Summer is in full force - we're in the middle of a heat wave with no relief in sight. Just about everything seems to slow down during the summer...with libraries being a notable exception. As the youth services librarians around our state experience the annual deluge that is the Summer Reading Program, it is becoming apparent that summer reading isn't just for kids anymore - adults want to win prizes, too! Somehow we doubt that the adult version of summer reading features the fantastic magicians, musicians, and storytellers that the kids enjoy.

As much as summer is a carefree time, we are looking forward to the fall and tackling new challenges that will help RILA be the voice of librarians around the state. And we need you. Please consider joining one of RILA's committees. We have lots to choose from: 

• Budget and Finance
• Conference
• Intellectual Freedom
• Legislative Action
• Membership
• Nominating
• Publications
• Public Relations
• Communications

You can find our contact information here. We look forward to seeing you! We hope you will enjoy reading this issue - if you're not too busy partaking of summer's charms. 

Andria Tieman and Corrie MacDonald

Conference Committee Co-Chairs

Thank you to all the attendees and sponsors whose presence made this year's "RI Libraries: Enriching Individuals, Strengthening Communities" conference a true success.  Your support is what helps us deliver on RILA's mission as the state's ALA chapter and allows us to present timely programming related to 21st century library issues. 

President Eileen Dyer was monkeying around on safari in South Africa during the conference, so I presided over the Annual Business Meeting on day one of the conference.  Let me take this opportunity to recap this year's Business Meeting remarks.

As the official state chapter of the ALA, RILA is your professional and advocacy association.  We are here to serve our members and bring member ideas, concerns, and issues to the table.  We represent all types of libraries and the library community at large. 

RILA accomplishes a lot on a shoestring.  We are an all-volunteer organization, and we're always on lookout for new, enthusiastic committee members who have a passion for advocacy, public relations, intellectual freedom, member recruitment, collaborative projects, and much more.  There is a place for you and your talents at RILA.  While these "positions" don't rate very highly on the pay scale, we guarantee that the sense of accomplishment and community you will feel is priceless.   RILA needs you!

RILA's 2011-2012 season was very productive, including these initiatives:

• Money Smart Week programming
• Workforce Development resources (OLIS & RI Department of Labor collaboration)
• Student ALA/SLA events
• Local & national Legislative Day advocacy

President Dyer and I would like to extend sincere thanks to the RILA's Executive Board, committee co-chairs, and committee members for their time and energy during this action oriented year.  Everyone involved deserves a pat on the back for remaining committed to the cause.  Thanks in particular is due to the Conference Committee and their co-chairs, Karen McGrath and Laura Kohl.  This team has mastered theart of conference planning and organized another outstanding event for our members.  Kudos!

RILA looks forward to another busy year.  Stay tuned for more exciting news in the coming months!

 

Kieran Ayon has been appointed Emerging Technologies Librarian at Rhode Island College. He is a 2008 graduate of Simmons College GSLIS and will be greatly missed by his former colleagues at the Cranston Public Library.

The Warwick Public Library has had many staff changes in the past few months! Sharon Fredette retired as the Manager of Public Services in June after 25 years of service. She has held a variety of positions at WPL through the years, most recently as Technology Coordinator before ascending to Manager of Public Services this past fall. Jayne Lear and Jessica D'Avanza have been appointed reference librarians. Jayne also works as a children's librarian at the Foster Public Library, and Jessica is a recent library school graduate. Andrea Hutnak is working as a children's librarian.  Andrea has worked at at the Pawtucket and Lincoln Public Libraries in the past. Liz Gotauco has been appointed as a teen librarian. Good luck to everyone in their new ventures. 

Library Renovation 
Stop by the RIHS Library at 121 Hope St. in Providence to see the results of the first phase of building renovations. A new slate roof is now in place, and the masonry has been repaired and cleaned for a brighter looking façade. Subsequent phases will replace the Library's windows and aging HVAC system to improve the building's energy efficiency and the collections storage environment. The work is funded by generous grants from The Champlin Foundations and a Save America's Treasures grant from the National Park Service.

The National Medal for Museum and Library Service honors outstanding institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.

The National Medal celebrates libraries and museums that make a difference for individuals, families and communities. Apply by October 15, 2012. Anyone, including the staff and board of the museum or library, may submit the nomination.

Sue Dunn may have retired from the Warwick Public Library last fall, but she couldn't resist a trip to the Seattle Public Library while visiting the city recently. She writes, "I stopped at the library which was within walking distance of our hotel....the building was immense - 11 floors! I talked with one of the staff on the upper level where the computers were located.  There was a ready reference desk there for quick questions.  The reference collection was divided among the subject specialities on the upper floors...I did not have time to investigate since it was 7:30 and the library closed at 8. I did visit the teen and children's areas.  Like most large urban libraries there was no parking in the area. The library system has a slew of branches." 

The computer lab.

Now that's a view.