events she points out. “You’re not even get- the disconnect: ‘Oh my gosh, I’m hav- ting a full beer from any one brewery.” ing a beer in the library.’ A couple peo- ALA Annual Conference And if someone does become impaired, ple have said, ‘If only we could check June 20-25, 2019 well, “it’s a neighborhood event; a out books at the same time!’” Washington, D.C. lot of people walk here,” she says. www.ala.org/conferencesevents “Nobody has to worry about driving This article was originally published home.” in the March/April 2019 issue of International Public Library At least part of the fundraiser’s American Libraries and can be found Fundraising Conference popularity, she adds, stems from the at http://americanlibrariesmagazine. July 28-30, 2019 delight that comes from interacting org/2019/03/01/libations-library- Calgary, Alberta, Canada with a familiar environment in an un- alcohol-friendly-events. Reprinted with http://iplf-conference.org usual way: “What we’ve heard is that permission. Library Card Sign-Up Month September 2019 www.ala.org/conferencesevents/ celebrationweeks/card Literary landmarks continued from page 1 Association for Rural & Small The Literary Landmark program is and teens across America. Every Child Libraries Conference administered by United for Libraries. a Reader’s popular national programs Sept. 4-7, 2019 More than 170 Literary Landmarks include Children’s Book Week (May Burlington, Vt. across the United States have been 1-7, 2019), the longest-running literacy http://arsl.info/annual-conference dedicated since the program began in initiative in the country; the Children’s 1986. Any library or group may ap- Choice Book Awards, the only book Banned Books Week ply for a Literary Landmark through awards chosen by children and teens; Sept. 22-28, 2019 United for Libraries. More information and the National Ambassador for http://bannedbooksweek.org is available at www.ala.org/united. Young People’s Literature program, Every Child a Reader, which runs in partnership with the Library of Teen Read Week Children’s Book Week, is a 501(c)(3) Congress. Individual and corporate Oct. 13-19, 2019 literacy charity dedicated to inspiring donations, grants, and Children’s Book http://teenreadweek.ning.com a lifelong love of reading in children Council support Every Child a Reader. National Friends of Libraries Week Oct. 20-26, 2019 www.ala.org/united/events NOW AVAILABLE — newly redesigned _conferences/folweek Books for Babies kits, including all-new International Games Week brochures and bookmarks! See Nov. 3-9, 2019 http://games.ala.org/international page 24 for ordering information. -games-week

ALA Midwinter Meeting Jan. 24-28, 2020 Philadelphia, Pa. www.ala.org/conferencesevents

PLA 2020 Conference Feb. 25-29, 2020 Nashville, Tenn. www.placonference.org

12 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 [email protected] Friends on Campus

Friends of Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries’ design winner focuses on collaboration

Kiersten Marshall, a School of the The committee chose Marshall’s Arts student in the class of 2020, is the illustration because it conveys that the winner of a $500 design prize for a library is the perfect place to foster Friends of Virginia Commonwealth Uni- communication, collaboration and in- versities Libraries project. Marshall, a teraction. graphic design major from central Penn- “The design is simple, yet expres- sylvania, says she frequently visits Cabell sive and dynamic with the overhead Library and does a lot of design work on perspective,” said Friends board mem- the quiet third floor near a window. ber Ashley Kistler, speaking for the The Friends invited students and selection committee. Kristen Marshall’s winning design for VCU recent alumni (2014-2018) to submit Honorable mentions in the compe- Libraries. designs for a tee shirt. The design tition went to Adam Dabbs, Madison prompt was: What is your interpreta- Donnelly, Alexis Hilliard-Worth, Claire tion of the VCU Libraries? Ketch, Catherine Kiser, and Seulgi Marshall’s design shows three stu- Smith. used for other VCU Libraries materials dents working together at a table bear- These and other entries will be such as thank-you cards, tote bags and ing the name VCU Libraries in VCU featured in a Cabell Screen exhibition in a Cabell Screen exhibit. The artist gold. “I was really thinking about col- starting April 13 and will be posted retains copyright. laboration, which I think a lot of peo- to an album on VCU Libraries’ Flickr Tee shirts will be sold via an online ple come to the library to work around platform. campaign at the end of April. Later, tee other people or to work together,” says The judging committee included shirts will be printed and fulfilled by Marshall about her drawing. representatives from the Friends of the Bonfire. The selection committee agreed VCU Libraries Board, VCU Libraries that her interpretation focused on a key faculty and VCU School of the Arts This piece originally appeared at www. component of student work in today’s faculty. library.vcu.edu/about/news/2019/ academic libraries like Cabell Library The artwork will be printed on a friends-of-vcu-libraries-design-winner- and Tompkins-McCaw Library for the tee shirt that will be sold to raise funds focuses-on-collaboration.html. Re- Health Sciences. for VCU Libraries. The art may also be printed with permission.

Good Ideas on Campus

Raleigh, N.C. Madison, Wisc. Minneapolis, Minn. Friends of the Libraries Frank B. Friends of the UW-Madison Li- The Friends of the Libraries at Uni- Armstrong Memorial held an FOL braries held a “Lands We Share Gala” versity of Minnesota held their Annual Book Sale April 8-12. Each annual Thursday, May 16th from 5:30-8 p.m. Celebration May 17 at 5:30 p.m. Fea- book sale is the culmination of hun- Lands We Share is a project supporting tured guests included David S. Ferriero, dreds of hours of work by volunteers, community dialogue in three Wisconsin 10th Archivist of the United States, in students, the Libraries staff, and others. locations: Milwaukee County, Jefferson conversation with Journalist Tom We- Last year’s sale raised nearly $17,000 County. Attendees to the Gala were in- ber. Tickets were $55 for Friends mem- for the Libraries and distributed over vited to meet the participants and hear bers, $65 for public. 800 boxes of books. All proceeds from the unique perspectives of rural neigh- the sale benefit the Libraries. bors. Refreshments were served. RSVP required.

David S. Ferriero Tom Weber

April 2019 13 State Friends Spotlight

Friends of the Ferndale Library and Friends of the Charlotte Community Library win Friends of Michigan Libraries’ 2018 Outstanding Friends of the Library Awards

The Awards Committee of the Friends of Michigan Libraries (FOML) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2018 Outstanding Friends of the Library Awards. The winners are the Friends of the Ferndale Library and the Friends of the Charlotte Community Library. The awards were presented at the FOML workshop on Thurs., April 4, at the Novi Public Library. The Friends of the Charlotte Community Library presented StoryWalk(R), an innovative way for From the Friends of the Ferndale Library: children and adults to enjoy reading and the outdoors. The idea for the Ferndale Friends 2018 member appreciation event was munity, including from the several Scout candidate to assist with the to connect the foodie culture of Fern- child bakers who participated. The project presented itself and he (and dale with the buzz around popular event was a huge success, generating his parents) helped with the design television cooking competitions such lots of awareness for the library and in- and site preparation. Local businesses as The Great British Baking Show and spiring new Friends members to join. A joined the effort. Chopped. We invited the whole com- whole lot of work went into planning Our children’s librarian selects the munity to compete in “The Great Li- the Cake Off, but the results couldn’t books to be displayed as well as ac- brary Cake Off.” have been sweeter. tivities to accompany each page of the Contestants brought their home- book that are appropriate and relevant From the Friends of the Charlotte made cakes to the outdoor courtyard to the story. Hopping, counting, jump- Community Library: of the library for a chance to win prizes ing, etc. The word spread fast of the The Charlotte Friends focused on and receive feedback from a panel of StoryWalk® with lots of interest from StoryWalk®, an innovative way for judges that included the head chefs the community. AL!VE promoted the children and adults to enjoy reading and bakers of Metro Times’ Best New Grand Opening and continues to pro- and the outdoors at the same time. Restaurant in Oakland County, De- mote the StoryWalk® in each quarterly The StoryWalk® is installed at AL!VE, troit Free Press’s Best New Restaurant program guide which coincides with in Metro Detroit, and a James Beard a local health and fitness facility that the changing of the books. Award recipient. Attendees enjoyed a includes outdoor walking paths. It AL!VE conducts regular member front row seat to the judging, sampled draws visitors and members from all and community surveys to assess the all the cakes themselves, and voted for surrounding communities. The reasons effectiveness of their programming their favorite. The Judges’ Choice and for selecting AL!VE include its well- ® Peoples’ Choice winners were awarded established presence in the community, and have included StoryWalk . After prize baskets donated by a local bou- its dedication to family health, and the being up only 3 ½ months, the survey tique retailer and serious bragging potential for promoting reading and showed that half of the people with rights. physical activity. children who visited AL!VE, visited Thirty-five bakers registered to Because of the cost and scope of StoryWalk®. compete in the Cake Off, and the cake the StoryWalk® project it was decided submissions were both visually impres- to involve as many community For more information about Friends of sive and delicious. We never expected partners as possible. Early on, the Michigan Libraries, visit http://foml. so much talent from within our com- opportunity for a Charlotte Eagle org.

For more information about statewide Friends of the Library groups, visit www.ala.org/ united/friends/statefriends. To connect with other statewide Friends of the Library groups, join the United for Libraries statewide Friends email discussion list. Instructions can be found at www.ala.org/united/friends/states/electronic-discussion-group.

14 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 [email protected] Good Ideas From the Network

Programs Street, Race Point, Herring Cove, or spired by Anna Dewdney’s children’s any of the other locations in Provinc- book series at multiple library locations Athens, N.Y. etown with the Library at www.Prov- in January for children ages 0-5. incetownLibrary.org. Each week, the With help from Library posts its favorite submission as a Mid-Hudson Roslindale, Mass. part of the Provincetown Photo of the Library System Friends of Roslindale Public Library Week page on Friday mornings. 2018 Outreach held Dialogue 2 Action, a facilitated Mini-Grant, race and equity discussion series, on D.R. Evarts Li- Jacksonville, Fla. Thursdays in January from 6:30-8 p.m. brary installed Goosebumps author R.L. Stine was Registration required; program pre- two new Little among the authors featured at Jackson- sented in partnership with the Mayor’s Free Libraries ville Public Library for Jax Book Fest Office of Resilience and Racial Equity. at Rivertown 2019. The Foundation hosted a fund- Apartments. raiser dinner and storytime with Mr. Rochester, N.Y. Little Free Libraries are “take a book, Stine on Friday, February 22, 2019, at Beginning January 7th at 11 a.m., leave a book” systems that offer read- 5:30 p.m. at the Main Library down- Irondequoit Public Library launched ers of all ages and backgrounds access town. Baby Brain Boosters, a four-week se- to books. ries where participants learned and Allen, Texas practiced a number of research-based Boca Raton, Fla. In keeping with activities to help build their baby’s Friends of the Boca Raton Public Li- Black History brain. For ages 0-15 months; registra- brary offered patrons a 15% discount Month, Friends of tion required. on the Boca Festival of the Arts Au- the Allen Public thors & Ideas Program from Feb. 28 Library provided Cass City, Mo. to March 10 with special promo code: February program- Rawson Memorial District Library IDEAS. ming that educated has implemented two new children’s its community on programs this year: Lego Club on Tues- Walnut Creek, Calif. lesser-known Afri- days and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m., and On Monday, January 28, Walnut Creek can-American stories: the American Doll Lending Program, a Library Foundation presented Lunar “RosieLeetta “Lee” Reed portrays collaborative effort with the Friends of New Year, a lecture led by LauraBeth Johanna July,” a presentation about a the Rawson Memorial Library. Partici- Nelson on the practices surround- black Seminole who served as a scout pants can sign out dolls for a week at ing the celebration of the new year in and translator; “Private Jeff Morgan a time. Asian countries. The Asian New Year Tucker: First African American casu- began on Feb. 5 for year of the Pig. alty from Collin County in WWI;” and Champaign, Ill. “Counterfeit Prince of Old Texas,” a Champaign Public Library started a session unveiling truths about swindler Madison, Wisc. free Girls Who Code club in January, and slave smuggler Monroe Edwards. Last year, Madison Public Library set to run Tuesdays through May 15. Foundation funded and piloted Go- Girls grades 6 through 12 learn to code Chip Beam movie and TV hotspots at Thousand Oaks, Calif. through online tutorials and group Central Library. GoChips are recharge- The Friends of the Thousand Oaks Li- projects guided by Wolfram Research able devices that store several movies brary hosted a special screening of The staff. or a complete season of a TV show and Dish, a film about the Parkes Observa- set up a local wi-fi network to make tory’s role in relaying live television Walnut Creek, Calif. of man’s first steps on the moon, on the videos viewable through wi-fi en- On Wednesday, January 16 @ 7:00- Friday, February 8 at 7 p.m. The film’s abled devices. Patrons can visit Central 8:30 p.m., Walnut Creek Library star, Patrick Warburton, was present Library’s help desk to learn more about Foundation presented Live! from the GoChips or check one out. for Q&A and discussion following the Library: Brave Little Nell -The Eleanor screening. Roosevelt Story, an imaginative “meet- Provincetown, Mass. and-greet” with Eleanor Roosevelt Fridays in January, Provincetown Pub- Toledo, Ohio portrayed by Bay Area actress Laurie lic Library invited residents to share Toledo Lucas County Public Library Strawn. Sponsored by the East Bay their summer shots of Commercial held a Llama Llama Pajama Party in- Times, Friends of the Walnut Creek Li-

April 2019 15 Good Ideas From the Network

school book clubs and homework brary, and MinutemanPress Lafayette; Belleville, Kan. registration required. coaching, the summer kids’ reading program, and Alameda Reads. The Friends of Belleville Library con- gratulate 31 preschoolers who have Minneapolis, Minn. graduated from Dolly Parton’s Imagi- Boca Raton, Fla. On Tuesday, January 29, 7 p.m., nation Library program, where a total Friends of the Hennepin County Friends of the Boca Raton Public Li- of 203 participated in 2018. Imagina- Library presented an evening with brary’s fundraiser to benefit the library, tion Library provides free books for Matthew Desmond, Pulitzer Prize-win- which checked out over 1,000,000 children ages 0-5 with no income re- physical and digital items last year, was ning author of Evicted: Poverty and quirements. held on Jan. 24th at 6:00 p.m. Patrons Profit in the American City.Event was enjoyed wine, hors d’ oeuvres and raf- free and open to the public with limited Rochester, N.Y. fle baskets at the Spanish River Library seating. Presented in partnership with in Boca Raton, followed by a lecture by The Friends & Foundation of Roch- POHLAD Family Foundation. Lynn University professor and award- ester Public Library partnered with winning author, Robert P. Watson, St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center to Eureka, Calif. Ph.D., on the process of researching present Racial Equity and Justice After Friends of the Redwood Libraries’ and writing books. Tickets were $25 in Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Dream’ on new film series program, Dumb Mov- advance; $35 at the door. Tues., Jan. 22. Participants learned ies with Smart People, premieres this about some of the progress that has been made since MLK Jr.’s speech, as year. The series involves screening a Metairie, La. bad movie at Eureka Main Library, fol- well as some of the challenges that re- Friends of the Jefferson Public Library’s main in the U.S. today. lowed by a talk and Q&A session with Big Book Sale saw participation from an expert on the topic. over 100 volunteers. Leftover books from the sale were taken to a Thrift Other Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Books regional center, where they will On Wednesday, February 6 at 7:30 either be recycled or sold by Thrift Tiverton, R.I. p.m., Academy Award-winning actress Books. The next sale is scheduled from On Wednesdays and Thursdays Feb. Marlee Matlin (Children of a Lesser March 14-17 at the Pontchartrain Cen- 6-April 11, the Friends of Tiverton Pub- God, 1986) visited Broward College as ter in Kenner. lic Libraries offered free tax preparation part of the sixth annual Broward Col- in the library’s Community Room for lege Speaker Series. Matlin taught on Alpine, Texas low-to-moderate-income individuals. the topic Nobody’s Perfect: Achieving Alpine Public Library held “Dancing Services offered through AARP Tax Inclusion, Diversity, and Access. With Alpine’s Stars,” a fundraising Prep, which has nearly 5,000 free tax event, on Feb.16. Proceeds benefit Al- prep locations nationwide. Meredith, N.H. pine Public Library. On Thursday, January 31 at noon, Columbus, Ohio Meredith Public Library held an author Marina, Calif. Columbus Metropolitan Library’s visit led by author MJ Pettengill to dis- Friends of the Marina Library offered a Hilltop Branch has been approved for cuss Etched in Granite, a historical fic- free concert by Grumbling Ginger dur- expansion by the Board of Trustees. The tion novel set after the Civil War. Bev- ing their Used Book Sale on Sat., Feb. 9 renovation is expected to add an ad- erages and dessert were served. Book from 1 to 3 p.m. ditional 10,000-12,000 square feet. The copies made available at the front desk. Hilltop Branch project is part of Phase II of CML’s aspirational building program Community Outreach to renovate its aging and/or outgrown Fundraising facilities. Phase II also includes trans- Charlotte, N.C. forming or upgrading CML’s Karl Road, Alameda, Calif. Charlotte Mecklenberg Library Foun- Gahanna and Reynoldsburg branches. Friends of the Alameda Public Library dation’s Pamela McCarter was award- raised a record $17,000 during their ed an ALA Great Stories Club grant To submit an event or October 2018 three-day book sale. to work with incarcerated teens at Jail program to “Good Ideas Proceeds contribute to the Library’s North, forming a book club that met children’s, teen, and adult reading twice monthly from January through From the Network” email programs. These include kids story April as a complement to the teens’ [email protected]. times and sing-a-longs, teen and middle GED English class.

16 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 [email protected] Good Ideas From the Network

United for Libraries Institute: Trustees, Friends, and Foundations

BY LISA KIPPUR eos, time on the Executive Assistant to the Deans, University of iPad, etc. How- Colorado Boulder Libraries ever, we are run- At the ALA Midwinter Meeting in ning into a time Seattle, United for Libraries presented where libraries the United for Libraries Institute: are struggling Trustees, Friends, and Foundations. economically. What a great afternoon of energy, en- Upon taking his thusiasm and an exceptional keynote own children to speaker! the library on a Eric Klinenberg spoke on the Sunday, Klinen- theme Why libraries are more than berg noted that just people. He filled in for Jan Masa- it was closed and oka, Director of California Associa- locked, because on Sundays, branch tion of Nonprofits, who was to speak libraries are no longer open in New about “Libraries, Volunteerism and the York City. They aren’t closed because Meaning of Life.” of family or religious reasons, they Klinenberg is a professor of sociol- are closed due to the lack of budget ogy and director of the Institute for to keep them open. In addition to the Public Knowledge at New York Univer- closures on Sundays, the branches also sity. He is the author of Palaces for the have limited hours on Saturdays and Eric Klinenberg, author of Palaces for the People, People: How Social Infrastructure Can can close any time between 6-8 p.m. on spoke at the United for Libraries Institute at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle. Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, weekdays, when working individuals and the Decline of Civic Life (Crown/ could make the most use of them. Penguin Random House, 2018), Go- Klinenberg states that the life http://yalsa.ala.org/blog/2018/07/23/ ing Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and expectancy of a community neighbor- no-forbes-libraries-cannot-be-replaced- Surprising Appeal of Living Alone (The hood is five times more positive if there by-amazon/. In the article it states Penguin Press, 2012), Fighting For Air: is a place for folks to gather like librar- exactly what Klinenberg described, The Battle to Control America’s Media ies, churches, synagogues, parks, and that 21% of youth live in families with (Metropolitan Books, 2007), and Heat many other community focused build- incomes below the federal poverty Wave: The Social Autopsy of Disas- ings. These types of spaces give the level and how libraries bridge a gap for ter in Chicago (University of Chicago opportunity for connections and can these low-income youth by providing Press, 2002). (biography excerpt from create a bridge for democracy. access to digital tools, the internet, and Eric Klinenberg website, https://www. He refers to a controversial Forbes opportunities to learn how to use tech- ericklinenberg.com/). article entitled “Amazon Should Re- nology. The article gives information Klinenberg refers to the influence place Local Libraries to Save Taxpayers about the benefits of libraries and their of public libraries in writing his books, Money,” which was published on their year-round programming, especially especially his latest mentioned above, website July 21, 2018. In the article, during the summer when youth are on Palaces for the People, in which he the author argues that Amazon should break for three months. writes about the future of democratic take the place of libraries, physically, Klinenberg identifies the library as societies relying on shared spaces, in- thus closing all libraries and opening the best example of social infrastruc- cluding libraries. His talk focused on those spaces as Amazon bookstores. ture. Almost every neighborhood in this topic as he gave examples of li- That article was removed from the almost every country has a library. Us- braries in his past like the Sewerd Park site two days after it was made pub- ing Facebook as an example of a new Public Library, an old, classic library. lic; however, the Young Adult Library social infrastructure bothers Eric. It’s Libraries are for everyone, regardless Services Association (YALSA), has not a community builder; there is no of economic or social status. It’s like it available at this URL, http://www. in-person, community-wide interaction. an Amazon 4-star store where you can ala.org/yalsa/sites/ala.org.yalsa/files/ The investment in a physical, social in- get thousands of dollars of knowledge, content/AmazonShouldReplaceLocal- frastructure ties people together! entertainment, and research — only in LibrariestoSaveTaxpayersMoney.pdf. For more information about Eric a library, it’s free. A parent can say yes YALSA released a Blog as a rebuttal to Klinenberg, check out his website at to everything at the library; books, vid- the piece, which can be found here at www.ericklinenberg.com.

April 2019 17 Good Ideas From The Network

Time for more E’s: The E’s of library, while also providing opportuni- Libraries®! ties for the media to highlight the ben- Charity Tyler, Executive Director, efits derived from local libraries. Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Public Library Information along with a digital Foundation, and Co-Chair, United campaign can assist efforts. By collabo- for Libraries Program Committee, rating and sharing resources between and Paula Miller, Director, Baltimore libraries, this campaign provides a County (Md.) Public Library, gave a unique opportunity to create a fun- presentation on “The E’s of Libraries®: draising movement for the benefit of Eliminating the Library Reality-Per- all libraries. Library Giving Day was ception Gap.” established to provide library systems What are The E’s of Libraries®?” with a new funding source that can They are an easy way to explain the grow over time as awareness builds. value libraries bring to their surround- The American Library Association ing communities. It’s critical for com- (ALA) has designated April 10, 2019 munity members and community lead- the official #LibraryGivingDay (which ers to understand why libraries are es- is in the middle of ALA’s National Li- sential. The E’s of Libraries® enable the brary Week.) immediate sense of the range of areas For more information about Li- in which libraries provide services: brary Giving Day, visit www.library The Baltimore County Public Library used givingday.org. • Education “The E’s of Libraries,” and also adapted them to include “Equity” and “Economy.” The • Employment framework is completely customizable. “Working Together: Friends, • Entrepreneurship Foundations, Trustees and • Empowerment Libraries,” a very EXCITING • Engagement particularly helpful when developing discussion! • Equity marketing materials in order to high- A panel of five professionals from • Economy light the use of the E. library foundations, public and uni- After the presentation, attendees The following were particularly versity libraries spoke on the subject impactful: were asked to pair up and discuss their own E’s and how they would use the of fundraising, friend raising and fresh Education can be highlighted by board members. the lifelong learning libraries provide information for their libraries. Other E’s that came up were: Ross Baker, past president of the like story-time opportunities, which Seattle Public Library Foundation, help children learn how to sit still and • Everyone spoke on how to build a diverse foun- focus, giving them the ability to par- • Everywhere dation board. ticipate in group settings with peers, • Essentials It’s important to make the case and sharing with a neighbor they have • EZ4U about why libraries matter in their own never met before. backyard and why an organization Economy is emphasized through Although not an “E”, Library would want to be part of the library. career exploration and job skill devel- In Seattle, millennial workers at opment. Additionally, self-evaluation is Giving Day is April 10, 2019 and is so very ESSENTIAL! Amazon or other, similar organizations key. Library experts and staff can ask may be great resource for future, un- questions and provide patrons the in- Jonna Ward, Chief Executive Of- tapped members of any library board. formation they seek. ficer of the Seattle Public Library Foun- A board should be diverse in age as Equity is related to gracious, open dation discussed Library Giving Day, well as ethnicity, culture, geography, spaces and instruments of democracy an opportunity to increase awareness and economic standing. This helps var- the library provides as our previous around the importance of libraries. ied opinions and elements that can be speaker mentioned. This annual event builds a culture of added to the discussion. Engagement is found through dis- philanthropy among library staff, pa- When looking at boards you may cussions, lectures, civic awareness, arts trons and the larger community, which want to consider recruiting with the and culture. has a lasting impact on fundraising following criteria in mind: Any of the E’s listed above can act and advocacy efforts. Campaigns like as a product package by lumping items #LibraryGivingDay help activate com- 1. Boards work on a mission, and under the E’s that resonate with your munities and attract new donors and the work of the mission should particular library. Photographs can be corporate partnerships to support your be working on part of the library.

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

It’s impossible to be a good board 1. Analyze current trends in advocacy order to attract this generation to foun- member if you don’t know your and support among millennials dation, trustee and friend boards. library. 2. Identify barriers for millennials to • Time, money and long-term com- 2. Boards should know their commu- serve on library boards and sup- nity and who loves the library, who port groups mitments when thinking of careers, is interested in library offerings. 3. Compile best practices for engag- also location changes. 3. Individuals attending the library ing millennials and create tools and • Social connections, inclusion and functions (workshops, events, au- resources to help libraries promote clout with lack of long standing thor talks, etc.). civic leadership to millennials. networks. 4. Doers in the community (recruit • Different methods of communicat- those 20 percenters that do 80 per- Research was looked at in three ing, attitudes and structures, inter- cent of the work). areas: personal skills. • Changing roles of the libraries and 5. Anyone else board members or li- 1. “How do I communicate?” the thought that libraries are rou- brary staff can recommend. 2. “How should decisions be made?” tine, steeped in tradition and resis- 6. Who is on the board already? Does 3. “What do I think about leaving the tant to change. the board need to be refreshed? company?” 7. What are the demographics of the In the end, the following sugges- current board, strengths and weak- Millennials typically communicate tions were recommended: nesses? Put a self-assessment in via text or instant message or connect place and meet with potential do- with a social networking site; they are • Expand your networks nors. Find strengths for each mem- big on team work and like to have a • Explain your work ber. Some examples can be: finding variety of options where a team decides • Know your needs who is good at writing thank you together. Only if a decision cannot be • Be flexible notes, who is good at meeting peo- made should a person in power make • Empower members ple, who is task oriented. Play on that decision; and finally, millennials • Pitch to community passions your board members’ strengths. feel there is nothing wrong with chang- • Ask for help. ing careers until you find the right A few other helpful hints include one, but they also value loyalty to the For links to the data and graphs incorporating term limits, a board organization. These responses are very from the research completed by Lina member orientation and a common different from previous generations due Bertinelli and Tess Wilson, check message/elevator speech for why mem- to the advent of technology, a team ori- https://bit.ly/EL18United. bers are supportive and why the mem- ented culture and loyalty to the organi- Julia Stringfellow, professor, uni- ber is on the foundation committee. zation, but not specifically the profes- versity archivist, and library faculty Keep in mind social media; lunches and sion. It was found that volunteerism is chair, along with Maureen Rust, assis- dinners can all be used for solicitations. high amongst this generation; however, tant professor, student engagement and Tess Wilson, LYNCS Outreach Li- community outreach librarian, both brarian, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh they are also motivated by extrinsic re- wards and lifestyle balance. from Central Washington University, and United for Libraries Emerging spoke about leveraging your friends of Leader, spoke on the topic of barriers to The data collected through surveys noted that the largest area of respon- the library as community ambassadors. engaging millennial trustees and donors. Friends of the Library members can act Here research deals with finding mil- dents were born in late 1940, but as ambassadors in the following ways: lennials who want to engage in library nevertheless, the information gathered boards. The Millennial generation is de- was very useful. As far as possible, mo- • Funding fined as anyone between the ages of 21- tivations for millennials to get involved • Annual book sale 38. Current library boards are facing in- with boards included: • Promotion creased aging out of their members and • Being involved and giving back to • Newsletter sponsorship the need to recruit newer and younger the community • Bridging town-gown divides individuals to their boards. • Expanding on current or past li- • Powerful campus advocates Pew did a survey in 2016 of a vari- brary involvement • Representations in a dean search ety of generations and their use of the • Creating a positive environment • Community events sponsors public library. The largest generation for their children Some of the above can happen (53%) of public library users were mil- • And making a difference. lennials. when Friends boards are revitalized. There were three goals for research- These are all great motivations, but ing the engagement of millennial trustees: the barriers below need to be lifted in continued on page 22

April 2019 19 Book Club Central

Book Club Reboot

Is your book club feeling stale or line book clubs “When the President’s Book Club uninspired? Has attendance dropped, that let people began meeting in February 2016, the or are you struggling to keep your indulge in shared goal was to learn about our presidential patrons engaged? What you need is a experiences history during a time of what seemed reboot. Book Club Reboot: 71 Cre- without leav- to be great divisiveness in the current ative Twists is a new resource pub- ing their homes; political climate,” says the club’s coordi- lished in cooperation with ALA’s Public and a growing nator, Colleen Tell. The first meeting — Programs Office. In it, Sarah Ostman embrace of nerdi- where members discussed Washington: and Stephanie Saba profile dozens of ness in youth and A Life by Ron Chernow — was one of successful book clubs across the coun- popular culture. their best. Tell says the book gave ev- try, sharing a diverse cross-section of In recent years, eryone “a great understanding of events ideas will inspire you to rethink your reading groups leading up to the creation of our coun- reading groups and try out new ways have sprouted up by the thousands try and our government.” to better meet your library’s and com- on Twitter, Facebook, and of course, Boneyard Bookworms munity’s needs. Below is an excerpt Goodreads; they have intersected with Laurel Hill And West Laurel Hill from the book, courtesy of ALA Edi- the news in “Now Read This,” a joint Cemeteries Philadelphia And Bala tions. Drawn from responses collected offering of the PBS NewsHour and the Cynwyd, Pennsylvania through social media, electronic mail- New York Times; and they have found ing lists, e-newsletters, websites, as well a spotlight through The Great American “Since 2011, the Boneyard Book- as the authors’ own research, this book Read, a televised series — with a cor- worms have met monthly on Thursday responding Facebook book club — that evenings, alternating between the Phila- • outlines the main reasons that tra- called on Americans to vote for their delphia graveyard and its sister ceme- ditional book clubs can grow stag- own top novel. Book clubs even served tery, West Laurel Hill, in suburban Bala nant over time and offers concrete as the inspiration for a 2018 film,Book Cynwyd. Meetings take place inside advice on how to change things up; Club, with a star-studded cast including the cemeteries’ historic buildings or • shares such real-world initiatives as Jane Fonda and Diane Keaton. funeral home. To keep the conversation a “walk and talk” book club, book fresh, each discussion is led by a differ- clubs held in non-library spaces ent club member or representative of like ferries and bars, a discussion Successful book clubs are often one of the cemeteries. And what does a group for presidential history work cemetery book club read? “We tend to buffs, programming for people “How much work could it pos- read more death-related books than an with developmental disabilities, sibly be to run a book club?” they say. average club,” says Rachel Wolgemuth, a partnership with a health clinic “It’s just sitting around, talking about the cemeteries’ administrator.” network, and many others; books.” Tell that to a librarian who • includes programs from a wide hosts two or three clubs a month. Be- Silver Fox Audio Book Club range of library types (public, cause as we all know, preparing for Baldwinsville Public Library, school, academic) and sizes; a book club can take a tremendous Baldwinsville, New York • features short, easily scannable amount of work, between reading the chapters that are convenient for books, locating copies for your members, “Nancy Howe, a public relations browsing; and developing discussion questions, market- and outreach librarian at the Bald- • provides a handy list of resources ing the club, communicating with mem- winsville Public Library, was inspired for additional information. bers, and preparing the meeting space. to start the Silver Fox Audio Book And that’s even before all the creative Club after having a conversation with This title can be purchased at twists and add-ons that we’ll be talking the activity director at the Silver Fox www.alastore.ala.org/content/book- about throughout this book, from guest Senior Center. The director was hop- club-reboot-71-creative-twists. (ALA speakers to field trips to art projects.” ing to provide additional programs for Editions; 9780-838918562; $49.99). Your book club may need a reboot and the seniors at the center, and a book Book Clubs: “Their surge in popu- this is the book to help you get there! club run by the library seemed like a larity is no doubt fueled by many fac- Below are some twisty examples: great fit. Describing the group, Howe tors: book-loving celebrity trendsetters says, “This is an audio book club for like Oprah Winfrey who, beginning President’s Book Club seniors, many of whom have early in the late 1990s, inspired the reading Idyllwild Library, Riverside County onset dementia, which makes reading habits of hordes of fans; the ease of on- Library System, Idyllwild, California difficult.”

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

The Honey Bus: A Memoir of Loss, loss, and fear illustrate the difference a A short synopsis: As his name sug- Courage and A Girl Saved By Bees supportive and attentive adult can have gests, Emmett Farmer thinks his life on the life of a child. The most poignant will be one of toil on the land. But af- by Meredith May moment comes early in the book when ter a bout debilitating mental illness, a Following the the reader learns that May’s grandfa- strange request comes: he is to become breakup of her par- ther is actually not her mother’s father, apprentice to an old woman who some ent’s marriage, Mere- but her stepfather. He makes it clear in their small rural community accuse dith May, her brother through his words and actions that she of being a witch. Unwilling at first, Em- Matthew, and her is truly a part of him, even if not related mett comes to respect, appreciate, and mother move from by blood. finally relish his new life. But then trag- Rhode Island to Cali- Though a remarkable and moving edy strikes, and Emmett is thrust into fornia’s Big Sur to live memoir about her early childhood and a world beyond farms and cottages, in with her grandpar- the important relationship she has with which he must learn to trust both oth- ents. There Margaret her grandfather, May also uses The ers and more importantly himself. is exposed to her eccentric grandfather’s Honey Bus to advocate for the protec- I don’t want to say much more passion: beekeeping. In her memoir tion of honey bees. She provides the about the plot because is there anyone The Honey Bus, May recounts her reader with a wealth of information re- a reader hates more than a spoiler? (I childhood and teenage years in 1970’s garding the important role honey bees will admit — when I was in seventh California with exacting detail that is play in nature, and why it is imperative grade, I used to read the last page of remarkable considering these events be- they do not become extinct. Agatha Christie books, because I just gan when she was only 5 years old. For those who are interested in couldn’t wait to see “whodunnit.” As On her first day at her new home, bees, enjoy a well written memoir, or an adult, I still want to do this — but May is enthralled by an old army bus simply want to learn about the love be- I’ve been able to fight this urge.) So her grandfather has converted into a tween a grandfather and granddaugh- don’t worry, I’m not going to spoil The workshop specifically designed to har- ter, The Honey Bus is not to be missed. Binding for you. Read it yourself if you vest honey. Though she is not allowed want to see what happens to Emmett to enter the bus for at least another Park Row Books/Harlequin; Farmer. What I want to talk about is year, it is this first glimpse into her 9780778307785; $24.99. your book club. grandfather’s world that allows her to You are always looking for that see the possibilities in her new home. -Erin Christmas next firecracker book, the book that While her mother spirals into a sets off explosions of discussions. If deep depression and ultimately into Erin Christmas is an avid reader, librar- your book club is like my book club, an abusive relationship with her chil- ian and lover of a good contemporary the worst books are the books everyone dren, and her grandmother enables her fiction romance. She currently works as likes. Universal love sounds great on mother further, May finds solace in the Library Director for the Riverside paper — but in reality, it makes for sort beekeeping with her grandfather. It is Public Library. Prior to Riverside Pub- of a boring book club discussion; a few while teaching May how to tend bees lic Library she worked for the Santa minutes gushing about the book, and and harvest honey that her grandfather Clarita Public Library and San Ber- then everyone turns to the latest greatest explains the roles each bee plays within nardino County Library System. Erin Netflix show or Trump’s tweets. the hive. With each of these explana- is passionate about readers’ advisory Book clubbers need some meat to tions, it seems that her grandfather is and loves to match readers with books chew on, some points to get people able to provide much needed insight and books with readers. talking over all that white wine and into the difficulties May is having with cheese. Not too much meat, of course; relationships in her own life. It is ulti- The Binding by Bridget Collins nobody wants a book that sparks a mately through these lessons that May book club apocalypse. But a book that finds a way to overcome the trauma If you are lucky leads to impassioned exchanges of she experiences and to become a strong enough to be in a analysis and conversation — that’s the young woman. book club, may I key to a particularly memorable after- The relationship May has with her suggest you give The noon of book clubbing. grandfather is what really connects the Binding by Bridget The Binding could be one of those reader to this story. His careful attention Collins a try? I think books for your book club. Collins’s to what is happening in her life and his your club will find characters, plot and setting are well- ability to use his passion of beekeeping that this historical springs for debate. Who is Emmett, and all things related to bees to help fantasy causes enthu- and why does he act in these ways? her overcome experiences of loneliness, siastic discussion. What is meaningful about his relation-

April 2019 21 Book Club Choices ships? Why did Collins create these So begins Elizabeth McCracken’s the Alleys while the other rejects it. particular settings? Why bookbinding? wonderful novel about incomers to a All the while there are rumors of a I think, if you choose The Binding for settled community, about hard work fortune hidden in the octagonal house. your next pick, an hour or so of lively and forceful personalities, and the tri- What is the truth about Bertha’s ori- debate will be the result. umph of perseverance. gins? What about the unexpected son? Bertha’s rescuers that day include And what will happen to Truitt’s Alleys William Morrow/HarperCollins; the orphaned Joe Wear who worked as as the decades pass into post-World 9780062838094; $26.99. the cemetery groundskeeper and Dr. Le- War II? viticus Sprague, a black man from New Reading groups can relate the -Shawn Thrasher Brunswick. Both men become fixtures in characters to newcomers to their Bertha’s new life. She married Leviticus hometowns. They can talk about what Shawn Thrasher is library director for and hired Joe to work in her establish- happens to family businesses that do Ontario (Calif.) City Library. He loves ment, Truitt’s Alleys. Bertha was a not interest succeeding generations. In to read. It’s easier to list what he does candlepin bowler. (Popular in New Eng- the end, readers will be charmed and, not like to read: angsty fiction, books land, candlepin-style uses slender pins indeed, bowled away, by Bowlaway. about abuse, anything too sappily ro- and small bowling balls.) The bowling mantic, and books that are full of them- alley is a landmark for Salford. Ecco/HarperCollins; 9780062862853; selves. He also dabbles in poetry and art. McCracken could have stuck to a $27.99. cheerful story about quirky characters Bowlaway By Elizabeth McCracken who hang out at a small-town bowl- -Nann Blaine Hilyard ing alley, but she crafts a far deeper A remarkable and more interesting tale. Bertha and Nann Blaine Hilyard retired in 2014 event occurred on an Leviticus build a fantastical octagonal after a 39-year career administering otherwise unremark- folly of a house. They have a daugh- small- and medium-sized public librar- able spring day in ter, Minna, who is brilliant and wants ies in Texas, Kansas, Maine, North Salford, Mass., in the nothing to do with her hometown (and Dakota, and Illinois. She has served on early part of the last certainly not bowling). many ALA and division committees, century. A woman, a After Bertha’s death in a freak ac- including the Executive Board and stranger, was found cident a new stranger comes to town, Council. She is currently president-elect lying in the town cem- claiming to be Bertha’s son and heir. He of the Retired Members Round Table. etery. She was some- marries the widow of a Truitt’s Alleys She is convener of the ALA Biblioquil- what dazed but most definitely alive. Her employee and they manage the estab- ters, whose collaborative quilt projects name was Bertha Truitt. In her valise was lishment. In turn their sons grow up im- have raised more than $25,000 for a bowling ball and one candlepin. mersed in bowling. One son takes over library school scholarships.

United for Libraries Institute continued from page 19

Rust and Stringfellow paint a picture of ing. Now their mission aligns with the and strategic direction. She advocated their board that many of us can relate mission and value statement of the li- building relationships by working to- to, a long-standing Foundation, thriving brary. The group has a stronger presence gether and having very defined roles be- in the early years then waning as time on campus and within the community. tween the director, the board of Trustees goes on, especially during the ’90s and The Foundation at the university and the Foundation and Friends. early 2000s. An outdated board, not ad- put together a discretionary spending The United for Libraries Institute hering to term limits, as Friend’s boards account, which includes membership is always a great learning experience are, for the most part, tend to become a fees, and donations. Out of this fund for me and for others as well, I’m sure. separate entity apart from the library. comes a quarterly newsletter that is a Learning from expert speakers helps In Central Washington University’s shared cost with the library, the Big all of us to strengthen our organiza- instance, the board president was ill, Read programming, event sponsorship, tions and gain new ideas. If you plan and a new president was elected. Shortly marketing supplies, and brochures. on attending the ALA annual meeting, after, an annual meeting was called to Lastly, Kit Stephenson, head of adult check out the Institute and other offer- amend the constitution and rally for services and outreach, Bozeman (Mont.) ings from United for Libraries. It’s your more board members. The new board is Public Library, spoke about the role of chance to meet staff members, board very diverse in age and ethnicity, and the the library and library director with sup- members and others with whom you friends group went through a rebrand- port groups as far as aligning missions can network and exchange ideas.

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

Corporate Sponsors of United for Libraries 2019

PLATINUM FRIENDS SILVER FRIENDS CORPORATE FRIENDS • Penguin Random House • Baker & Taylor • Bound to Stay Bound Books • ReferenceUSA • Horror Writers Association • Hachette Book Group USA • Houghton Mifflin Harcourt • Macmillan GOLD FRIENDS • EBSCO • Midwest Tape • Out of Print • Gale • Sisters in Crime • Simon & Schuster • Harlequin • Workman Publishing Co. • Sourcebooks

• HarperCollins Publishers • Thrift Books • Ingram • W.W. Norton & Company • Innovative Interfaces, Inc.

• Tech Logic

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

United for Libraries Board of Directors 2018-2019

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

PROGRAM COORDINATOR • Trish McFadden

April 2019 23 American Library Association NONPROFIT ORG. Attn: MACS U.S. POSTAGE PAID 50 East Huron Street HANOVER, PA 17331 Chicago, IL 60611-2795 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) ...... $______English Kits @ $7.00 each - order in multiples of 25 ...... $______SEND FORM AND PAYMENT TO: American Library Association ______Spanish Kits @ $7.00 each - order in multiples of 25 ...... $______Attn: MACS 50 East Huron Street Chicago, IL 60611-2795 TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: (Check payable to United for Libraries). . .$______

For more information, visit www.ala.org/united/products_services/booksforbabies. To order by credit card, call (800) 545-2433, ext. 5.

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%). 4/19

24 www.ala.org/united 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2161 [email protected]