Loutit District Library

Two weeks ago, I met my dear friend, Amy, in beautiful downtown Grand Haven for a library tour!

We started our afternoon with a delicious lunch at Lucy's Market and Deli. I'll definitely go back and you can see why:

Lakeshore Special: "Boar's Head Premium Oven Gold Turkey
with Dill Havarti Cheese, Honey Mustard,
Tomato and Lettuce on Sourdough"

Afterwards, we headed to the gorgeous Loutit District Library for a complete behind-the-scenes tour with Library Director, John Martin.

Library Profile

• Class Size: 5 (serves a population 26,000 - 49,999)
• A library that is a class 5 requires that the director have a Level 1 certificate (MLIS degree + four years of full-time employment post-MLIS) and at least one Level 3 staff member (Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university + beginning workshop) for every 20,000 people living in the library's area
• According to the 2012-2013 State Aid Report, Loutit serves 35,540
• Loutit is quite a bit larger than the libraries in the Thumb area which typically range from Class 1 - 3
• I currently work at a Class 3 library, which serves a population of 7,000 - 11,999, with an actual population of 11,833
• The library's service area is comprised of roughly 83 square miles
• The library occupies 49,723 square feet and has a collection of 131,771 (includes digital content such as ebooks and databases)
• Loutit has two library millages - one of which was voted in perpetuity
• Operating income (local + state + federal): $2,408,429

 Notes From My Visit

I geek intellectual freedom
(hint: it is right underneath
the sticker and underlined)

• Lots of parking - all of which was free (including a covered parking structure)
• The main lobby area occasionally plays hosts to concerts 
• Loutit Library hosts children's art for the community's ArtWalk (similar to ArtPrize in Grand Rapids)
• Loutit is participating in the Geek the Library campaign
• The library's lower level features ample seating for working on group projects, vending machines (beverages are allowed in the library), and two meeting rooms
• Flat screens mounted on the wall loop through a series of informational slides about upcoming library events
• In the near future, the library will begin intershelving its paperback collection which will free up floor space
• Grand Haven has a bus system - Harbor Transit. There is even a phone with a direct line to the bus company in the foyer
• Loutit has a self-check out kiosk
• The library also has a self-service holds pick-up for patrons - books are wrapped in white paper for privacy purposes
• The children's area has reference copies of Newbery and Caldecott books for projects
• Board games are available for kids to play
• Via a Great Start grant project, the library has a number of backpacks in circulation which are filled with theme-based books and activities
• Very popular items and are hardly available during the summer months
• At the end of the semester, the youth programming room is turned into a study hall for kids
• Loutit Library houses a collection of materials for Ottawa County's literary group, R.E.A.D - Reading Enables Adult Development
• The library has a local history and genealogy room which has 6 computers just for genealogical research
• Lockers are available for patrons - no food or bags permitted  

Thank you to John Martin and the fabulous staff at LDL
for their time and hospitality! 

 To view more pictures from my tour, please visit my
Loutit District Library album on Flickr.

Dark Blue Wallflowers

As of late, I've been culling through recommended works of realistic fiction and compiling a list for a young yet "intelligent beyond his years" patron. While working on this project, I cannot help but think about Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Tonight while piecing together a mixed CD for tomorrow's road trip to ArtPrize, I was once again reminded of Perks -- Charlie's mixed tape.

Even better... I think Dark Blue by Jack's Mannequin, a song I added to my iTunes playlist, could possibly be a favorite of Charlie's, if the story was set later.

Harbor Beach Reading

Yesterday afternoon, before a board meeting, I cruised to Harbor Beach...and, of course, took my book:

Current reads: Monsters by Ilsa J. Bick, Beneath the Meth Moon by Jacqueline Woodson, and a friend's manuscript she hopes to soon publish...

Life in Pictures

Life has been pretty busy, so I think a picture post is in order...

Work Life
I've been helping out the assistant director with preparations for the upcoming story hours by pulling together some of the children's crafts:

Felt bookmarks for the kids to decorate

A bit of humor. Allegedly, the book is Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix -- my favorite Potter book:

I really do love my co-workers at CADL

I have been working on weeding my way through the 800s -- truly an honor to work with that part of the collection. (Sorry about the slightly blurred picture):

After a rather long shift at CADL, I noticed this awesome mural for the first time while waiting for the light to change:

I snapped this panoramic on my way home from work:

Displays: I have been working on two upcoming YA displays: graphic novels and CADL's version of United States of YA: Reading Your Way Across America.

Life Outside of Work
Since I never leave home without a book, I happened to have my copy of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson with me when I toured the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park:

While out surveying the township's back roads, I snapped a couple of pictures on McPherson Road:

Doing some reading up on the Open Meetings Act and public comment practices before September's township board meeting:

And, yes, that is *my* copy of Robert's Rules of Order: leather with gold edging

I am such a nerd that I get excited over seeing binding marks -- first edition of a A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle:

My amazing niece turned 22 on Thursday. Since she is a traveler and I am a librarian, I couldn't resist:

 

Librarians on Tour

I've been busy...

In mid-June, with my friend and LIS comrade, Jeanette Marks (a SLIS alumna), I toured Cheboygan Area Public Library and Mackinac Island Public Library! We refer to our road trip as: "Librarians on Tour."

Kim Schulz and I

Cheboygan Area Public Library

• Our guide was Kim Schulz, Assistant Library Director and fellow SLIS alumna.
• Quick facts from the 2011 - 2012 Library State Aid Report:
• Class 4 library -- serves populations between 12,000 - 25,999. 
• Population served: 13,993
• Operating expenditures: $484,660 
• Collection size: 64,998
• Separate YA area complete with two restaurant-style booths for group work
• Large basement houses the FoL book store, community rooms, pottery and craft rooms
• Beautifully landscaped outdoor garden with reading area
• Über-talented children's librarian, "Mr. King" created the following video for this year's summer reading program's theme, Dig Into Reading:

• Album of pictures from our visit...

Mackinac Island Public Library

• Our guide was Anne St. Onge, Library Director.
• Quick facts from the 2011 - 2012 Library State Aid Report:
•  Class 1 library -- serves populations 0 - 3,999
• Population served: 492
• Operating expenditures: $63,177
• Collection size: 13,826
• The library is open year-round for the residents whom live on the island
• Lovely teal interior with white trim gives a bright and fresh look
• They've been at their current location since 1992
• Due to lots of questions, the library has set up at FAQ page
• Water-front location complete with a rear deck and adirondack chairs
• Album of pictures from our visit...

Amtraking Across America: The Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How

Boarding the Southwest Chief
at Chicago Union Station

At 3:16a last Monday, I was home and finally crawling into bed. My trip was downright amazing and I was exhausted as a result.  

Now that I've been home and settled back into the groove of my life and feel as though I can pull together a few semi-intelligible sentences, I'll attempt to begin catching readers up to speed on my Amtrak trip!

Why a trip to California? Here's the short answer: My beautiful niece, Kailin, is temporarily residing in Encinitas, California -- with my upcoming graduation, I felt it would be the perfect time to take a trip out West to spend some time with her and, of course, tour a few libraries while in the area.

As most travelers do, I contemplated booking a flight. It's quick, pretty affordable... And, in my opinion, downright horrible. I recalled my last experience which entailed being herded like cattle through airport security -- complete with a pat down -- and onto a tin can with wings. Once upon the plane, I witnessed a man groping his wife (mere inches from my face) as she proceeded to make her way to the restroom...and...the groping session resumed upon her return. And how could I forget the fact that I am 5'10" tall and a curvy woman which resulted in me feeling smothered while seated on the plane?! The claustrophobic feeling came soon after the gentleman in front of me decided that he wanted to take a nap during the flight. That experience flying was one that will never be included in the category of a "good time." Flying was quickly ruled out.

My second idea was to drive, but soon realized when looking at possible routes, that I would be a prisoner of the highway for roughly three days and my sightseeing opportunities would be pretty limited. For the same reason, Greyhound was ruled out.

Beyond a trip to Toronto when I was still in diapers, I haven't traveled by train. It would be exciting...an adventure. And if you know me, I love a good adventure...

Enter Amtrak.

Using the other seat as a foot
rest and a place for my books!

Another 'who' question that has been asked: was I alone? Yes, I traveled cross-country alone. To those closest to me, it didn't come as a surprise. One of my best friends said, "I know how independent you are...I'm so chicken, I'd never venture out like you..." My thoughts on traveling cross-country alone: you definitely need to be comfortable with yourself.

Now for some of the 'how':
My trip involved a total of three different Amtrak trains. The Wolverine (Royal Oak - Chicago), Southwest Chief (Chicago to Los Angeles), and the Pacific Surfliner (Los Angeles - Oceanside). I had sleeper accommodations on the Southwest Chief because I was on that train for about 40 hours.

The awesome folks at Enterprise in Oceanside (*waves to Joey at the Coast Highway office*) picked me up from the Amtrak station in an American car (per my request) and after a quick bit of paperwork, I was headed to my accommodations at Carlsbad by the Sea Resort.

More soon on my train experience as well as the sights and adventure!

California

I have so much to write about, but either haven't had time or internet access to do so. Alive, I am, and doing extremely well. I thoroughly enjoyed my Amtrak experience to California and have full faith that my journey home will be just as positive.

I've been spending as much time with my niece, Kailin, as possible and we've managed to see some pretty spectacular sights thus far including Swamis Beach, City of Oceanside Public Library, Encinitas Library, and even a meditation garden.

Stay tuned for more blog posts and pictures...

Hotel California

In about two weeks, I'll be boarding Amtrak's Southwest Chief and heading to California!
The route:

I was completely geeked when I found out the Amtrak serves Hebrew National! (Nom nom nom.)
 
Once in California, I have plans to officially tour Oceanside Public Library and at least one USMC library on either Miramar or Pendleton (or both)! Unofficially, I'd like to visit two northern branches of the San Diego Public Library -- Encinitas and Del Mar.

Stay tuned for updates and photos from my trip...

Road Trip: Miniature Book Exhibit

On 12.10.2012, Janet and I took a road trip to the Library of Michigan in Lansing to check out the miniature book exhibit put on by the Miniature Book Society. Naturally, we took some time to browse the stacks...our beloved Z class. Here's a few photos from our visit:

Whirlwind

Busy doesn't even begin to describe this semester...and I cannot get over how fast it's moving along. It's been a whirlwind...

I've been spending my time doing homework/reading for LIS 7996, working at my practicum site (Caro Area District Library), and attending workshops to broaden my learning experiences...

Earlier in October, as part of my practicum project, I launched a survey in hopes of raising awareness and gaining insight into the information needs and practices of the legal community in Tuscola County. This morning, a similar survey targeting patrons and their legal information needs was launched within the library. 

Last week, I attended two "meet the candidate" sessions at Thumb area libraries which were facilitated by Bryon Sitler, Director of White Pine Library Cooperative. Session 1 was at Rawson Memorial District Library and featured 84th District House candidates Terry Brown (D) and Dan Grimshaw (R). The second session was held at Sandusky District Library and featured 83rd District House candidate Carol Campbell (D) -- Paul Muxlow (R, incumbent) was not present. All of the questions in which Sitler asked were relevant to libraries and the various issues in which they face.

Terry Brown (D), Me, Dan Grimshaw (R)

Carol Campbell (D) and I

To bed I go...

Raven Cafe

Here's a small collection of photos from one of my favorites places -- Raven Cafe: "a cultural, musical and culinary Mecca in the heart of Port Huron."

Amanda and I

"Great spirits have always encountered violence
opposition from mediocre minds" --Albert Einstein

FLITE

Earlier this month, I took a road trip to my Alma Mater, Ferris State University and visited FLITE (Ferris Library for Information, Technology and Education). Here are some photos from my visit:

View from my perch...

Display case...

Practicum

My practicum site has been arranged: Caro Area District Library. I start in September.

Very geeked...and yet quite nervous.

In other news, last night I attended a lecture at the Holocaust Memorial Center -- Hate Speech in Cyberspace -- by Dr. Jack Kay, Eastern Michigan University. Tomorrow, I am attending a workshop hosted by the Michigan Historical Society -- Copyright Issues for Historic Collections.

Adventures in the Z Class

Yesterday, I seized the day by visiting the Library of Michigan while I am still on break between semesters and got lost in the Z class for a few hours browsing my favorite topic: censorship and intellectual freedom.

Between interviewing directors and practicing librarians as well as reading a fabulous book titled True Stories of Censorship Battles in America's Libraries -- edited by Kathy Barco and Valerie Nye -- I seem to have a pretty good grasp on the patron-side of challenges and censorship which prompted me to explore materials from the view of  librarians that are actually pro-censorship. So...I picked up Censorship: Opposing Viewpoints and read Thomas Storck's essay titled, A Case for Censorship: Defending the Poor from the Jaded Rich. 

Needless to say, I was pretty floored and as a result ended up logging into Facebook to capture a sentence in the essay's introduction. My status update read, "There is something wrong with the following sentence: 'Storck, a librarian in Washington, D.C., insists that censorship can both prevent harmful acts and facilitate society's intellectual pursuit of truth.'"

Thomas Storck (1994) posits: 

"For, human nature being what it is, it is naive to think we can freely read and view things that promote or portray evil deeds without sometimes feeling encouraged to commit such deeds. And if this is the case, then censorship can sometimes be a necessity...[case for censorship]...It can be stated in the following simple thesis: ideas lead to actions, and bad ideas often lead to bad acts, bringing harm to individuals and possible ruin to societies. Just as the state has the right to restrict and direct a person's activities when he is a physical threat to the community, so also in the matter of intellectual or cultural threats, the authorities have duties to protect the community." (Pages 18-19)

Further... 

"The ideal censor is not some ill-educated, parochial bigot, but someone of liberal education and continued wide reading, someone with a grasp of first principles and enough experience and wisdom to see how they should be put into practice." (Page 23)

"A final point that must be noted is the connection between anti-censorship arguments and the free market...It is primarily the rich who promote and subsidize ideas and art that undermine traditional ways of life, and it is primarily the poor who suffer on that account. Society exists to protect and promote the welfare of all, but especially of the poor and the workingman. To exalt the free and irresponsible expression of the individual is to take up a position contrary to the community's duty of protecting the poor...Only those with sufficient money and ennui have the time or resources to produce ideas or art that corrupt or debase." (Page 23 - 24)

My thoughts...
I wholeheartedly concur with the sentiments of Lester Asheim -- "Selection seeks to protect the right of the reader to read; censorship seeks to protect—not the right—but the reader from himself from the fancied effects of his reading. The selector has faith in the intelligence of the reader; the censor has faith only in his own."

While some might be disgusted by the availability of a book they deem 'morally bankrupt', I align myself with good old Ranganathan and his 5 laws of library science -- specifically: (2) Every reader his (or her) book; and, (3) Every book its reader. We live in a free society and people have the right to read what they wish to read...and not be censored by some "well meaning" individual. I wholeheartedly believe that a good public library will truly have something to offend everyone...and if it doesn't...then it's someone's private library.

Marshall District Library: Explore, Discover, Grow

On Friday, July 20, Janet and I took a road trip to visit Library Director Angela Semifero at Marshall District Library in downtown beautiful historic Marshall, Michigan.

Profile
MDL serves the City of Marshall as well as the following townships: Eckford, Marengo, Marshall, and Fredonia --  a population of around 15,000 thus giving the agency a Class 4 designation from the Library of Michigan which is comprised of libraries serving populations of 12,000 to 25,999. The library operates with a budget of about $940,000 and houses a collection of about 71,000 items in a 19,000-square-foot former grocery store that has been renovated in 1997 to suit the agency's needs.

Mission: "...to serve its community by providing diverse informational, educational and recreational materials in a supportive and accessible environment."

Motto / Tagline: Explore, Discover, Grow. (love this!)

Vision:
To provide a stimulating environment and supportive staff;
To encourage the public's use and support of library services and facilities;
To stimulate children's interest and appreciation for reading and learning while supporting patrons of all ages;
To provide access to electronic resources including the internet;
To provide materials on diverse interests upholding democratic and intellectual freedoms (my favorite);
To provide guidance in the use of references, electronic and loan materials.

About the Director
Angela Semifero graduated from Wayne State University with her MLIS in 2004. She's been with MDL, in various capacities including Deputy Director, since 2006 and became Library Director in 2011. Semifero's resume is impressive and I was tickled to learn that she was an adjunct instructor for the School of Library and Information Science (Wayne State University) in 2009, teaching Young Adult Literature (LIS 6530) and Access to Information (LIS 6120)...and a member of ALA's Social Responsibilities Round Table -- Feminist Task Force -- which is responsible for the Amelia Bloomer Project! Semifero is co-chairing the project and has been a part of the committee for 5 years now. (Yes, she is that awesome!)

From My Notebook...

• We met with Angela at 1:00p on a Friday and the library was BUSY! (She considered it to be slow.) Let me just say: it was a challenge taking photos due to patrons utilizing specific areas of the library.
• Always tries to have a manager in the building during public service hours.
• Very well-lit and with ample (and comfortable) seating for patrons. There was lots of tables for working on projects, as well.
• Excellent signage breaks down and simplifies the various Dewey classes for patrons!
• Oversized non-fiction books were shelved together and easy to access -- no worries about one falling on your head or having to crawl around on the floor to in order to browse the bottom shelf.
• MDL participates in local parades! They're already getting ready for this year's Christmas parade. Semifero said, "We are super involved in the community we serve, such as being a part of service groups, and already planning our float for the holiday parade."
• Uses Gmail and Googledocs for staff communication / collaboration.
• Interesting fact: the City of Marshall actually owns the parking lot.
• The library has a drive-up book drop!
• Space between the stacks allowed for multiple patrons to easily browse without giving feelings of  claustrophobia or bumping into each other people.
• Very big on grant writing -- especially collaborative grants. It's how many of the library's programs and events get funded.
• Uses Millenium ILS.
• Security cameras due to a break-in.
• MDL wrote a $15k grant for an after-school program which is highly utilized by area youth.
• The library provides "ideas" for tweens to teens to help them keep busy (and out of trouble.)
• I was super geeked to see that the library offered a number of a games and puzzles as well as paper, scissors, markers, crayons, and pencils for those feeling creative.
• MDL has a large graphic collection: Anime, Manga, comic books, and graphic novels!
• MDL hosts gaming nights with popular consoles. (Love this idea!)
• Policy and procedure manuals are available at every desk for staff's use.
• A grant from the community foundation has faciliatated the library with digitizing newspapers.
• Study rooms and the reference room -- 1 person must be over 18.
• Mobile laptop lab!
• The collection is shelf-read weekly!
• MDL hosts a volunteer / donor reception to say 'thanks.'
• The library has an artwork collection that circulates for 3 weeks.
• Regular circulation is for 2 weeks and the library offers a 1 week grace period -- very unique!
• Utilizes PC Reservation by EnvisionWare.
• Internet for adults: not filtered; internet for juveniles: filtered.
• Carries court forms.
• A small display cases features "MDL in the News" -- clippings of library happenings collected from the media.
• The library responds to every patron suggestion.

Photos from our visit...

White Rock

Just over a year ago, I wrote a piece for the Sanilac County Historical Society titled Peeking in the Past: Glimpses of White Rock and now have some recent photos to share of the famous rock! As always, you can enlarge the images by clicking on them...

Please pardon my crazy hair -- I was enjoying my Sun and Sound package.