The 19th Annual Havana International Book Fair - Feria Internacional del Libro de La Habana - considered by some to be the most important in Latin America, is scheduled for February 13-20, 2010.The entire island becomes a festival for books. Beginning in Havana's San Carlos de la Cabaña fortress overlooking Havana Bay, the fortress becomes a fairground with numerous expo pavilions and several halls where authors present their books throughout the day. There are also poetry readings, children’s activities, art exhibitions, museum events, and evening concerts. The Book Fair then extends to other cities throughout all fourteen provinces, ending in...
Budget Crunch Forces the Entire Seattle Public Library System to Close for a Week, Including Website
The entire Seattle Public Library system will shut its doors for a week beginning August 31st.The move is expected to save the Library $655,000 of the $1 million it needs to save due to budget reductions. An additional $300,000 in cuts will "include management and administration layoffs, extending the staff computer replacement schedule and reducing the training budget.""The closure will mean salary reductions for about 700 employees who will not be paid, or accrue vacation or retirement benefits during those week."Amazingly enough, the closure also includes the the SPL website. During the closure there will be "No access to the...
About Those Blue Book Donation Boxes
Photo by Joseph Lyon / Kitsap SunHave you seen those blue book donation boxes that seem to be popping up everywhere? Ever wonder what the deal is?Well, here's how it works:The boxes are are owned and operated by Thrift Recycling Managment (TRM), a for-profit company. This alone should bring into question the 'Books For Charity' mantra emblazoned on the front and sides of each box.To date, about 15,000 boxes have been placed around the country.51% of books donated end up being pulped. Think revenue stream.25% go to non-profit organizations committed to various literacy and book-related causes with only a tiny...
Behaving at the Library
The Seattle Public Library wants to get a little clearer about what's cool and what's not when you visit.Reading the press release one is reminded that today's urban libraries are as much social service centers for their communities as they are breeding grounds for literacy.Here are few of the proposed rule changes that will be decided on next week:-Sleeping has always been prohibited but now "appearing to be sleeping" will get you a warning.-You've never been able to come into the library barefoot. Now they want make sure you don't take your shoes off once your inside.-Raising the maximum exclusion...
For the Books : The Wedding of Scott and Diana
In March of 2008 writer and librarian Scott Douglas and then library assistant Diana Vizcarra got married. From the invites to the table settings their book love paved the way to what had to be an event to remember.Image by Jack RodriguezNow that looks like fun. No reason the theme shouldn't become part of the arsenal for any wedding planner.Diana shares the experience - How to Have a Library Themed WeddingScott shares his thoughts on the event and some pictures here