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.
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Image by Tatadbb. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
After many attempts, I have decided I am most definitely not a knitter. I really like the idea of it, the rhythm of it (if I ever mastered it) and I like to read books about people who knit. Being it appears winter may never end, it is possible knitting will continue a bit longer.Recently, I was delighted to see that the YALSA Hub had compiled a list of fictional knitters. Maybe pairing some fictional knitter selections along with non-fiction on the subject, could prove to be a popular display item. Throw in a few balls of yarn to lure the library cat in too, and you have a first rate display! Check out the list of titles.
Image by Maria Reyes-McDavis. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
Have you ever been accused of using library jargon when you don’t need to? Have you been at a cocktail party where you killed the conversation in the room with some of your nerdy librarian speak? Check out these six terms you may want to use sparingly, unless of course you are at a library conference, where you can geek out with your peers!
No chance to attend the Minnesota Library Technology Conference at Macalester College on Wednesday and Thursday? You can attend virtually in one of two ways. Live streaming of the keynote speakers opens at 9am each day of the conference, and continues through the conclusion of the keynote presentations. Archived versions of the keynotes will be available at a later date. Tune in to hear these speakers:
Mita Williams: Wed, Mar 19, 9:00-10:15 am
Barbara Fister: Thu, Mar 20, 9:00-10:15 am
Strategy 2: Are you a Twitter junky? Follow attendees as they use the #LTC2014 hashtag to share exciting thoughts and resources they discover at the conference!
TO: Minnesota Library Staff
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: March 7, 2014
SUBJECT: MDE Legislative Update
The following message from MDE Assistant Commissioner Kevin McHenry was shared with the Minnesota Library Association through its Legislative Chair this morning. It describes the Minnesota Department of Education’s technical and policy initiatives for the 2014 legislative session. It is being distributed here to reach members of the library community who may not be affiliated with the Minnesota Library Association.
“We submitted a technical proposal to amend Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355 Subd. 8, Regional Library Telecommunications Aid, to allow exceptions to the 20-hour per week eligibility requirement. Permitting exceptions for one-time, limited duration situations such as a building closure as a result of natural disaster, or to allow for adjustments to open hours in response to seasonal usage patterns fits with the intent of the legislation while allowing maximum eligibility.
A second technical proposal was submitted to clarify the formula for establishing the state-certified level of library support (maintenance of effort) for counties and cities that provide operating dollars for library services. Currently Minnesota Statutes, section 134.34 does not contain a cross reference to the statutory change made in 2011 through Minnesota Statutes, section 275.761. This creates a significant amount of confusion when communicating with stakeholders about the statutory requirements. Currently, someone reading the statutes has no way of knowing that the provisions of 134.34 have been superseded. While I understand that the library community is interested in pursuing a return to the prior formula, there is a need to ensure that statutes accurately reflect the current requirements.
Finally, we submitted a policy proposal to establish a task force on libraries and service delivery. MDE has had some great success in advancing and promoting issues using task forces. I want to make sure that we are highlighting the work of libraries, particularly in light of recent news articles questioning relevancy. With emerging issues that need to be addressed, such as e-books, a task force can be a catalyst for promoting ideas to work with multiple levels of governance and a positive step forward. There is great energy and enthusiasm within libraries and I would like to see that communicated to a wide audience.
I encourage you to contact me directly if you’d like to discuss any of these proposals. I appreciate any feedback you have to offer. Kevin McHenry, Assistant Commissioner, 651-582-8250 or kevin.mchenry@state.mn.us.”
Many in our region know Jenny Hill, media specialist from St. Michael Elementary School. I am very happy to announce Jenny’s recent success in publishing; a memoir of her journey in living with cerebral palsy. The news release follows along with a local story by the Monticello Times. The book is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. Congratulations Jenny, I simply could not be happier for you!
Jenny Hill
News Release
Contacts: Media Relations and Marketing Communications:
Colleen Murphy-Gomez
Senior Marketing Manager
(763) 350-0139
colleen.murphy14@gmail.com
Direct Questions and Interviews:
Jenny Hill, Author
(763) 913-7511
Jenniferchristinehill@gmail.com
WCCO EXCELLENT EDUCATOR AWARD WINNER PUBLISHES HER FIRST NOVEL
Jennifer Christine Hill is launching her new book, Walking with Tension on March 26th, 2014
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – March 10, 2014 – Jenny’s book, “Walking with Tension”, is more than a book. It is the journey of Jenny’s life with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a permanent, life-long condition with no known cure. Her brain is continually telling some of her muscles to contract. So instead of working together the muscles work against each other. During Jenny’s middle and high school years, her family attended a church that believed in miraculous intervention. She was frequently prayed over for
healing from cerebral palsy. After years of persistent prayer she never received her miracle and was instead left with what were some very big questions that she wrestled with for over a decade. Questions like:
How can a good God hear the desperate cry of a little girl to be physically healed of an incurable condition—and say no?
Where is God in the midst of our struggles?
How do we respond in faith when God doesn’t seem to intervene on our behalf?
These questions and more are at the heart of “Walking with Tension”. It’s through prayer, counseling, and an understanding church family, that Jenny learns how to live with the tension of knowing that Christ is the Healer and she will walk with a limp for the rest of her life.
“There is an adage that goes ‘we all have a story and we long for someone to listen to it.’ That is true. I would add ‘…and some stories really must be heard.’ This is such a story….” Steven E Koop, MD, author of We Hold This Treasure
Jenny’s book, Walking with Tension, is currently available for sale in electronic and printed formats on amazon.com. She is officially launching her book with a signing event on Wednesday, March 26th, 2014 at the Maple Grove, MN Community Center in rooms 110/112 from 5:30-7:30pm with readings at 6:00pm and 7:00pm. The event is private, however, media is welcome to attend.
About the Author: Jenny Hill (@Bibliophile84) has been recognized on WCCO TV for her work as an elementary school library media specialist. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education from Bethel University, St. Paul, MN. Jenny loves drinking strong coffee, reading good books, and savoring deep thoughts. You can find her blog online at walkingwithtension.com. Jenny lives in central Minnesota and is a member of Church of the Open Door. Walking with Tension is her first book.
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