2008 Mayor's Recognition Awards for Excellence in the Arts

The City of Santa Fe is Accepting Nominations for the
2008 Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts

Santa Fe is the City of arts—every possible type and shape of art and of all ages. I know one of Mayor Coss’ favorite official duties is to present the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts—for adults, organizations, and youth. Think about those whom you know have done outstanding work for the arts and submit a nomination by June 30.

The Arts Commission’s press release gives more details:
The City of Santa is seeking nominations of individuals or organizations which deserve an award for their outstanding work in the arts through the 2008 Mayor’s Recognition Awards for Excellence in the Arts. This award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant, ongoing or legacy contributions to the success of the arts in Santa Fe.
Nominations of youth artists (aged 21 and under) who have demonstrated artistic excellence and achievement with a deep commitment to the arts are also considered for the Melissa Engestrom Youth Artist Award. The public is invited to submit nominations of outstanding young individuals who deserve special recognition even though they are not yet well-established in their careers.

A nomination form can be obtained through http://www.santafeartscommission.org/ or by contacting the Arts Commission office at 955-6707 or artscommission@santafenm.gov
The deadline for submitting nominations is Thursday, June 30, 2008. Current Commission members and recipients of the Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts within the last five years are ineligible. Please note that there is no need to submit multiple nominations for one person or organization. One thorough nomination will ensure consideration by the selection committee.

For more information about the 2008 Mayor’s Recognition Awards for Excellence in the Arts, nomination forms, or to see a list of past recipients, go to: http://www.santafenm.gov/index.asp?nid=816 or contact Julie Bystrom at the Arts Commission via telephone at 955-6707 or via email at artscommission@santafenm.gov.

Happy Bloomsday!

On June 16th each year, readers, scholars and fans of James Joyce's Ulysses celebrate, dramatize and try to understand the meanderings of one Leopold Bloom. For those of us who, ahem, have had this 700+ page tome on their reading list for ages, it's also the day when we crack it open, get to about page 9, take a break with an "easier" book, only to forget about even trying until the next June 16th.

Why is June 16th such a significant day to Joycean scholars and readers? Ulysses, regarded by many as a turning point in modern literature, takes place entirely on June 16th, 1904, in Dublin, Ireland. Based on the Homeric epic The Odyssey, Ulysses is a classic of the stream-of-consciousness style of fiction.

In the absence of street theater and pub crawls to celebrate Joyce's work, why not crack open the celebrated text? Perhaps this year, we'll get past page 9.

City Council Unanimous In Support of WiFi Access

The City of Santa Fe’s City Council unanimously approved WiFi internet access in most City buildings at a Council meeting held June 11. Its implementation was held up for two years by a small group of area residents who cited an “allergy” to the technology and gave anecdotal evidence of adverse effects. The group focused on the three Santa Fe libraries, seeking to make them City refuges from the technology.

Earlier this month, the libraries had released information from a review of the libraries, that the Main library building already had a level of WiFi access; it came from surrounding homes, businesses and hotels. Both branches have also detected wireless sources. What the libraries sought was a stable source of WiFi for patron and staff use. Patricia Hodapp, director of libraries noted, “ Libraries believe in service. The Santa Fe Public Library plans to set up workshops on computer use for students, seniors and job seekers. With a wireless network and laptops, this can be achieved.”

In the last fiscal year, 763,000 people visited the three branches and just under 124,000 used the library’s 46 free internet computers. “By providing WiFi internet access to those who own laptops, we can free up our hard-wired computers for the thousands of people who need them,” Hodapp stated.

Hodapp said she was proud of the Council members for reviewing scientific studies and studying the issue fully. “They had the vision to move forward for the city of Santa Fe. We believe in service in libraries, and this will provide more service to the residents of the City.”

To WiFi or Not to WiFi

“It's not 1692, it's 2008. Santa Fe needs to embrace this technology, it's not going away," Santa Fe City Councilor Ron Trujillo says, noting that the area is already saturated with the wireless signals.

City Council will be voting on WiFi access in City buildings at their Wednesday, June 11 Council Meeting. This is not a public hearing, the Public Works Committee and Council have already held public hearings on the subject to hear from the community. The City and the Santa Fe Public Library and Board have come under attack for suggesting WiFi is a technology to provide service for Santa Fe. However, the Library Board, appointed by the Mayor who represent the community, and the Friends of the Library Board have both endorsed adding WiFi to the technology toolbox the libraries should have available to them.

WiFi opponents often use personal, anecdotal stories which have not been backed up by scientific studies to cite health issues. Library staff and the City’s ITT committee which reviewed wireless issues, pro and con, came to the studied decision that WiFi is not a health issue. Many who vocally oppose wireless cite studies on cell phones and cell towers; this is not the same technology. The FCC, World Health Organization and other international health agencies have not found the scientific backing to state that WiFi is a health issue.

Why do libraries support WiFi? The American Library Association reported that 73.1 percent of US public libraries offer wireless to their patrons. For most people, libraries were the only place free internet was available—that is true in Santa Fe. But our current access is only through hard-wired computers.

It has been published recently in the SF New Mexican that adding Wi-Fi in libraries would not provide additional access to the library’s hard-wired computers. That is just not true. The Santa Fe Public Libraries have 46 hard-wired computers to serve the City and County population of 142,000 people. In addition, the Libraries receive approximately 150 requests a month for WiFi. In old buildings, which are short on space, putting in more computers is a challenge. The libraries are at capacity for hard-wired computers. Plus there is no budget for the wiring and additional computers. The logical solution is to add WiFi so that those owning laptops will not take up time on the hard-wired computers. Over 123,000 patrons sign-up for computers annually. The libraries turn away patrons—students, families and business people-- every day as all computers are in use.

It is a moot point whether to add wireless or not, as the Santa Fe Public libraries already have wireless access which comes in from surrounding offices, homes, businesses and coffee shops. WiFi is in the Santa Fe Public Schools, businesses, offices, City Hall, coffee shops and most of the emergency vehicles in the City, including fire trucks and EMT services. The request by those opposing WiFi to make the libraries a “refuge” is not possible; WiFi is already here.

What the libraries are seeking is a stable source for WiFi to help students, job seekers and businesses. With a stable source of WiFi, library staff can offer workshops for seniors, students and those seeking to create resumes. It is a fact, the libraries do not have enough computers. Libraries can’t afford to turn away those seeking a way to get help in this difficult economy.

To add WiFi is not trendy nor short-sighted; it is a creative solution to provide service to the Santa Fe community.

How Do You Say "Red or Green" in Korean?

빨강 또는 녹색 !*

Recently, I met three students from South Korea near the Main Library who were on a trip of a lifetime—from Vancouver to Santa Fe to Chicago, New York and Montreal, before returning to their engineer studies in Seoul. They kept telling me, “We are taking Route 66!” That old TV show from the 60’s really has captured youth around the world, and as my son would have said, “Road trip!”

Stepping into my help-the-tourist mode, I answered their barrage of questions about Santa Fe. They were looking for authentic New Mexican food, so I recommended The Shed. I quizzed them about what they might like to eat and found out they had not a clue about enchiladas or tamales or burritos, let alone chips and salsa. I explained the food and made sure they knew, if asked the official New Mexico question, "Red or Green?", to answer, "Christmas!" To that they gave me a thumbs-up and laughed. They would be so “in” at the restaurant!

I was curious when they asked me where they could find gumbo and they explained to me that their Korean guide to Santa Fe listed it as a good food to try here. So much for guidebooks. As I left work that night, there was a parking place right across the street from The Shed. So I slipped in and there were the three students sampling chips and salsa and excitedly talking about their taste. I found their waiter and arranged to purchase their appetizers for them and left my business card.

The next day I received a call that there were three Asian students here in the Library to see me. What fun! They were astonished that I had purchased their appetizers and I told them I just wanted them to have a great time on their trip. They did a thumbs-up and said “Christmas was great!” They took the accompanying photo for their scrapbook of America.

As they left, I gave them some advice. Drive carefully and do not talk to strangers. At that, Edwin burst out laughing and said, “But you were a stranger!” My humor did translate. They wished me “great days” as they left. And truly meeting Edwin, Jaehoon and Jeongho gave me a great day.

Pictured from left:
Edwin, Jaehoon, PCH and Jeongho

*Pronounced: Bb(Pp)ahl-gahn tto-nŭn Choh-rohk

Written by PCH at Main.

D-Day

Today is D-Day, known to generations as the day the Allies invaded France in WWII. Two of the landing points on the beaches of Normandy were given the most American of names, Utah and Omaha, forever linking them in the minds of the world to this momentous day.

I asked my brother who served in WWII where he was on D-Day. He replied, “We heard the news while we were in the Coliseum after having just liberated Rome.”
The cheers from the troops echoed where gladiators and been cheered before. “It was quite a journey for a teenage farm boy from Michigan,” he quietly shared.

There are not many veterans left from WWII, but New Mexico played a key role in both the European and Pacific fronts. Join me in thanking a veteran today. Ask him where he was on D-Day.

by PCH

It's heating up!

School is out and the weather is heating up! If you’re looking for a place to escape the heat and spend some quality time with the kids, look no further than your neighborhood library.

This little lady at Southside enjoyed the Disney Story Book; we like to think we have something for everyone. And while you’re here, don’t forget to pick up a copy of our Summer Reading event schedule.

We’re right on the bus line and all events and activities at the Library are free!


Written by LW, photo by LW

Hear the River

The Southside Library’s selected the theme of “Word Flow,” with the underlying concept that people meet where there are words or water.

This past week the Santa Fe River was running again. Not a river like the Rio Grande or even the Kalamazoo River in Michigan, but a full steady stream could be heard and seen. This reminded me of the Word Flow concept. On Saturday a fishing day was held for kids and all along the banks of the Santa Fe River downtown were families, chatting, fishing and just enjoying the water. The Mayor and a City Councilor came to take part, but for most people it was the draw of the water, and talking to neighbors old and new that brought them to the river.

What fun to hear the kids’ excitement and see them playing and working with their grandparents or parents to bait and catch fish. Some fish were tagged for prizes, but that was not the main draw. That was the water and the joys of fishing. The pride of the kids with their catches is evident.

Congratulations to the Water Department, the Santa Fe Watershed Association and the local businesses for a great event. Only one thing was missing. Where was the fish fry?

Written by PCH at Main. Photos by PCH.

Friends come from the funniest places...

When I was catching some sun in front of the Main Library earlier this week, the Loretto Line trolley drove by. I heard the tour guide say to the visitors (and thus, Washington Ave.), "Do you know the Santa Fe Public Library doesn't charge late fines? Isn't that great?!"
Alas, the trolley passed by too quickly for me to hear the spontaneous applause of the tourists.

But, seriously, we don't charge late fines for your overdue materials! We only ask that you return them by the due date so that other patrons can use them.

For more information about checking out, check out our Library FAQs.

Now, if only the sun would come back out so I could catch some more rays...

Summer Reading 2008!

Catch the Reading Bug!

2008 Summer Reading Program

June 9th through August 2nd

Crafts, Clowns, Magic, Metamorphosis...

Gypsies, Juggling, Snakes, Stories...

Caterpillars, Butterflies, Bugs BUGS BUGS!

and best of all,
Books and Parties and Prizes!

Check our schedule for this summer's events!

Why log into your personal record before you search??

When you go to the library catalog, it's a good idea to log in to your record first.

Why?

• Once you are logged in to your personal record, you will be able to go directly to searching our databases without putting in passwords.


• You can renew your books.


• You can look at your holds, and change your pickup location if it's not already waiting for you someplace.


• You can freeze your holds when you go out of town, so that you don't lose your place in the queue for something you've been waiting for forever.


• When you place multiple holds, you will not have to reenter your personal information.


• By going to 'Modify Personal Information' you can make sure we have your correct address, telephone number, and e-mail address, and choose how you receive your notices.

SF New Mexican celebrates Power Readers Program!

Today's Santa Fe New Mexican celebrates the Southside Library's Power Readers Program!

Congratulations!


© 2008 The New Mexican, Inc.. Displayed by permission. All rights reserved.

Class Shows They Care!

For the third year in a row, Mr. Rueda’s 5th grade classes have earned money for a special donation to the Southside Library. Mr. Rueda teaches at César Chávez Elementary, which is just under half a mile from our Southside Branch.

Several of his students are regulars at the library and we are looking forward to seeing more of them this summer for the summer reading program!

Pictured here are Mr. Rueda and his student, Hector Madrid, presenting $135.74 to our Children’s Librarian. Thanks kids!

Written by LW
Photo by TT

Spring Preschool Story Time

Preschool Story time at Southside Library this spring was hopping! After the long winter we had, it was fun to read stories and sing songs about birds, bees, flowers and trees!

For Earth Day the children listened to songs about our Mother Earth. The children helped me demonstrate how clouds affect rainfall by using cottonballs and water and made penny banks out of recycled cans or made a clay creation.

There is some great stuff for Earth Day ideas on Kaboose.com. For our Arbor Day theme, we know children notice things that are high up, so when we talked about trees and how important they are, and the different changes they go through in the seasons, they were excited about designing their own tree, complete with leaves, birds, and blooms.

The Preschool story time families had a special treat when Library Services Director, Susie Sonflieth, did a presentation on planting using cups and seeds for the children to take home, and the kids helped plant some Marigold and Bachelor Button seeds for the library patio. It was really windy that day, but circulation staff helped Susie make it fun for the families to be able to make a little project for them to take home.

Our flowers in the patio are coming up already! Kudos to Susie who has a green thumb, and kudos to all the rain we are getting right now. Yay!

Post and photo by TT at SSL

Spring is a good time for...technology?

With the green buds and occasionally warm weather, you wouldn't think that Spring would be a great time to spend countless hours at the computer screen. Thankfully, with the cool breezes and occasional rain, not to mention pollen count, being inside to update the blog and library website is a great way to spend the day.

If you've been on the website lately, you may have noticed that the appearance is slowly changing. One thing we're trying is a different font, which has generated a discussion at the library about which font is the most readable on the screen. If you enjoy the finer points of web design, you might want to read this article from Usability News.

And since Spring is a season of constant change, we thought we'd open up our blog to comments from our readers. Please feel free to let us know what you think about our blog and website, and what changes you'd like to see!

We're Number One!

The Santa Fe New Mexican's Generation Next section has named The Library the #1 place to read a book!

Beating out coffee shops, trees, and lakes, the public library attracts teens with Young Adult book sections, graphic novels, manga, DVDs, Teen Programs and homework resources.

Best of all, when teens need a reading/homework break, they can get online at our computers!

Thanks for making us Number One, Generation Next!

Load up for Summertime Reading!

ONE DAY AND ONE DAY ONLY!
FRIENDS OF SANTA FE PUBLIC LIBRARY
SUMMER VACATION HALF-PRICE SALE

Saturday, May 17th

11 a.m.—3 p.m.

Southside Branch Library, on the Portal
6599 Jaguar Drive

Parking entrance on Valentine Way

Prices:

Paperback books, Audio music tapes, CDs: 3/$1.00 or 50 cents each
Hardcover books @ $1.00
Audio books @ $2.00 per title
Videos @ 50 cents each

First Lady Visit: Getting Buggy for Books

On Tuesday, May 6th, NM First Lady Barbara Richardson, along with State Library staff, visited the Southside Library to kick-off the statewide 2008 Summer Reading Program. Everyone loves this summer’s theme, “Catch The Reading Bug.”

The Children’s Room staff arranged for classes from Agua Fria and Cesar Chavez schools to participate in the festivities. From Cesar Chavez Elementary, Mr Rueda’s, and Ms. Rhodes fifth grade bilingual classes, and from Agua Fria Elementary, Ms. Love and Mr. Gorman’s 4th grade bilingual classes were able to attend the event.

Lydia Wren, Children’s Librarian, did a group rendition with the kids of “The Green Grass Grows all Around, all Around.” Mrs. Richardson read “The Diary Of A Spider” by Doreen Cronin and “Farfallina and Marcel" by Holly Keller. The Summer Reading Program is designed to motivate children and families to read during summer vacation, encourage use of the library by past and present users of the library, encourage new users and promote library services and materials. And most of all have fun!

The Summer Reading Program will have sign up starting June 9th. Registration will include a reading log that children will turn in to earn incentives. There will be Preschool Story time for ages 2-5 years along with a bug craft and also a school age craft every three weeks. There will be Free Programs for Entertainment every week during the Summer Reading Program, and a party for the participants at the end of the program in August. Flyers for the Program will be available during the first week of June. Come over to the library and get Buggy for Books!

Article and photo by TT at Southside

Main Library Media Services Open on Sundays!

Yes, we’re open on Sundays! Yes, even the Media Services area!

The Main Library has begun opening its Media Services area on Sundays. The area is open the same Sunday hours as the other parts of the Main Library, 1-5pm.

So when you’re downtown leisurely enjoying a Sunday afternoon, stop by to check out our DVDs, audiobooks, music CDS, and videotapes.

For more information, please call the Media Department at 955-6784.

May Day

This is one of those forgotten special days in the US. But in England and Ireland one can still dance around a maypole in small villages on the first of May and wear a crown of flowers.

When I was in kindergarten our teacher Mrs. Leng would have us work for days the week leading up to May Day making “baskets” of rolled construction paper cones to be hand colored with crayons and a pipe cleaner handle attached

Then on the day, she would line us up, have us put a handful of flowers from her garden and blossoming fruit tree twigs into the cups and march us up to the high school. There we would thread our way through the congested hallways to hang the “baskets” on the doors of each classroom. We were pretty pleased with ourselves and ignored the high school scoffers who viewed us “ babies with their baskets.” Some of those scoffers are now in assisted living or nursing homes and they welcome the visits of school children. Getting old changes one’s view.

I suggest that everyone give someone a flower or a basket of flowers on May Day—I know I am heading across the street to my 87 year old neighbor. She probably has more flowers than I do, but I make a mean paper cone basket. Now to find some pipe cleaners.

Happy May Day.