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Winter 2011/2012 The Library Messenger Newsletter Now Available!
The winter 2011/2012 PDF edition of the newsletter for the Library is available for the public off of the Library’s website. Go to the library’s website and click on the “About the Library” link and then click the “Newsletter” link in the drop down menu and then click the “Winter 2011/2012” newsletter link. Paper copies of the winter newsletter will be mailed out to all residential addresses in North Aurora the week of November 14th by the North Aurora Post Office. Enjoy your Library this winter !
Pending Legislation Could Impact Library Funding.
Call, Write, or Fax your Local Illinois State Representative:
Hello, Library users and supports.
The Illinois Library Association (ILA) is reporting that House Bill 3793 and Senate Bill 2073 could dramatically reduce revenues to local governments in tax capped counties and that House Bill 3793 has been scheduled for a hearing in the Illinois House Revenue Committee on Tuesday, October 25th. Rep. Jack Franks (D-63, Woodstock) has filed legislation as a new bill (HB 3793), and as an amendment to Senate Bill 2073 currently in the Illinois House of Representatives that could dramatically reduce revenues to local governments in tax capped counties.
Under current law, a tax capped local government is limited to only increase the aggregate tax extension by the lesser of 5% or the rate of inflation. Rep. Franks' proposal would set the limitation at 0% if the equalized assessed valuation within the taxing district has declined. There would be no increase even for inflation.
The result would be a net decline in revenues compared to inflation. A decline in equalized assessed valuation bears no relationship to the services that need to be rendered or the population served. Indeed, libraries have seen increased demand in these tough economic times and should not be subjected to a net reduction in revenue.
House Bill 3793 has been scheduled for a hearing in the Illinois House Revenue Committee on Tuesday, October 25th.
Please immediately reach out to your local State Representatives and ask them to vote NO on House Bill 3793 or any other bill that contains a similar proposal.
Visit the ILA information on CapWiz for more information and to take action: http://capwiz.com/ala/il/issues/alert/?alertid=55097516&type=ST&show_alert=1
Source: Illinois Library Association
G. Kevin Davis, Library Administrator
Messenger Public Library of North Aurora
Libraries Can't Run Themselves !
Libraries Can't Run Themselves !
Hello library users and supporters.
Here is a link to an article of interest regarding the value of librarians as well as a "spot-on" commentary regarding budget cuts for Libraries in general and more specifically within the State of California.
Some of this can be applied to local situations especially within the State of Illinois regarding funding issues for Library Systems, the delivery of library patron materials, and the real possibly of future pressure by local officials to decrease library levies and revenue for local libraries in Illinois.
After all we are more than just a building within a community.
Click on the link below to view the article from the LA Times.
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California must value librarians; libraries can't run themselves
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Librarians are more than book finders, shelf arrangers, computer technicians and shush-ers. In a society overwhelmed by data, they are the gatekeepers and organizers of high-quality information.
By Regina Powers
October 26 2011
Visit latimes.com at http://www.latimes.com
California paid for my master's degree in library and information science. While I am grateful to have had the grant and the opportunity to go back to school, I wish now that I had instead trained to be an electrician, a plumber or an auto mechanic. California does not value librarians.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-powers-librarians-20111026,0,3265383.story
G. Kevin Davis,
Library Administrator
Messenger Public Library
“We inform, connect and enrich the community of North Aurora Illinois!”
Library Administration and Board Transparency
If you ever have questions regarding the Library's budget or need to review the most current audit report for the Library you are only a click away to accessing this information. The Library Board and I want to keep Library Patrons informed about how your tax money is being spent. If you click on the tab on our web site titled "About the Library" and then click "About the Board" and scroll down to three links: Long Range Plan, Budget, and Audit you can have access to all pertinent information regarding the Library's financial operations.
Libraries are not made; they grow - Augustine Birrell
“Libraries are not made; they grow” – Augustine Birrell. I have a paperweight on my desk that contains this quote by an English politician and academic. I look at it every day and I find that this statement has been especially true for the Messenger Public Library. The library staff experienced the busiest summer on record. The gate count increased 35% from a year ago during the month of June alone. The Library Board appreciates the continued support and use of the Library. The Library also continues to grow via the donation of funds and volunteers. The Library Board approved the installation of a hand rail along the sidewalk leading to facilitate visitor’s access to the building. Funds for this project were donated by the Messenger Public Library Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. The Friends Group temporarily disbanded this past summer and has been reformulated as a volunteer group to continue to assist with the annual and ongoing used book sale and special projects. The Friends donated over $10,000 within the past five years toward the support of library programs and services under the leadership of outgoing President Jen Enstrom. The North Aurora Garden Club continues to keep the inside and the outside of our library looking fantastic with potted plants near our front entrance and in the porches. The Garden Club also donated $500 for gardening books for our book collection. The North Aurora Mothers Club donated $2,200. This donation will be used to purchase a new rug for the Youth Services play area and to support Youth Services programs during the 2012 fiscal year. The library also continues to grow young minds as the school year begins this fall. I want to remind all parents, grandparents, and caregivers to visit the library and look to us as a homework resource this coming school year. Remember we are available 24/7 via the library’s website. The Board and staff look forward to another fall season. – G. Kevin Davis, Library Administrator
