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Most of the remaining work in the new library involves interior work and finishes. However, there was one remaining structural piece that remained to be done, and we just got started on it today. The remaining steel for the colonnade (canopy? covered walkway?) was delivered yesterday, and erected today. It's going to add a nice architectural touch to the front of the building.
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Sept. 22, 2006
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Most of the remaining work in the new library involves interior work and finishes. However, there was one remaining structural piece that remained to be done, and we just got started on it today. The remaining steel for the colonnade (canopy? covered walkway?) was delivered yesterday, and erected today. It's going to add a nice architectural touch to the front of the building.
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Sept. 22, 2006
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I met with a graphic artist this afternoon, a good friend of the library who has volunteered to help us redesign our library card. I've often thought that our current card is a little dull-looking, and a new card to coincide with our new library will help to celebrate the happy event. I can't wait to see what she comes up with.
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Sept. 20, 2006
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I conducted a tour of the building this morning for a special group of guests. The senior staff of the school district and four school board members gathered at 9 a.m. today for their first look at the new library, and they were very impressed. It was a nice, sunny day, and the views of the Hudson from the Junior Room, the upper level and the mezzanine were breathtaking.
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Sept. 20, 2006
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We had our 54th construction meeting this morning, and we got an update on the timeline. We originally thought we were moving into the new building on or around October 2, but now it looks like October 20th is more realistic. That pushes the opening of the new building into early November. There's no one major reason for the delay, just a bunch of small things that have to get addressed. They'll be refining the timeline in the next few weeks, but it probably won't move much at this point.
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Sept. 19, 2006
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Raccoons! The construction manager called me this afternoon to ask me if I knew that raccoons were living in our new library (no, I didn't!). At least one animal has been spotted in the ceiling grid, munching away on who knows what, and he asked me to have a check ready for an pest control company that he's calling in. He assured me that it will be trap-and-release.
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Sept. 18, 2006
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I interviewed another potential vendor for our new cafe, and now comes the hard part, choosing one. There's been lots of interest from our patrons and staff on this, and this little amenity could turn out to be a very popular space in the new library. Can't tell you who's in the running, I know Michael is reading this, but we've seen some good proposals.
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Sept. 18, 2006
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We're showing a teen film tonight, Akeelah and the Bee, starring Lawrence Fishburne. I haven't seen this film yet, but it's gotten great reviews and it should be a fun evening. Free popcorn, too!
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Sept. 15, 2006
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I was invited to a young-adult services meeting at the library system this afternoon - I usually don't go to this type of meeting, but they were going to talk about designing teen spaces. Some directors went to the Phoenix Library this year to see what was going on there - Phoenix made a committment to improving teen services in all their branches, and they've done some good work - and we saw a short slide show on those libraries.
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Sept. 12, 2006
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Another detail had to be ironed out today - I met the 'keymaster' (shades of Ghostbusters!) who asked me how I wanted the interior and exterior doors set up. With about 10 keys in my pocket (the custodians have about 3 dozen), I always vowed to simplify things in the new building, and I think I did a good job. I'll see a summary of my decisions in a few days to review, and I'll see if I can make the keying even simpler.
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Sept. 12, 2006
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The busier I get, the less time I have for blogging - it will be a challenge to keep this going over the next few months. Today, I had a meeting with two staffers from the library system, they are on a fact-finding tour of the county to see what's going on in young adult services. There's a lot of excitement about our new teen room, it will be the newest and one of the largest teen-centric spaces around and I'm looking forward to seeing the reaction of our YA patrons when it opens. I took the guests on a tour of the new building after the meeting - I handn't been in there in a while, and I discovered that they painted the children's program room a loud lime green! I called up the architect to complain (will I ever see paint chips?) and he promised to change the color and eat the cost.
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Sept. 11, 2006
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If you were looking for your chance to furnish your private library at a bargain price, you missed your chance today - the deadline for bidding on our excess shelving and furniture was 2 p.m. today and no one submitted a bid. Plan A remains donating our furnishings to the Mount Vernon Public Library, they expressed an interest in almost everything in the building. There's still time to bid on our piano - $3,500 or more takes it away, you have until Friday to let me know.
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Sept. 05, 2006
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Starting on Tuesday, patrons of the Ossining Library will see a new collection of books on display near the circulation desk. Thanks to the efforts of library president (and USA Today book reviewer) Bob Minzesheimer, we will be offering OPL patrons review copies of forthcoming books. These are uncorrected proofs in paperback format that are given to reviewers in advance of the official publication date. Take one out on your next visit - they're free and you can keep them - and enjoy your sneak preview of the newest fiction, non-fiction, and juvenile titles. One catch, though: we're asking you to complete a short questionaire to tell us what you thought of the book. We'll publish selected patron reviews on the 'Ossining Review of Books' section of the OPL home page. Thanks, and happy reading.
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Sept. 01, 2006
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In addition to all of the typical issues and details that you might expect me to be dealing with in preparation for the move to the new building, I've also started interviewing potential vendors for the new library's cafe. The matter of the cafe has been an interesting and somewhat controversial sidebar to the expansion project, and I'm looking forward to seeing it in operation and gauging the public's reaction to it. At this point, it seems that the cafe will open a few months after service begins in the new building.
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Sept. 01, 2006
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There was a short article in today's Times that should make librarians smile. The American Library Association reported that challenges to books are at the lowest levels ever recorded. The ALA has been tracking book challenges and book banning since 1982, and they have highlighted this issue each September with a public awareness campaign called 'Banned Books Week'. Book challenges are much more prevalent in school libraries than public libraries, and I have rarely had to deal with book challenges in my 20 years as a library director. It can be a very emotional and politically charged issue, and the overall decline in censorship is good news.
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Aug. 31, 2006
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I made my first visit to the new headquarters of the Westchester Library System today - they moved to an office park in Tarrytown this summer from their former home in Ardsley. I was particularly struck by the layout of the computer room that contains all the equipment that runs our circ system, email, and everything else electronic that we have in the library. The room was so empty! As opposed to the old machine room in Ardsley that was chock full of equipment, the new generation of servers and the like are so small, and mostly rack-mounted. At this rate, we probably won't need a special room at all in the near future.
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Aug. 29, 2006
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Bad news today in the Gazette about the Briarcliff Manor Library's expansion plans - their major funder, Classic Residence by Hyatt, is backing our of their move into Briarcliff. Hyatt was going to contribute over $2 million towards a new library building, and the Village was reviewing plans for the expansion just a few days prior to the announcement.
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Aug. 25, 2006
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I feel a little bit like Monty Hall this week - look for an ad in tomorrow's Gazette looking for bids on the library's excess furniture and shelving, and also an in-house ad looking for buyers for our piano. Actually, almost none of our existing furniture is being carried over to the new building, so we'd like to find a home for it before demolition starts. We have a standing offer from the Mount Vernon Library to take everything, if no one else comes forth with a checkbook to make an offer, Mt. Vernon will recycle our material.
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Aug. 24, 2006
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A staffer from an organization called Keep Rockland Beautiful called me today, they wanted pictures of our new library to feature in their newsletter. Not sure how our friends across the river found out about the new OPL, but I was happy to oblige them.
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Aug. 23, 2006
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Another milestone in our expansion project, and a sign that the end is near: we opened bids today for moving services to relocate our books and offices to the new building. The apparent low bidder gave us a good $ number, I hope they check out OK.
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Aug. 22, 2006
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Just back from vacation, and catching up on the expansion project and local news. I read with interest an editorial in today's Journal News on the Port Chester-Rye Brook dust-up over renaming the Port Chester Public Library. I wrote about this a few weeks ago, looks like the issue is heating up again. I don't have an opinion on this, good people on both sides seem to be digging in their heels and I just know I'll be reading about this again soon.
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Aug. 21, 2006
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I called our central library today to get an update on our RFID project. All of our books and media are going to be re-tagged with Radio Frequency Identification stickers - like a mini EZ Pass in every item - to speed up the checkout process, make inventory easier, and enable us to offer self check stations for the public. The first shipment of tags and work stations came in just before I left, and the automation staffers are testing it out before coming to OPL to train us. Ossining will be the first library in the county to have an RFID circulation system.
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Aug. 04, 2006
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I'm still on vacation but the office FedExed some papers to me - four proposals from vendors who want to operate a cafe in the new library. Each one is different, and they all look good. I'll have a tough time picking one vendor to recommend to the board.
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Aug. 03, 2006
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Libraryland lost one of its stars today - Fred Kilgour, the founder of OCLC, passed away. OCLC probably means nothing to most people, but his work in automating library cataloging and making library records available online is used and appreciated by libraries around the world.
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Aug. 02, 2006
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I'll be on vacation for a few weeks, little or no opportunity to blog. I'll be back in NY on or around 8/18.
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Jul. 29, 2006
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How much is your name worth? What would it take to change an identity you've had for over 100 years? That's the question that the citizens of Port Chester are grappling with, according to today's Journal News. Port Chester's library also serves the village of Rye Brook via a contract, and now Rye Brook wants to see a hypenated name over the library's front door or else they will shop elsewhere for library service. That isn't sitting well with some in Port Chester, and they're at a stalemate right now. It will be interesting to see how this gets resolved.
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Jul. 26, 2006
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The director of the Greenburgh Library forwarded an article from yesterday's Journal News on a dispute her library is having with the Village of Elmsford. Elmsford doesn't have a library of its own, so they have been contracting with Greenburgh for library privileges. The most recent contract has expired, and the library is ready to cut off Elmsford residents if it isn't renewed. The story is complicated, Elmsford is asserting that the library is actually situated within the village, it will be interesting to see how things get resolved.
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Jul. 24, 2006
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If you want to see something really cool, visit the OPL web site and watch the updated time-lapse video of the construction project. Trustee Peter Capek set up a web cam in my office last year, and it's been taking a few pictures per day of the job site, and we've strung them all together to make a 45-second film.
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Jul. 21, 2006
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I had a fun morning, appearing on State Senator Oppenheimer's monthly cable show, taped in Mamaroneck. I and a colleague of mine (Pat Anderson of New Rochelle) talked for a half hour about activities at our respective libraries, the need for more state library funding, and how much fun it is to watch children enjoying our summer reading activities. I think the program is going to air in early August, I hope you enjoy it.
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Jul. 21, 2006
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Lots of building activity today: the metal roof is half-finished (and looks so good!)and the pedestrian bridge is up to protect passers-by. I called our technology consultants to finalize the plans for the theater and the other rooms that will have audio/visual equipment. The carpeting and furniture colors are being coordinated (and will be ordered very soon). And work is continuing on the retaining wall, exposing a catch basin that needs to be adjusted.
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Jul. 19, 2006
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I walked the building again today, this time with the two lead architects on the project. I've been in the building a lot lately, but I still see significant progress every time I go in. Lighting is being installed, the elevators are almost done, and the fireplace in the Cheever Room is almost finished. With its high ceiling and huge windows, this is going to be one of the most interesting and popular spaces in the new library, I can't wait to see what the public thinks of it.
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Jul. 18, 2006
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If you're driving down Route 9 and you look up at the new library (I do this every day), you'll notice some activity by the retaining wall. The wall is OK, but we've had evidence that a stormwater catch basin near the wall was installed improperly, and we're going to take a good look. We'll take off several courses of stone and remove the soil and gravel behind it until the basin is exposed, it should take about a week.
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Jul. 17, 2006
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We're looking for vendors to operate the small cafe that's going to be in the lower level of the new library, and today I took The Black Cow's Michael Grant on a tour of the space. He is one of several local vendors who have expresed an interest, and he thought there was lots of potential there. The deadline for replies is next week.
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Jul. 17, 2006
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I just spoke with a consultant who's working with the Warner Library (Tarrytown) on ideas and funding for their own building program. She explained that it's more of a restoration than an expansion, and she has plans to bring back some of the details and touches that adorned that library when it first opened (I think it's a Carnegie building, which makes it a real treasure). I hope that project gets off the ground, it sounds wonderful.
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Jul. 14, 2006
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Our library system, WLS, is moving their quarters to Tarrytown, and our computer system is down during the move. Hand-charging books, no Internet for the public (why is mine working!!??), the library is very quiet today.
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Jul. 12, 2006
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One of the prime contractors on the project is packing up - Adelphi Masonry moved their trailer off the site this morning, their work is almost done. They are just finishing up the stone cladding on some columns.
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Jul. 12, 2006
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I walked through the building this mornig with Todd Harvey, the lead architect for our project. Todd hadn't seen the building in months, and he was very pleased with the way it was shaping up. He thought it was his best building yet, how could I contradict him!
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Jul. 11, 2006
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It's time again to vote for your favorite librarian. The New York Times sponsors this award every year, and the ballots have just arrived. We have lots of great librarians on staff at OPL, I hope you will give them your consideration.
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Jul. 10, 2006
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I had three building-related meetings today, back-to-back! First, a trustee and I met with our technology consultant to review his proposal for outfitting the new library. If we accept his entire package, the new OPL will have a state-of-the-art audio/visual system in all the presentation rooms, a digital signage system for announcements, and wireless Internet access throughout the building. Pretty neat. Then, I went to the monthly project commitee meeting (#52!) to get an update on the project from our building team. Finally, a special board meeting to sign a contract with our new site contractor. A very busy day.
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Jul. 05, 2006
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There was a good editorial in today's Journal News that neatly summarized the choices facing the Mount Vernon Public Library. Mt. Vernon is one of the 'small city schools' libraries (New Rochelle was another) that recently found out that they were legally a division of their local school districts, not controlled by their cities - even though they operated that way for their entire history. Should they follow their charter and put their budgets up for public vote, like Ossining does? Or should they fight to remain under the city government, which has funded them for 100 years and recently spent $3 million on emergency repairs? That's the choice that the Mt. Vernon trustees right now.
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Jul. 03, 2006
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The long saga of the Connecticut library consortium vs. the Patriot Act seems to be over, according to today's Times. The year-long effort of the FBI to obtain library records in Connecticut was abandoned - looks like the FBI declared victory and walked away from the controversy. They say that they were able to find the info they were looking for by other means and thereby concluded that there was no threat to national security. It must have taken a lot of courage (and time and money!) to stand up for a principle, and many in the library community thank the Connecticut librarians and board members for their actions.
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Jun. 27, 2006
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Nice article in today's New York Times on the American Library Association conference in New Orleans. ALA decided to hold its annual meeting in New Orleans despite the problems associated with the hurricane, and the city is grateful. I sent two staffers to New Orleans - I was to be the third but I had to cancel at the last minute. They come back next week and I can't wait to ask them how the conference was.
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Jun. 24, 2006
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I'm out of town today, but never out of touch with what's going on at OPL. I got a call today from the construction manager - while digging up Croton Avenue for our new water service, the contractors found an abandoned oil tank and it had to be removed. Fortunately, the tank had been abandoned properly - filled with sand, not oil or gas! - but it still had to be taken out and discarded. Another bump in the road (so to speak), and hopefully the last surprise we'll find underground.
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Jun. 23, 2006
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I did a walk-through of the new building today, and I took 6 staffers with me. We were all amazed at the progress inside - sheetrock, light fixtures, tilework, lots more going on. Maybe we will open in October after all.
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Jun. 21, 2006
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Nice article in today's Times about the telephone reference department of the New York Public Library. I used to know people in the Brooklyn system's telref department, I remember they were hard-working librarians in a challenging job (too bad they weren't mentioned). As the article says, the Internet has not eliminated the need for this kind of service.
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Jun. 19, 2006
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A trustee and I took a tour of the new building this afternoon. I hadn't been in the building in weeks, and the difference was remarkable. Most of the glass is in, the rooms are sheetrocked, and I finally had a true sense of what the completed library will look like. Still lots of work to do, but I am more confident now that we'll be moving over on time this October.
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Jun. 18, 2006
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I was in NYC today, and taking a bit of a busman's holiday - my wife and I took a side trip to the newly renovated and expanded Morgan Library. What a treat! He and his family collected over 150,000 volumes in their library, as well as rare manuscripts and works of art. Highly recommended for anyone who loves the printed word.
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Jun. 14, 2006
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I'm watching the window contractors put the finishing touches on the window frame on the east wall that spans several floors. It's a dramatic architectural touch, and those spaces are going to be very popular seating areas in the new library.
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Jun. 13, 2006
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Two great articles in the Sunday NY Times on libraries. The business section talks about the popularity of private members-only reading rooms in NYC and other cities, where you pay an annual fee for admission to marvelous old structures with overstuffed chairs, high ceilings, and eclectic collections of old and new titles. The reporter contrasts this scene with a typical public library with 'buzzing crowds and constant foot traffic'. Well, this certainly describes the present Ossining Public Library (though that's not necessarily a bad thing), but the new library will have plenty of places for quiet reading.
The other article was an op-ed piece by a college professor and author who was invited to speak at the Kankakee Public Library in Illinois. He didn't know what to expect and he arrived with pre-conceived notions about sleepy mid-west towns. What he discovered was a dynamic library that was an engine for change and redevelopment in the community. Of course I thought of what the new OPL might mean for Ossining. Food for thought, and motivation to make OPL an integral part of Ossining's future.
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Jun. 11, 2006
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I had fun at the Village Fair today, and thanks to all our library friends who stopped by the booth to say hi. I met lots of people from Haverstaw who came down to Ossining via ferry (I told them their new library was designed by our architect, Todd Harvey), and I also met a trustee of the Dobbs Ferry library. I fielded lots of questions about our new building, and I can tell there's lots of excitement in town about this project (though everyone wants to know why it's over the sidewalk!! It isn't, but I understand the perception). I closed up shop early when the wind snapped our pop-up tent, but it was fun while it lasted. My thanks to all the staff who helped at the booth.
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Jun. 10, 2006
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Visit OPL tonight for the latest in our Friday night teen films. 'Howl's Moving Castle' is the latest offering from animation master Hayao Miyazaki. I haven't seen this one yet, but his past work has been brilliant (personal favorite: Spirited Away). As always, free admission, all ages invited, and plenty of snacks.
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Jun. 09, 2006
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Are you ready for videos that can be downloaded from your local public library? The Brooklyn and New York Public Libraries are just starting to offer this service, and an article in a recent library journal tells me that this is the next big thing in library service. In Westchester, we're only now rolling out a new eAudiobook service, and we haven't talked about video yet, but it may only be a matter of time.
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Jun. 08, 2006
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Some good news from the construction site - the bids were opened today for the telephone system, and the apparent low bid came in $4,000 under budget. If the bid proves legit, it's welcome news for the expansion project.
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Jun. 07, 2006
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I hope the lights are on at OPL tomorrow morning when I arrive for work - the elevator contractors want to tie into our power to test the new elevators, and the electricians might have to disconnect us for up to 2 hours while they make the temporary connection. They're going to start at 7 a.m., hope they work quickly.
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Jun. 06, 2006
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I had to look twice this morning, the new building looked different somehow. It's the glass - the window vendor has started glazing the windows, and there is now partial glass in the bay window and the rear curtain wall. It makes a real difference, I can'w wait to see the windows completed.
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Jun. 02, 2006
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Yesterday's teen program drew a nice crowd of 'chair-testers', and the program is continuing through the end of the week. We've gathered an interesting collection of casual seating that we're considering for the new teen room, and young adults are happy to give us their opinions on the various pieces. I've heard that some older patrons are not quite as happy with the display - don't worry, the new library will have lots of traditional seating for us non-teens. You can see the chairs on the main floor near the young adult book collection.
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May. 31, 2006
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Lots of library news in today's newspapers. Page 5A of the Journal News has feature stories on the new Greenburgh and Mt. Kisco library projects, plus a photo of a patron in the booksale room of the Mahopac Library. The Greenburgh project has been controversial, some patrons there are following events very closely and writing critical articles in their local press. I hope this passes quickly.
Meanwhile in the NY Times, there's an article on the Connecticut library consortium that received a national security letter last year from the FBI. They are finally allowed to speak on the matter (their identities were accidentally leaked by the FBI earlier this year), and they nicely summarized the concerns all librarians have about patron privacy and our obligation to protect it.
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May. 31, 2006
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One of the neatest spaces in the new library is going to be named after Ossining's own John Cheever, and the announcement was made this weekend. The main floor reading room will have two-story windows, a fireplace, and lots of comfy chairs to relax in while reading the latest magazines and newspapers. I read the article in the NY Times, and also expected a larger article in the Journal News (haven't found it yet).
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May. 27, 2006
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The Ossining Library is a proud partner in the school district's literacy program, and I had the privilege of attending the district's third annual awards ceremony at the Roosevelt School for the 100+ children who have cycled through the program this year. Every child had his or her photo displayed in a slide show, and everyone got an award and a tote bag. The library and staff were singled out for recognition, and it was a great feeling!
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May. 26, 2006
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My little office is starting to look like an overstocked furniture warehouse - there's no other place to store the many pieces of seating that we're going to present to teenagers at the 'sit-in' next week. Our new teen room is going to be unlike any other library space around here - we want it to be inviting and teen-friendly, and we're giving young adults an opportunity to suggest the kind of furnishings that will appeal to them. The casual (in some cases, REALLY casual) chairs that teens will see include low-to-the-ground video-type seating, bean bag chairs, cool stools for the computer counter, and some items that are just hard to describe. I can't wait to see what comes out of the meeting.
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May. 25, 2006
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More good news from the building site today: window glass is going in as early as this Monday, and we're getting our street permit to connect the building to the Village water supply. Also, some good news/bad news: we might have to shut down for a brief time next week when the electricians tap into our power to bring electricity to the new elevators - they need to be tested and there is no other way to do it. We'll try to start the job early and hope that it's done by 9 a.m.
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May. 18, 2006
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I heard a presentation at the monthly library directors meeting today from (of all people) the regional salesman from the Snapple company. Turns out that many schools and libraries have relationships with beverage companies, and make easy money by placing vending machines inside their buildings. The new OPL will have a small cafe and will most likely have some cold drinks for sale anyway, but many of my colleagues were interested and took lots of notes. Not sure how I feel about stand-alone vending machines in libraries, it would seem a little jarring to me.
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May. 18, 2006
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Lots of Ossining news in the papers today - the surprise resignation of Mayor Napolitano (a good friend of the library, I will miss him), the next step toward making Sing Sing a tourist attraction, and the latest in the saga of the old fishing shack on the riverfront.
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May. 18, 2006
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I just returned from Ossining High School with good news: the library budget passed!! The vote was 1575 to 1106. The school budget also passed (1452-1263), and Irwin Kavy and Dana Levenberg are the new school trustees. Thank you for supporting the library yet again!
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May. 16, 2006
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I attended one of my favorite programs at OPL this morning - the 3rd annual Mother's Day celebration. It's a program with a Latin theme, and over 60 family members came to hear live music and taste some great food (including a real tasty home-made flan). Children all left with balloons, and everyone left with a smile on their face. A photographer from the Journal News took lots of pictures, look for one in tomorrow's edition.
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May. 13, 2006
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We're continuing our foreign film series tonight with an Italian entry called 'I'm Not Scared'. This is a new one on me, but the reviews look good and it sounds like a winner. The series is being offered by Mark Hasskarl, a film buff whose day job is director of the Chappaqua Library. Free admission and fresh popcorn.
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May. 12, 2006
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The Village of Ossining is updating its master plan, and OPL is helping them spread the word. On your next visit to the library, pick up a questionnaire and let the village know your opinion on housing, zoning, recreation, and other issues.
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May. 10, 2006
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There's a big change in the look of the new building, but you can only see it from Rte. 9 - the window vendor is installing the framing for the rear curtain wall. That is a major design element and I'm looking forward to seeing it completed.
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May. 04, 2006
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OPL was in the news today - the front page of the Journal News, in fact - but I wish it were otherwise. Businesses on Croton Avenue are up in arms over the parking situation in town, and someone is actually suing the village over it. The causes of the problem? According to the story, it's the new bank and the new library. Actually, this is a chronic problem, only made worse by enforcement of the new meter parking rules. Our patrons are also suffering - I chided the parking enforcement person last week that her job was almost too easy (this while she was ticketing a patron for parking in the bus stop).
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May. 03, 2006
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Today is the start of the Ossining School District art show at OPL - every year, hundreds of students have their drawings and other works displayed on the walls, shelves, and anywhere else we can find the room. I took a look at some of the pieces this morning, and they were delightful. The reception is tomorrow evening.
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May. 02, 2006
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I guess I'm seeing the endgame in our expansion project if I'm starting to think about moving the collections over to the new building. Our construction management company has never done an RFP for a library move, so I'm collecting RFPs from other libraries (Mahopac and Suffern, so far) so we can copy their language. We're also starting to think about disposal of the furnishings and equipment that won't be making the journey next door - look for a giant tag sale at OPL this fall for all your shelving and reading table needs!
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Apr. 27, 2006
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I feel like I took a trip in the Wayback Machine this morning: I got to walk on the floor of the old (pre-1966) Ossining Public Library. They uncovered the basement level of the old library the other day while digging a trench for the electric cables. It was a bit of nostalgic fun, but the realization that all that concrete and brick would have to be excavated was quickly sobering - all this material will be exposed when the final grading of the site is done.
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Apr. 25, 2006
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Discarded books pose a dilemma for most librarians. Many of us enter the profession becuse of our love of literature and the printed word. However, when books need to be discarded (because of wear & tear, loss of popularity, or to make room for new material), most books turn out to be unwanted orphans - we usually can't sell them, trade them, or even give them away, and it's sad to see books trashed (the ultimate fate of most discards!). In Sunday's NY Times, the Portland (Maine) Public Library has found a most interesting use for old material - they have asked artists to take the books and turn them into art. Their name for the program is 'Long Overdue: Book Renewal'. I'm going to post the article on the bulletin board on Monday, and also show it to the reference staff; the article gives pretty detailed information on how to request these items through inter-library loan, and the staff will probably be surprised by a request for a title like 'Candy Dish' (a book on the brain, hollowed out and filled with Reeses Peanut Butter Cups!).
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Apr. 22, 2006
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The contractors uncovered a bit more OPL history this morning, but this discovery was less welcome. While trenching for the electrical conduits, they hit the basement level of the original Carnegie library. You can still see the red tile flooring - unfortunately, it's sitting on about 18 inches of concrete, and that's going to slow down that phase of the project. I think the heavy equipment is coming on Monday to deal with this. Until then, the front walkway is blocked off, and our apologies for that.
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Apr. 21, 2006
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A backhoe uncovered a bit of OPL history this morning - while they were trenching across the front of the building for electric conduit, the contractors uncovered some foundation material from the original Carnegie library that preceded our current building. So, for a brief time, one could see the past, present, and future of the Ossining Public Library while standing in one spot. The custodian saved a few bricks and I have one in my office (the old brick seems to be twice as heavy as the bricks we bought for the new building!). The foreman asked me, in jest, if I was planning to build another library anytime soon to replace the new one. No thanks!
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Apr. 19, 2006
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We're trying a new program at OPL today. We've always offered safe driving courses geared for adults, but we're now offering a two-day program for teens. I saw about 20 young adults in the meeting room, not bad for a teen program here.
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Apr. 18, 2006
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I went to a vendor demo today at our library system - we've signed with the Recorded Books company to offer downloadable audiobooks to our patrons, and librarians got an early look at the product and the procedure for downloading. The user interface is a little clunky, and the product doesn't work with iPods, but it does give patrons the opportunity to choose from hundreds of titles (plus language courses) that can be listened to on home PCs or transfered to compatible MP3 players. We think the product will be released in mid-May.
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Apr. 18, 2006
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Lots of activity on the street today, the pumper truck is back to supply concrete to the floor decking by the main entrance. A jackhammer is also near the front, an old foundation was found under the site where the transformer is going (can't we dig anywhere without finding another piece of old Ossining!). Unfortunately, this means another temporary closure of our driveway. The contractors are doing a good job of redirecting traffic, and the work should be completed by lunchtime.
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Apr. 17, 2006
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We haven't been able to hold a book sale all year due to the lack of storage & parking related to the construction project, so I'm a little envious to read that the Mt. Kisco is holding a giant book sale this weekend and they expect to raise over $20,000! Even our best sales in years past only brought in $5,000 or so. Once we're in our new building we will resume our fall and spring sales - they are popular with our patrons and they do bring in much-needed revenue (and they find good homes to all the donations we can't use). Until then, visit the Mt. Kisco library and help support a good cause.
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Apr. 17, 2006
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There was a nice follow-up article in the NY Times today about the Connecticut library system's encounter with the Patriot Act. Last year, this organization received a national security letter from the FBI, asking for info on patron records and forbidding the library from talking to anyone else about it. The library fought the secrecy order and took the government to court. Today, a judge ruled in the library's favor. This was a strange case because the FBI accidentally disclosed the name of the library system (The Library Connection, Windsor, CT) months ago.
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Apr. 13, 2006
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I just finished working on the March statistics, the circulation numbers for our book, film and music collections are unfortunately down again, a byproduct of the parking situation at OPL. I certainly sympathize with our patrons, the staff and I also have a tough time finding a parking spot most mornings.
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Apr. 10, 2006
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The masons have exposed more of the brick facade in the front of the new building, and it looks good. They are now working mostly on the east side of the library - the scaffolding must reach almost 40 feet at some points, way too high for my comfort but it doesn't seem to faze the masons.
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Apr. 10, 2006
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The facade of the new library is really taking shape - the steelwork for the front canopy is finished, and it's already being roofed over. The cutouts are for some interesting windows/skylights that will look great from the inside as well as the outside. The only major iron work left is the colonnade, and that has to wait until the project is almost finished.
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Apr. 8, 2006
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It's always nice to speak about the new library, and I got a chance to do it again today at the monthly meeting of the Ossining Women's Club. I never spoke before this group before, and it was a great experience. Lots of good questions (including some hardballs!), and lots of home-baked goodies at the end. I hope they invite me back again soon.
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Apr. 6, 2006
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ALA released it's first "State of America's Libraries" report this week (it's National Library Week, you know), and it looks like libraries are in pretty good shape. Almost two-thirds of Americans have a library care (about half of Ossining has one)and all siginificant indicators of library use are up since 2002: circulation, reference use, program attendance. Visit ala.org/state to see the entire report.
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Apr. 05, 2006
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The ironworkers are back on the construction site this week - they're erecting the steel for the entrance canopy. This is a major design element and when they're finished, patrons can get a much better idea of what the main entrance of the new library will look like. The colonnade, a covered walkway that will extend east from the canopy and complete the building, will have to wait until the new building is finished - the old building will have to come down first.
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Apr. 03, 2006
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I saw two interesting items in today's NY Times that touched on libraries. First, the cover story on the diminishing 'digital divide' between African Americans and the general population. It's great to see that people of color are getting more comfortable with the Internet, and that libraries are helping - it's the rare public library today that doesn't offer free Internet access and free technology training. The second item was interesting - a paid open letter from the Encyclopedia Britannica to Nature Magazine! A while back, Nature published a study with a surprising outcome: in a head-to-head competition with the free on-line Wikipedia, there was no real difference in accuracy or ease of use. The Britannica, the gold standard of encyclopedias, thinks the study was flawed and wants Nature to admit it. Let's see if Nature responds.
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Mar. 31, 2006
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I had to laugh today, reading the North County News - they have an arts column every week called Ask Doctor Video, and this week's question comes from a library science student who asks "are there any good librarians in movies, normal healthy people who aren't demented and de-sexed"? Dr. Video suggests several movies, many of which I knew (Foul Play, Party Girl), and some that I never realize had librarians in key roles (Goodbye, Columbus?). I'm going to post the article on the library's bulletin board to share the fun.
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Mar. 30, 2006
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I just sneaked out of a fun meeting to write this - our teen librarian, Tamara Stewart, is presiding over a program on the design of the new OPL young adult room, and I think at least 30 teens are in the room. We want to find out what the users of the room would like to see there - the type of furniture, color choices, programming ideas, etc. I believe that our new library will have the largest teen room in the county, and we want to make sure that the teens have maximum input into its design.
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Mar. 29, 2006
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Is it possible that great search tools like Google are having the paradoxical effect of making people less information-saavy? There's an interesting op-ed piece in today's Times that says that 'information literacy' is getting worse - the general public is learning what librarians already knew, it takes some skill to get useful results from a Google search. Great quote: "Google's simplicity and impressive search prowess trick students into thinking they are good all-around searchers and when they fail in library searches, they are ashamed as well as confused".
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Mar. 26, 2006
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I took another group of staffers on a tour of the new building today, these three hadn't been on the first staff tour. In the two weeks since my last visit, I've seen great progress on all the floors, and it looks like we might be moving in earlier than the October 1st target date.
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Mar. 23, 2006
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For the past four years I've had one extracurricular activity that I look forward to with glee - being a guest judge at the St. Ann School Science Fair. Today was my fourth turn as judge, and it was loads of fun. Of all the invited guests (IBMers, science teachers, etc.), my science credentials were the weakest; I may have a degree in Library Science, but there isn't much science behind that diploma! However, I was given the second-graders, and I felt up to the task. Everyone (pupils, teachers and judges) asked about the new library and they're all very excited about the project.
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Mar. 22, 2006
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There's an interesting article in today's NY Times (page B3) on one of library-land's biggest celebrities - the funny thing is, he's known only as John Doe. The Connecticut librarian who was served with a National Security Letter by the FBI, under the USA Patriot Act, was going to be honored by the American Library Association in January, but the law prevents him from stepping forward and identifying himself. According to the article, recent amendments to the Patriot Act wqere supposed to make concessions to public libraries and bookstores, but the changes have no practical effect. The librarian, who ironically was identified by mistake in a government report, must remain anonymous.
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Mar. 21, 2006
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We had a great program for children at OPL this Saturday - over 30 children and their parents came to hear Theresa Okamoto tell Japanese folktales with the help of her tabletop 'Kamishibai Theater'. After the performance, Ms. Okamoto taught the children how to make an origami cup and how to use chopsticks. Another great program from our Junior Room - good work, staff!
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Mar. 20, 2006
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I've toured the new building several times over the past few months, but there was one area that I hadn't visited until yesterday. Late Friday, the CM took me to the mezzanine - the staircase to that level was only recently installed. It's a wonderful space, with the best views; in addition to shelving (about half of the adult collection will be housed there), the mezzanine will also have several seating areas, and I think this level will be a very popular destination for our patrons.
I've worked in public libraries for over 35 years, in over two dozen buildings (some of them brand new), but I think the new OPL will be the first library I've ever seen that had room for long-term growth. That will be a welcome change!
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Mar. 18, 2006
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I heard a great report from our Junior Room staff about last night's Parent-Child Book Chat program. Twenty-seven parents and children came to discuss 'The Penderwicks' by Jeanne Birdsall. As a special treat, the author called in last night to speak directly with the attendees! Ms. Birdsall was gracious, and the children were thrilled. Kudos to the staff and to board member Bob Minzesheimer, who set up the call with the author.
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Mar. 17, 2006
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I just returned from the monthly meeting of the county's library directors - this month we met at the Mt. Kisco Library. A few decisions were made today that will affect library service (hopefully for the good!). First, patrons will finally be allowed to upload and download data from the public internet terminals; this was a forbidden practice from day one because the library system was afraid of hackers and viruses damaging the network. Patrons will now be able to connect their flash drives to our equipment and upload their resume or copy files. Second, the directors gave the library system permission to hire a young adult specialist who will develop and promote service to teens. Finally, libraries voted to circulate DVD series (24, The Sopranos) as a unit instead of as individual discs. This proved to be the most controversial proposal of the day, with a small but vocal minority of libraries arguing for breaking up the sets. OPL has always circulated material in sets, I think it's just good public service.
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Mar. 16, 2006
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Good news at the bid opening today - we had some low bids for shelving and custom millwork, and that's good news for the construction budget. If the low bids check out, we can award the contracts very soon and start ordering the material.
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Mar. 14, 2006
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Once again, OPL transforms itself into a concert hall for another Great Music program. Today, visit the library for an afternoon of cabaret and Broadway music with Jaymie Meyer. I stopped by the library this morning and the main reading room was already set up for the event - over a hundred chairs are facing the piano, and the refreshment table is ready for the punch and cookies. The concert is free, I hope the rain doesn't keep patrons away from this fun afternoon.
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Mar. 12, 2006
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It's always nice to read good news about public libraries, and it's especially nice (and somewhat rare) when the good news is about library funding. Sunday's Westchester section of the Times has a cover story on the county's finances, and it seems that the county's coffers are a bit more flush than usual due to a leveling off of payments to Medicaid. According to the article, that's good news for non-profits like the Hudson Museum, the Historical Society, and the Westchester Library System. The county has boosted its support to WLS, and the result is funding for our forthcoming e-book service and for a teen-services consultant. That's great news for the 38 members of the library system.
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Mar. 11, 2006
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Another big milestone has been reached at the construction site - on your next visit past the new library, take a look at the brickwork going up. The masons are working on the side nearest the Moose Lodge, and they've already made some significant progress.
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Mar. 08, 2006
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If you visit the library's community room this week to enjoy a program or to see the new art exhibit, take a look at the floor as well. The blue masking tape you see precisely outlines the dimensions of the Young Adult room in the new library. The architect taped the room in advance of a teen program that we're holding this month to invite comments on the design of that room. We thought the teens would enjoy a virtual tour of their new space. It's going to be a great room, and I don't think any public library in the area is devoting that much space for teen use.
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Mar. 07, 2006
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There's lots of activity on the construction site today, and the sunny mild weather is helping to accelerate the timetable. The last staircase is going up today, the one leading from the upper level to the mezzanine, and I can't wait to climb that stair and visit that highest public space in the new library. I'm also looking forward to seeing the brickwork start; several pallets of brick were delivered to the site last week, enough to get a good start on covering the facade.
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Mar. 06, 2006
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I often turn to the newspaper for inspiration when writing my blog, but I don't think I ever found material in the NY Times travel section until today. Page 3 covers an unusual travel itinerary: the libraries of Paris! If you can get past the first sentence (the U.S.'s dowdy image problem!), it's an interesting article and if I ever decide to go on a busman's holiday to France, the Biblioteque Forney et.al. sound like interesting stops.
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Mar. 05, 2006
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I often turn to the newspaper for inspiration when writing my blog, but I don't think I ever found material in the NY Times travel section until today. Page 3 covers an unusual travel itinerary: the libraries of Paris! If you can get past the first sentence (the U.S.'s dowdy image problem!), it's an interesting article and if I ever decide to go on a busman's holiday to France, the Biblioteque Forney et.al. sound like interesting stops.
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Mar. 05, 2006
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Just when we were getting spoiled again by this relatively mild winter, here comes another storm. As I'm sitting here reading my email, I see postings from other libraries reporting closings, early closings, and directors asking 'What's your library doing'?. We're operating on a skeleton staff, and it's unlikely that we can provide a full day of service. For now, OPL is open and I'm gathering information to see how long we can stay that way. Tonight's book discussion is cancelled.
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Mar. 02, 2006
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There are now two bills pending in Congress to prohibit Internet network operators from giving some content providers faster service or other favorable treatment for a fee. The lastest legislation, reported in today's NY Times, would go farther in insuring equal treatment for all. Libraries would be especially concerned about this issue - we rely more and more on the 'net for our information service, and it would be distressing to know that search results float to the top not due to relevance but because someone paid extra for special treatment.
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Mar. 02, 2006
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I was flipping through the channels this morning and stopped at a History Channel show on restoring historic homes. I'm always a sucker for home shows, but this one especially caught my attention because they were installing a standing seam metal roof one of the buildings (the Soldiers Home in DC, where Lincoln stayed). What's the library connection? The new OPL is getting a standing seam metal roof too, and it's probably going up in a few weeks. On the Soldiers Home, it looked like a very labor-intensive process, metal cleats every foot or so to hold down the pans, every seam was hand soldered - I'll be curious to see if the technique has improved or stayed the same. The standing seam roof was a high-end finish for us, but I'm glad it stayed in the plan - it will look great, have low maintenance, and last for many decades.
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Mar. 01, 2006
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OPL received a mystery package today, fairly large and with no identifiable return address. What was inside? Some framed art prints from the old circulating art collection. Yes, up until the mid-'80's, OPL used to circulate framed art for people hang up in their homes and offices. I don't know why it was discontinued, but that decision was made way before I got here. I guess someone found these two pieces tucked away in a garage or attic and felt obligated to return them. I wish the person had written a note to us, I would have loved to know where they came from!
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Feb. 28, 2006
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A couple of things worth commenting on in today's NY Times. First, a mention and a nice photo of the new Yonkers Public Library in the Metro section. It's in an article on large redevelopment projects in that city, and it's mentioned as contributing to the revitalization of the waterfront (also mentioned is that the library was completed ahead of schedule and under budget - sigh). Second, there was a brief mention of plans by Yahoo and AOL to consider charging when accepting bulk email messages to its subscribers. A number of non-profits are lining up to oppose that move. I'm not sure if this would have any effect on OPL, but we have considered emailing our newsletter to patrons, and the library system does currently send overdue messages via email.
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Feb. 27, 2006
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Looks like Google has hit another legal roadblock in its book digitization project. According to an article in today's NY Times, one of the legal precedents that Google attorneys had cited in their defense has been overturned by a higher court, and the publishing industry (which is fighting Google over copyright issues) has new ammunition. I had a bit of trouble understanding the latest legal turns (somehow, an X-rated web site also got into a dispute with Google!), but I think the issue is whether the little snippets of text that you can find via Google Book Search have little commercial value and constitute fair use (says Google), or they are marketable and protected by copyright (says the publishing industry). This battle is far from over.
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Feb. 25, 2006
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OPL went on a road trip today - some of the senior staff went to the new Merrick Public Library, Long Island's newest library and the latest building opened by the architectural firm of Beatty Harvey. Since Beatty Harvey is doing our library too, we thought we'd get a sneek peek at what the new OPL might look like. The exterior certainly did have a familiar look, and there were some familiar elements inside, too. Funny thing - the staff was a little disappointed, they thought it looked a bit cold and uninviting. Having only been open a month, it certainly didn't have the familiar, messy clutter of the very lived-in OPL. It's not fair to judge Merrick that way, it really is a beautiful facility and their staff seemed mostly happy with the results. The real take-away from this visit, I think, is that some attention must be paid to the finishes, the carpets, wall treatments and lighting to ensure that our new building has a warm and homey feel to it - since the new OPL is 3X bigger than the current building (and nearly 2X Merrick's size), the sheer size of it could be off-putting if a few wrong choices are made.
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Feb. 23, 2006
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Lots of activity on the site today ( and unfortunately lots of trucks blocking the driveways, sorry!). They're delivering roofing supplies, I understand that both the flat roof and the pitched roof will get finished off starting this week. I also heard that the ironworkers will complete the installation of the staircases this week, so maybe I can get up to the mezzanine level soon.
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Feb. 21, 2006
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I read a classic book that somehow I never got around to reading in high school: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. What caught my eye was a paperback edition of the book that said '50th Anniversary Edition'. It was a quick read, and I'm so glad I picked it up - it was a great story and still relevant and provocative after all these years. In an afterward by the author, he talked about his love and respect for libraries, and that was so nice to read! If you've only seen the filmed version by Truffaut (which was also good, but left out lots of plot development and some important characters), pick up a copy and enjoy.
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Feb. 21, 2006
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I learned a new term today, courtesy of the NY Times editorial page: access tiering. Seems that Internet providers (ISPs) like Verizon and Roadrunner are looking into charging web sites for favored treatment (like faster access). What does this have to do with libraries? Well, we're all used to treating the Internet as being 'content neutral' - you do a search and you assume that the results come back based on relevance. What if all web sites weren't on an equal footing, though, and some results floated to the top because they paid something extra to the ISP? The Times is supporting an Internet neutrality bill that's being discussed in Congress, and I would agree with their position.
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Feb. 20, 2006
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I just came back from the evening author program at the library, David Goeway talking about his Sing Sing book, Crash Out. According to the staff, 85 chairs were put out, and most of them looked filled tonight. I stayed for about 45 minutes and wished I could have heard the entire program - Goeway was great and the audience was enjoying every minute of it. Like Goeway, I am also the son of a prison guard, and my father even worked at Sing Sing for a time, so I felt a special connection to the author. I noticed a few correction officers in the back of the meeting room, there might have been more sitting up front. The program was taped and I'm hoping to put up the entire program on our home page soon. Can't wait to see what I missed.
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Feb. 15, 2006
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Visit the library tonight for a special author event - Ossining's own David Goewey is coming to OPL to talk about his new book, "Crash Out". It's the story about Sing Sing's bloodiest escape attempt and I'm sure patrons will enjoy the program.
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Feb. 15, 2006
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I just read the latest New York Magazine, and saw an amusing library reference - they applauded the Brooklyn Public Library (my old stomping grounds) for being the first library in the country to recatalog Frey's "Million Little Pieces" from nonfiction to fiction. I haven't heard any news from the Westchester Library System about doing the same for our copies, but I'm sure that by now most readers know about the controversy surrounding this book.
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Feb. 14, 2006
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I've just been testing (playing, really) the newest and most delightful addition to the library's database collection. TumbleBooks is an electronic library of picture books that you can either read on-line or have read to you. We're going to add a link to our home page, the link is:
http://www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/home_tumblebooks.asp
I think this is really going to be popular, let me know what you think.
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Feb. 14, 2006
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With all the mild weather we've had lately, it takes a storm like this to remind us that it's still mid-winter. I decided not to open the building today, the original forecast called for the storm to pass by late morning but I'm writing this at 2 p.m. and it's still blowing strong. We were going to have a big concert event at 3:30 today, but the artist called yesterday to cancel - he was coming from Long Island and he wisely called off the performance. We'll have Little Toby Walker back in April. The snow will probably set the construction back a bit, too - we were picking up some time lately, but the crew will have to dig out a bit before they can start working again.
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Feb. 12, 2006
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An editorial in today's NY Times commented on the Patriot Act compromise that was reported in Friday's edition. Like me, the editors couldn't determine for sure if the proposed changes that affected libraries were significant or just window dressing (now I don't feel so bad that I couldn't figure it out!). Sounds like public libraries lose another round.
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Feb. 11, 2006
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There was an article in today's Times about a compromise in Washington on renewal of the Patriot Act. The article didn't make complete sense to me - I think some (but not all) objections that libraries had to the Act have been addressed. I'll have to see what the American Library Association has to say about it. Some senators certainly still have problems with the language and are threatening to block renewal.
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Feb. 10, 2006
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Some staffers had a treat today - the construction manager let me take 5 department heads into the new building for their first look at the construction. Three levels are now accessible (the mezzanine staircase hasn't been delivered yet). They were happy for the opportunity, I'd like to do this on a regular basis.
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Feb. 09, 2006
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I haven't written much about the new building lately, but great progress is being made each day. Most of the work being done now is inside, framing out the rooms and installing the plumbing, ducts, and wiring. I'm taking some staffers inside for the first time tomorrow, and they are excited to have the opportunity to walk through the building. A small pallet of brick was delivered yesterday, the mason is going to build a mockup of the wall so we can get a glimpse of what the finished exterior will look like.
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Feb. 08, 2006
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There's a good editorial in today's Journal News on the sorry state of adult literacy in this country, and the need to fund literacy programs. Here in Ossining, the Literacy Volunteers of Westchester had asked the library to give them some space in the new building, contingent upon their getting a county grant. Their grant request was rejected, though, and this worthwhile program will not be coming to Ossining anytime soon. I was a literacy volunteer many years ago and I know firsthand how valuable this program is - I hope they can find funding somewhere else.
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Feb. 07, 2006
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I saw an article in today's NYTimes that grabbed my attention, "Web Readers Hit the Books Less Frequently". The article said that Internet users are cutting back on reading print sources, with books suffering more than periodicals. That jives with my own experience - in the little time I have for recreational reading these days, it's easier to fit in a magazine or two than to invest time in a book. Certainly, I've become more selective in my book reading and I'm less likely to pick up a marginal book just to try something different.
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Feb. 06, 2006
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Another new and innovative program at OPL: I just saw a guest performer bring her "Talk N Drum" program to our Junior Room. Nanette Garcia is leading a room full of preschoolers in a session of music and fun that integrates a Spanish lesson into the mix. The kids look like they're having a blast, I think we'll invite Nanette back to Ossining soon.
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Feb. 01, 2006
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I was processing an invoice for payment today, and I did a double-take when I read the detail. The invoice, from the JMOA construction management firm, was billing us for their services through 51% of construction. The building is more than half-finished! That's a happy milestone to pass.
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Jan. 31, 2006
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Last night, I attended my first meeting of the board's citizen advisory committee on technology. The group, chaired by trustee Peter Capek, volunteered to talk about technology issues and share their expertise and insights with the board and me. They were a lively bunch, and very interested in the plans for the new library. I'm looking forward to meeting with them again.
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Jan. 31, 2006
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I'm out of town this week, taking a short vacation in San Francisco. Wouldn't you know, the first place I go to is the public library! The main branch of the SFPL is 10 years old this year, and it's brief history has been interesting and controversial - it was criticized for short-changing the printed word for technology, and they took heat for weeding (discarding) thousands of books before move-in. It's an interesting building, now showing some wear and tear, but it was full of people and a spent a pleasurable hour or two people-watching and checking out the facility. I'm no fan of central libraries, the scale of them is overwhelming and it's hard to connect with users, but I think SFPL is one of the better examples of central library design.
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Jan. 26, 2006
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I just found out last night at a board meeting that a local family is donating a grand piano to the library for our theater. It's a Steinway D, supposedly the Rolls Royce of pianos, and a giant of an instrument (almost 9 feet long!). I had to take some measurements in the new building this morning to make sure it would fit.
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Jan. 24, 2006
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I read in yesterday's paper that the proposed new Mt. Kisco Library is already running into budget problems and is being downsized from 21,500 to 18,000 square feet. I know how the Mt. Kisco director must feel - OPL ran into similar budget problems early on, and the architects literally sliced a 10 foot section out of the plans! The theater, the Junior Room, the main reading room suddenly shrunk to keep the project within budget.
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Jan. 20, 2006
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It looks like another major milestone is being reached on the construction site: concrete block is going up, and the building is starting to become enclosed. This is great news, and if the weather cooperates it will soon become much easier to heat the interior and continue working in there.
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Jan. 19, 2006
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Nice article in today's Times about the new Bronx Library Center - NYPL's replacement for the old Fordham Library branch. Triple the size, glass curtain wall with beautiful views, lots of Internet terminals and a large auditorium - sound familiar? Looks like the new Ossining Library, writ large. I like their idea of also lending laptop computers for in-house use, something I might want to try in the new building.
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Jan. 17, 2006
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Today is a holiday for OPL, but you'll see lots of activity on the construction site. I understand that the mason will continue foundation work, and framing is continuing inside. I wonder if the cold weather is a problem for the masons.
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Jan. 16, 2006
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I think I can honestly say that no other library has offered the kind of program that OPL had yesterday - Spa Night! Librarian Tamara Stewart kept the library open late to treat adults and teens to massages, manicures, lots of healthy treats, and tips on grooming & stress relief. I saw some of my staff lining up early and even coming in on their day off to attend the event. A very unusual and innovative program, and the public enjoyed it.
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Jan. 14, 2006
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A little ceremony on the job site today - the CM just called me to point out that an American flag is now flying over the new library. The ironworkers typically do that when they reach the highest point in construction.
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Jan. 13, 2006
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The construction manager treated me to another walk through the new building yesterday. It was my second visit, and I can't believe how much progress was made in less than a month. Framing is almost finished on the lower level, and half finished on the main floor. I literally went from bottom to top - climbing two ladders to walk on the roof. I'm hoping that the next revised completion schedule shows a move-in date earlier than November.
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Jan. 12, 2006
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I had a nice meeting last night with a citizen advisory group that's working with the board on children's services issues. We had a round-table discussion of possible new programs for children and teens, and I gave them an update on the building program. We're meeting again in March.
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Jan. 10, 2006
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Lots of activity on the job site today (and lots of parking problems!) - they're pouring concrete again, and mixing trucks are lined up waiting to get near the new building. I hope they finish soon, we have programs for children this morning.
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Jan. 09, 2006
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Today's jazz concert drew 230 music lovers to the Ossining Library. I spoke to Vince Giordano after the show, and promised him a better venue next year when the new library opens. "What's wrong with this place?", he replied. That was very kind of him, but he didn't have to move furniture for the next hour and a half to get us ready for Monday service. I can't wait to use the new theater.
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Jan. 08, 2006
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Thanks to Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, OPL has received a $100,000 grant from the NYS Dormitory Authority to support the construction of the new library. I called the school district yesterday (they manage our money) and they confirmed that the money was wired and in our account. Thanks, Sandy, we can sure use the help!
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Jan. 05, 2006
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The construction site is a sea of mud, but work continues on the new library. I'm watching the roof decking getting welded on the east side of the structure (that's where my office is going, hope they're extra careful over there!). Most of the work is going on inside though, framing out the rooms in the lower level and finishing up the staircases. The weather is pretty mild, good for construction.
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Jan. 05, 2006
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Have you checked out our new feature on the OPL home page? It's called The Ossining Review of Books and it went live this week. It is moderated by trustee and book critic Bob Minzesheimer. The first 'issue' is full of reviews and picks from Bob and others, and the OPL staff is going to add their picks soon. The site got mentioned in another online publication today called Shelf Awareness - go to http://news.shelf-awareness.com/nlist.jsp?appid=411 and click on the 1/5/06 issue.
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Jan. 05, 2006
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OPL lost two hours of service yesterday due to the snow, but work continued on the new library. Another delivery of block was made (tying up the driveway for too long!) and I think we'll see some walls going up before this week is out. They've also started framing inside, so I'm able to see the rooms shaping up.
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Jan. 04, 2006
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Today's Times reports that the Bush administration is starting a new push to renew the USA PATRIOT Act, and that lawmakers still have problems with it because of privacy issues (especially over library records). This is a major issue for public libraries, and it's heartening to see others share our concerns.
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Jan. 04, 2006
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It's back to work tomorrow - or is it? It's snowing this evening, and they're predicting a messy morning commute tomorrow. Let's see how accurate they are.
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Jan. 02, 2006
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Is there ever a time when the library isn't busy? I stopped by the office today to check my desk and I saw that every Internet terminal was occupied and patrons were lined up at the checkout desk. The parking lot was full, too, though many of the spots were taken by construction workers.
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Dec. 28, 2005
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I'm taking most of this week off, so not too much blogging for a while. But, a staffer just called to tell me that the Winter '06 Byline, our quarterly newsletter, hit the mailboxes today. I figured as much, I'm starting to get library card applications in my email box (the Byline mentions applying for a card on line). This was a pretty good issue (in my humble opinion), I hope Ossining enjoys it.
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Dec. 27, 2005
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If the thought of a shuttered library, stripped of books, makes you sad, avoid today's NY Times - the cover story on the Medicaid burden in New York State cites such a library as an example of the tough choices counties have to make to find money for this program. An Elmira branch library was closed two years ago when the county found itself strapped for cash, and the branch manager said it was the saddest day of her life.
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Dec. 23, 2005
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There's a new feature on the OPL web site (www.ossininglibrary.org) - a stop-motion video of the construction site that shows activity from demolition to the present time. I've had a webcam hanging on my windowsill taking a picture a day of the site, and when the photos are strung together it makes a fascinating video. We'll keep adding to the file as new pictures are taken.
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Dec. 21, 2005
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Not much blogging this week, but not for lack of material (just a lack of time!). It's been a busy week on the construction site, they're trying to get as much concrete work done as possible while the weather is still above freezing. The concrete floor on the main level is done, and they'll try to pour the second floor on Friday. I got my second chance to walk around the building this morning, and it's really shaping up.
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Dec. 21, 2005
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The construction manager tells me that there will be lots of activity on the site this week - concrete floors are going in, and the mason may start putting his scaffolding up for the block. Hope the weather stays nice (and above freezing!).
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Dec. 19, 2005
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I just signed off on the new edition of The Byline, the quarterly version of our newsletter. This publication, which will show up in Ossining mailboxes soon, covers the winter months and has our program schedule and news about the new building. I think it's the best one we've done yet.
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Dec. 19, 2005
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It's always a good day when you open your mail and a $1,000 check falls out. The Rebecca & Arthur Samburg Foundation has donated this money to OPL to support children's services, and we will certainly put it to good use - librarian Sally Dow is already looking into some events to plan in April and May. Thank you so much for your generosity!
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Dec. 16, 2005
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