You can no longer use MySpace, Facebook or other “social networking sites” at Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library.
Fights, lewd language and cars being blocked in the parking lot by teenagers are among the problems Director Dave Eisen said have plagued the downtown library lately.
He told library board members that adults have complained about not feeling safe at the library. Eisen and his staff believe the teenagers are there to use MySpace, Facebook and other social sites.
So he received permission from the library board to cut off social networking sites.
It might have worked, as there were few teenagers going to the computer room by 3:30 p.m. Friday, a half hour after it normally begins to fill up. There were few teenagers even coming in to the computer room at the library.
[snip]
This is just sad. Reading the story it’s clear that they had some serious behavior issues to address. It’s unfortunate that they believed that they had to limit access to vital online tools to do that.
Margaret Downing, from the Houston Press, reviewed Stephenie Meyer’s “Eclipse.” She seems to like this book, though she says she didn’t really like the first.
Hmmm……
I loved the first, especially the way it takes its time to build up. My tween niece liked it a lot, almost for the same reason.
In fact, she’s the one who told me about the fact that they’re making a movie based on the book. Needless to say, she’s impatient to see this story on the big screen.
Spanish-language publishing; Lost in translation no more Sales of books in Spanish are booming, and there is plenty of room for growth, by the Economist.com (found via Librarian)
Houston social media innovator Ed Schipul responds to Shel Israel’s request for feedback on the following question: “What should I tell the librarians?” Shel is presenting at the California Association of Librarians conference about how social media can help libraries.
ScreamWorld Offers Free Entry To Houston Public Library Power Card Holders –Opening weekend offer takes the fear out of library card registration drive–
HOUSTON (September 18, 2007) … ScreamWorld Halloween Scream Park and the Houston Public Library (HPL) have partnered for the “Don’t Be Afraid of the Library” program which provides free admission to HPL Power Card holders opening weekend, Friday through Sunday, September 21st through 23rd at ScreamWorld Halloween Scream Park. Customers who present their HPL Power Card at ScreamWorld receive one free entry (good Sept. 21, 22, and 23 only) to ScreamWorld valued at $22. ScreamWorld is located at 2225 N. Sam Houston Parkway (Beltway 8), between Ella and T.C. Jester, 1.5 miles west of I-45.
The promotion is part of HPL’s Library Card Sign-Up Month, a campaign held by libraries across the country each September to encourage library card sign-up for children and teens just after the new school year begins. HPL expects to sign up an estimated 15,000 new cardholders in September as part of the month-long campaign.
To assist in ongoing HPL Power Card sign-up efforts, ScreamWorld will continue to distribute library card applications to its patrons through the Halloween season. To learn more about becoming a Power Card holder and FREE HPL services, visit us online at www.houstonlibrary.org or call 832.393.1313.
Have you heard about the new Hollywood Librarian movie? There’s been a lot of discussion online, and in the press. Local library director Rhea Brown Lawson has a cameo in the movie.
These powerful research tools are available 24 hours a day in the homes or offices of registered patrons of participating Texas libraries. Whether it’s homework help, late night genealogy research, or early morning newspapar browsing, you can find it in the TexShare Databases.
This summer, don’t just sit around…get fit and have fun at your neighborhood library. The Houston Public Library presents the Fit For Life event series to promote health awareness and physical fitness. The Fit For Life series coincides with Teen Summer Slam and Summer Reading Program, the library’s busiest time of year for teens and families.
Fit For Life events include a presentation on healthy choices about nutrition and a demonstration on the preparation of healthy snacks. Additional presentations will address the importance of making a life-long commitment to a healthy lifestyle and the importance of every-day choices and health awareness to achieve it. Each event will culminate with a 45-minute cardio workout program incorporating different types of aerobic activities such as Dance Dance Revolution, Hip Hop Aerobics and Dance Workshops to stress the importance of physical fitness. All Fit For Life events are free and open to the public.
Saturday, June 9, 2007 * 12–3 PM (Hip Hop Cafe and Hip Hop Jam to run concurrently)