Over the last month, you may have noticed workers pulling wires and climbing ladders in the Central library. They were installing new security systems for the library, which are part of the plans we have for ensuring that our library is safe for everyone's use and that our materials are not subject to theft. The library is paid for by -- and here for the use of -- all of the people of Pasadena. Anyone who steals from the library is stealing from each one of us in our community. I can assure you that when we catch anyone who steals from our community, we shall prosecute that person to the full extent of the law. Taking a book from the library without checking it out is stealing. It is also important to remind everyone to return materials on time. Others are waiting to check out the books or DVDs that you may have sitting on a table in your home.

Within the next two months, we will be making a change to the way some people enter and exit the Central library. The door in the Children's Room, which enters into the East side parking lot, will be changed to a fire exit only, with no entrance from the outside. This door was planned with a circulation desk to manage it. With our fewer staff numbers due to the economic downturn, we've shifted that desk staff position to our main floor, where it was needed more. This has led the door to be generally unattended. While it is still alarmed, we do not have sufficient staff to always monitor it. As a result, only the front main doors will be available for entrance and exit from the library. Those using the meeting room will still be able to use the East Entrance door for programs in the meeting room area. While the details of this change are being worked out, we hope that the slight inconvenience this may cause some of our patrons will be understood.

 
Perhaps you are not aware of the fact that the library is a service of the City. What makes the library tick is not only the staff of the library, who you know and see every day, but the scores of City employees provide unseen but much appreciated help to keep the library functioning. For example, the Human Resources Department and Purchasing Department provide our staffing and material purchasing needs, the Fire Marshal and the Police Department help ensure we are safe and sound, the Facilities Department keeps our buildings running, and most importantly, our top-notch IT Department (that is the computer department to us laymen) keep our entire computerized operating system running in top condition under some very difficult circumstances. We at the library extend our thanks to these and all the other employees of the City who makes this library possible.

Previously I talked about my favorite mystery author, Donna Leon. Today I would like to tell you of a book I found, while browsing in the stacks at our library. The book is entitled The Wolf in the Parlor: The Eternal Connection between Humans and Dogs by Jon Franklin. If you ever wondered what the relationship is between dogs and man, and why it is so different from other species, you should read this book. It was written by a newspaper science reporter who spent ten years trying to figure out how dogs became such an important part of man's life. He also learned, as one reviewer pointed out, the ancient law of nature, as he married and brought his new wife into his home: "Love me, love my dog." This is not a "Marley and Me" romance of a man's love for a particular dog, but more of a scientific detective story that starts over 12,000 years ago in the cave of our first ancestors. If you like dogs, I think you may like this book.

Finally, I have heard rumors over coffee in the bookstore that the Friends may be considering another book sale in the Fall. The last one was such a success that another bigger and better one seemed to be in order. I will keep you posted as I hear about the plans from our Friends of the Library group. Anyone is welcome to join the Friends. You can stop by the bookstore in the library and find out more, or just stop in for a cup of coffee and conversation... you never know who you might meet there.

Thomas C. Simiele

Library Director