Administration - 603-271-2392

The question has been asked about what precautions libraries should take with regard to the Swine Flu.For example, with books that havebeen returned to the libraryfrom households that have experienced Swine Flu. I have checked with the Swine Flu Public Inquiry Line 1-888 330 6764 to get information on this question. Swine Fluis transmitted by airborne contact, such as a sneeze or a cough. The person I spoke with said that it has been determined that the virus will remain active on surfaces for about two hours. This means that if books are returned you could quarantine them in a box or on a book truck for a day or two and be reasonably confidentthey will nottransmit the virus. You could be more proactive and wipe things that are returnedwithalcohol wipes. As Dr. Montero and Commissioner Toumpas both say below; common sense can go a long way to make this situation less dangerous, ask your staff to stay home if they are sick.

"We are proactively reaching out to all of our partners and the public to coordinate this response and keep everyone informed," said DHHS Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas. "At this point, we are encouraging everyone to take common sense preventive measures to avoid becoming sick with this or any other illness, and to prevent spreading it to others. These steps include: washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth with your sleeve when you cough or sneeze, and also critically important staying home from work or school if you are sick." "Since this is a new virus, there is no vaccine available at this time, which is why these preventive steps are so important," said Dr. José Montero, Director of Public Health at DHHS. "We understand that people may be concerned, but I want to emphasize that these precautionary measures will go a long way toward limiting disease, that there are antiviral medications available to treat anyone who may become ill, andthere has been no cases identified in New Hampshire so far. "Source: New Hampshire Health Department"

I hope this is helpful

Michael York, State Librarian
New Hampshire State Library
20 Park Street Concord, NH 03301
603 271 2397
Fax 603 271 6826
michael.york@dcr.nh.gov

Electronic and Government Information Services - 603-271-2143

The New Hampshire State Library offers a variety of computer-based workshops for public librarians and school media specialists. All of the classes are free to librarians. Classes offered include "Making the Most of iGoogle"; "Facebook for Librarians and Libraries"; "Technology Planning"; "Homework Survival Skills"; "Biography Resource Center"; "NH Legal Reference"; and others.

Online registration can be found at: www.nh.gov/nhsl/training/

Library Development Services - 603-271-2865 (Concord)

The state library awarded 55 Kids, Books and the Arts 2009 grants totaling approximately $18,000. These grants will be used by public libraries to help fund children's performances and workshops during the NH Summer Reading Program.

The NH Library Trustees Association has just announced their Spring workshops, including three New Trustee Orientation workshops and three others on Grant Writing and Fund Raising, Personnel Management, and Harassment in the Library.

Details and registration information can be found at www.nhlta.com/

HOWEVER, there was one typo made in the printed flyers coming out to all libraries & trustees. The Orientation at the Howe Library in Hanover is on THURSDAY 28 May 2009 not on Tuesday as stated in the flyer. Please call this to the attention of your Trustees.

Tom Ladd, NHSL Consultant & Library Education Coordinator is now located at

629 B Main Street
Lancaster, NH 03584
Phone number is 419-0086