URGENT ACTION ALERT: Get Librarians into the “Jobs Bill”

URGENT MESSAGE TO LIBRARY ADVOCATES:

Please call both of your U.S. Senators to ask each of them to request that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND),  include the hiring and retaining of librarians in the $18 billion “Jobs Bill” as well.

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U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services information

(post received from Ted Albers)

I am Ted Albers, a Community Relations officer with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) in Burlington Vermont. USCIS is the immigration-benefit and service branch of the Federal Government.

You may be aware of some of the hard-copy and online resources that
USCIS produces for immigrants who are preparing for the citizenship test. These materials are helpful to ESL and Civics educators as well. These resources are detailed on the websites below.

For libraries, the “Citizenship Toolkit” is probably the most useful. It is free if a library or non-profit organization registers for it online ($73 if purchased through the Government Printing Office).

Even if a library does not serve many immigrants, the Toolkit is helpful
for social-service providers, students and others as it helps in understanding the legal immigration and citizenship process and requirements.
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Library Journal looking for “Movers and Shakers 2010”

Do You Know a Library “Mover & Shaker”?

Library Journal’s ninth annual Movers & Shakers will profile 50 or more up-and-comers from across the US, Canada, and internationally who are innovative, creative, and making a difference. Let LJ know who you think should be included. From librarians to vendors to others who work in the library field, Movers & Shakers 2010 will celebrate the new professionals moving our libraries ahead.

Nominations are due November 9. Here’s the link for the form: http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA606274.html?nid=2671&rid=#reg_visitor_id&source=title

Don’t Close the Books on Libraries Rally

Please read below the call to action for the Massachusetts Library Association. If you can spare the time, our neighbors to the south could use our help fighting the good fight. Helen

To the library community –

Even if you’re not a librarian in Massachusetts, you’re invited to join the rally. Let’s get those numbers up to show them we mean business!

Rick Taplin
President, New England Library Association

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Free Financial Fraud Workshop for VT Libraries

Fraud occurs in Vermont. And when it happens, it can have a devastating impact. This impact is felt by the person defrauded, their family, as well as by the entire community. The FINRA Investor Education Foundation, a non-profit organization, has launched an antifraud campaign to combat investment fraud in Vermont. The Foundation is working with AARP VT, the State of Vermont, and local Vermont organizations, including Vermont Public Television and the Community of Vermont Elders (“COVE”). As part of this project, the Foundation has developed a research-based curriculum to present to small and large groups. The presentation teaches Vermonters that they can be at risk for financial fraud, how to spot the “tactics” that fraudsters use in defrauding people, and the simple tools they can use to defend themselves against investment fraud. We are especially concerned about Vermonters aged 55+ who are specifically targeted.

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Digital Video Production Workshop

Adults (ages 16 and up)

Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22, 10:00am-4:00pm

Spend a weekend with media professional Adam Walker who will immerse you in the digital video world and help you to promote your ideas with a video message. Learn about camera controls, different motion techniques, creative angles, tripods, lighting, and iMovie video editing software while creating a 1 minute public service announcement. Then, learn how to post your production onto the YouTube website to share with the world. At the end of the workshop, family and friends will be invited to see the finished products! Bring your own video camera or use one of ours. All other supplies included. Please come to class prepared with at least two ideas for your public service announcement and bring your own bag lunch. Check out www.dogooder.tv for inspiration.

$160 for non-members
$126 for members
http://www.helenday.com/education/adult-classes-sign-up#advideo