From: Robert C. Maier, Director of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
To: Massachusetts Libraries and Library Users
The Board of Library Commissioners budget cap for FY2011 is a 16% reduction in total funding from this year (FY2010). This is a much more dramatic cut than we have been required to take at this point in the budget-making process than in preceding years, and the resulting reductions in program funding require Board direction.
In order to assure that the library community can comment on the potential impacts of this budget, the location of the October 1 Board meeting has been changed to the Sargent Memorial Library in Boxborough. The regular monthly meeting will be called to order at 10:00 and run until about 11:30. At that time the Board will take a half hour break and at Noon convene a budget comment session. Please take this opportunity to comment to the Board on how to direct a 16% budget cut. The Board asks that speakers limit their presentations to 5 minutes to assure that all who wish to be heard have that opportunity. Written comments for the record are requested and electronic versions of comments are most useful. It is not necessary to appear in person to comment. Comments may be submitted to robert.maier@state.ma.us.
To give a sense of the magnitude of this reduction, one option under consideration is: reduce funding to regions and library of last recourse by 28% (use the remainder of this fiscal year to develop a consolidation plan with the regions), reduce funding to automated networks by 27%, reduce funding to the talking book programs by 16%, level fund State Aid to Public Libraries and the agency administrative account. Clearly, each of these is challenging for the Board, for our libraries and for the residents we serve.
Please take these opportunities to let us know what you think. The Board can make the best possible budget recommendations only after hearing from a broad segment of the library community. This is going to be a very challenging year for all of us and there is no end in sight to the fiscal challenges facing the Commonwealth. Revenues continue to decline and federal stimulus funds used to balance the FY2010 budget will not be available in FY2011. The road back will be rocky at best, so the changes we make in FY2011 should be viewed as permanent.
The Board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, October 6 at the agency offices beginning at 10:00am. The purpose of this special meeting is to consider the comments received on October 1 and determine how to meet the 16% reduction. The Board’s budget submission which must meet the cap is due October 9.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert C. Maier, Director
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
98 North Washington Street, Suite 401
Boston, MA 02114
Ph (617) 725-1860 x249
Friday, September 25, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Draft Ocean Management Plan Now Available
The library now has two printed copies of the draft of the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan available for review. The plan is the subject of the public hearing at 6pm tonight at the Katharine Cornell Theater.
The draft is also available online from the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
Members of the public may also request a printed copy of the draft plan by sending an email to czm@state.ma.us.
The draft is also available online from the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
Members of the public may also request a printed copy of the draft plan by sending an email to czm@state.ma.us.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Events Added to Library Schedule
Tuesday, September 22nd, at 7:00 PM
Jeanne Campbell: The Galapogos
Following in the footsteps of Darwin, the Campbell family set out on an excursion sailing from island to island in the Archipiélago de Colón (Galapagos Islands). Stopping at the various islands, Jeanne Campbell documented their discoveries. Jeanne will present her slide show and talk about the Galapagos including shots of Lonely George, the giant tortoise that is the last of his species.
Wednesday, September 23rd, at 7:00 PM
Film Screening
The library has extended the series of films featuring performances by older adults. Based on a true story, Helen Mirren stars in this comedy about a group of Yorkshire women who produce a nude calendar to raise money for leukemia research under the auspices of the Women's Institute. "They dropped everything for a good cause."
Tuesday, September 29th, at 7:00 PM
Peter Cabana: Wind Economics 101
This lecture will begin with the basics of wind generated electricity and then follow up with what has happened in Europe, and plans for the United States and Massachusetts. Pete will leave plenty of time to discuss The Massachusetts Oceans Management Plan, which outlines areas to build large-scale commercial wind farms, and the Wind Energy Siting Reform Act, which would streamline approval of land-based wind turbines around the state.
Jeanne Campbell: The Galapogos
Following in the footsteps of Darwin, the Campbell family set out on an excursion sailing from island to island in the Archipiélago de Colón (Galapagos Islands). Stopping at the various islands, Jeanne Campbell documented their discoveries. Jeanne will present her slide show and talk about the Galapagos including shots of Lonely George, the giant tortoise that is the last of his species.
Wednesday, September 23rd, at 7:00 PM
Film Screening
The library has extended the series of films featuring performances by older adults. Based on a true story, Helen Mirren stars in this comedy about a group of Yorkshire women who produce a nude calendar to raise money for leukemia research under the auspices of the Women's Institute. "They dropped everything for a good cause."
Tuesday, September 29th, at 7:00 PM
Peter Cabana: Wind Economics 101
This lecture will begin with the basics of wind generated electricity and then follow up with what has happened in Europe, and plans for the United States and Massachusetts. Pete will leave plenty of time to discuss The Massachusetts Oceans Management Plan, which outlines areas to build large-scale commercial wind farms, and the Wind Energy Siting Reform Act, which would streamline approval of land-based wind turbines around the state.
Please Complete the Library Survey
The Vineyard Haven Public Library has been awarded a grant to participate in the EqualAccess Libraries program, to develop programs, collections and services for life-long learning. Please assist the Library in fulfilling the requirements of the grant by completing a brief survey, available online or at the library circulation desk.
The Library’s EqualAccess program is funded through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners with funds from LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), a Federal source of library funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. EqualAccess Libraries is a professional development program sponsored by Libraries for the Future (LFF).
The Library’s EqualAccess program is funded through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners with funds from LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), a Federal source of library funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. EqualAccess Libraries is a professional development program sponsored by Libraries for the Future (LFF).
Draft Ocean Management Plan
The Oceans Act of 2008 requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to develop a comprehensive ocean management plan by December 31, 2009. The public comment period on the draft plan is now open and will close at 5:00 pm on November 23. A public hearing on the draft plan will be held in Vineyard Haven on Wednesday, September 23rd, at 6pm at the Katharine Cornell Theater.
The library does not yet have printed copies of the draft plan, but it is available online from the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
The library does not yet have printed copies of the draft plan, but it is available online from the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Road Race Results!
Congratulations to Douglas McLucas of Westborough, the overall winner of the Friends of the Library 12th annual 5k Run to the Chop! Julie McLucas also of Westborough was the first place female.
Larry Czaplewski of West Caldwell, N.J., placed second overall, and Todd Cleland of Oak Bluffs was third. Eleven-year-old Silas Berlin of West Tisbury tied for fourth place with Mark Johnson of Edgartown.
Complete results are available on www.coolrunning.com
Larry Czaplewski of West Caldwell, N.J., placed second overall, and Todd Cleland of Oak Bluffs was third. Eleven-year-old Silas Berlin of West Tisbury tied for fourth place with Mark Johnson of Edgartown.
Complete results are available on www.coolrunning.com
Thursday, September 3, 2009
September Dates to Remember
Monday, September 7th, the library will be closed for the Labor Day holiday.
Sunday, September 13, the Friends of the Library will host the annual Race for the Library. Sign up online at www.needtorace.com, or download and print the registration form from our website.
Saturday, September 19th, the Friends of the Library will host their monthly "mini" book sale at the library, from 1pm-3pm.
The library will be presenting a variety of lectures, classes, author appearances, and other special programs throughout the month. Visit our website or stop in the library to view a detailed calendar of events!
Sunday, September 13, the Friends of the Library will host the annual Race for the Library. Sign up online at www.needtorace.com, or download and print the registration form from our website.
Saturday, September 19th, the Friends of the Library will host their monthly "mini" book sale at the library, from 1pm-3pm.
The library will be presenting a variety of lectures, classes, author appearances, and other special programs throughout the month. Visit our website or stop in the library to view a detailed calendar of events!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Films Added to Library Schedule
Our series of films featuring older adults will continue on Tuesday evenings through September 8th. The final two films in our current series were suggested by our patrons:
Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7pm:
Jack Nicholson won a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Warren Schmidt, a man forced to deal with an ambiguous future as he enters retirement. Also starring Hope Davis and Kathy Bates, this film is Rated R.
Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 7pm:
Prepare to be entranced by the inspiring story of the Young at Heart Chorus, a group of senior citizens who perform contemporary and classic rock and pop songs. The members of this choral group, whose average age is 81, often must overcome health adversities to participate. But as you’ll see, they convincingly and joyously prove you’re never too old to rock.
Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7pm:
Jack Nicholson won a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Warren Schmidt, a man forced to deal with an ambiguous future as he enters retirement. Also starring Hope Davis and Kathy Bates, this film is Rated R.
Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 7pm:
Prepare to be entranced by the inspiring story of the Young at Heart Chorus, a group of senior citizens who perform contemporary and classic rock and pop songs. The members of this choral group, whose average age is 81, often must overcome health adversities to participate. But as you’ll see, they convincingly and joyously prove you’re never too old to rock.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)