Poudre River Public Library District celebrates two important weeks this fall. One is National Banned Books Week, September 25-October 2, and the other is National Friends of the Library Week, October 17-23. Both weeks pay tribute to the American ideals of freedom of information and volunteerism.
Banned Books Week is a national event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship.
According to the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom, more than one book a day faces a request for removal from public access in school and public libraries. Challenges are defined as formal, written complaints filed with a library or school requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness.
Poudre River Public Library will celebrate the freedom to read with a special appearance of local author, Lauren Myracle, whose popular teen novels are some of the most challenged books in the county today. Ms. Myracle will speak at the Council Tree Library on Monday, September 27 at 7:00 p.m. Also during Banned Books Week, the Harmony, Main and Council Tree Libraries will display books that have been challenged or banned across America. I hope you will peruse the displays as you are likely to find some surprising titles featured.
As strong advocates for libraries and the freedom to read, the Friends of the Library group was established in Fort Collins in 1939. Boasting a current membership of over 300, the Poudre River Friends of the Library is a group of dedicated citizens whose fundraising efforts support many of the library's programs and services. Each year, the Friends group contributes over $80,000 to the Library District for our summer reading program, History Comes Alive series, Kevin Cook programs, Annie Walk, Victorian Fest, and more. The Poudre River Friends of the Library is also a generous sponsor of Fort Collins Reads.
The Friends are able to contribute so generously to the Library District because of their successful bookselling efforts. Throughout the year, a cadre of friends sort, store and organize thousands of books for three book sales and the Friends book shop at Harmony Library. The largest sale of the year occurs on October 1-3 at Foothills Mall.
"The library has always played an important role in my life and in my family's life," said Friends president Gene Bosler. "I truly enjoy being able to give something back - and being an active member of this group is fun!"
Please visit one of our three libraries for more information on Banned Books Week and the Poudre River Friends of the Library. I invite you to come to the book sale and buy a banned book.
2009 brought many noticeable changes, and many that you might not note as you visit Harmony, Council Tree and Main Libraries. In our 2009 web-based Report to the Community, the Poudre River Public Library District highlights its interest in reaching out to more people, utilizing technology and considering the impact on the environment - all important goals for the District as we look to the future.
Noticeable improvements in 2009 included:
In an effort to serve the entire district and meet the needs of residents in outlying areas, we have also created additional book drops along common routes outside the City of Fort Collins limits, so you can conveniently return items to the library.
While the nation's economy has been in decline, people have to find ways to cut costs. Fortunately, your public library can provide many ways in which to help. The Poudre River Public Library District gives you the environment and the opportunity to find your favorite books, DVDs, or CDs, or order them though the interlibrary loan program. You can also come to your library for online use, learn new computer skills, and conduct job searches. Or download audiobooks, browse our catalog, pay fees and research databases from your home.
Residents of the Poudre River Public Library District relied on their public libraries more than ever in 2009, as residents tightened their belts and enjoyed the diverse free programming at all locations. A total of over 3 million items were checked out during 2009. Total circulation in 2008 was 2.3 million - itself a record-breaking year. The opening of the Council Tree Library as well as the economy helped fuel the trend. This statistic is showing that the communities that lie within the boundaries enjoy the services and programs that the Library District has to offer.
In 2010 Poudre River Public Library District is looking forward to advancing virtual circulation services by expanding the e-media collection providing more access to downloadable audio and e-books, movies, and music.
In preparing for the future, the library also recognizes the need to use our resources responsibly. This year, Council Tree Library was awarded LEED Platinum Certification for Commercial Interiors in recognition of its efficient use of energy, lighting, water, and materials. The Library District is a ClimateWise partner and is engaged in auditing all the libraries with the goal of environmental stewardship.
Please visit www.PoudreLibraries.org and view our 2009 Community Report for other details on advancements and goals for the future. And most importantly, thank you, Library District residents, for making this investment in our community, which will insure a vibrant public library system continues for Northern Colorado.
Poudre River Public Library Board of Trustees announced that Holly Carroll, has started her work as the Library District's new Executive Director. The community is invited to welcome Holly at a "Meet and Greet" on Monday, September 21, from 3:00-6:00 pm at the Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St.
She comes to us with an enthusiasm for our libraries and our community, an impressive background and list of accomplishments. Carroll is looking forward to getting to know our local partners and advocating for the Library District. She describes herself as being a participatory manager who listens well and respects the talents and skills of those around her.
A longtime library professional, Carroll has a Masters of Library Science as well as a Masters of Public Administration. Most recently she served as Deputy Director at Cleveland Public Library, a system of a main library and 28 branches. During her time in Cleveland she was involved in every facet of library operations including budgeting, policy, ballot initiatives, new construction projects, library technology issues, and advocacy. Prior to her tenure at Cleveland, Carroll was Director of Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, a library of similar size and services as the Poudre River Public Library District. Carroll was also an adjunct faculty member at Kent State University, School of Library and Information Science where she taught classes in library management.
The new Executive Director is eager to serve. "I am very excited about the move to Northern Colorado as Executive Director of Poudre River Public Library District," states Carroll. "The library staff and Board of Trustees gave me a warm welcome and I am impressed with the library facilities, services and the phenomenal support of the public. Poudre River Public Library District presents many opportunities for innovation and growth. My husband and I look forward to being active members of the community," she said.
Her leadership roles at the state and national level are well demonstrated. Carroll is an active member in the American Library Association where she served as Ohio Chapter Councilor and was on numerous committees including the Committee on Legislation. She was recently appointed to the Public Awareness Committee. She was also actively engaged with the Ohio library community and was President of the Ohio Library Association in 2000.
Carroll is articulate and passionate about libraries, approachable, energetic, thoughtful and positive. We are excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to the new energy and direction she will bring.
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Poudre River Public Library District
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