You've seen it on the news: local, county and state agencies face money problems if the legislators don't pass a budget soon.
So what can you do about it? Call, write, or email your representatives. Ask them to put pressure on the budget committee to come up with a fair budget and to do it soon. Urge them to support level funding for public libraries, because more people than ever need the resources only a public library can provide.
And don't forget to thank your representative for supporting public libraries in the past!
Names and addresses are below if you need them, or contact the Reference Department at potref@iu29.org and we can help you identify the right person to contact.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Public Libraries Still Need Your Help!
The budget isn't done yet, so we still need you and your voice! A small committee is in the process of deciding the budget, and we need to get our message to that group.
Please write, call, or email your senator and representative. Thank them for supporting public libraries in the past and urge them to contact the budget negotiators. Ask them to urge the budget negotiators to make libraries a priority for level funding in the final budget deal.
Any cuts in library funding will result in libraries cutting down on hours, laying off staff, and reducing services you have come to depend on.
Please help us get the word to Harrisburg that we need level funding for public libraries to preserve services for those who need them the most.
Your voice is crucial to public libraries right now and can make a difference!
29th State Senatorial District -- The Honorable David Argall
Senate Box 203029
168 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3029
Phone: (717) 787-2637
Web: www.senatorargall.com/
123rd State House District -- The Honorable Neal P. Goodman
House of Representatives
G-07 K. Leroy Irvis Office Bldg
PO Box 202123
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2123
Phone: (717) 787-2798
Web: www.pahouse.com/goodman/
125th State House District -- The Honorable Tim Seip
Rm 115-B East Wing
PO Box 202125
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2125
Phone: (717) 772-5771
Web: www.pahouse.com/seip/
Please write, call, or email your senator and representative. Thank them for supporting public libraries in the past and urge them to contact the budget negotiators. Ask them to urge the budget negotiators to make libraries a priority for level funding in the final budget deal.
Any cuts in library funding will result in libraries cutting down on hours, laying off staff, and reducing services you have come to depend on.
Please help us get the word to Harrisburg that we need level funding for public libraries to preserve services for those who need them the most.
Your voice is crucial to public libraries right now and can make a difference!
29th State Senatorial District -- The Honorable David Argall
Senate Box 203029
168 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3029
Phone: (717) 787-2637
Web: www.senatorargall.com/
123rd State House District -- The Honorable Neal P. Goodman
House of Representatives
G-07 K. Leroy Irvis Office Bldg
PO Box 202123
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2123
Phone: (717) 787-2798
Web: www.pahouse.com/goodman/
125th State House District -- The Honorable Tim Seip
Rm 115-B East Wing
PO Box 202125
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2125
Phone: (717) 772-5771
Web: www.pahouse.com/seip/
Friday, August 7, 2009
What Kind of Computer Classes Should the Library Offer?
The computer classes at the Pottsville Free Public Library are very popular and usually have a waiting list. But we want to know: What kind of computer class would you like to see us offer?
We will continue to offer the basic course (which covers how to use a computer mouse and how to start a program), as well as the basic course about the Internet. But are there other areas you want to learn about?
Some ideas we had were how to use Facebook, how to share photos online, and other topics like that.
Have an opinion? Let us know! We just need your name, your telephone number (if we offer the class you suggest, we'll call you to let you know), and the kind of computer class you would like to take here at the library. All computer classes are free, but you do need to have a valid Pottsville Library card in order to attend.
We can't promise to offer everything that is suggested, but we can't offer the classes if we don't know you want them!
Call the library at 622-8880 or email us at potref@iu29.org to give us your opinion.
We will continue to offer the basic course (which covers how to use a computer mouse and how to start a program), as well as the basic course about the Internet. But are there other areas you want to learn about?
Some ideas we had were how to use Facebook, how to share photos online, and other topics like that.
Have an opinion? Let us know! We just need your name, your telephone number (if we offer the class you suggest, we'll call you to let you know), and the kind of computer class you would like to take here at the library. All computer classes are free, but you do need to have a valid Pottsville Library card in order to attend.
We can't promise to offer everything that is suggested, but we can't offer the classes if we don't know you want them!
Call the library at 622-8880 or email us at potref@iu29.org to give us your opinion.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Daily Republican, Schuylkill Roots, and the Molly Maguires
Here at the Pottsville Free Public Library we have a unique collection of local history and genealogy materials. Local newspapers, census records, city directories and annual mining reports are on microfilm, while family and county histories are on our Local History shelves.
Looking for Schuylkill County obituaries? We have the Pottsville Republican newspaper from October1884 to the present time, and we are creating an index for it. You can view what we have already accomplished by clicking right here or by going to our “Genealogy and Local History Materials” page and click on the link for 'Newspapers'. We also have some microfilm of the Shenandoah Evening Herald (May 1891 - 1980 with some gaps) and the Ashland Daily News (1926 - 1950).
Our collection of graveyard, church, and funeral home records compiled by Schuylkill Roots is probably the most used part of the collection. An inventory of what we have is found on our Schuylkill County genealogy and local history page. These books are published by Jean Dellock and Philip Rice. Jean is now with the Historical Society of Schuylkill County; you can visit the Society at their website.
We have a number of materials pertaining to the Molly Maguires, ranging from a VHS copy of the film staring Sean Connery to a scrapbook on microfilm, and an ample collection of fiction and non-fiction books.
Have any questions? Give us a call or send us an email to find out more.
Looking for Schuylkill County obituaries? We have the Pottsville Republican newspaper from October1884 to the present time, and we are creating an index for it. You can view what we have already accomplished by clicking right here or by going to our “Genealogy and Local History Materials” page and click on the link for 'Newspapers'. We also have some microfilm of the Shenandoah Evening Herald (May 1891 - 1980 with some gaps) and the Ashland Daily News (1926 - 1950).
Our collection of graveyard, church, and funeral home records compiled by Schuylkill Roots is probably the most used part of the collection. An inventory of what we have is found on our Schuylkill County genealogy and local history page. These books are published by Jean Dellock and Philip Rice. Jean is now with the Historical Society of Schuylkill County; you can visit the Society at their website.
We have a number of materials pertaining to the Molly Maguires, ranging from a VHS copy of the film staring Sean Connery to a scrapbook on microfilm, and an ample collection of fiction and non-fiction books.
Have any questions? Give us a call or send us an email to find out more.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Library is Rearranging!
Have you visited the Pottsville Library recently? We've been rearranging several collections, all to serve you better.
Current magazines have been moved from the front area of Reference into the side room that also contains our microfilm machines and collections. If you need help finding it, just ask at the Reference Desk and we'll help you out.
The shelves that used to hold the magazines now hold the entire VHS tape collection. We hope this will help people find the video tapes they are looking for, compared to before the shift when they were in three different places in the library.
The spinners that held the VHS tapes are being moved around some, and will hold more of the music CDs and the DVDs.
Upstairs on the second floor, the science fiction, paperback, large print, and books on audio tape collections are being shifted around. Hopefully, with all this shifting, there will be more room for the books on CD collection which continues to grow.
Of course, anytime you have problems finding something, please ask one of the library staff for help!
Current magazines have been moved from the front area of Reference into the side room that also contains our microfilm machines and collections. If you need help finding it, just ask at the Reference Desk and we'll help you out.
The shelves that used to hold the magazines now hold the entire VHS tape collection. We hope this will help people find the video tapes they are looking for, compared to before the shift when they were in three different places in the library.
The spinners that held the VHS tapes are being moved around some, and will hold more of the music CDs and the DVDs.
Upstairs on the second floor, the science fiction, paperback, large print, and books on audio tape collections are being shifted around. Hopefully, with all this shifting, there will be more room for the books on CD collection which continues to grow.
Of course, anytime you have problems finding something, please ask one of the library staff for help!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
State Budget Cuts Will Hurt Public Libraries
We need your help!
The Pennsylvania Senate has proposed a state budget for 2009-2010. Their budget cuts the state funding for public libraries by 50%. In Schuylkill County, that kind of cut would be devastating: many local libraries will have to cut their hours, all will have to reduce purchases of new books and other materials, and some libraries may even be forced to close. The funding for the POWER Library would be cut completely, meaning our students will not have access to vital homework tools. Other cuts would reduce our ability to borrow materials from other libraries in the state. All of these at a time when many families need to spend less and are depending on their local public libraries more!
The Governor’s proposed budget for 2009-2010 has smaller cuts, but any cuts right now will hurt Schuylkill County libraries. The House has presented their proposed budget, and it is similar to the Governor’s.
If all this isn’t bad enough, there is more: if the funding for public libraries is drastically cut at the state level as the Senate budget proposes, it will cost Pennsylvania millions of dollars in lost federal funds. It’s like a double whammy.
Please write to your state representative, your state senator, and Governor Rendell using the mailing or web addresses below and tell them about the importance of public libraries in your life. Tell them public libraries are needed by state residents already hurt by the layoffs and financial crises. Most importantly, ask them to support level funding for library services next year.
Your voice is crucial to public libraries right now and can make a difference!
The Honorable Edward Rendell
Governor of Pennsylvania
225 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Web: www.governor.state.pa.us
29th State Senatorial District --
The Honorable David Argall
Senate Box 203029
168 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3029
Web: www.senatorargall.com/
123rd State House District --
The Honorable Neal P. Goodman
House of Representatives
G-07 K. Leroy Irvis Office Bldg
PO Box 202123
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2123
Web: www.pahouse.com/goodman/
125th State House District --
The Honorable Tim Seip
Rm 115-B East Wing
PO Box 202125
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2125
Web: www.pahouse.com/seip/
The Pennsylvania Senate has proposed a state budget for 2009-2010. Their budget cuts the state funding for public libraries by 50%. In Schuylkill County, that kind of cut would be devastating: many local libraries will have to cut their hours, all will have to reduce purchases of new books and other materials, and some libraries may even be forced to close. The funding for the POWER Library would be cut completely, meaning our students will not have access to vital homework tools. Other cuts would reduce our ability to borrow materials from other libraries in the state. All of these at a time when many families need to spend less and are depending on their local public libraries more!
The Governor’s proposed budget for 2009-2010 has smaller cuts, but any cuts right now will hurt Schuylkill County libraries. The House has presented their proposed budget, and it is similar to the Governor’s.
If all this isn’t bad enough, there is more: if the funding for public libraries is drastically cut at the state level as the Senate budget proposes, it will cost Pennsylvania millions of dollars in lost federal funds. It’s like a double whammy.
Please write to your state representative, your state senator, and Governor Rendell using the mailing or web addresses below and tell them about the importance of public libraries in your life. Tell them public libraries are needed by state residents already hurt by the layoffs and financial crises. Most importantly, ask them to support level funding for library services next year.
Your voice is crucial to public libraries right now and can make a difference!
The Honorable Edward Rendell
Governor of Pennsylvania
225 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Web: www.governor.state.pa.us
29th State Senatorial District --
The Honorable David Argall
Senate Box 203029
168 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3029
Web: www.senatorargall.com/
123rd State House District --
The Honorable Neal P. Goodman
House of Representatives
G-07 K. Leroy Irvis Office Bldg
PO Box 202123
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2123
Web: www.pahouse.com/goodman/
125th State House District --
The Honorable Tim Seip
Rm 115-B East Wing
PO Box 202125
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2125
Web: www.pahouse.com/seip/
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wind Energy: Clean & Endlessly Renewable? Part One
The first windmill used in the United States for generating electricity was patented in 1888 by George F. Brush in Cleveland, Ohio. There was a boom in small-scale electrical generation using the wind from 1890 until the 1930s, when the Rural Electrification Administration developed large power grids and huge power generators, and put an end to small farm or home-sized power generation.
Today there ae two kinds of wind turbines: vertical axis (shaped like egg beaters) and horizontal axis (shaped like pinwheels). The vertical axis type can handle wind coming from any direction, while the pinwheel model needs to be adjusted for wind variations.
Most of us have seen the huge turbines on hills and think, "Great! Cheap, non-polluting, renewable energy!" But there are a number of problems surrounding the wind energy issue. Some of these include variations in the wind speed and direction, the noise of the turbines, the amount of land needed, and the turbines' affect on bird and bat populations.
Find out more about the history, issues, and ongoing research in wind energy by using some of the books at the Pottsville Free Public Library. Here are some of the most current:
Alternative Energy: Volume 3 (2006) - Ref 333.794 Al794
Cape Wind: Money, Celebrity, Class, Politics and the Battle for Our Energy Future on Nantucket Sound (2007) - 333.9 W676
Macmillan Encyclopedia of Energy (2001) - Ref 621.042 M228
U.S. National Debate Topic, 2008-2009: Alternative Energy (2008) - 333.794 U17
Wind Power: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm, and Business (2004) - 621.45 G44
Check back soon for Part Two and more resources on this topic!
Today there ae two kinds of wind turbines: vertical axis (shaped like egg beaters) and horizontal axis (shaped like pinwheels). The vertical axis type can handle wind coming from any direction, while the pinwheel model needs to be adjusted for wind variations.
Most of us have seen the huge turbines on hills and think, "Great! Cheap, non-polluting, renewable energy!" But there are a number of problems surrounding the wind energy issue. Some of these include variations in the wind speed and direction, the noise of the turbines, the amount of land needed, and the turbines' affect on bird and bat populations.
Find out more about the history, issues, and ongoing research in wind energy by using some of the books at the Pottsville Free Public Library. Here are some of the most current:
Alternative Energy: Volume 3 (2006) - Ref 333.794 Al794
Cape Wind: Money, Celebrity, Class, Politics and the Battle for Our Energy Future on Nantucket Sound (2007) - 333.9 W676
Macmillan Encyclopedia of Energy (2001) - Ref 621.042 M228
U.S. National Debate Topic, 2008-2009: Alternative Energy (2008) - 333.794 U17
Wind Power: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm, and Business (2004) - 621.45 G44
Check back soon for Part Two and more resources on this topic!
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