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IN THE NEWS

Library Media Contact:

Rhonda B. Sewell, TLCPL Media Relations Coordinator

419.259.5381

e-Mail - rhonda.sewell@toledolibrary.org

Toledo-Lucas County Public Library - News Releases

Tatum Center Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Toledo-Lucas County Public Library earns national honor

Library unveils NASA images from the Hubble, Spitzer Space, and Chandra telescopes

TLCPL Congratulates Ohio’s Public Libraries on Major Ballot Wins

Library launches Bucks-for-Books Campaign

Comic and Graphic Novel Memorabilia @ Your Library!

Knuffle Funny: The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems

Open Public Conversations With Poet Laureate Joel Lipman - 2009 Office Hours

Labor Loves the Library

Do You Know How to Recognize a Scam?

Library announces staff reductions in response to budget cuts

Library makes drastic budget cuts as State, local revenues plummet

2009 Authors! Authors! Fall Series ***Neil Gaiman and Christopher Buckley***

Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney

Follow that Fairy Tale! @ Your Library

Got Cereal? Get ready for some stories that really Snap! Crackle! Pop!

Library Cuts Necessary Due to State Budget Reduction

The Art of Living - Age 50 and beyond

The Life of Frank Gilhooley

Library introduces ePUB – the mp3 of books!

Ingles sin Barreras® @ South Branch Library

Library and UT partner

Look at What’s New on toledolibrary.org

iPod-compatible downloadable media!

Blu-ray ™? No Way!

Wi-Fi Internet Access FREE at the Library

Tatum Center Celebrates 20th Anniversary

(Released November 20, 2009) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is proud to announce its 20th anniversary program celebrating the opening of the Art Tatum African-American Resource Center at Kent Branch Library, 3101 Collingwood Blvd. The event is scheduled from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, December 5 at Kent Branch.

For the past two decades, the Tatum Center has been a beacon of American culture and history.

In honor of this occasion, local playwright Dr. Imelda Hunt is scheduled to present a theatrical dramatization, A Jazz Revue: Tatum at Chicken Charlie’s, which highlights the life and times spent in Toledo of the late jazz pianist Art Tatum (1909-1956). You won’t want to miss this exciting production.

Event participants can also review the history of the Tatum Center by browsing through photos, newspaper clippings and more. The preserved Tatum Center’s collection of local history will allow participants to see many familiar faces, articles and projects.

This 20th anniversary celebration will include refreshments and is open to the public.

Help us celebrate this community treasure. We hope to see you there!

For more details, please call 419.259.5392

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Toledo-Lucas County Public Library earns national honor

(Released November 16, 2009) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) has been named a Star Library by the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service, a national rating of public libraries. The LJ Index offers an overall indication of how a library’s performance stacks up to peer libraries and provides guidance on how all public libraries can better assess and improve what they provide to their users.

TLCPL ranked sixth in the nation in its category, earning four stars out of five for libraries with $30 million budgets and above. Libraries were judged on circulation, patron visits, program attendance and Internet/computer usage.

“We are extremely proud of this honor,” said TLCPL Director Clyde Scoles. “This meaningful rating sheds light on our diverse library collection and indicates how valuable we are to our community in offering free programming, public Internet computers, and an ever-popular circulation of materials for our patrons.”

Media attention in recent months has focused on the key role libraries are playing during the current economic crisis. America’s Star Libraries identifies 258 libraries nationwide that are delivering exceptional service.

Overall, the LJ Index scores not just the Star Libraries but 7,268 public libraries with total expenditures of $10,000 or more that serve populations of at least 1,000 according to four per capita output measures that indicate public service—circulation, visits, program attendance, and public Internet use. The top libraries in each category, organized by ranges of operating expenditures, are assigned five, four, or three Michelin guide-like stars.

LJ released the first round of the LJ Index in February 15, 2009 as a cover story and online. This second round, less than nine months later, is based on 2007 data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The publication of two rounds of the LJ Index in 2009 is due to a dramatic improvement in data timeliness achieved by the IMLS in its annual census of U.S. public libraries. Planned as an annual event, the LJ Index will continue to be published as soon as possible after each year’s data become available.

For more on how the stars realigned, what makes star libraries tick, and how public libraries across the United States are using the LJ Index to improve their services, access full coverage of the new round of America’s Star Libraries and the entire LJ Index at www.LibraryJournal.com/ljindex2009x and in the November 15 issue of LJ.

About Library Journal
In its 133rd year of publication, Library Journal is the oldest and most respected publication covering the library field, read by over 100,000 library directors, administrators, and staff. LJ is published by Reed Business Information (www.reedbusiness.com/us), North America’s largest business-to-business information provider and part of Reed Elsevier (NYSE: RUK and ENL).

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International Year of Astronomy 2009
Library unveils NASA images
from the Hubble, Spitzer Space, and Chandra telescopes

(Released November 11, 2009) - Join the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library for Astronomy Night as we conduct a national unveiling and display of spectacular NASA images from the Hubble, Spitzer Space and Chandra telescopes, scheduled from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24 in the McMaster Center at Main Library, 325 Michigan St. NASA’s Spitzer Space telescope is named after the famous Toledo-reared scientist Lyman Spitzer, Jr. (1914-1997) who long lobbied NASA and Congress to place a telescope in space.

Dr. Nancy Morrison, University of Toledo professor of Astronomy and Director of the Ritter Planetarium, will describe the new image and discuss the science involved behind these amazing images.

Following Dr. Morrison’s presentation, audience participants will join the Toledo Astronomical Association and Library officials for an out-of-this-world stargazing experience atop the Civic Plaza rooftop of Main Library – weather permitting.

The Library was recently awarded the multi-wavelength telescope images from NASA, as part of the celebration of 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy. This occasion marks the recognition of the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s first celestial observations. We hope to see you at this national event @ Your Library! *Note: Ritter Planetarium, of the University of Toledo’s College of Arts and Sciences, is also scheduled to host a public unveiling of the images at 7 p.m. this Friday, November 13.

For more details, please call 419.259.5209

Did you know? Nearly half of your Library’s funding is generated from state dollars, the other half from property tax dollars. The recent 30 percent reduction in state library funding, coupled with a drop in property tax valuations, has caused a drastic $7.4 million shortfall for 2010. To survive and provide service to our patrons, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library has been forced to reduce hours, staff and Library materials. Thanks for your continued support.

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TLCPL Congratulates Ohio’s Public Libraries
On Major Ballot Wins

(Released November 4, 2009) - Toledo-Lucas County Public Library officials are proud to send their congratulations to all of the Ohio public library systems with issues on the ballot yesterday. Out of 38 public libraries across the state, 81 percent won their victories with a range of 50 to 80 percent voter support. Some results are still being counted.

Large public library systems such as Dayton Metro Library, the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, and the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County, each won by significant margins in their regions, around 70 percent voter support.

“It’s been a very tough year for all of Ohio’s 251 public library systems, including the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, but these supportive wins indicate that our patrons and friends want to sustain libraries in their communities, and value their importance to economic growth, educating our youth, providing public access computers and so much more. We are so very proud of our colleagues around this great state,” said Clyde Scoles, Director of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.

Nearly half of TLCPL’s funds are generated from state dollars, which have been reduced by 30 percent, and forced the local system to reduce hours, staff and Library materials. Mostly all of the Library’s remaining dollars come from property tax dollars, with valuations that have dropped dramatically. All of these reductions translate into a drastic $7.4 million shortfall for 2010.

Even through our state’s economic downturn and drastic reduction in state funding, TLCPL was able to save many jobs. Ohio Library officials maintain that patron support, like the votes gained for public libraries in last night’s elections, will get libraries through these tough times and reductions.

Mr. Scoles said TLCPL staff received news today about an 8-year-old local girl who asked that her birthday party guests give donations to the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library for the purchase of computers and books. She mailed a letter to the Library which included a check from her parents for $60.

“Our Library team was so touched by this unselfish act and we are honored to have this type of support and strong belief in the public library system,” said Scoles.

According to Lynda Murray, of the Ohio Library Council (OLC), yesterday’s elections marked a “historic day for Ohio’s public libraries.” November 3, 2009 also represented an Ohio election date with the most public library issues ever on the ballot.

To see all 38 Ohio public library referendum results, please click on this OLC link below:

http://www.olc.org/pdf/November09LevyTally.pdf

For more details, please call 419.259.5207 or visit toledolibrary.org

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Library launches Bucks-for-Books Campaign
Every gift – large or small – is important to us!

(Released October 22, 2009) - With more than $7 million in budget cuts, your Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is spending less to purchase new books, DVDs and other library materials. By supporting the Library’s new Bucks-for-Books Campaign, you can help us close the gap between reduced funding and the increased need for library resources.

A contribution of $25 will help the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library purchase a new book. Contribute $50 for two books or $100 for four books or a reference book. Contribute $500 and you can help to buy an entire shelf of books!

We’ve never needed your help more!

Help us fill the Library’s shelves. Your donation to the Bucks-for-Books Campaign will allow the Library to select the titles and materials that are most critically needed.

Please join the Bucks-for-Books Campaign today. With your help, we’ll be able to purchase the books and resources that are so desperately needed.

*Contributions via check can be made payable to The Library Legacy Foundation.
The Library Legacy Foundation has a 501 c3 designation from the IRS and your entire donation will qualify as a charitable donation. If you have questions, please contact 419.259.5123 or e-mail library.legacy@toledolibrary.org

Join the Bucks-for-Bucks Campaign today!

To download a printable form from the Library’s Web site, please go to: http://www.toledolibrary.org/about/bucksforbooks.asp

*Did you know? Nearly half of your Library’s funding is generated from state dollars, the other half from property tax dollars. The recent 30 percent reduction in state library funding, coupled with a drop in property tax valuations, has caused a drastic $7.4 million shortfall for 2010. To survive and provide service to our patrons, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library has been forced to reduce hours, staff and Library materials. Thanks for your continued support.

For more details about Bucks-for-Books, please call 419.259.5123

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Comic and Graphic Novel Memorabilia @ Your Library!

(Released October 13, 2009) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, coinciding with the Toledo Museum of Art’s LitGraphic display of graphic novel art, presents comic and graphic novel memorabilia on display now through the end of December in the Humanities Department at Main Library, 325 Michigan St.

The exhibit features materials on loan from Monarch Cards and Comics, located at 4400 Heatherdowns Blvd., including commemorative and limited-edition books and memorabilia.

Comics have roots going back as far as Egyptian painting and an impact as recent as this past summer’s Wolverine and Watchmen movies.

The Library exhibit includes samples from the work of recent Authors! Authors! speaker Neil Gaiman with particular emphasis on his groundbreaking adult comic series The Sandman.

The exhibit devotes particular attention to the pervasive role comics, once marginalized as depraved kid stuff, have come to play in popular culture, from the soapy histrionics of EC Publishing’s romance titles, to the translation of series like Hellboy, Sin City, and Hellraiser from edgy niche titles into mainstream blockbuster movies.

Other elements include comics and merchandise from DC and Marvel superheroes; classics like Terry and the Pirates, Little Nemo in Slumberland, and Will Eisner’s The Spirit; and the anarchic humor of Mad magazine. Patrons will have the opportunity to check out comics and graphic novels from Main Library.

For more details on the Library exhibit, please call 419.259.5207 or visit toledolibrary.org - *(visit toledomuseum.org for more on LitGraphic).

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Knuffle Funny:
The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems

(September 25, 2009) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is proud to welcome an art exhibition featuring the works of the award-winning author and illustrator Mo Willems. A Grand Opening Celebration featuring an exhibit of more than 60 original works is scheduled in the Children’s Library at Main from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 17. The exhibit is scheduled to run October 17 through December 26 at Main Library, 325 Michigan St. Activities for youth are planned in the Children’s Library on Oct. 17.

Willems, a former animator and writer for Sesame Street, captures the essence of childhood and family life through his illustrations and children’s literature. His books, animated cartoons, and television writing have garnered six Emmy Awards, three Caldecott Honors, two Geisel Medals, the Carnegie Medal for film, and dozens of fans in the tri-state area. (Note: Mo Willems will not be present for this exhibit)

The Mo Willems exhibition is generously presented by Target®, the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, the Library Legacy Foundation, the Robert L. and Posy Huebner Fund, Dorothy MacKenzie Price, and the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.

For more details, please call 419.259.5207

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Open Public Conversations

With Poet Laureate Joel Lipman

*2009 Office Hours at Main Library*

(Released September 18, 2009) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is proud to continue its partnership with University of Toledo Art & English professor Joel Lipman, named the area’s first Poet Laureate in 2007 by the Lucas County Commissioners.

Lipman is Poet-In-Residence at Main Library, 325 Michigan St., downtown Toledo, for the duration of his continued appointment as the County’s Poet Laureate. During his residency, Lipman holds Open Public Conversations with the Poet Laureate, whereby poets and writers can drop in during scheduled office hours in Main’s Humanities department.

Lipman’s current office hours are scheduled from 2:30 – 5 p.m.  on Wednesdays, now through December 16, 2009.

“The hours are times when citizens can drop in and discuss poetry, their own poems, and questions regarding community writing groups or other matters regarding the art of poetry. I look forward to continuing these conversational hours,” said Lipman.

Lipman’s Open Public Conversations serve as one segment of his residency and partnership with the Library. He also has hosted poetry-related events and poetry exhibits. Lipman works with adults, and also conducts workshops with junior high and high school students at various schools throughout Lucas County.

“I view this partnership as an extraordinary opportunity for Mr. Lipman to further expose and enhance the rich and vital poetry scene in Lucas County,” said Clyde Scoles, Library Director.

For more details, please call Main Library’s Humanities Department at 419.259.5218

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Labor Loves the Library

(Released September 11, 2009) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library welcomed a
host of major union organizations and officials on Wednesday, September 9, at its first Labor Loves the Library event held in honor of the Labor History Room.

Proceeds from the fundraiser, which coordinators and sponsors hope to make an annual event, will help the Library purchase books and add memorabilia. The Labor History Room is located in the Local History and Genealogy department on the third floor of Main Library, 325 Michigan Street.

Labor organizations, including the United Labor Committee, Toledo Area AFL-CIO, Teamsters Local 20, UAW Region 2B, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, Northwest Ohio Building Trades Council and the Toledo Port Council, collaborated to present the Labor Loves Library event.

At the fundraiser, George Tucker, chairman of the United Labor Committee, welcomed guests. More than $4,000 was donated to the Labor History Room.

Generously donated historical books and memorabilia are contained in the Labor History Room and include numerous books on labor law and civil liberties; labor and women’s issues; union charters; local and national union posters, photographs and newspaper articles; union buttons, and more.

The items were donated to the Library Legacy Foundation for the Room. Labor History Room donations included 78 labor books from Jack Gallon, founding partner of Gallon, Takacs, Boissoneault & Shaffer Co., L.P.A. and a gavel used by James P. Hoffa, Jr., the son of Jimmy Hoffa, from Cheryl L. Johson, retired officer of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Johnson also gave 18 books related to labor and women’s issues. Other items included a framed photograph and Toledo Blade articles on labor history donated by Harold Leu, of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

For more details, please contact

Kathryn Fell, Library Development Coordinator
419.259.5123
kathryn.fell@toledolibrary.org

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Do You Know How to Recognize a Scam?

Register Today!

(Released September 2, 2009) - The Ohio Attorney General’s office, in collaboration with the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, is scheduled to present a series of workshops to help you become a smart consumer in today’s tough economy. Come to Main Library, 325 Michigan St., on the dates listed below and learn about your consumer rights, the newest job scams and the tools to prevent identity theft.

Series schedule:

• CANCELED - Being a Smart Consumer – Tuesday, September 15/6:30-7:30 p.m.
o Protecting yourself from savvy scams is easy, as long as you have the right knowledge! Increase your consumer smarts at this workshop, where the top ten consumer complaints will be revealed, as well as ways to protect yourself.

• Job Seekers Beware – Tuesday, October 20/6:30-7:30 p.m.
o A tough economy can wreak havoc on the job market; some companies prey on the unemployed. This workshop will both inform you on the latest fake check and opportunities scams, as well as give you the tools to protect yourself and your community.

• Identity Theft – Tuesday, November 17/6:30-7:30 p.m.
o With the increasing amount of information available on the World Wide Web, it is easier than ever for criminals to steal personal information. This workshop will help protect you as a consumer and preserve your identity.

Learn about your rights as a consumer by contacting the Ohio Attorney General’s office at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or 800.282.0515.

Visit the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library and check out a variety of items on being a smart consumer, consumer rights, scams, identity theft and much more! Stop in at a branch near you and ask a librarian for assistance.

REGISTER TODAY! Call 419.259.5209

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Library announces staff reductions in response to budget cuts

(September 1, 2009) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library announced today that it is eliminating 30-35 positions held by union, managerial and confidential staff. Thirteen of these positions may be retirements, according to Library Director Clyde Scoles.

Library employees have until November 30 to take a one-time retirement incentive. “Until we know exactly how many people are retiring, we won’t have exact numbers,” Scoles said. “This is a very sad time for our Library. We pride ourselves on public service and certainly don’t want to lose any of our valuable employees.”

The layoffs are expected to help offset a reduction in revenue of $7.4 million through 2010. The Library’s two unions, Association of Public Library Employees and the Communication Workers of America, received the news today about how many of their employees will be needed for adjusted staffing levels since Library hours are going to be cut 27 percent.

In addition to reduced hours and staff, the Library is raising overdue fines and copying costs and severely cutting back on materials, operations and building funds. “We evaluated many scenarios in order to come up with an equitable plan which would allow us to provide services, materials and staff on a limited, reduced budget,” Scoles said.

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Library makes drastic budget cuts as State, local revenues plummet

(Wednesday, August 26, 2009) - In response to reduced State and local revenues, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Board of Trustees today approved expenditure cuts needed to address an estimated $7.4 million shortfall to the Library’s 2010 budget.

State revenues are down 25.4 percent, based on 2010 preliminary estimates of the Public Library Fund (PLF) from the Ohio Department of Taxation. Local revenues for the Library are down 15 percent, based on 2010 estimates of Lucas County property tax. The PLF and the revenue generated by a 2-mill local property tax levy, which voters generously approved in 2007, are the two revenue streams that make up 92 percent of the Library’s budget.

“These cuts will represent a drastic shrinkage of our Library system at a time when our services are in high demand,” said Library Director Clyde Scoles. “We evaluated many strategies in order to come up with equitable reductions across the Library system, allowing us to continue to provide services, materials and staff on a limited, reduced budget.”

The implications of these serious cuts are as follows:

• Starting October 4, there will be a 27 percent reduction in Library hours (check with Library locations for specific hours or visit toledolibrary.org)
• Sanger Branch will be the only location open on Sundays
• Staffing will be maintained at minimal levels across the board, impacting management, union and confidential staff
• Additional reductions will be made to the materials, operations, security and building improvement funds
• Fines for overdue Library materials will be raised (book fines have not been increased since 1986)
• Fees for copying and printing will increase

“This is a very difficult time in the 171-year history of our Library, especially when the public uses us now more than ever,” Scoles said, referring to the double digit increases in user visits, largely due to people looking for jobs, access to computer broadband and wireless, storytimes, Homework Help centers, educational resources and recreational materials.

As state funding diminished earlier this summer, the Library implemented an austerity budget, resulting in the reduction of Sunday hours, staff hiring freezes, reduction of new materials and elimination of Library pages (part-time employees who sort and shelve books).

Scoles thanked Lucas County residents for coming to the Library’s rescue in June when the Governor proposed to slash State support even more drastically. “The tremendous outpouring of support across Lucas County drove the point home even further that we are committed to providing the best customer service possible.”

Scoles added: “This is not the public’s fault. It is the declining economy, loss of property values and the State taking more than promised.”

The Library director said more cuts may be needed since the State remains in flux monthly, and revenue estimates may go lower. “Time will tell if these budget cuts are enough,” Scoles said.

For more details, please call 419.259.5266

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2009 Authors! Authors! Fall Series
***Neil Gaiman and Christopher Buckley***

(Released August 21, 2009) - Two best-selling authors, one a fantasy/comic book writer and the other a social/political satirist, are scheduled for the 2009 Authors! Authors! Fall Series this October and November. The series, now in its 15th-year, is presented by The Blade and arranged by the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.

Fantasy author and comic book writer Neil Gaiman is scheduled to speak on Monday, October 5, and social and political satirist Christopher Buckley is scheduled to speak on Wednesday, November 18. Both authors will appear at 7 p.m. in the Stranahan Theater, Great Hall, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd.

Authors! Authors! tickets are $10 per person, and $8 for students. Tickets are available now for purchase at all Toledo-Lucas County Public Library locations and are limited in quantity.

Neil Gaiman has long been one of the top writers in modern comics, as well as writing award-winning books for readers of all ages, including American Gods, Anansi Boys and Neverwhere. He is the creator and writer of the cult DC Comics series Sandman, and his most recent work, The Graveyard Book, won the 2009 Newbery Award and was recently optioned to be made into a movie. The feature films Stardust (2007) and Coraline (2009) are based on his novels, and he co-wrote the script for Beowulf (2007).

*Neil Gaiman's books will be available for sale. In place of a traditional book signing, autographed book plates will be available to the first 150 people in line after his talk.

Christopher Buckley is the author of thirteen books, including his 2008 best-seller Supreme Courtship. He has been hailed as “the quintessential political novelist of his time” by Fortune Magazine. His lectures provide a comedic look at national political and world affairs. Buckley’s latest book, Losing Mum and Pup: A Memoir, partly documents Buckley’s coping with the passing of his father, William F. Buckley, the father of the modern conservative movement. He serves as editor-in-chief of the magazine Forbes FYI.

“Year after year, the Blade and the Library bring you the best in contemporary authors and writers,” said Library Director Clyde Scoles. “We are proud to welcome such accomplished authors to Toledo and look forward to seeing everyone for another great season.”

Following Buckley’s program, the author will be available to sign copies of his books. The author’s works will be available for purchase at the program from Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

The Authors! Authors! series is now in its 15th year. Each program features an hour-long speech and a question-and-answer session presented by the featured author. Past guest authors have included Mary Higgins Clark, Robert Kennedy, Jr., Terry McMillan, David Gergen, Walter Mosley and John Updike.

For more series details or for tickets, please call 419.259.5266

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Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney

(Released August 14, 2009) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library presents, Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney, on the first Tuesday of each month, from 7-8:30 p.m. beginning September 1, 2009 through June 1, 2010 in the Searles Conference Room at Main Library, 325 Michigan St.

During this series, which is open to the public, attorneys will provide an overview of intellectual property, explain the differences between patents, trademarks, and copyright, and be available to answer your questions.

This service is free and open to the public, with free parking available in Main Library’s underground parking garage.

***Registration is NOT required***

Series schedule:

• September 1 – C. Fred Charpie, III, MacMillan, Sobanski and Todd, LLC
• October 6 – J. Douglas Miller, Fraser, Clemens, Martin and Miller, LLC
• November 10 – Brent L. Bond, (MST)
• December 1 – Jake Ward, (FCMM)
• January 5, 2010 – Gregory W. Robinette, (MST)
• February 2 - Mike Dockins (FCMM)
• March 2 - Scott A. Blake (MST)
• April 6 - Chip Dusseau (FCMM)
• May 4 - James A. Duggan (MST)
• June 1 - Mike Riesen/Richard G. Martin (FCMM)

For more details, please call 419.259.5209

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Follow that Fairy Tale! @ Your Library

New book club for 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders – Tale Trekkers

(Released August 10, 2009) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is proud to debut a new book club for 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders titled the Tale Trekkers. This exciting new book club will travel from branch to branch beginning September 9 through November 23 at the Sanger, Lagrange, Washington and Waterville branch locations. The traveling club is in its final stage, and will conclude at the Waterville Branch Library (see dates below).

Tale Trekkers will introduce youngsters and their families to fairy tales from all around the world! The title of the four-branch program is Follow that Fairy Tale! Six Folk and Fairy Tales from Around the World!

Each participant will receive a Tale Trekker’s passport. It will be stamped every meeting, and the children will write in the name of the country they’re visiting through the story. For the children the passports will create a sense of ownership of the adventures, and in the end, will become a nice keepsake for them. Below is the Tale Trekkers schedule:

• Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave. - from 4:15-5:15 p.m. every Monday, October 19-November 23.
  

At most branch locations, a light snack and a related craft time will take place, along with a discussion about the book and the story’s geographic location.

Young participants will study the geography of the world on a map, and the librarians will help youngsters “trek” (walk around the room, run in place, climb mountains, pretend to swim, etc.) to their next destination!

The goal of Tale Trekkers is to work in tandem with parents and family members to increase the children’s reading skills as well as their love for books. Studies reveal that reading aloud to a child by an adult for at least 30 minutes three times a week or more will dramatically increase their vocabulary, comprehension and enjoyment of reading.

For more details, please call 419.259.5207

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Got Cereal?

Get ready for some stories that really Snap! Crackle! Pop!

(Released July 28, 2009) - Got Cereal? That’s what youth will be asking when they check out Sanger Branch Library’s newest book club, The Serial Readers, Cereal Eaters Book Club! Part 2 – open to school-age youth in the 4th, 5th and 6th grades.

Bring your favorite cereal bowl to Sanger Branch, 3030 W. Central Ave., from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Thursday beginning August 20 through November 19. Why? Because there will be plenty of cereal to eat and interesting books read aloud. This is an open and FREE event!

Join Children’s librarians, Ms. Cristin and Mr. Tim, as they read aloud a different and magically delicious book each month to 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. Don’t worry, there won’t be any soggy stories here! All books selected are age appropriate and are the first of five different series young participants can continue on their own. Books include:

• The Secret Zoo, by Bryan Chick

• George’s Secret Key to the Universe, by Stephen W. Hawking, Lucy Hawking and Garry Parons

• The Akhenaten Adventure by P.B. Kerr

• Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy and Tom Percival

• Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1 by PJ Haarsma

In addition to cereal, we’ll have other breakfast treats as well. Ask one of our “coo-coo for cocoa puffs” librarians for details and sign up today!

Studies have demonstrated that reading aloud to youth can enhance academic achievement. Sign up your youngster today! And don’t forget to bring your cereal bowl!

For more details and to sign up, please call 419.259.5370

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Library Cuts Necessary Due to State Budget Reduction

(July 23, 2009) - In response to Ohio Governor Ted Strickland’s recent signing of the state budget, the Board of Trustees of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library on Thursday, July 23, approved cuts needed to address an estimated 35 percent reduction in state funding for the local system.

During their regular meeting held at the Sylvania Branch Library, Board members were informed about reduced budget estimates for 2009 and 2010. The board unanimously approved several cost-saving measures to address the $1.4 million reduction to the TLCPL system.

• Eliminate page hours (Library pages perform manual duties such as sorting and shelving materials).

• Eliminate Sunday hours, except for the Sanger Branch Library, which will maintain Sunday hours year-long.

• Reduction of the Materials budget (books, DVDs, videos, CDs, etc.).

• Reduction to Information Technology budget.

• Reduction in new furniture and equipment purchases.

• No pay increases for Exempt staff.

“We desperately wish that we would not have to make any cuts or changes, but these recommended reductions are necessary cost-saving measures in response to the significant slash to the Public Library Fund in the state budget,” said Clyde Scoles, Library Director.
“As the revenue continues to decline in 2010, additional cost-saving measures will be instituted,” added Scoles.

Both the Board and administration repeatedly thanked the hundreds of thousands of library patrons who were the real heroes during the “Save Our Libraries” campaign and rallies when TLCPL and other public libraries across the state banded together to object to the Governor’s initial proposal of a $227 million reduction to the Public Library Fund.

“Although the recent state budget cuts are not as deep as initially proposed, it is still not a good story for our local system nor for Ohio public libraries. That’s why we are so thankful to our supporters and patrons for their understanding during these difficult economic times,” Scoles said.

Mr. Scoles added that he was overwhelmed by the media support locally and across the state. Editorials were written in full support of public libraries and against any cuts to library funding.

To understand the full impact of the Public Library Funding reductions, and the projected calendar year 2009-2010 funding distributions per library in Ohio, please log on to the Ohio Library Council Web site at: http://www.olc.org/pdf/PLFDistributionsPerLibraryCY2009_10.pdf

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The Art of Living - Age 50 and beyond
Library debuts new Web page

(Released June 10, 2009) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) is proud to announce the launch of its new Web page on toledolibrary.org. The section is designed to meet the needs of patrons and visitors age 50 and beyond.

The new page is titled The Art of Living – Age 50 and beyond and will feature categories such as Library Resources, Travel/Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Community Resources, Financial & Legal, and Education & Jobs. Under these headings visitors will find a wealth of resources.

“In planning the launch of a new page designed for this demographic, we wanted to be certain to give visitors a modern, fresh, informative section on our Web site to call their very own. The Art of Living contains information on books, programs and events to keep this active group up-to-date with all of our Library offerings,” said Nicole Naylor, coordinator of the new page and assistant manager of TLCPL’s Branch Services.

The Art of Living page also features downloadable media, current events, local resources to assist visitors age 50 and up, and the Library’s own Images In Time, a collection of historical photographs of Toledo and Northwest Ohio.

Visit toledolibrary.org today and click on The Art of Living – Age 50 and beyond icon located on the site’s home page.

For more details, please call 419.259.5207

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The Life of Frank Gilhooley
Library’s third Sight and Sound documentary

Gilhooley interviewing former Major League Baseball manager Sparky Anderson

(Released May 5, 2009) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is proud to announce the third documentary of its exciting new Sight and Sound project, which seeks to interview pioneering local figures during their lifetimes and capture them in documentary form. This recent profile focuses on the life of historic Toledo Mud Huns broadcast announcer Frank Gilhooley.

The first person to be interviewed and filmed for the project’s debut documentary last spring was legendary jazz vocalist Jon Hendricks, who is known in the music world as the Father of Vocalese. Last fall, Dick Anderson, Chairman of the Board of The Andersons, Inc., was the second profile of the series.

Gilhooley, a legend in Toledo broadcasting and an announcer for some 20 years for the Toledo Mud Huns, has over 50 years of experience in television and radio. Gilhooley previously served as the sports director at WTVG 13abc along with announcing several Ohio State football games. Gilhooley played for the legendary Toledo Jeeps, when he traveled with the Harlem Globetrotters for two years as a member of the opposing team. He also played baseball and basketball at the University of Notre Dame. His father, Frank Sr., played with the New York Yankees from 1913-18 and was a teammate of Babe Ruth in Boston.

The Sight and Sound documentaries are all available in video stream format by logging on to the Library’s Web site, toledolibrary.org. Search under the CONNECT heading on the right side of the home page. DVD copies of the documentary are also available for checkout at all Library locations. The Library’s Local History and Genealogy department teamed with the Information Technology department to develop the Sight and Sound project. Interviews are filmed at WGTE. Tom Walton, retired Toledo Blade editor, interviewed both Anderson and Gilhooley.

For more details, please call 419.259.5207

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Library introduces ePUB – the mp3 of books!

(Released April 28, 2009) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library’s Downloadable Media on toledolibrary.org has been updated to offer an exciting new feature – ePUB!

What is ePUB? Think of ePUB as the book equivalent of mp3! ePUB is an eBook file format for patrons that offers interoperability between software and hardware for reflowable digital books. ePUB is also emerging as the industry standard and is projected to be the preferred format for all eBooks, said Tracy Montri, Audio Visual Department manager.

• ePUB offers small file sizes and the ability to resize text so that it neatly and instantaneously reflows on the screen.
• ePUB formatted titles are compatible with the Sony Reader, as well as with Windows and Mac computers using Adobe digital additions.
• ePUB collection will coexist with the Library’s large collection of Adobe and Mobipocket eBooks.

Patrons can also take advantage of the Library’s new flexible loan periods!

• When checking out an eBook (Adobe, Mobipocket and ePUB) or an eAudiobook, patrons will be able to specify whether they want to have the item for 7, 14, or 21 days.
• For downloadable music or video titles, patrons can specify a loan period of 3, 5, or 7 days.
• Patrons can set their own personal default loan period based on format (found in “my digital account”), or choose title by title.
• Patrons can now rate downloadable titles on a scale of 1-5 stars, just like Amazon.com!

Log on to toledolibrary.org today for these high-tech features. Don’t worry, if you have a question about ePUB or any of our amazing Downloadable offerings, please call the Audio Visual department at 419.259.5285.

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Ingles sin Barreras® @ South Branch Library

(Released April 27, 2009) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library’s South Branch, 1736 Broadway, is proud to announce its introduction of Ingles sin Barreras®, one of the best known ESL (English as a second language) programs in the country.

Ingles sin Barreras®, created by Lexicon Marketing, contains 12 DVDs and 12 CDs, as well as student and activity books. The system also includes one set of three English/Spanish and Spanish/English dictionaries. South Branch has the full program available to check out for free. Lexicon, founded in Miami, Florida in 1974, was developed to serve the educational needs of the Hispanic community in the United States, and to provide the right tools for Hispanic immigrants to learn English and succeed in America.

Thousands of Spanish-speaking people have learned English with this product and have shown exceptional abilities to use both written and spoken English, said Carole Mitchell, manager of the South Branch Library. “We are thrilled to offer this free system to our patrons.”

South Branch Library opened its doors January 16, 1918, and was built with funds from famous library philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Through the years, South Branch has been an important asset to the Old South End community, serving a multicultural and diverse neighborhood, specializing in the Latino culture with both English and Spanish collections. In 2004 the Branch relocated to its current location.

For more details, call the South Branch at 419.259.5395

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Library and UT partner

(Released January 13, 2009) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) has partnered with The University of Toledo (UT) to offer two extension collections on UT campuses to allow students to check out some 200 popular and best-selling books.

UT students and faculty can check out books at the designated Toledo-Lucas County Public Library areas in Carlson Library on the Main Campus and Mulford Library on the Health Science Campus. Both areas are identified with banners titled:
“TLCPL @ UT.”

*Update: The new extension area in the Carlson Library on UT’s Main Campus was officially unveiled at a January 15 news conference attended by UT and Library representatives.

Officials from both UT and the public library want students to have access to popular books in order to promote lifelong learning. Both entities point to a National Endowment for the Arts survey in 2004 of Literacy Reading in America. The study revealed a high correlation between reading literary works and interest in civic and cultural engagement.

“The study also found the steepest decline in literary reading often occurred among those aged 18 to 24, the very group that traditionally makes up the majority of university-aged students,” said Dorcel Dowdell, Main Library Manager.

Dr. John Gaboury, dean of UT’s University Libraries, added, “Our students, faculty, and staff will enjoy being able to check out popular fiction and best sellers. These are titles we typically do not purchase in academic libraries. We look forward to a long partnership with the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library and the many benefits it will bring to the University and Toledo community.”

Clyde Scoles, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Director, added, “This unique collaboration demonstrates the future of cooperation between academic and public libraries. Both systems have the same goal in providing invaluable resources for its patrons. With these new extension branches, the students will greatly benefit from these literary and popular book titles. As a result, our community will be richly rewarded with educated young minds.”

UT students need only their student identification card to check items out of the popular book collection. The books will rotate every month so that new titles will be available.

For more details, please call 419.259.5207

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Look at What’s New on toledolibrary.org

(Released December 9, 2008) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is excited to announce seven exciting new additions on the Research & Reference drop down menu area of its Web site – toledolibrary.org. Log on to the site’s home page today!

Communications & Mass Media Complete – Incorporate the content of CommSearch and Mass Media Articles Index along with numerous other journals in communication, mass media, and closely-related fields of study.

GreenFILE – Offers well-researched information covering all aspects of human impact to the environment from scholarly, government and general-interest titles including content on global warming, green building, pollution, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, recycling, and more.

Humanities International Index – Covers journals, books and other important reference sources in the humanities.

Ohio Legal Services - Contains various legal documents, forms, and other resources that can help you learn more about the law and help you understand and resolve your legal problems.

Primary Search – Provides full text for more than 70 popular magazines for elementary school research as far back as 1990.

Salud en Espanol – Provee reports competes basados en evidencias y fichas de datos relacionados a todos los aspectos de la salud y el bienestar. Reportes especificos por tema que cubren todos los aspectos de la salud, dan informacion general importatnte en relacion a enfermedades, afecciones y procedimientos de diversos tratamientos.

Mango Languages – Learn a language through self-paced lessons that cover vocabulary, common phrases, and grammar. Words and phrases are repeated throughout the lessons to reinforce learning. Languages include Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish plus ESL Polish, ESL Spanish, and ESL Brazilian Portuguese.

For more details, please call 419.259.5207

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iPod-compatible downloadable media!
Another exciting offer in the Library’s Audio Visual department

(Released October 29, 2008) - The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library’s Audio Visual (AV) department is on the cutting-edge of technology with many exciting new offers, including its latest – iPod-compatible downloadable media. The AV department is located at Main Library, 325 Michigan St., in downtown Toledo.

Popular and classic audiobooks in the MP3 format are now available for download 24/7 from the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library. The new DRM-free format, the MP3 Audiobook, is compatible with Apple iPod players, as well as hundreds of other MP3 players including those from Creative, Sony, Samsung, Rio, SanDisk, and most cell phones. Library users will be able to access the digital library anytime, anywhere by logging on to toledolibrary.org.

“The Library is thrilled that we can now provide downloadable audiobooks which will be accessible to iPod users. We know that this device is very popular with our patrons, and now they can enjoy our audiobook collection as well,” said Tracy Montri, manager of the Library’s AV department.

The initial MP3 Audiobook collection features a growing collection of popular novels, children’s books, classic works, and an array of nonfiction subjects. The new section of MP3 Audiobooks complements the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library’s diverse
downloadable media collection, which offers hundreds of audiobooks (WMA format), eBooks in popular formats, as well as music and downloadable video.

How To Download the MP3 Audiobooks?

To download the MP3 Audiobooks, users must install the OverDrive Media Console version 3.0. The free software provides users with a superior audiobook listening and navigation experience with newly added support for easy transfer of the MP3 Audiobooks to the iPod, iPhone, and iPod touch. Apple iTunes installation is required for transfer to an Apple device. This also includes a burn wizard, for the option of listening to audiobooks on CD, where permissions allow.

To enjoy MP3 Audiobooks, users are required to agree to specific terms of used to the borrowed MP3 files before they can download from the Library’s web site. After the lending period expires, the OverDrive Media Console disables access to the expired title from their PC. The user is then prompted to delete all Over Drive MP3 Audiobook files from their PC and all transferred copies.

To access the downloadable media collection, visit toledolibrary.org, select the Library Collection menu and click on Downloadable Media.

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Blu-ray ™? No Way!

(Released May 29, 2008) - Yes Way, it’s true! The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is now offering Blu-ray ™ discs for check-out! Talk about a high-tech Library system. We are proud to offer this exciting new technology for our patrons and hope that everyone with a Blu-ray ™ disc player takes advantage of checking out FREE Blu-ray ™ discs today!

Tracy Montri, Library Audio Visual Department Manager, said an exciting debut collection of Blu-ray ™ discs are now available at Main Library, 325 Michigan St.

“We have a collection of over 200 titles of new blockbuster movies, nature documentaries, concerts, and even children’s movies,” said Montri, who reminds patrons that a Blu-ray ™ disc player is required – a standard DVD player will not read any Blu-ray ™ disc. However, DVDs can be played in a Blu-ray ™ disc player.

Montri adds that patrons may checkout any combination of DVDs and Blu-ray ™ titles not to exceed six total. Patrons can also return Blu-ray ™ discs to any Library branch location, and Main Library can send titles out to branches for patron pick-up.

According to Blu-ray.com, Blu-ray, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD), is the name of an optical disc format jointly developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), a group of the world's leading consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers (including Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK and Thomson).

The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc.

Montri adds that Blu-ray™ movies are best viewed on an HD television, and that Blu-ray™ technology features vivid colors and an incredibly sharp picture.

Stop by Main Library today to check out your FREE Blu-ray™ discs available for checkout now!

For more details or questions about the Library’s Blu-ray ™ disc collection,
please call the Audio Visual Department at 419.259.5285.

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Wi-Fi Internet Access FREE at the Library

The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library offers patrons two options to access free wireless Internet services at Main Library and all neighborhood branches.

Library patrons can choose from either free access for existing Buckeye Express cable modem subscribers, or access through the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.

No additional networking cables are required for either service. All that is needed for access is a wireless computer with a wireless card or radio transceiver.

To access through the Library’s service, patrons can connect to the network using the identification “T-LCPL.” Once the connection is established, Internet access will be available.

Wireless access ranges approximately 150-feet from the nearest reference desk. Access to the Internet is filtered as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). CIPA is a federal law enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about access to offensive content over the Internet on school and library computers.

Availability for either free wireless service, provided by Buckeye Express or Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, is limited to the hours of operation specific to each Library location. Patrons are encouraged to check with a Library staff member for branch hours of operation.

How to connect to Wireless Network with Windows XP

How to connect to Toledo-Lucas County Public Library's Wireless Network

For more information about free wireless access through the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, or for existing Buckeye Express cable modem subscribers, please call 419.259.5207.

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