Behind the Scenes @ NSLS

New directors, new directions

judy — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:38:26 +0000

NSLS hosted an orientation for four new public library directors this week. On the “new” scale they range from two weeks to six months. The two newest directors might look familiar. Matt Womack, director of the Lake Bluff PL, comes from the Ela Area PLD. Patrick McDonald, director of the Huntley Area PLD, previously worked at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Dundee Township PLD Director Roxane Bennett and Indian Trails PLD Director Tom Simiele have diverse professional associations, both which include Ohio libraries. Each director will be mentored by an established NSLS public library director. Mentor Carole Medal, director of the Gail Borden Public Library District (and president of the Illinois Library Association) also attended the orientation.

(standing, l-r) Tom Simiele, Roxane Bennett, Matt Womack, (seated) Carole Medal, Patrick McDonald

Peggy Sharp week

judy — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:31:52 +0000

Three days at NSLS filled to the brim with youth services and school librarians excited to inhale all that Dr. Peggy Sharp has to offer. Peggy has returned to expertly lead our exploration of the vast jungle of new children’s titles and exercises to create new learning and book telling strategies. Peggy, same time, next year? Hope so!

Library systems front and center

judy — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:46:06 +0000

The funding crisis for NSLS and all Illinois Library Systems has greatly raised public awareness of our services. Too bad the new profile has to come on the back of downer news, but could be helpful in the long run. The Daily Herald ran an in-depth article in advance of our Legislative Breakfast, with commentary from State Rep. Ed Sullivan and Senator Dan Duffy. The same reporter (Russell Lissau) attended and reported on the event. The Pioneer Press also attended, and added an additional perspective from Senator Jeff Schoenberg.

A man of few words

judy — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:15:39 +0000

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.

Congratulations to our advocacy challenge winners!

Christina — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:52:13 +0000

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.

Thanks to fans and friends

judy — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:58:07 +0000

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!

Thanks to Makeitbetter.net

judy — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:37:47 +0000

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.

Courier-News covers Systems funding crisis

judy — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:29:43 +0000

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

Welcome Zoe Baaske

judy — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:04:31 +0000

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).

NSLS King of the Jello Mold

judy — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:46:56 +0000

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.