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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!

Featured Book: The Opposite of Loneliness

This post is a part of an original series created by librarians/media specialists across Central Minnesota featuring books.

OppositeofLonlinessTitle: The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories by Marina Keegan

Written by Maria Burnham, Media Specialist at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School

Well, I have to say that I am biased toward this book because the story of the author reminds me of my college days as an English major (okay, minus the graduation from Yale and the internship at The New Yorker). Marina Keegan was a talented Yale student of writing.  Shortly after graduation, she died in a tragic car accident.  This book, The Opposite of Loneliness, is a beautiful compilation of her work, both in fiction and non-fiction.  It was the perfect book to read this time of year because the first piece is an essay titled “The Opposite of Loneliness” which captures the essence of students nearing graduation.  Here’s the opening paragraph: “We don’t have a word for the opposite of loneliness, but if we did I could say that’s what I want in life.  What I’m grateful and thankful to have found at Yale, and what I’m scared of losing when we wake up tomorrow after Commencement and leave this place.”

The fiction stories in the book are human, grounding and enticing.  They didn’t feel too lofty or snooty like some short stories can be.  The essays are beautiful and insightful and just enough to make you think about life without getting depressed.

I am sad that I will not be able to read more of her work.  I’m sure it would’ve brought me back to a subscription to The New Yorker.

 

100 Things Kids Will Miss (if they don't have a Teacher Librarian in their School)!

Some rights reserved by eyllom
Some rights reserved by eyl

This list is back by popular demand!

Use this list as a proactive way to share the merits of school library programming and staffing. It is taken from Standards for the 21st Century Learner by the American Association of School Librarians, suggestions from members of the American Association of School Librarians, and students in the school libraries of the United States. Released by Dr. Nancy Everhart President, American Association of School Librarians May 19, 2011.

Tip: This list would be good to keep on hand in case you need to defend the existence of the media center in the future too!

MN Legislative Update

MDE logo retrieved online 12/17/13..
MDE logo retrieved online 12/17/13..

TO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: May 19, 2014
SUBJECT: 2014 Legislative Session Wrap Up

Here is an update on laws passed in the 2014 legislative session that impact libraries.

Omnibus Capital Investment – Library Construction Grants
A $2 million appropriation will support library construction grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 134.45. The law also clarifies that renovation projects may include remediation of conditions hazardous to health or safety. Of the total appropriation, specific funds were allocated for grants to three cities for library projects: $570,000 to the city of Jackson, $257,000 to the city of Perham and $50,000 to the city of Bagley. State Library Services is in the midst of streamlining and revising the Library Construction Grant application process, and anticipates announcing the timeline for a competitive grant ground in June.

Education Policy – Regional Library Telecommunications Aid
Article 7 Section 1 amends Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355 Subdivision 8 to allow for exceptions to the minimum open hours requirement for regional library telecommunications aid. Applicants may now request exceptions to the open 20 hour per week requirement for short-term closings for emergency maintenance and repairs following a natural disaster, in response to exceptional economic circumstances, building repairs or maintenance that requires public services areas to be closed or to adjust hours of public service to respond to documented seasonal use patterns. We anticipate that this change will streamline the application and reporting process and ensure that libraries have reliable access to necessary funds even when the unexpected happens. State Library Services will be adapting 2014 Regional Library Telecommunication Aid reporting documents to reflect the change, and work with aid recipients to ensure that the new provisions are well understood.

Education Policy – Libraries and Service Delivery
Article 7 Section 2 directs the commissioner of the Department of Education to consult with representatives from a number of library and governmental organizations on ‘options for changing current library procedures and library governance systems to increase collaboration between library systems, ensuring equitable and cost-effective access to library services statewide.’ In addition to access to physical services, the commissioner must consider how to increase access to emerging electronic services. This provision is effective immediately and a report to the education policy and finance committees is due by February 1, 2015.

State Library Services will be reaching out over the next few weeks to identify people interested in serving on the task force. If you would like more information about the task force, or are interested in participating, please contact Jennifer Nelson, State Librarian, Jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us or Kevin McHenry, Assistant Commissioner, kevin.mchenry@state.mn.us.

 

 

Children's Literature Workshop

Time is running out!

Registration is now open for the Children’s Literature Workshop (CLW), but the deadline for a reduced Early Bird registration fee is June 2, 2014, so now is the time to get your registration done!

 Get more details about this event or register now!

RedClock. potzuyokoThis year, for the first time, this event will offer the Gertie Geck Love of Reading Award.  The award is in memory of beloved media specialist and librarian Gertie Geck, and it will be given to someone who exemplifies that pure love of reading that only Gertie could exude. The recipient of the award will receive a complimentary CLW conference registration,  $100 to spend at the book vendor booth, and special recognition  at the conference.

The Gertie Geck award application and instructions are at : http://tinyurl.com/n7oc8f9

CMLE still has CMLE scholarships available for those who need them from the twelve county service area (Aitkin, Benton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, and Wright counties) Apply today!

 

 

Featured Book: In the Garden of Beasts

This post is a part of an original series created by librarians/media specialists across Central Minnesota featuring books.

BeastsTitle: In the Garden of Beasts, by Erik Larson

Written by Maria Burnham, Media Specialist at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School

The first Erik Larson book I read was Devil in the White City, and I couldn’t believe how mesmerized I was by the content, the characters, the storyline.  I have to say that I love non-fiction that reads like fiction.  After all, I even have a whole section of my library called “Non-Fiction Narrative” so students who like true stories but can’t find these non-fiction books that read like novels amongst the more factual and reference-like books in the non-fiction section.

In the Garden of Beasts was exceptionally written.  A fascinating tale of the Dodd family who moved over the Berlin, Germany pre-WWII.  William A. Dodd was named the United States Ambassador to Germany in 1933, and he remained ambassador until 1937.  The book tells both of his journey as a man struggling to maintain his “Jeffersonian” beliefs in a profession that’s renowned for lavish parties and extravagant social situations and of his struggle to clearly and accurately relay the tone of Berlin back to the U.S. during the rise of Hitler and the blacklisting of Jews. And perhaps even a more fascinating element of the story, is the journey of Martha, Dodd’s daughter, who was quite “friendly” with Nazi soldiers and eventually became an agent for the Communist party.

This book is a captivating tale of Germany and the Dodd family journey.  It certainly left me wanting to know more about the rise of Hitler.  Perhaps I’ll be checking out more non-fiction books this summer to satisfy my craving!