A newsletter for friends and employees of Georgia's public libraries volume 4, issue 4 I February 2007 Staff The New York Times Nancy Tillinghast (center) accepts her award from Diane McNulty (left), executive director of Community Affairs for the New York Times, and Alyse Myers, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for the New York Times Media Group. New York Times honors Georgian with 2006 Librarian of Year Award It didn't matter that there was no red carpet leading from the curb into the New York Times Building; Nancy Tillinghast would have been floating above it. Tillinghast, director of the Thomas County Public Library System in Thomasville, was in New York on Dec. 13 to collect the library world's equivalent of the OscarTM, a 2006 New York Times Librarian of the Year Award. "The ceremony was just wonderful," said Tillinghast. "The people there were so enthusiastic and excited about libraries, about our profession and about what we are doing for our communities." Leslie Burger, president of the American Library Association; Gail Collins, editorial page editor for The Times; and Francine Fialkoff, editor-in-chief of Library Journal, were among the notables on hand to congratulate Tillinghast and the other winners on their accomplishments. "It was interesting to see and meet the gamut of people," Tillinghast said. "I was so proud to be there with them. You just wanted to stand back and say, `Wow!'" Now in its sixth year, the program honors librarians from around See Tillinghast, page 7 Small library has big impact on Sapelo Island At 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 9, at the Meridian Dock and Landing near Darien, a boatload of library-loving mainlanders boarded the Sapelo Queen for a 30-minute journey through pristine Georgia marshland. Their destination was a tiny community on the southern tip of Sapelo Island, where the Three Rivers Regional Library System (TRRLS) was gearing up for the formal dedication of its Hog Hammock Public Library. Housed in a blue, two-room building that formerly served as the island's school, the library may be one of the smallest in the country, but its impact on residents will be huge. Until the library opened, students had to travel to and even stay overnight with relatives in Darien in order to complete the needed research for school projects. Because the new library is a member of PINES (Public Information Network for Electronic Services), however, it will not only make available its own collection, but will bring access to more than 8.5 million items See Sapelo, page 4 With two rooms, the new Hog Hammock facility is one of the smallest public libraries in Georgia. JAWS helps those with low vision chart depths of Internet Cue your inner cellist and remember the most famous opening notes in the history of film music: JAWS is arriving at Georgia's public libraries. This JAWS, however, is not predatory; it's practical. Short for "Job Access With Synthesizer," JAWS is a powerful software that reads information on computer screens using synthesized speech. By enlarging electronic text and providing audible translations, it enables people with low vision to access the computer and Internet. use programs, edit documents and read Web pages, and it allows library patrons to tailor the program to meet their individual needs and preferences. The Georgia Public Library Service's license will permit up to 50 simultaneous users on public library computers statewide. According to Stella Cone, director of GLASS, no specialized equipment is needed. "All anyone needs to use JAWS in their public library is a pair of headphones, a password and log-on information." "It makes me independent," said Vanessa Meadows, a library assistant and readers' adviser at the Georgia Library for Accessible Services (GLASS) in Atlanta. "If it was not for JAWS, I wouldn't be able to use a computer at all, because I can't see the small type. I wouldn't be able to do my work without it -- this program is my eyes. Without it, I might not have a job." JAWS makes it easier for visually impaired people to Many people who will benefit from the software are already familiar with it, Cone said. "It's the industry standard. People with low vision who go through training at the Center for Visual Impairment, vocational rehabilitation and schools are taught JAWS, so most potential users already know how it operates. Many libraries have offered JAWS classes, and now all public libraries will be able to offer it on their public access computers." Staff "Our users have been waiting for this service," said Claudya Muller, director of the Chattahoochee Valley Regional Library, which includes the Columbus Library for Accessible Services. "We will be very pleased to offer it throughout our system." All of Georgia's 58 public library systems will receive the JAWS software by February and can begin offering it to their patrons immediately. "Libraries will receive all the information they need to help them get people started," Cone explained. "If users have any questions that their local librarians can't answer, they will be referred to GLASS, and we'll help them with navigation troubleshooting questions." Vanessa Meadows demonstrates how easy it will be for library patrons with low vision to use JAWS. In Atlanta, questions about JAWS can be directed to 404-756-4619. Outside the Atlanta area codes, patrons may call GLASS toll-free at 1-800-248-6701. I Easy home access to GALILEO databases now available through PINES With the new Evergreen-based PINES catalog, GALILEO's wealth of databases is more easily accessible from home computers. GALILEO, an acronym for Georgia Library Learning Online, is an initiative of the University System of Georgia and serves as the state's virtual library. Users may access more than 100 databases indexing thousands of periodicals and scholarly journals. GALILEO also provides more than 2,000 journal titles in full text. Other resources on GALILEO include encyclopedias, business directories and government publications. Previously, access to GALILEO from public libraries and library users' homes required passwords, including one provided by local library staff. Now, all that is required is your PINES library card number or username and your own password. Access the PINES catalog and GALILEO at http://gapines.org. Click on "My Account," enter your info, then click on the GALILEO link. I 2 Georgia Public Library Service News February 2007 Coastal Plain system commemorates golden anniversary Staff With most of them still well-fed and glowing from their home-cooked Thanksgiving meals, the Coastal Plain Regional Library (CPRL) offered patrons an additional holiday splurge, as it celebrated 50 years of service to Berrien, Cook, Irwin, Tift and Turner counties at a community reception. The event took place at the CPRL headquarters facility Nov. 28. "Eunice Mixon, chair of the anniversary committee, and Dr. Jo N. Griffith, chair of our regional board, were responsible for the planning and preparation for the event -- and for all the great food," said Carrie Dr. Jo N. Griffith; Teresa Cole, director of the Dougherty County Public Library; Eunice Mixon and Carrie Zeiger enjoy the Coastal Plain anniversary event. Zeiger, director of CPRL. "It was wonderful." "The authors had great fun talking with each other, too," Zeiger Carter (R-Tifton) and the generosity of Wal-Mart, Zeiger said, the library Ray Jordan, superintendent of said. "Lots of people commented moved out of its 97-year-old building schools for Turner County and a about how much they enjoyed listen- this summer and into a former store, member of the library board, served ing to the authors talk with each where it is conducting business as as master of ceremonies. Local other about the craft of writing." usual for approximately 18 months. authors representing each of the counties served by CPRL attended, Another hot topic at the event "The process of finding a signed books and gave informal talks was the progress being made across building that was big enough, empty about writing. Among them were town at the larger Tifton-Tift County enough and cheap enough to house Annabel Alderman, Sally Bennett, Public Library, which has a comfort- nearly 100,000 volumes was a Jana Cone, Vincent Keesee, Jim able -- if temporary -- new home, challenge," Zeiger said. "But Senator Lever, Peggy Mercer, Nancy thanks to a local "angel" and an Carter, a library friend and former O'Quinn, Sheila Rice, Nancy international corporation. Through board member, was able to contact Stevenson and Bill Wells. the hard work of Sen. Joseph the right people on our behalf, and he made a good case for us to use Georgia HomePLACE unveils digital historic films the empty Wal-Mart as the library's home away from home." The Digital Library of Georgia has unveiled its first online video streaming project, Beauty in Stone: The Industrial Films of the Georgia Marble Company. "Although the two films were originally intended as promotional pieces, today that County Library of the Sequoyah Regional Library System, the Marble Valley Historical Society, the Georgia Archives, and the Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection. Several innovative aspects of the new project will likely Virtually all of the library's services are available at the "library at the old Wal-Mart," as it is becoming known, Zeiger said, including all materials, public-access computers and most programming. historical footage provides valuable insight into how marble was quarried, processed and used during the mid-20th century," said Ed Johnson, director of Georgia HomePLACE. find use in other future online video projects, Johnson said. This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Georgia Public Library Service under This move will make the renovation work on the library's home -- part of which includes an historic 1913 post office -- a safer, faster and more efficient project. "We'll be conducting asbestos abatement The digitization project is a the provisions of the Library Services work," she said, "and adding nearly collaborative effort of the Pickens and Technology Act. I 2,000 square feet of space." I 3 February 2007 Georgia Public Library Service News Staff Sapelo Continued from page 1 owned by the other 251 PINES libraries. The 60-plus permanent residents of Hog Hammock, as well as the state workers who live on Sapelo Island part time, are elated. The Hog Hammock library began about six years ago, with a small collection of donated books in a small room in a multipurpose public building. But through the efforts of island residents and visitors, it has grown impressively during those six years, resulting in the move to the larger facility and membership in the Enjoying the Hog Hammock festivities are (from left): Lace Keaton, deputy director of Live Oak Public Libraries; island resident "Miss Winnie" Wilson; library manager Michele Johnson; author and island resident Cornelia Walker Bailey; Jane Hildebrand, affiliate coordinator for TRRLS; and Benjamin Hall, board chair. state's public library system. Joe Novelist and journalist Tina toured guests around the facility and Shinnick, director of TRRLS, noted McElroy Ansa was the featured detailed the history of the town and that the library is already issuing speaker at the dedication. She its residents' six-year effort to make PINES cards and has fulfilled a praised the efforts of the town's the library a reality. "This shows you number of requests in the PINES residents and donated a number of what a determined group of people system for books that no other books to the library's collection. can accomplish," she said. "A lot of library in the state could provide. Prior to the ceremony, residents the people who are here today went landscaped the grounds with to school in this building." "The determination of the pansies, baked cookies and prepared people on this island is amazing," steaming pots of Russian tea to Among those participating in Shinnick said. "They have given so welcome guests and residents who the ribbon-cutting ceremony was the much time and effort to start this braved the cold weather to attend. Rev. Dr. Carolyn Dowse, retired library, grow it and keep it going. It executive director of the Sapelo means a lot to them to be part of Shinnick and Lee Moon, Island Conservation and Revitaliza- the state system, and it means a lot manager of the Brunswick-Glynn tion Society. Dowse lauded everyone to us at Three Rivers to have them County Public Library, assisted who played a part in making the with us. They're going to get a lot of Michele Johnson, manager and library a reality. Among those she visitors now to go with those day-to- member of the Hog Hammock Public cited were Jim Darby, the retired day patrons." Library board of trustees, as she director of TRRLS; Shinnick; Darien librarian Doris Cohrs and her Library enables soldier's family to see film he inspired The staff of the Dalton-Whitfield "We learned that several husband, Don, who built many of the Hog Hammock library shelves; and Susan Roberts, director of Library recently joined the husband- members of Juan's family were now library grants, research and planning and-wife team of film director Miles living in Dalton," said Merritt. "We for GPLS, who was instrumental in Merritt and executive producer and contacted the local newspaper and helping the library become part of editor Gail Kempler to enable the asked if they could help us find the the state public library system. family of Juan Lopez, a fallen family so that we could share our Dalton soldier, to see the film that film with them.The newspaper Attendees demonstrated their was inspired by his life. The library located Juan's brother Enrique, his support for the Hog Hammock held a private screening of Una sister, Araceli, his godson and library by purchasing book bags Causa Noble, or A Noble Cause, for several other family members. decorated with its logo of a proud the siblings and other family Apparently, they had read about our Geechee woman holding a rice members of Lopez, who was one of short film on the Internet and had fanner basket. The logo was created four Marines killed in an ambush also been trying to locate us! It was by Jim Denk, a designer with The west of Baghdad in June 2004. quite an emotional evening." I Charlotte (N.C.) Observer. I 4 Georgia Public Library Service News February 2007 Staff St. Simons library unveils new facility The staff and patrons of the St. Simons Public Library have many reasons to celebrate. On Jan. 14, the library held a grand reopening event to mark its return from temporary facilities into its newly renovated home. On March 16, the library will observe its 70th anniversary. "We have 1,200 extra square feet of space -- and much more to offer -- in the renovated building," said Libby Hogan, chair of the library's board of directors. "But we still have the same ready-to-serve atmosphere as always." Although the St. Simons Public Library is housed in an historic casino, the board recently chose not to gamble with its future as a standalone facility. In July 2006, two-thirds of the way through an 18-month renovation that began a year earlier, St. Simons joined the Three Rivers Public Library System (TRRLS) and PINES (Public Information Network for Electronic Services), bringing its patrons access to more than 8.5 million items owned by other PINES member libraries. "The affiliation will be great for the library," said Joe Shinnick, director of TRRLS, "because it will no longer have to be all things to all people. Having St. Simons as a part of TRRLS will also mean a lot to the people of Glynn County, because they will have a second public library here. They are a very active and dedicated group of people, and we are delighted to have them as full members of our family." Joe Shinnick welcomes 97-year-old Dorothy "Dot" Gilbert, a long-standing patron of both the old and new St. Simons libraries. "All of Georgia's millions of library users will be enriched by the inclusion of this very special library," said Lamar Veatch, state librarian. "The strength of our state's public library system lies in the unique qualities that hundreds of individual libraries offer to citizens throughout this state. Our system will be stronger than ever with St. Simons a part of it." According to manager Maureen Hersey, the library currently has Staff Staff Top: House majority leader Rep. Jerry Keen (RSt. Simons Island) and library board chair Libby Hogan. Above: Shinnick and Maureen Hersey, manager of the St. Simons library. approximately 35,000 volumes, and its staff is working hard to get them all catalogued into the PINES system by summer. The library is located in a highvisibility area at the northern end of Neptune Park. Sharing the building with the St. Simons Island Visitors Center, it sits in the shadow of the 104-foot St. Simons Island Lighthouse, one of the most recognizable landmarks on Georgia's coast. I Tucker library to display latest donation from namesake supporter's family Tucker civic leader Reid Cofer was donated a painting to the library at a works in Atlanta. It will hang on a a faithful supporter of the library ceremony on Feb. 1. wall across from the library's that bears his name until his death in circulation desk. "We are honored 1968, and members of his family The artwork, which depicts that Mrs. Cofer chose our library for continue to support the Tucker-Reid replicas of U.S. presidential portraits, this stunning painting, " said Branch H. Cofer Library nearly 40 years later. is by internationally known master Manager Kim Hill of the DeKalb Cofer's daughter-in-law, Neta, Ho-eun Chung, who lives and County Public Library. I 5 February 2007 Georgia Public Library Service News NEWS IN BRIEF The South Georgia Regional Library and the Thomas County Regional Library System have joined PINES, the Public Information Network for Electronic Services. PINES will bring access to more than 8.5 million items owned by other PINES member libraries to patrons of the 12 public libraries in Echols, Lanier, Lowndes and Thomas counties, while opening their respective collections to PINES cardholders across Georgia. The Gwinnett County Public Library board of directors has appointed Nancy Stanbery- Kellam director of the 14-branch system, based in Lawrenceville. Stanbery-Kellam She has been employed with the system for 15 years and has served as its interim director since June. Charlotte DeLoach is the new manager of the Evans County Library, part of the Statesboro Regional Library System. She has worked at the library for 10 years and replaces Nancy Odom. Manager for the previous 17 years, Odom retired in November. The Piedmont Regional Library System broke ground in late November for a new branch library in Auburn. Mayor Harold Mooney and Rep. Terry England (R-Auburn) joined interim Director Anna Hoover and incoming Director Alan Harkness in welcoming citizens to the event. Paul Brown, president of the local Friends of the Library, said the organization hopes to raise $100,000 to help fill the branch's shelves by the time construction is completed in late 2007. The Athens-Clarke County Library is one of 80 libraries featured in Heart of the Community: The Libraries We Love. The book, edited by Karen Christensen and David Levinson, spotlights libraries across the country that have distinguished themselves through their programs, services and community activities. Through its Friends group, the Brooks County Library in Quitman has received a $200,000 bequest from the estate of a local benefactor. "We are absolutely delighted that the estate of Robert Warde Chambers is donating this money for our community," said Library Director Laura Harrison. "We will use it to improve our collection of large-print materials, children's Accelerated Reader titles, adult fiction and nonfiction, and possibly for more public-access computers." Deputy State Librarian David Singleton was keynote speaker at the Georgia Library Association's Midwinter Conference Dec. 1 at Clayton State University in Morrow. I Lisa MacKinney Hall County breaks ground for new Spout Springs branch By all accounts, the Hall County Library System's groundbreaking ceremony for its new Spout Springs branch library on Dec. 12 was a huge success. Approximately 100 people from throughout the community attended the event. Master of ceremonies and Hall County Commission Chair Tom Oliver greeted guests and recognized dignitaries prior to Library Director Adrian Mixson thanking the library board, Hall County Commission and the local legislative delegation for their contributions to making the branch a reality. Following his concluding remarks, Rep. James Mills (RGainesville) and his church donated a Bible to the new facility -- the library's first official book donation. Rep. Mills also presented an oversized check representing state funding to the commission and library system. The state money supplements $4 million in local SPLOST allocations for the facility, which will open in 2008. I Participating in the groundbreaking ceremony are (from left): Theresa Anderson, building committee chair and library board member; Adrian Mixson, library director; Steve Roe of developer Newland Communities; Tom Oliver, Hall County Commission chairman; Diane Hirling, mayor of Flowery Branch; Rep. James Mills; Billy Powell, Hall County commissioner; Cynthia Rucker, library board vice chair; Sen. Lee Hawkins (RGainesville); Deborah Lynn, Hall County commissioner; Bernice Cox, library board chair; Ruth Bruner, library board and Gainesville City Council member; Tracy Vardeman, board and building committee member; Wayne Colston, board and building committee member; and board members J.C. Smith, Judy Mecum and Valerie Noble. 6 Georgia Public Library Service News February 2007 Staff Tillinghast Continued from page 1 the country who have provided outstanding public service and have had a strong and positive impact on their communities. This year's winners represented 17 states, and this is the second year in a row that Georgia has produced a winner. Tillinghast follows in the footsteps of 2005 winner Scott Routsong, a children's services librarian at the Brunswick-Glynn County Library. "We are very happy for this opportunity to celebrate librarians from across the country," said Alyse Myers, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for The New York Times Media Group, sponsor of the awards. "All librarians fill a vital role in our society they are the people who bring together communities in the pursuit of knowledge. They remind us that education and civic engagement are critical components of a thriving democracy. We applaud this year's winners and the work they do every day." Winners received $2,500 from The Times and a commemorative plaque. Plaques were also sent to each library where the winners work. Nominations from the general public were submitted from June through September, with more than 1,300 nominations from 45 states. Tillinghast was nominated for the award by Liz Crockett, director of the Thomasville Community Resource Center. In her nomination letter, Crockett wrote: "Not only is Nancy out among the stacks every day fostering readership, she also organized a workshop to help nonprofits use the library's Foundation Center, improving their ability to secure grants for vital public services. She extended access through branches in rural settings and helped establish a children's library at an after-school center." "Jennifer Pauly (assistant director of Community Affairs and Media Relations for The Times) left a message on my answering machine, telling me I had won the award," Tillinghast explained. "I had to play it several times to make sure that it was true. But it really is not my award; it honors our library and Thomas County. Our community may be modest in size, but it strongly supports the library. In fact, we have the largest circulation per capita of any library in the state." The Thomas County Public Library board of directors held a celebratory brunch for Tillinghast and the entire library staff on Dec. 7. All were congratulated and thanked by a number of board members and community leaders, including Rep. Mike Keown (R-Coolidge) and Rep. Ellis Black (D-Valdosta). After the trip to New York, Crockett presented Tillinghast with a scrapbook highlighting the entire experience. "As working librarians, we often don't get a lot of recognition," Tillinghast said. "We just do our jobs and try to give our best efforts to our communities. This experience seems like a dream. I was there in New York, but I still ask myself if it was all real. I'm speechless, and that's something my staff has never seen before." "We are very proud that Georgia librarians received these awards in both 2005 and 2006," said David Singleton, deputy state librarian. "Following Scott's acknowledgment in 2005, this recognition for Nancy is also well-deserved; her strong, innovative and communityfocused library services are models for Georgia and for public libraries across the United States." I Georgia Library Day attendees will receive commemorative replica hard hats. Library Day with Legislature Feb. 13 On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the Georgia Library Association, the Georgia Association for Instructional Technology, the Georgia Library Media Association and GPLS will sponsor Georgia Library Day with the state Legislature. This year's theme is "Libraries Build Communities." Among the day's highlights will be remarks from a number of guests, currently scheduled to include Sen. Jack Hill (D-Reidsville) and Rep. Bill Hembree (R-Winston). Attendees can also expect to hear about the latest issues facing the Georgia library community from other speakers and organizations. Included this year will also be a visit to the Georgia State Capitol and a box lunch with legislators. According to State Librarian Dr. Lamar Veatch, the event "will provide a great opportunity for friends and supporters of public libraries to tune up their advocacy skills and speak directly with legislators about the need for their continued support of the state's public libraries." Registration and schedule information is now available at gla.georgialibraries.org. I 7 February 2007 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 404.235.7200 404.235.7201 fax www.georgialibraries.org Lamar Veatch, state librarian David Baker, editor Georgia Public Library Service News (ISSN 1546-511X) is published bimonthly 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 made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Georgia Public Library Service under the provisions 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 Cathy Hope Civil rights leader shares love for books, kids Xernona Clayton, civil rights icon, author and founder of the CNN Trumpet Awards, visited the East Atlanta Library during "Readers Are Leaders," a National Children's Book Week program for elementary and middle school students sponsored by the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System on Nov. 14. Xernona Clayton shared her love for books and showed her love for children at the East Atlanta Library. The first Southern African-American female to host a daily prime-time talk show, Clayton is currently a member of the board of directors for The King Center. "Ms. Clayton shared many poignant stories of the time she spent working with Dr. Martin Luther King and as a close friend of Coretta Scott King," said Children's Librarian Cathy Hope. "After her talk, she went around the room and kissed every child. I have never seen anyone do that. It was very touching and was just wonderful to watch." I 1800 Century Place, Suite 150 Atlanta, GA 30345-4304 A Unit of the University System of Georgia