Happy Valentine's Day!

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Half of the "Love Your Library" month is over, and there are still some 'wishes' left on the library's Valentine tree; but some of them have been taken and the library has received some nice gifts. There's still time to pick up a heart and do the same!



The Friends of the Library have purchased a fax machine for the use of the patrons of JML! Thanks very much to Scott and Lori for doing the shopping and picking it up for us. We librarians know (and the others know because we've told them) we get many requests to send faxes, and now it's possible. Just ask!

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An article from USA Today recently:

U.S. libraries on borrowed time?

An excerpt:

Cities are making tough choices, says Chris Hoene, director of policy and
research at the National League of Cities. As people lose income or curb
spending, income tax and sales tax revenue falls. Local officials must choose
between core services, such as police and fire protection, and services such as
libraries and parks.
"Obviously, when push comes to shove," he says, city
governments facing budget cuts "will protect city services considered more vital
to the safety of the community."

This is a real danger, and Friends can make a real difference when budget cuts threaten services.

Read the whole article here.

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Some news from the National Friends Group:

FOLUSA and ALTA to Become ALTAFF
New ALA Division Will Unite Voices for America's Libraries

A small excerpt from the article:

Meeting challenges and taking advantage of opportunities in the 21st century
won't be possible for libraries that don't have powerful advocates in their
communities - in other words, Trustees and Friends.

Read the whole article here.

Stay warm on this snowy weekend!

--Mary Anne