Palaces For The People

The second book in the 2019 Big Ideas Book Discussion series is Palaces for the People by Eric Klinenberg. The title actually comes from Andrew Carnegie’s description of the hundreds of public libraries that his philanthropy made possible. Klinenberg is a sociology professor; in this book he writes that public spaces act as social equalizers, believing that the future of democratic societies rests on shared public spaces. 

From Amazon: “…Libraries, senior centers, churches, and parks are where crucial connections are formed. These are places where people gather and linger, making friends and strengthening the entire community. Klinenberg calls this ‘social infrastructure.’  When it is strong, neighborhoods flourish; when it is neglected, families and individuals must fend for themselves.”

From The New Yorker review “…a community’s resilience correlates with the robustness of its social infrastructure. [the author’s] numerous case studies add up to a plea for more investment in the spaces and institutions—libraries, parks, childcare centers—that foster mutual support in civic life.”

In Big Ideas Book Discussions, State Library staff and guest stars facilitate discussions using books outside of library management, but with plenty of application to library management. Choosing books on leadership, civic engagement, customer service, presentation skills, etc. we’ll connect those ideas with public library service.

Big Ideas provides an assortment of titles for nonfiction readers, aiding in collection development and leading to good choices for local book discussion groups. We encourage participants to purchase books used throughout the Big Ideas series for your own collections.  And join us for the next good read: Palaces for the People.  Register today!

Register For Big Ideas!

Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project

All Carnegie libraries in Iowa have good cause for historical programming this year.  Because 2019 marks the centennial of the death of Andrew Carnegie, whose philanthropy funded the building of 1,687 U.S. public libraries, as well as 108 U.S. academic libraries.  In Iowa, that number reached 106, totaling 99 public libraries plus another 7 academic institutions.

The Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project works to preserve the documentation related to the establishment of these libraries. Project staff are interested in digitizing local archival materials for inclusion on its website.  Browse this site for great information on the specific Iowa Carnegie buildings, which ones are still in use (most have been expanded in the past century) which ones have been re-purposed for another civic use, and which ones no longer exist.  As expected, the Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project website has great historical information, along with an FAQ page and related reading resources.

In the fall of 2018, School of Library Science students worked closely with Marengo, IA which now features the most complete webpage.  In the months ahead, Project staff plan to contact each Carnegie library.  Currently, they are working on the developing the website and dealing with a backlog of information.  But you can check out your Carnegie Library’s page on the site, as there are already materials loaded for every Carnegie Iowa library!

And in programming news: if you are interested in having a presentation on Carnegie libraries, you are welcome to contact Dr. Shana Stuart, Director of the Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project, at shana-stuart@uiowa.edu. She will be glad to schedule a presentation, sharing insights and stories about how your building fits into the big picture of Iowa’s Carnegie Libraries.

Find Your Carnegie Library 

Due April 30th

Libraries intending to participate in Enrich Iowa for FY2020 (effective July 2019-June 2020) must submit an Enrich Iowa Letter of Agreement by April 30.  Remember Enrich Iowa comprises 3 distinct programs:

• Open Access
• Interlibrary Loan Reimbursement
• Direct State Aid

At the link below, find all the Enrich Iowa documentation needed, including the Letter of Agreement and eventually a listing of the libraries that have submitted.  On that page, you’ll be able to check back to confirm that your library’s agreement has arrived.  Here’s a summary of what to do:

• Print a copy of the Enrich Iowa Agreement and mark all the boxes to indicate your library’s participation. This is an important step, don’t leave blank boxes! (note: only public libraries are eligible to participate in Direct State Aid…)
• Sign the Enrich Iowa Letter of Agreement; use the library director’s signature or other signatory authority
• Send the Agreement to State Library of Iowa—Des Moines Office by U.S. mail or fax (515-281-6191) or scan it and e-mail to Toni Blair toni.blair@iowa.gov

Reminder: as of July 2017, Tier 0 libraries are ineligible to receive reimbursement through the Open Access Program.  And because Tier 0 libraries are also not meeting standards (or not participating in the Standards Program) Tier 0 libraries are only eligible for Interlibrary Loan Reimbursement.  Call District Office staff or Des Moines staff with questions…

Enrich Iowa Agreements Here

     April 16: Pass It On

Two webinars of note this week.  Tuesday April 16 has “Pass It On: Sharing What You Know Can Help Someone  You Know”  (1:30-2:30PM)  Catalog description: “Older consumers have told us they don’t want to be labeled as vulnerable victims. They want to pass on what they know about scams—not only to their peers, but to younger generations as well.  The Federal Trade Commission’s Pass It On campaign helps libraries reach out to people over 65 to tap into their life experiences and their trusted place in the community. Pass It On articles, presentations, videos, and activities help you start that conversation with older patrons and get them to pass on some information that could help someone they know…”  [ Registration closed ]

     April 17: Brainfuse 

And on Wednesday April 17, catch another Brainfuse webinar (1:30-2:30PM) This session from training staff at Brainfuse covers the product features available to Iowa public libraries, thanks to the partnership with the State Library and Iowa Workforce Development.  These features include live, one-to-one assistance from online job coaches, skill-building content including videos and practice tests, nationwide and local resources for job seekers as well as veterans returning to civilian life.  Registration still open...

C.E. Catalog