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February 5, 2010

A man of few words

Our own Ian Baaske is one of the “writers famous and obscure” to have their six-word memoir included in the latest compilation by Smith Magazine. You can read Ian’s memoir on the  NPR Talk of the Nation website.

posted by Judy H. at 5:15 pm | Comments (0)

February 4, 2010

Congratulations to our advocacy challenge winners!

In 2009, all NSLS public library directors were challenged to step up their advocacy efforts to the state and national level. They received points for engaging in and recording advocacy activity including visits to legislators, attending NSLS advocacy events such as the Legislative Breakfast, and participating in the state and/or national legislative days in Springfield and Washington D.C.

The winners were recently announced, two of which received their gift in person from NSLS Board President Kathy Caudill.

Cynthia Fuerst, Vernon Area Public Library District

Carole Medal, Gail Borden Public Library District

Other winners included Richard Lee, Waukegan Public Library and Carolyn Anthony, Skokie Public Library. Learn more about the 2009 Advocacy Challenge.

Congratulations to our winners and to all who participated in the challenge. We applaud your commitment to advocating for libraries.

posted by Christina at 2:52 pm | Comments (1)

February 1, 2010

Thanks to fans and friends

It was uplifting to watch the Save Illinois Libraries Facebook site gain so many new fans during the e-mail campaign. In just one week the fan list grew from 1,700 to over 4,000! This bodes well for an even more colossal electronic rally when we need to call out the troops again. Who knows, maybe the remainder of our overdue funding will miraculously fall in our laps this month and we can just have an online celebration!

posted by Judy H. at 10:58 am | Comments (1)

January 20, 2010

Thanks to Makeitbetter.net

Former Pioneer Press Publisher Larry Green is now leading a new online/print zine: Make it Better. They put our campaign front and center today to truly “make it better” for Illinois residents.

posted by Judy H. at 10:37 am | Comments (0)

January 12, 2010

Courier-News covers Systems funding crisis

The press is starting to pick up on the huge negative impact for libraries if Illinois Library Systems do not receive overdue funding from the State.   http://bit.ly/83hRYw

posted by Judy H. at 1:29 pm | Comments (0)

January 4, 2010

Welcome Zoe Baaske

We have missed Debbie Baaske during her maternity leave, but honestly, we were more interested in her new bundle of joy during a recent visit.  Everyone piled into the kitchen for our first meeting with daughter Zoe, born October 30.  Zoe was very patient with all the passing around, cooing, and squeezes. Can’t wait till her next visit (and you too, Debbie).

posted by Judy H. at 6:04 pm | Comments (0)

December 29, 2009

NSLS King of the Jello Mold

Darren Byer, part of the amazing NSLS Delivery crew (route 2), has been bestowed with the newly created title, King of the Jello Mold.  Check out the meticulous 7-layer mold that he made for our staff holiday party.  We were touched by this time-consuming, artistic culinary effort and almost hated to cut into it, but glad we did because it was delish.

posted by Judy H. at 1:46 pm | Comments (0)

December 21, 2009

The Bridge is here!

Our 17,800 baby is finally here, and like any proud parent, we have its arrival documented in detail (and then some).  The bridge is big, handsome, and looks ready to serve at least the approximate 100 years of its predecessor.

posted by Judy H. at 7:02 pm | Comments (0)

December 8, 2009

Celebrating the Power of WOMM

Last week NSLS and DLS Buzz Grant alumni gathered at NSLS to celebrate the publication of Building a Buzz: Libraries & Word-of-Mouth Marketing by Peggy Barber and Linda Wallace. The book features a number of the library buzz marketing projects that were launched through the grant. It was exciting to hear the marketing successes that continue for libraries and systems through the WOMM.

posted by Judy H. at 3:42 pm | Comments (0)

November 25, 2009

NSLS staff take to the yoga mat

Six years ago NSLS initiated annual health screenings for staff at NSLS and staff at member libraries.  It has proven to be a consistently popular service, and has served as a launching pad for positive lifestyle changes for many participants.

Around the lunchroom, a number of NSLS staff noted that they wanted to exercise more, but had trouble fitting it in to their week. After hearing this more than once, NSLS Assistant Director Jan Hayes took action.  She found a yoga instructor that was willing lead a class at NSLS the hour before the start of the workday. Interested staff agreed to cover the costs themselves, and since so many ended up participating, it has been very affordable.  So if the NSLS staff seems especially mellow, it could be due to the yoga.

posted by Judy H. at 3:49 pm | Comments (1)

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