YALSA’s MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens

Edwards was a well-known and innovative young adult services librarian at Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Md., for more than 30 years. Her trust has supported many initiatives from YALSA, including the Alex Awards for adult books with teen appeal and all five rounds of the Excellence in Library Service to Young Adults project.

YALSA's MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens

This award honors a YALSA member for developing an outstanding reading or literature program for young adults. Winners receive $500 and an additional $500 for their libraries. Applications for the MAE Award, along with all of YALSAâ€™s grants and awards, are due to the YALSA office by Dec. 1.The MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens is sponsored by the Margaret A. Edwards Trust.
Edwards was a well-known and innovative young adult services librarian at Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Md., for more than 30 years. Her trust has supported many initiatives from YALSA, including the Alex Awards for adult books with teen appeal and all five rounds of the Excellence in Library Service to Young Adults project.
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Library Journal Nomination Deadlines

Librarians, please note:

1) 2009 Best Small Library in America Nomination postmark deadline is Nov. 3; http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA606273.html

2) 2009 Movers & Shakers Nomination submission deadline is Nov. 10; http://www.libraryjournal.com/movers2009

3) 2009 Librarian of the Year Nomination deadline has been extended to Nov. 17; http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA606276.html

The first award is only for public libraries (those serving populations of 25,000 or less). But the librarians in Movers & Shakers and Librarian of the Year are professionals working in any libraries, school, college, academic, or special.

Amy Howlett
VT Department of Libraries

Materials for publicizing Green Mountain Care health insurance sent to public libraries

PLEASE WATCH FOR THESE MATERIALS

Green Mountain Care is the family of health insurance plans offered by the
State of Vermont and its partners.

The Office of Vermont Health Access has sent by US mail a packet of
promotional materials and a letter from State Librarian, Martha Reid
requesting public libraries’ assistance in this important effort to make
health care coverage available to all Vermonters.

You can obtain additional materials, through the Green Mountain Care
Outreach Center at www.GreenMountainCare.org and can direct uninsured
Vermonters to call 1-800-250-8427 or visit www.GreenMountainCare.org.

Sheila M Kearns
Director, Information Technology Services
Vermont Dept. of Libraries
109 State St.
Montpelier, VT 05609
802-828-6952
sheila.kearns@mail.dol.state.vt.us

NELINET Public Library Symposium

NELINET Public Library Symposium 2008: A Look to the Future
December 5, 2008 â€“ 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA

NELINET is pleased to announce a special program geared specifically for public library directors, trustees, and decision-makers. NELINETâ€™s Public Library Symposium: A Look to the Future will feature a host of dynamic speakers that will provide insight to help guide your libraryâ€™s â€œvisionâ€ for the future. The well-rounded and informative program includes former Library Journal Librarian of the Year, Raymond Santiago, Director of the Miami-Dade Public Library, whose presentation â€œHelping Public Libraries Find Their Voiceâ€ will provide you with ideas on how best to advocate for your library.

Spend the day with public librarians from all around New England at a unique and convenient location. Youâ€™ll return to your library with new ideas and inspiration that will move you and your library into the future with confidence.

ALA Seeks $100 Million in Stimulus Funding As U.S. Libraries Face Critical Cutbacks, Closures

PRESS RELEASE

Washington – The American Library Association (ALA) is asking Congress for $100 million in stimulus funding to aid the nationâ€™s working families during the current economic crisis. Aid is sought to stem the bleeding of critical library services that help Americans with job searches, small business development, financial literacy and other essential assistance in hard economic times.

Public libraries are facing the most severe cutbacks in decades as budget shortfalls hit cities, towns and rural areas across the country, according to the association. From Los Angeles to Boston, libraries are cutting hours and services; some are even facing the threat of closure at a time when their support is needed most.

For All Time (And in All Media?):Preserving Cultural Heritage in New England

For those of you working in, or simply interested in, preservation, consider registering for the New England Archivists Fall Meeting in Boston. Register by Friday, Halloween, to get the early registration price!

For All Time (And in All Media?):Preserving Cultural Heritage in New England

New England Archivists Fall 2008 Meeting
November 14-15, 2008
Simmons College, Boston, MA

Library Services for 50+ Adults are Focus of New England Institute

Dear Public Library Colleagues,

I am including (below) an announcement for an upcoming Lifelong Access Libraries Leadership Institute focusing on Library Service for 50+ Adults to be held December 1-2 in Newton, Mass. Attendance is limited; interested libraries can apply to send a library director, library trustee or adult services librarian. Winning applicants will receive funding to cover travel, meals and lodging for one night. Details, and a link to the application form, are below. Application deadline: November 14, 2008.

The demographic projections for Vermont tell us that our population of older citizens will grow more rapidly than other age group. Services to seniors, including enrichment programming, will be more important than ever in our stateâ€™s public libraries.

I encourage all interested libraries to learn more about this opportunity and to consider submitting an application.

Martha Reid
State Librarian
Vermont Department of Libraries
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-0601
Tel: (802) 828-3265
martha.reid@mail.dol.state.vt.us

2008 National Survey of Public Library Funding and Technology Access – UPDATE

Hello everyone,

Weâ€™re getting close to the 60% response rate for this survey, but arenâ€™t quite there, yet. Â Weâ€™re really getting down to the wire, though.Â Â The survey closes NOVEMBER 7, 2008, which is less than 2 weeks, now.

A minimum of 60% is required for the team to be able to analyze the state individually.Â It is important to receive as many responses as possible from sampled libraries, as they were chosen for the sample specifically based on the proportionality of the various metropolitan areas and poverty levels in the state. Go to http://plinternetsurvey.org to complete your survey.

Weâ€™re doing much better than in past years.Â Thank you to everyone whoâ€™s completed or nearly completed the survey.Â Great job.

Thank you again for all of your help, and please contact me with any questions you may have.

Rob Geiszler
Vermont Department of Libraries

Vermont Library Trustee Association Conference

Hello-

A reminder that the Vermont Library Association Annual Trustee Conference is scheduled for November 8th at the Rutland Free Library. The agenda for the day will be an address from our new State Librarian, Martha Reid, presentation by Gail Weymouth, Chair of the VLA Intellectual Freedom Committee, and a special presentation by library consultant Lawrence Webster. Lawrence, as some of you may know, is an independent public library consultant specializing in communications, public relations, Friends, board development and strategic planning. Lawrenceâ€™s presentation will provide trustees and librarians with practical advice on securing strong community and financial support for their libraries. Advice especially critical in these tough economic times.

Please remember that this is the one annual event that VLA sponsors for public library trustees and we encourage as many trustees and library staff to attend.

If you have any questions, please contact me. Thank you

Michael Roche
Northeast Regional Library
23 Tilton Road
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
748-3428
Michael.roche@mail.dol.state.vt.us