The program is an integral part of the provision of library service to Floridians. It supports interlibrary loan of materials among libraries across the state, administers the Ask-A-Librarian reference service, and provides critically needed training for library staff.  The Library Cooperative Grants are necessary for the cooperatives’ operation and without this or replacement funding, the cooperatives will go away.

The Library Cooperatives also help libraries participate in Interlibrary Loan in a variety of ways.  They help libraries maintain their records in a national database so their books can be discovered by those needing them and requested.  Some manage subscriptions for record loading and Interlibrary Loan, and they all provide training for library staff. In short, Cooperatives play an important role in the provision of library services to Floridians.  If they are not around, another way will have to be found to provide the services.  Library Cooperatives can’t survive long without state funding.

Make your voice heard! Click here to download a sample letter expressing your opposition to Governor Scott’s veto. Feel free to personalize the letter explaining how much these valuable services mean to you and your family.

[Florida Times-Union]

Yesterday, the library marked National Library Workers Day and National Library Week with the presentation of a City Council resolution recognizing the library’s contributions to the community. Council members Doyle Carter, John Crescimbeni and Jim Love presented a framed resolution to Jim Selzer, chairman of the board of library trustees.

[jaxdailyrecord.com]

Your message will make a difference! Please take just a few minutes to send a quick message to them from your state library association’s take action page: http://capwiz.com/ala/fl

Libraries continue to be busier than ever helping families, students, seniors, etc., during these tough times. But as we know, public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries are still struggling to maintain budgets, staff, and resources to serve the needs of their communities. Your state government provides much needed funding for libraries to provide public access to the Internet to everyone, critical databases for individuals and small businesses, homework help, and much more.

Contest Details
All participants in the video entries must complete the image release form. The contest entrant must be either a Duval County resident or library card holder. Entries will be accepted April 9 through May 9, 2012. Judging will be based on script, performance, creativity and the use of the library’s slogan, “Start Here. Go Anywhere.” Limit video length to 30 seconds maximum. The video must be family-friendly. Winners will be contacted by May 22, 2012. See entry form/image release form for full contest rules and details.

Did You Know?

• Jacksonville Public Library customers saved more than $112 million last year by checking out library materials instead of buying them.
• More than 165,000 area children and teens attended library programs last year – nearly the entire youth population of Duval County.
• In Fiscal Year 2011, more than 7,500 individuals received job training and placement services through WORKSource at the library.

For more facts about JPL’s impact on the community, check out our Value Sheet.

City Council Resolution
City Councilmen John Crescimbeni and Doyle Carter will recognize National Library Week with a presentation of a City Council resolution to the Jacksonville Public Library for the many contributions it makes to the betterment of our community. Everyone is invited to attend.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 10 – Noon                            
WHERE: Main Library, Zimmerman Overlook – 303 Laura St. N. – 32202

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/editorials/2012-03-25/story/great-library-or-just-mediocre-one#ixzz1qE23BHv4

The Florida Times-Union ran an editorial recently outlining the issue:  http://jacksonville.com/opinion/editorials/2012-03-07/story/jacksonville-public-library-looks-answers-future#ixzz1oS7fnscz

Community Works is inviting the public to join the study.  Meetings are every Friday through June 1 at 11:30 a.m. at JCCI.

To sign up to attend the upcoming Check It Out study meetings, call JCCI at 396-3052 or register for a meeting online!

Ways to Advocate the Jacksonville Public Library:

• Contact senators and representatives who serve Duval County in the Florida Legislature and urge them to support the future of the Jacksonville Public Library. Click here to locate their contact information.

• Contact your City Council representative by visiting the My Neighborhood search on the City of Jacksonville website and entering your address to locate specific contact information for your council member.

• Visit myfloridahouse.gov, click “Find Your Representative,” and enter your address to locate contact information for your Florida elected officials. Let them know what we mean to you and your family.

• Share this information with your friends and family and encourage them support the JPL. Read more about additional ways to support us here.

If you’re not convinced that the Jacksonville Public Library is an indispensable community resource, take a moment to read the stories of people just like you who rely on their library. From children’s programs and educational resources to adult literacy, assistance for job seekers, and special needs services, we are much more than just books–we’re a vital community hub that people depend on.

This isn’t any ordinary drawing contest. The esteemed winner of our Teen Drawing Contest gets a solo show at the Main Library during March Art Walk, along with a $30 Reddi Arts gift certificate. Entries from will be displayed in the gallery during February Art Walk.