volume #3 issue#25

June 22, 2006

Prairie Views: the newsletter of the Prairie Area Library System

System News

On Vacation!
There will be no Prairie Views newsletter the week of June 29.

PALS Closed
The three PALS Service Centers will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. There will be no deliveries that day.

The PALS Board of Directors Meeting June 20, 2006
The PALS Board of Directors met on June 20, 2006 at the Shorewood service center for the last meeting of the current fiscal year.
The board approved several purchases, recognized departing and newly elected members, and heard staff reports.
Action Items: The board reviewed PALS by-laws and scheduled minor revisions for the July meeting, approved repaving the Coal Valley Service Center parking lot, approved replacing an air handling unit at the Shorewood Service Center, and completed the annual performance review of Bob McKay, Executive Director.
Board recognition and acknowledgement: Certificates of recognition were present to the following departing board members:
Maggie Crane, Woodstock Public Library (public library, non-trustee)
Libby Wasser, Limestone Township Public Library (public library trustee)
and will be mailed to:
Don McCurry, Nippersink Public Library District, (public library trustee)
Pat Morin, Earlville Community Unit SD #9, (school library representative) and
Sharon McCarten Bruemmer, Lockport School District #91(school library representative)
Mrs. Crane served for two years as chair of the membership committee. During this time the PALS membership policy was revised to reflect needed changes in educational requirements for public library directors and guidelines for contracting and cooperating libraries were expanded and improved.
Mrs. Wasser and Mrs. Morin also served on the membership committee.
Mr. McCurry served for over a year as treasurer.
President, Barry Levine, noted the accomplishments and contributions of the departing board members and wished them well in their future endeavors. Mr. Levine, who completed his two year term as President, was also recognized by his colleagues for his excellent leadership during the System’s first two years of operation.
Staff Reports Early Retirement Program: Executive Director, Bob McKay, reported that the following staff members have applied for and been accepted in our early retirement incentive program.
Dorothy DeSalvo, Facilities and Delivery Manager, Shorewood
Rita McGeary, Training and Events Manager, Rockford
Nancy McWilliams, Customer Service and Support, Rockford
Kate Mewes, Associate Cataloger, Coal Valley
June Peterson, Facilities Manager/Administrative Assistant, Rockford
Brenda Thornton, Senior Associate LLSAP, Coal Valley
All six employees are scheduled to complete their work on December 31, 2006.
An additional eleven employees qualify for the incentive plan and have until June 30 to express their interest. Mrs. DeSalvo is the most recent addition to this list. She has worked at the Shorewood facility since September 2, 1986. Board members expressed appreciation for the work of these valued and dedicated employees and wished them well with their future endeavors.
Newly elected board members attend meeting: Three of five newly elected board members were able to attend the June meeting. Attending the meeting were: Eve Kirk, Cherry Valley Public Library District (public library, non-trustee) Terry Tamblyn, Oswego Public Library District (public library trustee) Catherine Yanikoski, Bishop McNamara High School (school library)
Also elected but unable to attend this meeting were: Marcy Anderson, Mt. Morris Public Library (public library trustee) Nancy Buikema, River Bend CUSD #2 (school library)

Events/Continuous Learning
CLeO: All continuous learning events sponsored by PALS are open to all staff or representatives of member libraries. Registration is required for all PALS continuous learning programs. To register, visit the PALS CLeO at http://www.palsnet.info/events/

Information on registration, how to set up a CLeO account, and PALS procedures for continuous learning can be found on the PALS website at: http://www.palsnet.info/services/cl/default.asp

PALS Events by Month

PALS Events by Category, Winter/Spring 2006

Member News

LAMA Public Relations and Marketing Section announces 2006 Best of Show Winners
Four PALS member libraries received Honorable Mentions in this National Event: Young Adult Reading Club--Kankakee Public Library, Web page/Home page--Davenport Public Library, Services Available/Orientation/Policy Materials--St. Ambrose, and Fundraising--Rock Island. For details, see http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2006/june2006/LAMABestofShowwinners.htm

Kankakee Gets Its Groove Back
The Kankakee Public Library has been featured in the June 11 OP-ED page of the New York Times. Award winning author, and Kankakee booster, Luis Alberto Urrea was asked to write several opinion pieces for the Times. One topic he chose was the Kankakee success story. Urrea writes, "Kankakee is pulling itself back from the brink. And it all started with the library." "Our cities are scrambling to find fresh paradigms for a new America. Maybe, just maybe, the Midwesterners, librarians, and Mexicans of Kankakee, Illinois, have found theirs." For full story click here.
Read the article at the library and hear Urrea' talk on the library: http://www.lions-online.org/Podcasts.html

Rock Island Public Library Wins National Award
Rock Island Public Library has been awarded the honorable mention in the Fundraising Materials category of the LAMA (Library Administration and Management Association) Best of Show competition. The library entered the "Food for Thought" mailing produced for the Rock Island Library Foundation's annual November dining event and silent auction. The Rock Island Library competed against 360 entries submitted from across the U.S. and Canada. The award will be presented at the 2006 LAMA Public Relations Swap and Shop event on Sunday, June 25, at the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans.

Augustana College, Thomas Tredway Library, To Host Reading And Discussion Series
“Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature” reading and discussion series starts at Thomas Tredway Library, Augustana College. Thomas Tredway Library will host a free five-part reading and discussion series called “Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature—Identity and Imagination.” The series explores Jewish literature and culture through scholar-led discussions of contemporary and classic books on the theme of “Between Two Worlds: Stories of Estrangement and Homecoming.”
The series is open to all adults in the community and is led by Owen Rogal, Professor of English, St. Ambrose University.
The series will be held on Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. on these dates:
Sept. 17, 2006—Lost in Translation by Eva Hoffman (memoir)
Oct. 15, 2006—Out of Egypt by Andre Aciman (memoir)
Nov. 12, 2006—Mr. Sammler’s Planet by Saul Bellow (novel)
Dec. 10, 2006—The Centaur in the Garden by Moacyr Scliar (novel)
Jan. 14, 2007—Kaaterskill Falls by Allegra Goodman (novel)
Thomas Tredway Library, Augustana College 3435 9½ Avenue, Rock Island.
Free parking at Centennial Hall, 7th Ave., shuttle to library.
The program is part of a national initiative of Nextbook and the American Library Association (ALA). Thomas Tredway Library is one of over 150 libraries nationwide receiving grants to host the series. “Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature” uses books and scholar-led discussions as an effective entry into serious thought, discussion, and further reading. It also offers an occasion to bring diverse groups together at the library to explore Jewish literature and culture in greater depth through a mix of scholarly essays, books, and discussions.
Register by Sept. 1 to Rita Griffin, ritagriffin@augustana.edu or 309-794-7266.

O'Keefe Library at St. Ambrose University
O'Keefe Library has been awarded an Honorable Mention in the of the Services Available category of the LAMA (Library Administration and Management Association) Best of Show competition. O'Keefe Library was given the award for its "Guide to Library Services" brochure and competed against oer 350 entries submitted from across the U.S. and Canada. The award will be presented at the 2006 LAMA Public Relations Swap and Shop event on Sunday, June 25, at the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans.

Davenport Public Library Announces Upcoming Programs
On Wednesday, July 5, our Fairmont Street location is hosting yet another Noteworthy Gig beginning at 2 PM. Join us as the American Red Cross shares important information on how to "Be Safe this Summer." Learn bicycle, water and pedestrian safety at this informative workshop. Registration is not required for this event. If you have questions, please contact our Youth Services Department at 563-326-7900, or visit us online at www.davenportlibrary.com

On Thursday, July 6, join us at 2 PM at the Main Street location to make your very own musical instrument. Create an instrument and make beautiful music! Registration is not required for this event. If you have questions, please contact our Youth Services Department at 563-326-7900, or visit us online at www.davenportlibrary.com This program is part of the Davenport Public Library Summer Reading Program, "Reading Rocks!"

On Friday, July 7, we feature a Tom Hanks musical. "Ultimate Movie Musical" is an all-ages Friday program geared toward the musical lover and runs from June 9-July 21. Each week, as part of the Summer Reading Program, "Reading Rocks!," a different rock musical is shown from 10 AM-Noon at Davenport Public Library Main Street location and from 2-4 PM at Davenport Public Library, Fairmount Street location.

On Wednesday, July 12, we feature the DePriest Puppets at the Davenport Public Library, Fairmount Street location at 10 AM. This all-new show, entitled, Island Follies: A Puppet for Each Land will definitely be filled to capacity. This free event requires registration. If you have questions, or wish to register, please contact our Youth Services Department at 563-326-7900, or resister online at www.davenportlibrary.com

On Saturday, July 15 we feature WLLR's Danielle Howe for a special "How to Be a Radio DJ" event at Davenport Public Library. As part of the Summer Reading Program, "Reading Rocks!," Danielle will talk about her background, her job as DJ on 103.7 WLLR-FM's Justice and Howe morning radio show, the Dani Lynn Howe Band's growing success, and answer questions relating to her field. Come and meet Danielle Howe at 11 AM at Davenport Public Library, Fairmount Street, and again at 3 PM at the Main Street Library. No registration is required. Please call 328-6833 for more infromation.

Missing Books - we've added a new section to Prairie Views where members are welcome to post information about materials that are missing in transit. As with all Prairie Views submissions, please send to prairieviews@palsnet.info.

Death by Government
from Howard Colman Library at Rockford College was put into transit on March 31, 2006 to go to Sycamore Public Library. Sycamore never received this book and Rockford College has not had it returned. Has any other library received this book?

Book information:
Title – Death by Government
Author – R.J. Rummel
Call Number – HV6322.7 .R86 1994
Barcode – 30762100164879

Freebies/Exchanges/For Sale/Wanted

Prairie Area Library System offers a means for members to share discarded items to needy libraries. Procedures are outlined in the Reference Member Services Guide http://www.palsnet.info/services/reference/reference_guide.asp They are also outlined below.

Libraries wanting to offer up materials are to notify Brenda Roman (brendar@palsnet.info or x3152) or Judy Hutchinson (judyh@palsnet.info or x3150), or you can email to Prairie Views (mailto:prairieviews@lists.palsnet.info), providing the following information:
*Library's name and phone number
*Title(s) of the items discarded

A list will be compiled for inclusion in the weekly Prairie Views newsletter. Anyone interested in freebies are to contact the library directly, (no earlier than Monday following the listing). Members are responsible for making their own arrangements. The PALS van delivery may be available for transporting items, as space and time permits. Contact your Service Center Delivery Manager to arrange for delivery of large shipments.

PALS Members - please remember that you are asked to not request or release any items whether they are Free or For Sale until Monday following the publication of the announcement in Prairie Views. This gives library staff a chance to see the message and request the materials if they are interested. Thanks for your cooperation - we have had several complaints in recent weeks about items being released before Monday.

No items listed this issue.

Job Openings
Jobs can be submitted on the PALS website at http://www.palsnet.info/jobs/ or by sending them to prairieviews@palsnet.info. All jobs submitted by either method will be included in Prairie Views for one week and will be posted for 120 days on the PALS website unless the library posting the job requests that it be removed before 120 days. Visit http://www.palsnet.info/jobs/ to views all the job ads that PALS currently has posted.

Library Director, Peru Public Library
Due to retirement, Peru Public Library, seeks a service oriented administrator with responsibilities for planning and budgeting, providing leadership and coordination for all library operations, maintaining library property, and representing the library in the community.
Experienced and congenial staff of ten (full and part-time). Progressive and cooperative Board, supportive City government, enthusiastic clientele. Beautiful, modern facility 20 years old, in friendly and growing community of 10,000, at intersection of interstate 80 and 39, ninety miles west of Chicago. Excellent schools, churches, mall, downtown redevelopment, recreation, healthcare, and community college. Budget of $313,000. Annual circulation of 150,000+ from a collection of 40,000. HALS automation system.
Requirements: MLS, minimum 3 - 5 years of varied library experience at the professional level, including supervision/administration. Working knowledge of all aspects of librarianship. Technology experience essential. Demonstrated success in working well with staff and patrons. City residency required following appointment. Competitive salary and benefits package.
Apply by mail with cover letter, resume, expected salary range, and three references to:
Laurie Smoron
Chair, Personnel Committee
Peru Public Library
1409 11th Street
Peru, IL. 61354
Deadline for applications is August 10, 2006.
Position will remain open until filled.


Business Services Assistant, Fountaindale Public Library District
Fountaindale Public Library District who proudly serves the diverse communities of Bolingbrook and Romeoville, Illinois, is seeking an experienced individual with a good eye for detail to join our library’s team. This full-time position will assist the Business Manager in the administration of the accounting activities of the library including purchasing, payables, receivables, general ledger, supplies and payroll. Associates degree in accounting or equivalent, plus one year’s experience required.
Starting salary range: $23,594-$29,492 per year.
Closing date: July 14, 2006, or until position is filled.
Send cover letter, resume and three references, including contact information, to:
Helen Valantinas
Foutaindale Public Library District
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
hvalantinas@fountaindale.lib.il.us

Library Director, Earl Township Public Library
Earl Township Public Library is seeking candidates for a Library Director. The library serves a community of 2600. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on community service. Library and grant writing experience desired. If interested contact:
Dr. Bruce Bauer
bbauer@kidsroe.org
or send resume to:
Earl Township Library
P.O. Box 420
Earlville, IL 60518.

DIRECTOR: Des Plaines Valley Public Library District
Des Plaines Valley Public Library District, serving the communities of Crest Hill, Lockport and portions of Romeoville, Illinois seeks an energetic, forward thinking and innovative Director. The District serves a diverse population of 53,523 through facilities located in Crest Hill and Lockport. The District has a budget of $1,981,414 for FY 2006-2007 and a staff of 17 FT and 22 PT employees. The Director reports to an elected 7 member Board of Trustees. The Director is expected to develop strong ties with community, civic and professional groups and state and local governmental units.
REQUIRES an MLS from an ALA accredited program,a mimimum of 5 years administrative experience as a library director, assistant director, or head of a major library department, and fiscal and planning skills. Advanced technology skills a plus.
Salary scale starts at $67,768 per year with excellent benefits.
Visit our web site at www.dpvlib.org
Send letter of interest, current resume and references to:
Search Committee
c/o Des Plaines Valley Public Library District
121 E. 8th St.
Lockport, IL 60441
AA/EOE


Young Adult Librarian, The Plainfield Public Library District
Do you love working with teens? Are you enthusiastic and innovative about programming for YA’s? Looking for a position with growth potential in a fun and friendly library?
The Plainfield Public Library District is searching for you! This new full time position in our newest department offers you the chance to grow along with our library and community.
Responsibilities include the usual: collection development, programming, reference and reader’s advisory, helping young patrons with computers, etc. ALA/MLS preferred, but LTA with experience or MLS students would be considered. Some evening and weekend hours required.
Salary from $34,320 doq, negotiable. Generous benefits package, IMRF. Available immediately, open until filled.
Send a letter of application, resume, and names and phone numbers of three current references to:
Ceil Carey
Head of Outreach and Young Adult Services
705 N. Illinois Street
Plainfield, IL 60544

Reference and ILL News
No Reference News This Week

Youth Services and School Library News

Elizabeth Ellis To Present Her Personal Stories Workshop
Personal Stories Workshop Storyteller, Elizabeth Ellis will be presenting her Personal Stories workshop on Friday, September 1, 2006 at 1:00 p.m.
Location will be in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, possibly Elgin or Carol Stream.
Cost is $35 in advance, $40 at the door.
Make checks out to Elizabeth Ellis, and send them to:
Leanne Johnson
445 Mill Ridge Drive
Byron, IL 61010.
Checks must be postmarked by August 23 to receive the discount.
Questions? Give Leanne a call at 815/979-9196, or email her e at l.stories@leannetells.com

Infant and Toddler Lapsit Workshop
Parent University Coordinator, Barbara Terhall, has been conducting lapsit programs for years. Join her on Friday, Aug. 18th from 10:00-noon at the PALS Shorewood Service Center as she shares her formula for a successful library program for little ones from birth to age three.
Barbara will focus on pre-literacy activities, explain the different elements of a lapsit program, and model a complete theme-based session for us. Whether you’re new to infant and toddler programming or you’re just looking for some new ideas, this program is sure to inspire you!
The fee is $10.
There is a SASSY meeting in the afternoon, so please register for that separately if you plan to attend.
A pizza lunch will be provided for anyone who is interested with an approximate cost of $5.00 which will be collected that day.
If you have questions, please contact Jane Lenser, janel@palsnet.info or x 4461 or Norma Applegate, normaa@palsnet.info or x 2705.
Contact Jane if you'd like a ride from the Rockford area.

Public Library News

Dan Cain programs offered by Metropolitan Library System
Some of the folks who attended Dan's sessions at PALS have requested that we let them know when Dan presents in the future.
Please note that he will be at MLS Burr Ridge location. Friday, July 14, 2006 Coming Together: Working and Thriving With Your Library Board Saturday, July 15, 2006 Building A Better Board Team for 21st Century Survival TARGET AUDIENCE: - Library Trustees & Directors Please note Friday, July 14th is primarily for Library Directors. Saturday, July 15th, is primarily for Library Trustees. However, Trustees and Directors are welcome at both sessions if they want to attend.
To register go to http://www.mls.lib.il.us/calendar.

Academic Library News
No Academic Library News this week.

Special Library News
No Special Library News this week.

Support Staff News
No Support News this week.

Technology Services News
No Technology Services News This Week

New Books at PALS
No New Books at PALS this week.

Library News Around the State & Nation

Disaster Planning Workshops
Registration is now open for "It Could Happen to You: Disaster Planning for Libraries and Archives". This workshop deals with the importance of planning for emergency situations. Elements of a disaster plan and ways to update current plans are discussed. A staff member from the Northeast Document Conservation Center (http://www.nedcc.org/) will be leading this workshop. This one-day workshop will be held on:
July 10 at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb
July 12 at the Illinois State Library, Springfield
July 14 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
There is limited space available at the various locations and registration is available on a first-come, first-registered basis. Registration is required and will be open until July 5 or until the workshops are full. More information and the registration form for the workshop is available at: http://www.carli.illinois.edu/training/060710preservation/.

News from Vendors
No news this week.

Legislative/Advocacy News
No news this week.

Just So You Know
No Just So You Know this week.

Grant News

New Procedure for Federal Grants
Go to http://www.imls.gov/news/2006/051806.shtm to learn about the new procedure for federal grants. This includes IMLS grants and involves a registration procedure. It does not apply to LSTA grants administered by the Illinois State Library.

On the Internet
Our website picks of the week are supplied by Marylaine Block, Writer, Internet Trainer and "Librarian Without Walls," http://marylaine.com/.

NEAT NEW STUFF June 9, 2006

No Neat New this week

Prairie Views will be published weekly on Thursdays on the PALS website. PALS member libraries are encouraged to send items for inclusion to prairieviews@palsnet.info by Tuesday of the week you would like your information to appear.

We will send an email reminder each week when the new issue is available on the PALS website. If you do not currently receive email reminders, please send a message to prairieviews@palsnet.info to have your email address added to the reminder mailing list or visit http://mailman.palsnet.info/mailman/listinfo to subscribe or unsubscribe yourself.