Calling All Artists, Young and Old(er)

NPL is in search of a few good library cards.

Okay-- that statement doesn't exactly conjure up images of Tom Cruise throwing out his chest, resplendent in uniform, but the sentiment remains true.

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of NPL's expansion, we find ourselves in our usual state of growth. That's what working with the L-Team of Lucinda and Lisa brings: lots of learning--these women have definite pioneer tendencies. NPL is the first library in the state to go over to the state-of-the-art web-based Koha software, the benefits of which I will extol in a future blog. For now, suffice it to say that this milestone calls for another creative effort from our amazing community.

So it is that NPL launches its library card design contest. Shiny new software fairly begs for a great new card, or two.

The contest calls for two new cards: a Youth card (to age 15), and an Adult card (ages 16 and over).

Deadline for submissions is September 1. Entries will be displayed at our Tenth Anniversary Party September 12, and the public will have a chance to vote on the entries till October 1.

We're hoping for lots of entries. Guidelines are available at the circulation desk.

Please take your best shot at a modest form of immortality and think about how the phrase "My Library" resonates for you.

What's It Worth?

A few weeks back I read that the nation's oldest library was in danger of closing.

I was sad, of course, but more than sad I was incensed. My closest friend, a librarian, once confided in me, as we reviewed the array of services provided by libraries, than if the public ever really figured it out, we'd be inundated.

What a better world that would be, especially in light of the current economic downturn. If ever the public could use some free --or close to free-- services, the time is now.

Use this calculator to see what your local library offers you in the way of savings. I just did, and the results made me feel quite rich indeed. Clearly, I am a high maintenance patron.