The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library's art study group’s spring series will explore themes, images and literature that relate to the Cleveland Museum of Art’s newest exhibition, “Art of the American Indians: The Thaw Collection.”
The series, a collaboration between the library and CMA’s Ingalls Library, will be in three sessions.
The board accepted the Choose to Read Ohio grant in partnership with the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District in the amount of $5,211, with a local match of $1,736. One of the two books featured, You Remind Me of Me, is by Cleveland Heights author Dan Chaon. Activities will take place in the spring and will include author visits.
Don't miss any of these great library programs:
Coventry Village Library
1925 Coventry Road, 216-321-3400
Baby Bop, Fridays, Feb. 5-26, 9:30 a.m.
Babysitting Clinic, Feb. 10-12, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The Friends of the Heights Libraries will hold a book sale at the University Heights Library from Thursday, Feb. 18 to Saturday, Feb. 20.
Through book sales and other activities, the Friends support the Heights Libraries by providing funds for library programs, scholarships and staff support. New volunteers are always welcome.Wise Up! A Literary Fest lauded
The board recognized Bruce Hennes, Regina Brett, Brendan Ring and Dierdru Ring for planning and producing the fundraiser held at Nighttown with a sold-out crowd.
Noble Library renovation plans
The board authorized the director to contract with Studio Techne in an amount not to exceed $10,000 to produce preliminary plans and budget for the Noble Library’s renovation. Upgrades are needed for carpeting, painting and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Stay warm at the library with one of these great programs!
Coventry Village Library
1925 Coventry Road, 216-321-3400
"Explorastory," Fridays, Jan. 7 – Feb. 26, 10:30 a.m.
"Tai Chi and Qi Gong," Saturdays, Jan. 5 – 26, 10 a.m.
"Step Out of Time," Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m.
"Jumping Flea Night," Tuesday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m.
Bleeding Hearts by Susan Wittig Albert
Just Desserts by Claudia Bishop
The Chocolate Mouse Trap by Jo Anna Carl
Blood Orange Brewing by Laura Child
Espresso Shot by Cleo Coyle
Sweet Revenge by Diane Mott Davidson
Mumbo Gumbo by Jerrilyn Farmer
Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke
Death on a Silver Platter by Ellen Hart
Gourmet Detective by Peter King
Custard’s Last Stand by Tamar Myers
Body in the Snowdrift by Katherine Hall Page
Cook’s Night Out by Joanne Pence
Five-star rating from Library Journal
The library has earned a five-star rating, the highest, from Library Journal, a premier library publication. Categories in the ratings include circulation per capita, visits per capita, and Internet use per capita.
Change in library hours and other services
To conserve funds, there will be a change in service hours beginning Jan. 2. Only the Lee Road Library will be open on Sundays, from 1-5 p.m. This has been a difficult decision but necessary because of the reduction in the state’s public library funding. Keeping the branch libraries closed for almost 48 hours will result in savings in utilities.
Playaways can also be used in the car. Simply connect the device to the car’s MP3 port with a cable adapter. Or, if you do not have an MP3 port in your car, but do have a cassette deck, you can still use your Playaway. Adaptors run about $6 and will connect a cassette deck to the Playaway.
Children can now check out these very popular devices with a newly expanded collection of Playaways. With everything from popular titles like 39 Clues to classics such as Anne of Green Gables, the Lee Road Library is sure to have the right Playaway for any young person.
Public Library Fund revenue (state support for Ohio libraries) is 17.3 percent lower year-to-date than in 2008. Board Member Glenn Billington asked whether the library should aim for a decrease in expenditures of 20 percent rather than 16-17 percent. Director Levin replied that expenditures have already been reduced by a significant amount.
The Lee Road Library plans to host its 10th Annual Poetry Slam on at 6 p.m. on Nov. 12.
A poetry slam is a lyrical boxing match that pits poet against poet in the spirit of fun and creativity. At the Lee Road Library, members of the community are invited to see middle and high school students "spit" their rhymes.
The poetry slam is judged and prizes are awarded for first, second and third place winners. Every poet who participates will receive a journal and every person who attends will receive a Chipotle gift card.
Poets interested in reciting their original works in the competition can register by calling the Lee Road Library: 216-932-3600.
Beginning Nov. 2, library patrons will be able to wipe away overdue library fines at any of the Heights Libraries by donating nonperishable food items, such as canned and boxed goods.
For every nonperishable food item brought in, the library will take $1 off of a patron's fines. Donations will be accepted until Nov. 21 at all four of the libraries and given to the Heights Emergency Food Bank.
All board members present.
Tax budget and state funding
In June the school board approved the 2010 Alternative Tax Budget provided by the library. Fiscal Officer Mollie Riffle will present a five-year financial forecast at the November meeting. Board Member Glenn Billington called attention to the Ohio Supreme Court ruling that put slot machines on hold, which will affect the state budget. The September Public Library Fund (state support) was down 21.5 percent.
Exciting children's programs are starting at the Heights Libraries:
No registration for storytimes
It’s easier than ever to attend storytimes at the library. Just drop in. There is no registration for any storytimes at Heights Libraries beginning this fall. So if your little one sleeps through the Thursday Waddlers program at Lee Road Library, you can attend the Friday program at the University Heights branch.
http://www.heightslibrary.org/pdf/reports/CHUHPL_CAFR_2008.pdf
The Public Library Fund, the source of state monies to public libraries, has fallen from 2.22% of Ohio’s General Fund to 1.97%, necessitating a revision to the library’s 2009 annual appropriations. The board passed a resolution for a decrease of $101,464, with Board Member Glenn Billington noting that this was the second such revision for 2009. Board President Eric Silverman lamented the “horrendous" rate of interest for the library’s $3.4 million money market account at StarOhio. While acknowledging the statutory mandate for absolute safety in public money accounts, the Operations Committee will discuss other banking possibilities at its Oct. 14 meeting. Heights Library’s fiscal officer, Molly Riffle, will continue to explore options.
The Lee Road Library is excited to announce the second annual Digital Photo Contest, sponsored by MotoPhoto. Submissions for the contest will be accepted Sept. 1 through Oct. 24. You may drop off your submissions at any of our Heights Libraries.
This year, entries will be posted on our Web site where the public will get a sneak peek. Visit our Web site for download-able entry forms, which will also be available at the libraries. Beginning on Nov. 7, the photos will be displayed as a traveling exhibition to each branch so that the public can vote for their favorites.Library customers will still be able to enjoy viewing the creations of local artists while working on the computer at the same time, when the Lee Road Library opens its new computer gallery.
Housed in the former Heights Arts space in the west wing of the Lee Road Library, this combination technology center and art gallery will allow for the expansion of the current community office, currently located on the second floor.
While black tie may be the attire for the fancy gala planned for Dobama Theater’s opening night on Sept. 25, the community will be able to dress casually for a sneak peek and celebration on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m until 3 p.m.
The library will present a program for all ages, Shadow Puppet Theater, a fascinating combination of shape, light, and sound that comes together in a performance in which the actors are never seen, only their shadows.
The Heights Library system is delighted to announce that starting this fall, the Ingalls Library at the Cleveland Museum of Art will present joint programs with the Lee Road Library. This is only the second time that the Ingalls Library has entered into collaboration with a public library.
The partnership will offer several programs each quarter to highlight the primary exhibit on display at the museum. The programs will enhance visitors' experiences and deepen their understanding of the main exhibitions on view at the museum. During each quarter, the first offering will be presented by a member of the museum's staff at the Lee Road Library.
Friends of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Libraries are making new friends and inviting support at the Fall Book Sale on Oct. 15 and 16 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Friends are saying, “Basement prices in the basement!”
All items are “buy one get one free!” Hardbacks are two for $1. Paperbacks are two for 50 cents. The sale will be in the basement of the main library and more than 100,000 books will be available.
MONDAY JULY 20, 2009
All members present.
Board discussion focused on expected cuts in state funding although final information hasn’t yet been received. Board Member Steve Ortner pointed out that the property tax collection rate has fallen from 96 percent to 92 percent. Board Member Eric Silverman also noted the impact of the demolition of the north side of Cedar Center on tax revenue. On a positive note, Board Member Glenn Billington noted that a recent Dobama fundraiser drew 125 donors.
Would you love to hear a symphony but you’re just not sure you’d fully appreciate it? Or, would you like to soak in a beautiful painting and really appreciate its grandeur? Then the library is the place to start.
In support of our two nearby world renowned jewels, the Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Heights–University Heights Public Library is offering study classes to enhance viewers and listeners’ appreciation of upcoming shows. Music Study Groups, under the direction of Dr. Rose Breckenridge, have been meeting at area libraries for many years to explore the current concert music performed by The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall. The classes utilize informal lectures, listening, and discussion and are designed for both new and experienced music lovers.
The Heights Library is hosting two meetings to reveal plans for the final open space in the west side of the Lee Road Library. The duplicate meetings will take place on Monday, August 10 from 7 to 8:30 pm and again on Sunday, August 16 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The meetings will be conducted in the Activity Center at 2340 Lee Road. They are free and open to the public.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear Studio Techne architect Jim Duber outline his design, and may take a walk-through of the 4,000 square foot former gym space. A question and answer period will follow the presentation.
The installation of "Cassie" will be done in the mornings that week and is expected to take several hours, during which the computers will not be available. The installation schedule is as follows: second floor computers on Tuesday, August 4; first floor computers on Wednesday, August 5 and the Community Office on Monday, August 10.
Free printing will have a $2 per day limit, 10 cents each for black and white, and 50 cents each for color copies. A new sign-in screen offers clear and easy-to-follow prompts. Customers can reserve a computer from any sign-up station and may schedule up to 14 days ahead.
Summer is flying by and soon school will begin. Get a jumpstart on your school year with the library's new series about quick and easy ways to do your homework. These amazing classes are designed for students age 13 and up.
Reference Tool: Thursday, August 6, 7 p.m.
Learning Express: Tuesday, August 11, 7 p.m.
Searching Databases: Thursday, August 13, 7 p.m.
Finding Research Articles: Tuesday, August 18, 7 p.m.
All board members present.
Grants acceptedThe board accepted three grants: $1,000 from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation for training for the librarians who work with teens, a $15,000 Starting Point grant, and $3,000 from the Cyrus Eaton Foundation for a children’s garden, which will be at the Lee-Ormond corner and designed so that children can touch the plants.
The lights may not have to come off after all. On Tuesday, the Ohio General Assembly accepted a proposal to cut Ohio’s Public Library Fund (PLF) by $84.3 million over the next two years. This cut is substantially less than the $227.3 million cut that Governor Ted Strickland proposed on June 19. However, the funding cuts still will likely impact services.
“We are certainly happy with the outcome, but it still means a 30 percent cut in our total revenue,” Director Nancy Levin said.
The Ohio General Assembly’s conference committee on the 2010-2011 state budget accepted a proposal to cut Ohio’s Public Library Fund (PLF) $84.3 million over the next two years. While substantially less than Governor Strickland proposed, it will still have a significant impact on the services libraries provide. The budget cuts, together with the drop in the PLF in the first six months of the year, will result in a 25-30 percent drop in library funding for 2009 as compared to 2008.
This decrease comes just when libraries are experiencing an unprecedented increase in demand for services.
Whole Foods Cedar Center Market, 13998 Cedar Road, University Heights, knows how to celebrate community! Their summer “Giving Grill” events are a great way to enjoy a freshly cooked meal right from the grill while helping community groups whose mission is tied to Whole Foods Market’s core values.
On Thursday, July 23, from 5 to 9 p.m., the Heights Libraries will be the beneficiary of this fundraising event. Hungry participants may choose the protein (meat or veggie) and beverage, Whole Foods does the grilling as you wait. Feast on a freshly grilled meal deal while savoring the knowledge that 100 percent of the proceeds of the event are donated to the FRIENDS of the Heights Library. The library is essential to the quality of life in the Heights and is facing a critical economic downturn in state funding.
Area teens and tweens have the chance to win a trip to WWE®’s SummerSlam in Los Angeles this summer by taking part in the SummerSlam Reading Jam.
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights libraries turned off their power for five minutes on June 26 to save money and to show solidarity with other libraries whose services are threatened.
Libraries face a 52 percent cut in state funding – part of Gov. Ted Strickland’s last-minute effort to close a $3.2 billion revenue shortfall in the Ohio budget.
At press time on July 3 – three days after the budget was supposed to become final – legislators were still arguing over details of the spending plan. But video slot machines, not libraries, were the top concern.
Board member Esther Moss excused.
Acting Business Manager, Frank J. Brichacek, answered questions from board members about the three months of financial reports now available. The new formatting was praised for making the reports easier to understand.
It’s not too late to register for the library’s Summer Reading Program. There are prizes for all ages! See what Barbara Walker, last year’s Adult Summer Reading winner, had to say about her prize:
“Imagine my delight when I walked into the library early last summer and saw the sign regarding a summer reading program for adults. This opportunity ignited both fond memories of childhood reading contests as well as my natural competitive spirit. What fun! And it’s about time!!
Heights Libraries has lots of fun activities for bored teens. Here’s what you can do:
The Summer SPOT
Every Monday through Friday, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at all Heights library locations
We have all summer to be creative! The usual SPOT after school hangout is extended to the summer. We’re talking crafts, art contests, gaming tournaments, and open mic Fridays! No Registration.
Summer Babysitting Clinic
Monday, July 13 and 14, 9 a.m. at the Lee Road Library
Are you interested in becoming an excellent babysitter? This two-day program will teach you basic safety tips, how to make babysitting fun, and earn you a certificate of completion. You must attend both days to be certified. Registration required.
Do you know what you need to do in order to seek a grant? Do you know how to approach a foundation when applying for a grant? If not, the Lee Road Library can help!
Heights Libraries is a proud partner of the Foundation Center Cleveland, a nonprofit organization with more than 50 years of experience at connecting grantseekers and grantmakers. The Lee Road library houses the Foundation Center Cooperating Collection, which is full of information from how to get started in your grantseeking process, to directories of grantmakers. You can also access the Foundation Center’s Online Database to search for grantmakers and grants based on different criteria.
Public libraries are essential to education and economic recovery in Ohio.
The Heights Library works hard to meet the needs of its users: we offer resources to help job seekers, classes to improve computer skills, after school programs for kids and teens, Summer Reading programs and homework help during the school year. Of course, we also have books, the latest DVDs, music and other recreational material. In short, libraries make a difference in the lives of our residents and we are busier than ever.
Governor Strickland’s proposed budget will cut the Public Library Fund (PLF) by 30 percent, this on top of the 20 percent reduction already in place this year. This proposal will cut Heights Libraries’ funding by one third. That will be devastating.
Board member Esther Moss excused.
The Acting Business Manager, Frank J. Brichacek, answered questions from board members about the three months of financial reports now available. The new formatting was praised for making the reports easier to understand.
The tough economy is really taking its toll. Unemployment and underemployment are on the rise. Job seekers and those looking to upgrade their job skills can find help at local branches of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Library.
Branch libraries offer a wide variety of employment resources, including free Wi-Fi connections and computers that may be reserved for online searches, to create resumés and cover letters, and to fill out job applications. The library's knowledgeable staff is ready to assist computer users and to answer reference questions.
All board members present.
Financial statements for February and March were not available from the acting business manager, who is still learning the library’s financial records software. This caused some board members concern. The statements were to be in the board members’ hands within two weeks. No indication of impropriety had been found in the financial records.
Summer is here. That means the library’s Summer Reading Program is too. Children who register for the program will get a prize for signing up. Visit the library weekly for fun, exploration, stickers, and chances to win other prizes.
Teens can win weekly prizes for reading manga, comic books, fiction, non-fiction, magazines, the school’s summer reading list, or cereal boxes. Get registered to win food, books, and movies--and receive a prize just for signing up.
Yesterday, Nancy Levin, director of the Heights Library, visited all buildings in the library system to announce cuts in salaries to the staff. The cuts come because of cutbacks the state budget and from reduced revenues from local property tax collections.
“Last year, before the economy tanked, the board of trustees approved an across-the-board 2.5 percent raise for staff. Effective with the next payroll, I’m repealing that raise – but only going forward. I’m also cutting departmental supply budgets,” she told staff.
A blog is a Web site designed to be easily and frequently updated. According to Wikipedia, “A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages and other media related to its topic.”
March 16, 2009
All board members present.
2009 budget
Director Nancy Levin said the 2009 budget had been planned with a 10 percent reduction and a 93 percent tax collection projection and with 27 payrolls instead of 26. She confirmed that significant cuts had already been made and that the levy would last its projected five years. The board approved a technology fund of $50,299.80 to replace equipment.
Tai Chi/Qi Gong Saturdays at the Coventry Village Library
Saturdays, May 2 – May 30, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Life is stressful. Wouldn’t it be nice to relax? You can! Stop in the Coventry Village Library and let teacher Ruth Butler teach you how to relax and focus through Tai Chi and Qi Gong. This is an excellent form of healing and meditative exercises for adults of all ages. You are welcome to attend some or all Saturdays. Please wear comfortable clothing.
Tonya Gibson is an employee of the Heights Libraries who enjoys writing and photography in her free time.
