American Libraries Winning Streak! .

in recent months, good news about libraries have graced the pages of newspapers across the country. It gives hope for that their is a bright future for libraries. For the doubters, who have long since decided that libraries are archaic institutions, this should be proof that libraries are a valuable asset in the community. For those who have been fighting to save libraries, small and large, welcome the victory but have known all along a community without a library is a community on life support. This is hardly a time to retreat, pack up and go home. Instead there are many more battles that lie ahead. This is a good opportunity to look at some of the bigger "wins" and take note of what it took to win the battle.

Los Angeles' libraries were facing dire times. Not only were libraries closing, but popular TV night time hosts were making jokes about the lack of need for for the libraries. Jay Leno, had stuck his foot in his mouth that night and promptly received the ire of many library advocates, (among them American Library Association). This lead to his apology the next night. In reality, the Los Angeles libraries were severing their citizens quite well on a day to day basis, but like other libraries, city budget battles were placing them on the chopping blocks. In March of 2011 the citizens of Los Angeles voted YES to Measure L, which would keep the libraries funded and open. How did this measure pass when everyone is aware of LA's financial status, not to mention California's financial mess? Key groups coming together for a common goal. The combination of a $200.000 financial donation from the the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and a coalition of library advocates, teachers, and librarians who campaigned for the passage of Measure L, gave strength to the failing libraries. Make no mistake, this was and is a big win for libraries all across the United States.

On the other coast, New York City to be precise, the same battles facing Los Angeles' libraries were in play here as well. On the iconic steps of the New York City library, library supports gave the library a "hug" to show their support for the library budget restoration. Days later, Mayor Bloomberg must have gotten the message for the "311" calls that were made by library advocates demanding that the Big Apple did not lose it's core service,namely the library. In New York City's case the the Save NYC Libraries Postcard Campaign sent the message loud and clear to city council members about citizen's needs for the library. Over 4,000 postcards were written, collected and handed to Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer on June 17, 2011. If the 4,000 postcards didn't bring home the message the 200,000 signatures on a corresponding petition drove the point home. Budget battles never die, they live to fight for another day. Rest assured NYC library advocates will be calling on their supporters when libraries are on the chopping blocks.

Last but not least, Troy Public Library, in southeastern Michigan, won a huge battle on August 2 to save the library. The history of the mileages that were put on the ballot over the past year is so convoluted that it could read like a children's book "The Library That Could". The first mileage failed miserably due to the propaganda that tax payers didn't want or need more taxes. The second milage attempt failed because city council decided that confusing voters with four different library proposals would be the ideal way of "informing" the public. Not! The thidr attempt was a straight yes or no vote to continue funding the library for five years with the residents seeing a $68 increase in property taxes to cover the expense of the library. The staff of Troy Public Library should be commended for informing their patrons in clear terms what losing a library would mean to their daily lives. The win on August 2, was the "third" charm and all of Southeastern Michigan let go of a collective sigh of relief. Losing the library would have meant that Troy citizens would not have access to local libraries borrowing privileges. The city of Troy and many like them around Michigan have already lost too much in the recession. key services such as children's programming, internet , and job search resources would have been another slam on residents.

Libraries are beginning to win the fight to remain open. The only way to continue the winning streak is to gather as much "team" support for libraries as possible. Not to mention a marketing campaign that not only informs the public about the value of libraries but also invites them to see what the library has to offer. Voters who oppose library funding most likely have not been in a library for years. It's time to bring them back in order to show that libraries are not archaic, but thriving with old and new resources that bring information to them by traditional and digital means. For those voters who love libraries and consistently vote YES to library mileages, invite them also to be the voice of the library that the community needs to hear. They are and will always be our best cheerleaders!

A Look At State of America's Libraries Report

On Monday, the American Library Association released their report on the state of libraries in our country. The facts that were uncovered were not surprising. The trend in libraries has always been that when tough economic times hit library services are in high demand. It is not even surprising that libraries are find ways of doing more with less. Librarians have had a talent for doing this for years. It is a miracle that many of our nation's libraries have remained open and it is in large part to librarians and advocates who diligently serve the public with the best possible service. What is surprising and encouraging to note is that Americans do see the value in their libraries. This would indicate that the message is getting out about the library's role in the community. While this is terrific news, it is also a "call" to continue putting the library at the forefront of community news. In advertising, it's all about being seen.

The picture of today's American library is of an institution that passes the test of time. Americans still see the public library as the "source" for books, information and lifelong learning. There may be some misconceptions that libraries are "archaic" but it is few and far between. Avid library users know that libraries today have wifi services, internet access, electronic databases and ebooks. it may not look like your grandfather's library but it still provides the opportunity for lifelong learning as well as entertainment. For the nay sayers who believe that the library's days are long gone have not walked into a library lately. If they had, they would see the enormous change and realize what they have been missing.

It would be misleading not to mention the communities that lost their libraries due to mileages failing or city councils who refused to find a way to keep the "jewel" of the community. One closed library is one too many. Having said that, a valuable lesson can be learned from these unfortunate circumstances. When communities lose a library, it is not just losing a building that holds books. It is essentially cutting off the information flow to the public. As an example, in my own backyard, Troy Public Library will be closing it's doors soon. For good. Most of Troy's citizens do not realize that this means library services will not be available to them anywhere in Southeast Michigan. The surrounding libraries that provided reciprocal borrowing to Troy residents in the past will no longer provide that service. Leaving Troy residents with a locked up library. Sure they can visit a library, but internet access, borrowing materials and perhaps some programs will not be available to them. In situations like this, it seems that a PSA ad would do wonders to demonstrate what is lost when a library closes its doors. Its all about showing a picture that speaks louder than words.

Libraries have been known to take a couple of punches, get knocked down and get back on their feet again. Just like any other industries, there are cycles of good times and bad. What makes this year different is that unlike previous years, libraries have many more outspoken supporters. This can only lead to good things for the future. Stories of eight year olds like Paul Valleau, patron at Jersey City Public Library starting a fund raiser for the local library not only warms the heart, but gives hope that the generation that seems to be glued to their computer gadgets and cell phones will want and need libraries in their busy lives. If the message of this year's State of America's Libraries Report suggests anything, it is that now is the time for libraries to be visible, vibrant and valiantly defending the rights of all citizens to have access to libraries.