Administration - 603-271-2392

Cleanup of the flooded Book Bag collection is proceeding apace, with new boxes, hand-built racks, and inventory.

Some of the State Library public areas at 20 Park Street now have wireless access; patrons are welcome to use their own computers on the network.  We plan to publicize the new service to the public as soon as possible; librarians are encouraged to spread the word.

The State Library has signed a contract with OVERDRIVE to provide downloadable audio books to New Hampshire libraries. The digital content that will be available to patrons of libraries that become members of the consortium is currently being formed. Our goal at the State Library is to run this program very much like the statewide database program NHewLINK. Unlike the databases that are paid for by the State Library, the Audio book consortium is a financial partnership of the State Library and those libraries that want to provide this service.

The fee to join the consortium is $1,000 per year for libraries serving more that 10,000 and $500 for those serving fewer than 10,000. The set-up fees and the annual fees will be paid by the State Library. The individual library set-up costs from OVERDRIVE estimated to be $600 can be paid for with a grant that libraries may apply for to the State Library. All money collected from annual membership fees will be used to purchase content form OVERDRIVE. All public libraries are eligible to become members of the consortium. There are no penalties accessed for leaving the consortium and none of the fees paid will be refunded to the library if it chooses to with draw at any time.

Membership payments are currently being accepted from libraries that want to join the consortium. Any library wishing to join should send an e-mail to Michael York at myork@library.state.nh.us indicating interest. An e-mail will be sent with an invoice attached; return the invoice via regular USPS with a check per the instructions on the invoice and you will be on the membership list. If you have any question please contact Michael York at the State Library.

The New Hampshire State Library is offering conservation grants through the Conservation License Plate Program to non-profit or public institutions for the preservation and conservation of publicly owned cultural resources. Grants are awarded for activities that will enhance access to resources and safeguard rare or endangered treasures.

The New Hampshire General Court passed the Conservation License Plate or “Moose Plate” initiative in 1998 as a way to supplement existing state conservation and preservation programs with funding through voluntary public purchases of the plates. The Conservation License Plate supports the protection of critical resources in New Hampshire, from scenic lands to historic sites to wildlife. Revenues from the sale of the plate are distributed through five state agencies.

Janet Eklund, Administrator of Library Operations for the State Library said, “Since the program began in 2003, the State Library has received 63 applications totaling $351,998 and funded 34 awards totaling $162,316. It is very exciting to be a part of this process and to award these grants to all the very deserving communities and organizations making an important contribution to preserving New Hampshire’s treasures.”

Applications are due on August 31, 2006 and the Grants will be awarded in October 2006. For more information, please visit www.nh.gov/nhsl_new/services/librarians/moose or contact Janet Eklund at 603.271.2393 or at jeklund@library.state.nh.us.

Electronic and Government Information Services - 603-271-2143

Gates Staying Connected Technical Support Grant

The Gates Staying Connected Technical Support Grant, administered by the New Hampshire State Library, will assist in providing basic and advanced technical assistance and support for public library staff so that public access computing will be improved and new technology sustained.

The Grant will provide funds, up to $1,000, to support the following areas of technical support:

• Assistance in writing a three year technology plan
• Assistance in writing a financial plan to support public access computing or assistance in planning designing and implementing a network
• Assistance to contract with a vendor for on-call technical support or to contract with a vendor to implement a technology plan
• Assistance with configuring patron authentication for the NH Overdrive Audiobook program.

For information about the Grant and to get the Grant Application go to www.nh.gov/nhsl_new/services/librarians/gates/staying_connected.html

The Grant Application deadline is July 14, 2006

Library Development Services - 603-271-2865 (Concord) - 1-800-462-1726 (Lancaster)

The NH Public Library Annual Report FY05 will be closing within the next few weeks; last-minute submissions are most welcome. Public librarians who have not sent in their data online or on paper should get in touch with Sue Palmatier immediately, at 1-800-462-1726 or spalmatier@library.state.nh.us The rate of return is lower than in recent years. Interestingly, librarians who were most affected by the spring floods have been among the most conscientious about submitting their reports Many thanks to all who answered the survey early!

CLiF announces that it is taking applications for its Rural Library Program. Twelve libraries in Vermont and New Hampshire will be awarded sponsorships this August!

The Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing a love of reading and writing among children throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. In particular, CLiF’s programs target children in rural communities, and children who are at high risk of growing up functionally illiterate.

The local public library is the primary source of books for thousands of children who live in rural communities. Unfortunately, due to shrinking budgets and rising book costs, many of these libraries possess only limited collections of children's books, and what volumes they own are often falling apart from over-use or are out-of-date. Consequently, many children do not encounter the great books that would fire their imaginations and inspire them to become great readers.

In one of our most successful programs, CLiF provides sponsorships for the purchase of books for children up to age 12 for public libraries in towns with populations under 5,000. CLiF has already awarded more than 162 sponsorships for rural public libraries in New Hampshire and Vermont - about 50% of the eligible libraries! The deadline to apply for the fall round of the CLiF Library Sponsorship is August 1st.

How the CLiF Library Sponsorships Works

The sponsorship involves a 2-to-1 match of funds to purchase $900 of books (e.g., a library raises $300, and CLiF provides matching funds of $600). Because of our purchase discount, each sponsored library receives more than $1,300 worth of new children's books.

Libraries that are awarded a CLiF Sponsorship receive our CLiF Booklist that includes more than 700 books -- classics, Caldecott and Newbery award winners, recent titles, and a wide selection of books by local authors and illustrators. Once a librarian selects books from the list, CLiF takes care of all ordering and purchasing, and we travel to your town to make a special presentation to your town's children.

If you are interested in learning more about this sponsorship please visit us on the web at www.clifonline.org. Click on ‘Program’ and then “Rural Public Library.” The application form is also available on line in an easy-to-print PDF format. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to call us at 802-244-0944.

Nomination forms for the 2006 READS Award of Excellence are now available on the READS website www.nh.gov/nhla/reads.htm.

This annual award is presented to a library staff member who provides outstanding direct or indirect service to library users in the reference or adult services area. The award recipient will be recognized at the READS Annual Fall program and will receive a year’s paid membership to NHLA and READS.

The deadline for nominations is August 1st.. Visit www.nh.gov/nhla/READSaward.htm for nomination forms and more information.

Doesn’t someone you know deserve recognition?

Special Services - (Family Resource Connection) - 1-800-298-4321

The state library bid farewell to Alice Nye, head of the Family Resource Connection, on Friday, June 16, 2006. She is now happily enjoying retirement and we all wish her well.