Georgia Public Library Service news, Vol. 3, no. 4 (Feb. 2006)

A newsletter for friends and employees of Georgia's public libraries

volume 3, issue 4 I February 2006

Kelli Musselman/Office of the Governor

Gov. Sonny Perdue encourages a young Georgian to read.
Governor's budget for 2007 includes formula funding
On Jan. 11, Gov. Sonny
Perdue announced his FY07 budget proposal, which includes the full $900,000 requested by the Georgia Public Library Service to update the state grants formulas and remove funding inequalities for all public library systems throughout Georgia.
According to State Librarian Dr. Lamar Veatch, the $900,000 increase will support equalized library service to all citizens by removing the artificial cap on the number of state-paid positions that each library system receives through per capita funding formulas. With the increase in budget, 25 additional positions will be funded, allowing those library systems in growing areas of the state to adequately serve
See Budget, page 6

GPLS distributes additional grants

for library repairs and renovations

The Georgia Public Library Service
(GPLS) has announced the third group of recipients in its Major Repair and Renovation (MRR) Grant Program for fiscal year 2006. GPLS will allocate up to $612,147 in grants for repairs and renovations at six facilities across the state.

Following the presentation of a comprehensive report from a certified industrial hygienist, the library's board of trustees voted to shut down the facility and temporarily relocate it to a modular building in the parking lot until repairs could be made.

Libraries receiving funds in this phase of the program include the Hart County Library in Hartwell, the Margaret Jones Memorial Library in Sylvester, the Murrell Memorial (Dodge County) Library in Eastman, the Roddenbery Memorial Library in Cairo and the Broxton Public Library in Coffee County. The DeKalb County Public Library System will also receive up to $28,942 for catastrophic repairs at the Atlanta local access and transport area (LATA) hub site in Decatur.
The Hart County Library is the largest grant recipient. It will receive up to $450,000 for catastrophic repairs resulting from mold and structural damage.
Richard Sanders, director of the Hart County Library, said staff members discovered the problem late this past summer. "Several levels of tests were conducted by increasingly specialized agencies to determine exactly what sort of mold was growing and where," he said. "Fortunately, the mold was found to be a nontoxic variety that is growing primarily in the building's HVAC system."

The mold clean-up project may

include such measures as complete

removal and replacement of the

building's HVAC system, as well as

repairs to the library's roof and

foundation. "Roof leaks were cited

as being one of

the most likely

causes for the

growth of the

mold," Sanders

said, noting that

the citizens of

Hart County will

continue to have

Sanders

library services throughout the

repair and remediation efforts. "A

portion of each of the library's

collections has been, or is in the

process of being, relocated to the

modular building," he said.

Problems resulting from moisture, mold and mildew will also be corrected at the Margaret Jones Public Library.

"We are so relieved to receive this grant," said Lisa Rigsby, director of the DeSoto Trail Regional Library System. "For the past few
See Grants, page 4

David Baker

David Baker

David Baker

TOP LEFT: Wendy Weinberger, director of the Screven-Jenkins Regional Library System; Sen. Jack Hill (R-Reidsville); and Lois Roberts, director of the Statesboro Regional Library System. BOTTOM LEFT: David Singleton, deputy state librarian of Georgia; Rep. Bob Bryant (D-Garden City); Rep. Freddie Powell Sims (D-Albany); and Donna Milner, president-elect of the Georgia Library Media Association. RIGHT: Sen. Joseph Carter (R-Tifton); Jane Hendrix, director of Lake Blackshear Regional Library System; Sen. George Hooks (D-Americus); and Frances Messer, director of the Kinchafoonee Regional Library System.

Georgia Library Day with state Legislature a resounding success

Georgians who love libraries had the chance to voice
their support with their local legislators at the annual Georgia Library Day Jan. 24 in Atlanta.
More than 200 supporters and legislators from across the state attended the event, which is co-sponsored by the Georgia Library Association, the Georgia Library Media Association and the Georgia Association for Instructional Technology.

Johnson, former state librarian of South Carolina.
Johnson urged library advocates to "park your political feelings at the door." Library issues should
be nonpartisan, he explained, but by getting to know the issues of legislators and demonstrating how libraries can support those
issues, advocates stand a better chance of gaining the sympathetic ears of their elected officials.

Georgia Public Library Service sponsored the keynote speaker, Jim
At Georgia Library Day, the Georgia Council of Public Libraries distributed faux dollar bills promoting its "A Buck for Books" goal for the Legislature. If passed, such a measure would increase the current budget of 35 cents per capita for books to $1, adding approximately $5.6 million to the budget and garnering as many as 225,000 additional new books for Georgia's public libraries.
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Georgia Public Library Service News February 2006

Other speakers included Donna Milner, presidentelect of the Georgia Library Media Association; Merryll Penson, executive director, Library Services with the Office of Information and Instructional Technology for the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia; Ginny McCurdy, president of Friends of Georgia Libraries; Dr. Lamar Veatch, state librarian of Georgia; and Bob Fox, president of GLA. I

Swainsboro library works to preserve memories of Georgia veterans

The Franklin Memorial Library in Swainsboro, part of the two weeks since. The most rewarding aspect of the work,

Statesboro Regional Library System, is helping to preserve she said, "is getting to know the veterans and being able

an important and exciting part of world history and the

to learn their personal stories. I'm pleased and honored

memories of the Georgians who lived it.

that so many of the people I've interviewed have

expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to tell

As part of an ongoing project begun by the Emanuel their stories and to have their memories preserved."

County Historic Preservation Society (ECHPS), library staff

member Virginia "Ginger" Bolton is interviewing World

Michael Buxton, husband of the library's assistant

War II veterans about their wartime exploits. The results

manager, Ann Buxton, videotapes each interview. Dr.

Michael Buxton Collection of Franklin Memorial Library

are helping to

Bob Brown, a professor of math and

shed valuable

computer science at East Georgia

light on the

College, edits the master tapes and

social and

converts them to DVD. Copies are

political aspects

then made available for the public to

of the era, while

view at the library in both DVD and

adding to the

VHS formats. As part of the project,

rich collection of

the library staff is also collecting

historical

period photo-

documents

graphs showing

available at the

local veterans.

library.

These are also

available for

"This

viewing.

started as a local project for our library and preservation

Among several period photographs from Emanuel County is this one of Dr. Earl Dupree in the cockpit of a shipborne dive-bomber, the SBD Dauntless.

society," Bolton explained. It has grown to be something

much bigger, however, attracting significant interest and

Virginia Bolton (left) completed an interview with veteran Irene Gross on Jan. 19.

After her interviews, Bolton writes an article about each veteran for the local paper,

support from local citizens and from as far away as the

The Forest-Blade. Her well-received articles led the

Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Governor David Emanuel Chapter of the Daughters of

the American Revolution to support the project and to

Jack Atkinson, library manager, was serving as

provide videos, photographs and transcripts to the

president of ECHPS in the fall of 2004 when it received a Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.

grant to purchase video equipment for what was then a

somewhat nebulous project. When he discussed it with

To date, Bolton has completed 27 interviews that

the library staff and asked for help, Bolton said, "Every-

have included veterans from the European and Pacific

one looked and me and said, `Virginia, that's your job.'" theaters and from all major branches of service. Subjects

have included officers and enlisted veterans, males and

History buff Bolton conducted her first interview on

females, of current ages from the seventies to the

Jan. 30 last year and has averaged one interview every

nineties. She expects to complete a total of 50 to 60. I

National Library Week, Library Workers' Day scheduled for early April

Public libraries across Georgia will
observe National Library Week April 2 through 8. "This is the perfect time to visit your local library and see how it can help you change your world," said Dr. Lamar Veatch, state librarian. "Whether you're looking to make a small change in

your life or a big change in the world, Georgia's public libraries have the books, magazines, databases and free Internet access that can help you get it done."
As part of this annual event, National Library Workers' Day will be

held on April 4, highlighting the theme, "Libraries Work Because We Do." "We encourage our patrons and friends to come in on April 4 and acknowledge their favorite librarians for the valuable contributions they've made to their communities during the past year," Veatch said. I

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February 2006 Georgia Public Library Service News

Grants

Continued from page 1 years, the bottom floor of our library has been flooding when it rains. At one time, it was a beautiful meeting room, but because of the flooding, we've had to have the tile floor removed. Mold and mildew cover the interior and exterior walls. This grant will allow us to complete the renovations necessary to stop the flooding and to repair the damage."
Part of the Ocmulgee Regional Library System (ORLS), the Murrell Memorial (Dodge County) Library will receive up to $33,783 for a new roof. "Our library's roof is almost 25 years old and badly needs replacing," said Stephen Whigham, acting director of ORLS. With this grant and the continuing support of our county commissioners, city manager and city council, our facility can continue to offer a clean and comfortable environment for our patrons."
The Roddenbery Memorial Library (RML) will receive two separate grants. It will receive up to

$7,803 for structural repairs and an additional grant of up to $9,388 for new shingle and flat roofing to complete a project that the library began last year. "With these state grants, we now have the funds to complete the replacement of the library's roof and completely solve the emergency situation we found ourselves in last fall," said Alan Kaye, director of RML. "We really have been concerned about the roof areas that we could not afford to replace last year, when we didn't have this significant assistance. Now we will finish the job.
"It will be a great feeling to know that the tremendous investment we have in library materials and equipment will soon be protected from the leaks that have plagued this building for a number of years," Kaye added. RML will also use the funding to replace its annex roof and rotting window frames.
The Broxton Public Library, part of the Satilla Regional Library System

Hall genealogists "Sit Up With the Dead"

(SRLS), will receive up to $3,300, also for a new roof. "Instead of new library materials or information about upcoming programs, a leakprotecting trash can and plasticcovered shelving welcomed our users this past year," said Jacqueline Vickers, interim administrator for SRLS.
"Thanks to this grant and matching funds from the City of Broxton, a new roof will provide both immediate and long-term benefits for the community, preventing the destruction of our library materials and extending our building's life."
The MRR was a legislative initiative late in the General Assembly's budget session this past year. It provides $2 million in state appropriations to match local funds earmarked for major renovations and repairs needed by the state's public libraries. The special budget appropriations received bipartisan support from both Senate and House, along with full support from Gov. Sonny Perdue.

This January, on Friday the 13th,
Hall County genealogists had the opportunity to fulfill their dreams by "Sitting Up With the Dead" at the Gainesville branch library. At 5:00 p.m., the library closed to the public, but the local history collection remained open until midnight for genealogists to research family and local history in the library's extensive collection. Library staff and volunteers remained at work during the evening to help.
"This event was not for beginners or the faint of heart!" said Lisa MacKinney, assistant director of Community and Human Resources for the Hall County Library System. "Our own Ronda Sanders

Lisa MacKinney

Gainesville branch staff members Jeannie Crawford and Michael Fouch touch up the display used to promote the library's "Sitting Up With the Dead" event.
set up an intriguing display that helped draw attention to and promote the event, which is one of the most successful ever hosted by our library system." I

MRR grants will pay up to 90 percent of approved costs associated with major repairs and renovations of existing library facilities that are closed due to catastrophic events. Grants will also pay 50 percent of approved costs associated with roof and structural repairs of existing facilities. Funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis and will be based on actual repair costs.
In the first and second phases of the program, a total of $1,245,099 was allocated to fund repair projects at 17 public libraries in Georgia. The current grants bring the total allocations to $1,857,247. GPLS will allocate the remaining $142,753 at a later date. I

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Georgia Public Library Service News February 2006

Georgia libraries selected for reading program expansion

The Louisiana Endowment for the
Humanities, in cooperation with the American Library Association Public Programs Office, has selected four libraries in two public library systems in Georgia to participate in the national expansion of its awardwinning family reading and discussion program, PRIME TIME FAMILY READING TIME.
Based on illustrated children's books, PRIME TIME is designed to help low-income, low-literate families bond around the act of reading and talking about books. It models and encourages family reading and discussion of humanities topics and aids parents and children in selecting books and becoming active public library users.
The Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) will direct the partnership with Georgia's participating libraries. These include the Three Rivers Regional Library System's Wayne County Library in Jesup along with three branches of the Chattahoochee Valley Regional Library System: the W. C. Bradley Memorial Library in Columbus, the South Columbus Branch and the North Columbus Branch.
"This is wonderful news for these libraries," said David Singleton, deputy state librarian. "I believe this grant can really make a difference to children in these areas."
Bobbie Morgan, director of Children's Services for GPLS, agrees. "I have seen children who do not want to read at the beginning of the program become avid readers by the time it ends," she said. "PRIME TIME also promotes closer family ties as parents and children learn new ways to communicate and discover what

each one thinks about a variety of character-building topics."
Libraries will receive grant funding and support materials to present the PRIME TIME series once a week for six weeks. The Jesup program is scheduled to begin March 9, with meetings held at 6:30 p.m. Chattahoochee Valley programs will begin in late summer.
Through a discussion leader and a storyteller, children ages 6 to 10

years and their parents or guardians will hear classic children's stories, engage in reading aloud demonstrations, discuss humanities themes in each book and learn about library resources and services. Younger siblings, ages 3 to 5 years, will participate in separate pre-reading activities.
National expansion of PRIME TIME is made possible through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. I

Libraries to offer American Heart Month info

During American Heart Month in
February, more than 200 of Georgia's public libraries will join the American Heart Association's (AHA) effort to educate the public about the risk factors, signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke.
"We are so excited that so many of Georgia's library systems are interested in getting involved," said Laura Bracci, director of the AHA's Georgia Health Alliance.
During American Heart Month, citizens in almost three dozen Georgia counties can visit their local libraries for information on ways to control high blood pressure and how to incorporate exercise into their lives. Information will also be available on the warning signs of heart disease and stroke -- and the actions that need to be taken in an emergency. Also available will be brochures filled with easy food tips and information on healthy eating.

In addition to distributing printed information, Bracci said, many of Georgia's libraries will also host programs in which trained volunteers will speak about heart disease and stroke.
The following county and regional library systems will be participating in American Heart Month: Athens, Bartow County, Bartram Trail, Brooks County, Chattahoochee Valley, Cherokee, Clayton County, Coastal Plain, Cobb County, ConyersRockdale, DeKalb
County, DeSoto Trail, Elbert County, Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County, Henry County, Houston County, Jefferson County, Kinchafoonee, Middle Georgia, Moultrie-Colquitt County, Mountain, Newton County, Northeast Georgia, Piedmont, Pine Mountain, Roddenbery Memorial, Sara Hightower, Satilla, ScrevenJenkins, Sequoyah, Southwest Georgia, Statesboro, Troup-HarrisCoweta and Uncle Remus. I

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February 2006 Georgia Public Library Service News

NEWS IN BRIEF



Susan Cooley

Rome's Callie Martin, a library volunteer for more than 17 years, has been selected to receive a 2006 Heart of the Community Award of Honor. She will be honored Feb. 11 at the 20th annual "An Affair of the Heart." The annual awards are sponsored by Redmond Regional Medical Center and produced by the Heart of the Community Board of Governors.
Affectionately known as "Miss Callie," Martin was nominated by the staff of the Rome-Floyd County Library.
"She has made a huge difference in what the Rome community is today," said Susan Cooley, director
Susan Carlson, collection development coordinator, congratulates "Miss Callie" Martin on her Heart of the Community Award.

of the Sara Hightower Regional Library System. "Even in her 80s, Mrs. Martin is amazing. She volunteers somewhere every day. Her kindness, her love of people and willingness to help people and organizations, no matter the situation, makes her a perfect candidate for this award."
John McPhearson has been appointed Catoosa County Librarian. He previously served as headquarters librarian of the Dalton-Whitfield County Library for the Northwest Georgia Regional Library System (NGRL). McPhearson replaces Rita Linker, who also served as an assistant director for the NGRL. Linker and Ann Mayne, who served as Youth Services librarian for the system, have retired.
Pamela Bagby is the new county librarian for the Kinchafoonee Regional Library System's Randolph County Library in Cuthbert.
The Chattahoochee Valley Regional Library System is one of five library systems chosen to be part of a study by Public Agenda, a nonprofit organization dedicated to unbiased public opinion research. The study was funded by the Gates Foundation to gather information that will aid library advocacy. Ana

South Georgia librarian picked for "Leadership Lanier"
Paula Bennett, manager of the Miller Lakeland Library in Lakeland, was selected to participate in this year's "Leadership Lanier," a program sponsored by the Lakeland-Lanier County Chamber of Commerce that spotlights young community leaders.

On Dec. 10, Bennett and her fellow honorees toured Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, where Miller had the opportunity to "fly" a plane in a T-6 fullmotion advanced flight simulator. "It turns out I'm a great flyer," Bennett said afterward, "but I can't land. I crashed four times!" I

Bennett takes a seat in the cockpit.

Maria Arumi, director of research for Public Agenda, interviewed library patrons from the five rural public libraries in the system and community leaders.
On Jan. 20, the PINES network surpassed 1.5 million patrons. PINES is Georgia's public library automation and lending network for 252 libraries in 123 counties.
The Georgia Center for the Book has chosen Trouble No More as the "Book All Georgians Should Read" in 2006. The author, Tony Grooms, is writer-in-residence at Kennesaw State University. I
Budget
Continued from page 1 the increased populations in their respective service areas.
In addition, the governor announced a $227 million bond package for Georgia's Board of Regents, which includes more than $6.65 million to assist with the construction of four critical new library construction projects throughout the state.
Projects included in the proposal are the West Georgia Regional Library System's Ephesus Public Library in Heard County ($652,095), a new headquarters building for the East Central Georgia Regional Library in Augusta ($2 million), the Forsyth County Public Library System's Post Road Branch in Cumming ($2 million) and the Gwinnett County Public Library System's Hamilton Mill Branch in Dacula ($2 million). I

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Georgia Public Library Service News February 2006

Hurricane provides new beginning for Dade County library employee

I am a displaced victim of Hurricane Katrina. Yet, somehow I don't feel like I'm displaced. Nor do I feel like I am a victim.
I am one of the many evacuees that somehow received blessings from this disaster. It may be hard to believe, but I feel I'm at a better place in my life than I was before the storm. Katrina, in addition to hurting lives and destroying property, also handed out new beginnings. Some of us who evacuated ahead of the storm are now finding ourselves better off than before. At first I felt guilty to be happy. But as time goes on, and those of us who aren't "going back" get situated, there is a noticeable air of gratitude emerging. I am grateful for what I have been shown: the kindness of the many people who have helped me, the opportunities that have presented themselves, and a chance to grow in my faith.
When I left my home just one day before the storm hit, I had no idea I would never see it, my cats, my friends, my town or anything I owned ever again. I packed a very small bag, a few important documents and some jewelry and loaded up my station wagon. As I drove due north on Highway 59, I became part of an eerie mass exodus. All roads were leading out, and they were full. I had a strange feeling that this was "it" -- the "big one" that could never happen to us. I could feel adrenalin in my veins.
Our sights were set on Cloudland Canyon State Park, located on top of Lookout Mountain in north Georgia. It sounded like a lovely place to wait out Katrina. There were eight of us: me, my mother, my boyfriend, his sister, her boyfriend, their two little girls and one dog. We rented a cabin for a couple of days while we waited to go home. But we were wrong there would be no home left to return to.

Debra Bradford

they couldn't afford to go anywhere, and I cried for the animals left to fend for themselves. Mostly, I cried for the beautiful city of New Orleans, which I had grown to love and appreciate.
After a few days, the reality of what had happened there began to sink in, and I got scared. What were we going to do? We were homeless. This is when I began to experience some of the blessings Katrina brought for me.
The state park where we were renting extended our stay in the cabin for a couple more days, free of charge. People brought us clothes and food and blankets. They enlisted others, and we received more necessities -- even money. With each delivery of much-needed supplies, I cried again and again, but this time the tears were tears of joy. It was beautiful and very comforting to receive all of this help and support. It was hard to be sad.
What happened next was nothing short of miraculous. A man came to the park searching for a family in need of a place to stay. He and his wife owned a home on the mountain and had an empty guest cottage. They invited us to stay there until we could figure out what to do next.

Once we were settled in, word got out we were there. More people stopped by, donating food, clothes, toiletries, more money and even toys for the little girls. Even though I had lost everything, I felt richer than I ever had.
I wondered what had become of my friends and the rest of my family, but there was no way to find out. Communications were shut down. I wanted to see things that weren't on the news. Hungry for information, I discovered the Dade County Public Library, a branch of the Cherokee Regional Library System. To me, the library was like a life jacket tossed upon stormy waters. When I arrived, I signed on to a computer and, through the Internet, was able to find valuable information. I was also allowed to check out books, which were a great comfort to me.
As for the librarians, they became my first friends away from home. They were always helpful and sympathetic as I browsed the Web in horror and disbelief. They comforted me just by being open and friendly every day I visited. I was quickly realizing that I wasn't going to go back home.
Eventually, the librarians here encouraged me to apply for a parttime position as a library assistant. I couldn't believe it a job at the library! I remain very excited about my job. I have always loved libraries. I have a degree in fine arts and have taught art classes to children. In my mind, this all goes together nicely.
It's been five months since Katrina, and I am the only one of the original group of eight that has remained. Besides having a job I love, I have rented a home, and I have a new puppy to help ease the heartache of losing my two cats. I attend a local church, and I have made some wonderful new friends.

As the news rolled in from the Gulf, we stayed glued to the television and cried at what we saw. I cried for those who couldn't make it out, because

Nelson at work in the Dade County library

I have chosen to be grateful for what Katrina gave me rather than to dwell on what she took away.
-- Julie Nelson

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February 2006 Georgia Public Library Service News

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE
PAID ATLANTA, GA PERMIT NO. 213

CONTACT US
Georgia Public Library Service 1800 Century Place, Suite 150 Atlanta, GA 30345-4304 404.982.3560 404.982.3563 fax www.georgialibraries.org
Lamar Veatch, state librarian
David Baker, editor
Georgia Public Library Service News (ISSN 1546-511X) is published quarterly by the Georgia Public Library Service, the state agency that supports public libraries and works with them to improve the quality and variety of library services available to Georgia citizens of all ages.
This publication is supported in whole or in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provision of the Library Services and Technology Act.
Information presented in this newsletter will be provided in alternative formats on request. For more information about Georgia's libraries and literary events, or to post an event, visit our online calendar at www.georgialibraries.org

Herb Cawthorne/Camera 1

President Carter visits Columbus library
On Nov. 29, former President
Jimmy Carter visited the Columbus Public Library to promote his newest book, Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis. More than 900 people filled the rotunda, auditorium and meeting rooms, waiting for the opportunity to meet the former president. During the 90-minute visit, patrons had the opportunity to meet and take photos of the president and ask him to sign copies of his book(s).

From left: Nicholas Macaluso (grandson of branch manager Matilda Smith), Roshani Trivedi and Dustin Hugle join President Jimmy Carter for a photo session at the Columbus Public Library.

Before the event, Mr. Carter posed with three local children for a photo that will be used to create a poster to promote reading throughout the Chattahoochee Valley Regional Library System. I

1800 Century Place, Suite 150 Atlanta, GA 30345-4304 www.georgialibraries.org
A Unit of the University System of Georgia