All posts by admincmle

The Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange (CMLE) is one of seven regional multitype library systems established to meet the needs of and share the resources of all types of libraries. We love libraries, and are here to support them!
Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

New MN Tax Plans Worth Understanding

logo-mcn-budget-programRecently, the Budget News and Tools publication of the Minnesota Budget Project (May 2, 2013), issued a very useful  analysis of  the Minnesota House and Senate tax plans. The tax plans from the Governor, House and Senate are trying to make Minnesota’s tax system less regressive and end the sad story of continual budget deficits that seem to be chronic these days. Education plays a big role in these bills so it is worth paying attention! With these new proposals, we can hopefully fund investments in quality schools, affordable higher education and strong communities. So, two plans with common goals, different approaches. Read the analysis of the  Senate and  House omnibus tax bills. The bills are now in conference committee and call on policymakers to come to agreement.

The Minnesota Budget Project is an initiative of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. 

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

What Not to Say to a Librarian!

Image from the Brassy Librarian
Image from the Brassy Librarian

Recently, I was amused to read a post on A Librarian’s Lists and Letters blog by none other than Brassy Librarian. As I read her post,  I wanted to yell “ So True”! Inevitably, when I tell people I am a librarian, I get weird comments back and I’ll bet you do too! And yes, males still seem to be hopeful that you might be the naughty librarian too! What was just as much  fun as reading the post was reading the comments that followed; almost like a librarian’s support group! Certainly not scholarly in nature, but a good chance to feel the lighthearted support of others in the profession,  and add to the love too!

Read this amusing post at http://www.ittybittyurl.com/TF9.

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

The State of America’s School Libraries

Some rights reserved by Jusgrimes
Some rights reserved by Justgrimes

As we wrap up School Library Month, it is especially timely for Maureen Sullivan, president of ALA to write a blog post specifically about the importance of school libraries. Maureen mentions cuts to specific  federal programs that may have impact on our school media centers in Minnesota. She also mentions that “The Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project Online Survey of Teachers found that although the Internet has opened up a vast world of information for today’s students, their digital literacy skills have yet to catch up. Twenty-four percent of those surveyed stated that students lack the ability to assess the quality and accuracy of information they find online. Another 33 percent reported that students lack the ability to recognize bias in online content.” This reinforces the critical role that media specialists possess in our schools.

Read Maureen’s  post at http://tinyurl.com/crqshp8

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Hanover Elementary School is Looking for a Library/Media Specialist!

BHMlogoThe Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Public School is re-opening a search for a licensed Library/Media Specialist (.75 FTE) teacher in their Hanover Elementary School. This position will begin August 26, 2013. Interested applicants must complete an application available online at the district website.

The new application deadline was extended to May 10, 2013.

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

2013 World Book Night with GRRL!

**Content in this post was provided by GRRL**

On April 23rd approximately 25,000 volunteers signed up to give away half a million free books in more than 6,000 towns and cities across the country. The free book giveaway is part of World Book Night U.S. (WBN), an ambitious campaign to give thousands of free, specially printed paperbacks to light or nonreaders across America on one day. 

Great River Regional Library (GRRL) provides library services at 32 public libraries in Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright Counties. These facilities allow access to nearly 1 million books, CDs and DVDs, 250 public computers, along with a variety of programming and information services.

GRRL recruited more than 50 volunteers who shared books at various locations across Central Minnesota such as parks, coffee shops and fitness centers.  Providing people with materials and services to support lifelong learning and personal enrichment is a goal within the library’s strategic plan.

Delano Book Night and Relay for Life April 23 2013 001 (3)
Volunteer book giver Jeanie Pilarski, right, gave a book to Julie Strobl at the Delano Tiger Activity Center.

Volunteer Jeanie Pilarski said, “This was a fun and easy event. The Delano Tiger Activity Center is an active location with parents, exercisers, participants of clubs, and many activities happening in this location.   People were surprised to be asked to receive a book!  They were very receptive and wanted to know about World Book Night. I enjoyed the opportunity to hand out books.  I have read this book and that made for an easy introduction also.”

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Volunteers Donna Holovnia and Susan Furey set up to give their books at the Clearwater Coborn’s store.