Western Mass. Library Advocates One-Blog

Ideas Have Consequences: The Radical Pedagogy of W.E.B. Du Bois

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Schaler) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:22:00 +0000

The UMass Amherst Libraries will host the 18th Annual Du Bois Lecture on February 23, 2012, at 4:30 p.m., at the Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union, UMass Amherst. Keynote speaker Derrick P. Alridge will give a talk "Ideas Have Consequences: The Radical Pedagogy of W.E.B. Du Bois." Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.

Derrick P. Alridge, an educational and intellectual historian, is Professor in the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. Previously, he served as Professor of Education and African American Studies and Director of the Institute for African American Studies at the University of Georgia.

Alridge has published The Educational Thought of W.E.B. Du Bois: An Intellectual History; Message in the Music: Hip Hop, History, and Pedagogy (an edited volume with James B. Stewart and V.P. Franklin); and numerous articles in the fields of history, education, and African American Studies. Alridge also serves as an associate editor for the Journal of African American History and is Distinguished Lecturer for the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Currently, he is writing The Hip Hop Mind: An Intellectual History of the Social Consciousness of a Generation and conducting research on the role of education and schooling in the civil rights movement.

Professional Tools to Improve Your Library Service

noreply@blogger.com (Western Mass Library Advocates) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:59:00 +0000

Librarians and Trustees–

Don’t forget that the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) maintains a collection of professional books and resources at its Whately Office. The materials are accessible in person or by request, searchable by author, title, subject and a variety of other search keys on MassCat: http://masslibsystem.masscat.org/. Professional materials will help you perform better and access new ideas and techniques. Many of these titles are expensive for smaller libraries, and larger libraries don’t always have the budget for them either. These materials on children’s services, readers advisory, budget, planning, surveys, and a host of other topics are available for the asking. Libraries can place their own requests to borrow items by following the instructions found on the MLS website: http://www.masslibsystem.org/mls-professional-collection/.

The six regions built this collection, and the MLS is continuing to support it. The Western MA Library Club’s Humphrey Fund also contributed for almost 20 years. The collection is a great resource, and it is housed in the Whately Office. Give it a try online and take a look at the holdings when you are in Whately. Contact either MLS office if you need assistance.

Congressman Neal visits GCC Library

noreply@blogger.com (Eric P) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:50:00 +0000

We were very pleased yesterday in The Library at Greenfield Community College to be visited by Congressman Richard Neal and Representative Paul Mark! They toured our new library, and were seemingly quite pleased with the facility. We are always very thankful for the ongoing support that we receive from our elected officials. (Photo by Paul Franz)

Time running out on survey!

noreply@blogger.com (Eric P) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:26:00 +0000

Please take 5 minutes out of your day to fill out the MLS' Strategic Planning Survey! It can be accessed by clicking onto this link:

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22E9Z6S39UA/

It is crucial that the needs of our libraries are articulated to those who make decisions that affect them. So, your participation in this is really important. The deadline is January 23rd.

Thanks!

Exhibit: The Gesture in Light: Illuminated

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Schaler) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:25:00 +0000

The UMass Amherst Libraries host an exhibit, “The Gesture in Light: Illuminated,” by Theresa Antonellis from Monday January 9, 2012 through Sunday May 11, 2012, in the Science and Engineering Library, Lederle Lowrise, UMass Amherst. A reception will be held Thursday, February 2, from 4-6pm. The exhibit consists of a related series of framed prints featuring photo-enhanced light photography.

Theresa Antonellis is the Director of the UMass Student Union Art Gallery and a second year graduate student in the University’s MFA program in Studio Arts. She graduated magna cum laude from Mount Holyoke College as part of the Frances Perkins Scholarship program. With double majors in Art Studio and Art History, Antonellis was the recipient of the Fitz-Randolf Prize for Outstanding Work. Recent participation in juried art exhibitions include Art In Nature (Fruitlands Museum - Harvard, MA); Paperworks (Joshibi University of Arts And Design -Tokyo, Japan); and Arches Exhibition (Boston Printmakers Guild, Framingham, MA).

“My interests include the drawn line as a record of human gesture, patterns in nature, the mirrored image and evidence of time found in accumulation of layers,” says Antonellis. “In choosing to work in non-representational methods, the work both negates and invites the gaze. The intention is that the images will engage the viewer in a meditative discovery of familiar places and events both in the mind and in nature.”

For more information, contact Madeleine Charney (413-577-0785, mcharney@library.umass.edu).

New Book Boss

noreply@blogger.com (Western Mass Library Advocates) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:46:00 +0000

From the Greenfield Recorder

GREENFIELD — The library has a new director who will begin on |Feb. 6.
Library trustees made their recommendation to the mayor and he approved their choice.
Ellen R. Boyer of South Burlington, Vt., will bring more than 20 years’ experience to Greenfield.
Dennis Helmus, the town’s human resources director, said Boyer’s salary will start at approximately $60,000 a year. He said all of the terms of her employment have been negotiated.
The trustees have been searching for a new library director since Sharon Sharry decided to take a job as director of the Jones Library in Amherst. Sharry left in August and the local library has been operating without a director since.

WMHIC (Western Mass. Health Information Consortium)

noreply@blogger.com (Lynn) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:29:00 +0000

To all

We have a new partner in our efforts to connect all libraries in Western Mass. WMHIC is a group of libraries that have an interest in health information - hospitals, colleges with Allied Health and Nursing programs and individuals interested in health education. If you fit one of these categories - consider joining. See text below for more information.

The Western Massachusetts Health Information Consortium (WMHIC) met last Friday, December 16^th, for their winter quarterly meeting. The meeting included updates from all the member institutions and concluded with a tour of the cutting edge and unique medical simulation lab at Springfield Technical Community College.

The next meeting will take place in March, time and place TBD (will be announced on this blog). If you are a librarian who works with health information in any capacity and might be interested in joining, please check out our website (http://wmhic.blogspot.com/) and consider joining our Google Group to receive email updates. You can also contact the president, Margot Malachowski, at margot.malachowski@baystatehealth.org.

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Concert to benefit the Holyoke Public Library

noreply@blogger.com (Lynn) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:57:00 +0000

South Hadley town meeting OKs plan to borrow $4.2 million to build new public library

noreply@blogger.com (South Hadley Public Library) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:50:00 +0000

Published: Wednesday, December 14, 2011, 9:51 PM Updated: Wednesday, December 14, 2011, 10:11 PM

By Jeanette DeForge, The Republican

Republican file photoThis is a graphic rendering of the proposed new South Hadley Public Library.

SOUTH HADLEY– Town meeting members voted overwhelmingly to borrow up to $4.2 million to build a new library Wednesday night.

During the meeting, most people spoke in favor of the project. A group of supporters sat in the back showing signs pushing for a yes vote.
A two-thirds majority was needed to pass the proposal. The 67-17 vote meant it easily passed. When the vote was announced, the hall erupted in applause.
“This is the time to have a new library,” said Robert Robertson, a town meeting member. “I have never had the volume of support from people coming to me.”
In lobbying for the project, Mitchell Resnick, chairman of the Public Library Board of Trustees, argued that the circulation of books and use of computers and other materials has been increasing.
“To build a new library is a popular initiative,” he said, citing numerous letters to the editor and the support of voters in the Nov. 8 election.
But others said the project is not something that the town can afford.
Town Meeting Member Larry Dubois argued for converting the Plains School into a library and said he was opposed to locating the library as close to the Connecticut River where the humidity is higher.
“They are not doing anything to reduce costs,” he said. “We need to have a townwide plan for what we are going to do.”
The full cost of the library is $10.1 million. The town has received a $4.8 million grant from the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program, but taxpayers had to agree to borrow $4.2 million for the construction.
Private donors are to raise the remaining about $1.1 million. Already the community has raised $400,000.

The town had to secure the finances to build the library by a Jan. 31 deadline or risk losing the grant.

“We should stand up and claim our grant. We use it or we lose it forever,” Resnick, said.
Town officials have been debating replacing the aging, cramped library for at least three years. The existing library is not accessible to the disabled and repairs needed to the roof and carpeting and others would cost about $230,000, said Joseph Rodio, the library director.
Already the location, a brownfield formerly owned by Northeast Utilities at Main and Canal streets, has been selected for the new building by Town Meeting. Architect Philip O’Brien of Johnson Roberts Associates, has been hired to design the building and completed a rendering of the proposed library.

In November, voters passed a referendum asking them if they supported the debt exclusion which would raise taxes for the 20-years of the bond. The vote was close with 1,751 residents voting yes, 1,412 voting no. Voter turnout was 25 percent.
Despite the referendum vote, Town Meeting still had to vote to bond for the money because it it the financing authority of the town.
Library trustees have said the average homeowner would see an increase of $38 a year in their tax bill.

Legislative Breakfast season is coming up!

noreply@blogger.com (Lynn) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:29:00 +0000

Thanks to all the hosting libraries for taking on this responsibility. Their efforts will help all of us.

Copied and pasted below is the list of breakfasts. Find your senator and then sign up for his/her breakfast. In a separate email to the WMRLS list, we will forward the entire 2 page letter that has gone out to libraries in the Pioneer Valley. Hope to run into some friends at the Breakfasts!

Please register with the hosts so that they can plan on refreshments, etc.

Western Mass Library Legislative Breakfasts Schedule ~ 2012

Full descriptions of the Breakfasts, plus registration information and directions are available at http://mla.memberlodge.org/Breakfasts

Thanks to the Mass. Library Association for hosting the information this year.

Senator Michael Knapik

Friday, January 27, 2012 ~ 8:00 a.m. ~ Holyoke Community College, Kittredge Center Room KC 303
Host: Kathleen McDonough, Interim Dean of Library Services and Academic Support
Registration email: jtomlinson@hcc.mass.edu

Senator Stanley Rosenberg

Friday, January 27, 2012 ~ 8:00 a.m. ~ Forbes Library, Northampton

Host: Janet Moulding, Library Director
Registration email: LDowning@forbeslibrary.org

Senator James Welch

Friday, January 27, 2012 ~ 8:00 a.m. ~ Agawam Public Library
Host: Judith Clini, Library Director

Registration email: jclini@agawamlibrary.org

Senator Benjamin Downing

Friday, January 27, 2012 ~ 8:00 a.m. ~ Berkshire Athenaeum

Host: Ron Latham, Library Director

Registration email: l.kaufmann@mcla.edu

Senator Gale Candaras

Friday, February 10, 2012 ~ 8:00 a.m. ~ East Longmeadow Public Library
Host: Susan Peterson, Library Director

Registration email: speterson@eastlongmeadowma.gov

Senator Stephen Brewer

Friday, February 24, 2012 ~ 8:30 a.m. ~ Palmer Public Library

Host: Nancy Menard, Library Director

Registration email: nmenard@palmer.lib.ma.us

Find the names of your state Senator and Representative(s) by visiting the Massachusetts Library Association - Elected Officials website http://capwiz.com/ala/ma/state/main/?state=MA

50 years of cooperation among Western Mass. Libraries

noreply@blogger.com (Western Mass Library Advocates) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:28:00 +0000

Hi all

Last week, we celebrated 50 years of Western Mass. Library friendships and memories on what would have been the 50th anniversary of WMRLS. There were cocktails, good food, reminiscences and a lot of laughter at the wonderful Apollo Grill in Easthampton.

Pictures on the website! Enjoy.

50 Years of Library Cooperation

noreply@blogger.com (Western Mass Library Advocates) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:42:00 +0000

Last night western Massachusetts librarians, trustees and legislators celebrated 50 years of cooperation, services and advocacy at the Apollo Grille in Easthampton. On December 1, 1961, the first Massachusetts regional library system, the Western Regional Public Library System, was founded.

Even though the Western MA Regional Library System is no longer in action (see below), the Western MA Library Advocates (WMLA) is thriving, offering programs, opportunities for advocacy, and occasions for library advocates to gather, support libraries services in western Mass and share a mutually beneficial and treasured history. This anniversary party was no exception.

Participants from the five western counties brought photos and artifacts from the history of the Western Region, the WMRLS Friends, and the Western MA Library Club (WMLC). (The Advocates is a merger of these last two organizations.) The occasion was honored by the presence of three Regional Administrators: Frank P. Taplin (first), Bruce S. Baker (third), and John E. Ramsay (final). Mass Library Association Ruth Urell attended as did Representative Don Humason and Aide to Senator Knapik Dan O’Brien. Most of the WMLA Board was there as were members of the previous WMLC board.

There were lots of stories, even some new ones. Brian Marchese, former driver for WMRLS observed when looking at the slide show that was being shown: “You know—looking at those pictures, I feel like I’m seeing reruns of an old TV show that I used to watch a lot. Like—‘Oh, here’s the episode where Mary and Jan (insert plotline here)…..’ I have to remind myself that this was actually my life every day for ten years!” In addition to plans for the future, the evening held a lot of history and a lot of joy.

As an aside, the Apollo Grille provided delicious food complemented by the music of guitarist Mark Schwaber. WMLA President Eric Poulin MC’d the comments. On behalf of the Cooperating Libraries of Greater Springfield President Kathy McDonough presented WMLA with a donation of $200 to support advocacy efforts. Everyone had a great time; maybe we’ll do this again next year.

(Following the Western Region, the Central and Eastern regions formed. In 1982, the Western Region became the first Massachusetts regional library system to form a nonprofit corporation. In the late 80’s, an affiliate membership was created to allow a few nonpublic libraries to join the system for ILL and delivery services. In the early ‘90’s, regional systems were expanded to include all types of libraries and the number of systems was increased to 6. In 2010, funding was diminished to such a degree that the 6 systems were dissolved. The Massachusetts Library System was established to support library services in the Commonwealth.)

Looking for Volunteers to Scan Yiddish Books

noreply@blogger.com (Western Mass Library Advocates) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:30:00 +0000

The Yiddish Book Center in Amherst is looking for a few good librarian volunteers to scan Yiddish books. The Center recently installed equipment from the Internet Archive and is scanning about 4000 rare and fragile titles onsite. Knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet and its orientation is useful, but knowledge of Yiddish is not necessary. If you can volunteer onsite in Amherst, contact Catherine Madsen, Bibliographer, at the Center 413/256-4900 x153 or cmadsen (at) bikher.org.

Anniversary celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Western Mass Library Advocates) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:33:00 +0000

Hi all

Remember - Dec. 1 is the 50th anniversary celebration of sharing among libraries in Western Mass. For the RSVP, click below. Hope to see everyone there

http://www.wmladvocates.org/TPRDassets/anniversaryinvitation.pdf

Mary Kronholm - Newest MBLC Commissioner and from Western Mass

noreply@blogger.com (Western Mass Library Advocates) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:59:00 +0000

After countless years of no representation from the western part of the state, finally Mary Kronholm, active library advocate and trustee of the Blandford Public Library, has been chosen by Governor Patrick to be our representative!

Lovely ceremony in an old white church, beautifully restored and home of the Blandford Historical Society. Lots of snow up there, too!

Great event at GCC Library!

noreply@blogger.com (Eric P) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:25:00 +0000

Great news in Granby

noreply@blogger.com (Western Mass Library Advocates) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:16:00 +0000

From MassLive of Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Granby voters OK funds for new public library at special Town Meeting

Book Talk: Stories of the Vietnam Draft and War

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Schaler) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:56:00 +0000

UMass Amherst Libraries will host the seventh annual colloquium on Social Change at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 10, 2011, in the Cape Cod Lounge at the Student Union, UMass Amherst. Social justice activist Tom Weiner will give a talk on his recently published book Called to Serve: Stories of Men and Women Confronted by the Vietnam War Draft. The book is the fruit of years of extensive interviews, with chapters for people who made different choices among the available options: to serve, to resist, to leave the country, to become a conscientious objector, or to find a way around the draft altogether, as well as a chapter for those who loved, counseled and supported. Weiner’s presentation will include several of his interview subjects who will share parts of their testimonies. Weiner recently donated the tapes of the interviews and the transcripts to Special Collections and University Archives. For more info visit: http://bit.ly/socialchange_2011.

A: Wine, Chocolate, Libraries. Q: What are 3 things that go great together?

noreply@blogger.com (South Hadley Public Library) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:08:00 +0000

South Hadley new library building site

noreply@blogger.com (Lynn) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:16:00 +0000

This will be the view from the new South Hadley Public Library is voted favorably upon in the upcoming election. Pretty nice!

Fall Library Festival - South Hadley - October 9, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (South Hadley Public Library) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:23:00 +0000

You May Not Read This Book! An Installation in Commemoration of Banned Books Week

noreply@blogger.com (Doris Madsen) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 11:51:00 +0000

On September 27th, artist and librarian, Doris Madsen created at Sixteen Acres Branch an hour long installation featuring blindfolded readers "reading" banned books of their choice. The American Library Association marks the last week of September as Banned Books Week. The freedom to read is a freedom libraries cherish and defend.

This event will be repeated on October 5, 6-7 pm at Pine Point Branch.
Doris is looking for volunteers to "read" blindfolded. Please if you are interested in participating as a "reader"contact her at dmadsen@springfieldllibrary.org or 413-263-6855.

Scholarships for Partners in Advocacy

noreply@blogger.com (Western Mass Library Advocates) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:45:00 +0000

Greetings!

At the latest meeting of the Western Massachusetts Library Advocates (WMLA) Board of Directors, the Directors unanimously approved sponsoring 4 individuals from western Massachusetts to attend the Partners in Advocacy program November 5, 2011, in Worcester. WMLA will cover the $25.00 registration fee plus up to $30.00 in travel expenses with the stipulation that each sponsored participant shall submit a brief report on the program to the Board. These sponsorships will be awarded on a first come basis so apply right away.

Partners in Advocacy: Strategic Storytelling is hosted by the Massachusetts School Library Association, the Massachusetts Library Association and the Massachusetts Library System and will be held at the Student Services Center, Worcester State University on Saturday, November 5, 2011, 10 am – 3 pm. Nancy Dowd leads a fast-paced and engaging experience on collecting, creating and communicating stories to communicate a unified voice about the value of Massachusetts’s libraries.

To apply, email me with your contact information at:

dbruneau@town.adams.ma.us

Thank you for your interest, and good luck!

Sincerely,

Deborah G. Bruneau, President of Western Massachusetts Library Advocates and

Director, Adams Free Library

92 Park Street, Adams, MA 01220-2096

413-743-8345; 413-743-8344 (FAX)

dbruneau@town.adams.ma.us

Western MA Library Advocates Annual Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Western Mass Library Advocates) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:10:00 +0000

On October 5, 2011, at 10 a.m., the Western Massachusetts Library Advocates (WMLA) will hold their Annual Meeting at the Massachusetts Library System's Whately Office. The Business Meeting will precede a presentation by Tom Corbett (Cushing Academy) outlining his thoughts on the best ways of delivering author's words and ideas that may NOT include printed books.

The Business Meeting will include election of officers and a vote on new bylaws. Now that the formal merger of the Friends of WMRLS and the Western Massachusetts Library Club is complete, it is time to change the name of the organization to the Western Massachusetts Library Advocates. The draft of the proposed bylaws follows:

DRAFT of BYLAWS

THE GOVERNING DOCUMENT OF

THE WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY ADVOCATES, INC.

Formerly the

FRIENDS OF THE WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM, INC.

Following the merger of

FRIENDS OF THE WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM, INC.

And the WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY CLUB

Merger Approved at the Annual Meeting of Friends, October 8, 2010

Merger Approved at the Annual Meeting of WMLC, November 16, 2010

ARTICLE I—NAME AND STATUS

SECTION 1.1. NAME: The name of this Corporation is the Western Massachusetts Library Advocates, Inc. This Corporation shall be hereinafter referred to as the Organization, WMLA or as the Advocates.

SECTION 1.2. STATUS: The Corporation shall not be operated for financial profit.

ARTICLE II—PURPOSE

SECTION 2.1. The principal purpose of this organization shall be the promotion of library services and librarianship in the western part of the Commonwealth by:

a. Keeping members and the public informed of issues affecting Western Massachusetts libraries;

b. Keeping legislators and other elected officials informed of issues affecting Western Massachusetts libraries;

c. Encouraging the public to advocate for adequate library funding;

d. Supporting the Massachusetts Library System and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, while keeping these groups informed of the unique needs of Western Massachusetts Libraries;

e. Promoting continuing and advanced education opportunities for library staff;

f. Encouraging active library staff members and retirees to participate in Organization activities for both professional enlightenment and enrichment;

g. Conducting fundraising activities in support of the Organization’s ongoing efforts on behalf of the libraries of Western Massachusetts.

SECTION 2.2. This corporation is organized exclusively for one or more of the purposes specified in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

SECTION 2.3. This corporation may undertake any other related activity which is consistent with its status as a Massachusetts Non-Profit Corporation (Chapter 180 of the General Laws) and which is consistent with its tax exempt status under USC Section 501 (c)(3).

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP, DUES

SECTION 3.1. MEMBERSHIP: Membership in this Organization is open to all who are in sympathy with its aims and purposes and who pay annual membership dues.

SECTION 3.2. DUES: Dues are fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors; any changes require a vote of approval from the membership at an Annual or Special Meeting. The membership year extends from October 1 to September 30.

SECTION 3.3. MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES: Dues amounts vary according to the category selected by and appropriate to the member. Membership categories and annual dues amounts for each are listed in Appendix A of these Bylaws.

SECTION 3.4. Former members whose dues are in arrears shall be reinstated immediately upon payment for the current year. New memberships become effective upon payment of dues for the current year.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS AND DUTIES

SECTION 4.1. OFFICERS: The officers of the Organization shall be a President, a Vice-President/President Elect, Past President, a Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer and a Clerk who shall be elected at the Annual Meeting of the organization. The office of the President shall be filled by the Vice President/President Elect who has completed his/her one year term as Vice President/President Elect. The office of the Past President shall be filled by the President who has completed his/her one year term as President. Each officer shall hold office until a successor shall have been elected and qualified. The Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Clerk are elected for three-year terms staggered for continuity of service.

SECTION 4.2. DUTIES: The President shall have general charge and supervision of the Organization’s affairs and activities within the scope of policies determined by the Board of Directors. The President shall preside at all meetings of Members and of the Directors. The President shall make a report to the Members at each Membership Meeting. The President shall sign any contracts in the name of the Organization when authorized to do so generally, or in special instances by the Board of Directors. If deemed necessary by the Board of Directors, the President shall be empowered to sign checks for the Organization. After completion of his/her term of office, the President shall serve as Past President on the Board of Directors, with voting rights, for a one year term. The Past President shall chair the Nominating Committee.

The Vice-President/President Elect shall have and may exercise such powers of the President as may from time to time be assigned by the President and shall have such other duties as shall from time to time be assigned by these Bylaws or by the Board of Directors. The Vice-President shall preside at Meetings in the absence of the President. The Vice-President shall chair the Education and Programming Committee. At the end of the outgoing President’s term, the Vice President/President Elect shall assume the office of the President for a full year.

The Treasurer shall have custody of all funds of the Organization and shall deposit the same with such bank or banks as the Board of Directors shall from time to time determine. The Treasurer may endorse for collection checks and other obligations and shall deposit same as provided herein. The Treasurer shall cause to be entered regularly, in books kept for the purpose, full and accurate accounts of all monies received and paid on account of the Organization, and whenever required by the Board of Directors shall prepare a report for each fiscal year to be presented at the Annual Meeting. The Treasurer shall perform all acts incident to the position of Treasurer subject to the control of the Board of Directors. The Assistant Treasurer shall aid and assist the Treasurer in the performance of the duties of that office and shall have and may exercise such powers as the Treasurer may assign to him or her.

The Clerk shall keep the minutes of all Meetings of Members and the Board of Directors. The Clerk shall receive and retain copies of minutes of all committee meetings and shall give or serve all notices of the Organization. The Clerk shall receive and retain records of Members and shall perform all duties incident to the Office of Clerk subject to the control of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 4.3. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, disqualification, or otherwise may be filled by the Board of Directors until the next annual meeting. A vacancy in an office shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors in office at the time such vote is taken.

SECTION 4.4. COMPENSATION: Officers shall serve without any compensation.

SECTION 4.5. TERMS OF OFFICE: Board Members serve three (3) year terms. For continuity, at least one Director-at-Large is elected each year. Presidents and Vice-Presidents shall be eligible for reelection for one (1) additional year. Treasurers, Assistant Treasurers and Clerks shall be eligible for reelection for a term of three (3) additional years.

ARTICLE V – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 5.1. The Board shall consist, at minimum, of 9 persons: the 6 officers and three Directors. The maximum number, with the addition of more Directors, shall be no more than 12. The Board shall have charge of the administrative and financial affairs of the Organization. All six officers as defined in Article IV, Section 1, shall serve as voting members of the Board. The President shall act as Chairperson for meetings and a majority of Board members shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION 5.2. MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE: One or more members of the Board of Directors may participate in any regular or special meeting of the Board by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by which all persons participating in the meeting are able to communicate with each other at the same time. Such participation shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

SECTION 5.3. ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING: Any action required or permitted to be taken at any Board meeting may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action as taken, shall be signed by all of the directors with respect to such subject matter. Such consent, which may be signed in counterparts or communicated through facsimile or other means, shall have the same force and effect as a vote of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 5.4. WAIVER OF NOTICE FOR MEETINGS: Whenever any notice of a meeting is required to be given to any Board member under the Articles of Organization, these Bylaws, or the laws of Massachusetts, a waiver of notice in writing signed by the Board member, whether before or after the time of the meeting, shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice.

SECTION 5.5. Directors shall be elected to a term of 3 calendar years. The Vice-President/President Elect/Past President shall be elected to a three calendar year term regardless of previous service on the Board. Directors shall be limited to 2 full consecutive terms. Previous Directors, having served two consecutive terms, must be absent from the Board for one year before serving again.

SECTION 5.6. This Board shall have the power to establish policies governing the affairs of the organization in accordance with these and any future Bylaws voted by the membership.

SECTION 5.7. This Board may establish Committees and appoint Committee Chairs as needed or prescribed in the Bylaws.

SECTION 5.8. Committee Chairs, whether of a standing or ad hoc committee, serve as voting members of the Board.

SECTION 5.9. Board Members shall serve without any compensation. When authorized by the Board, reimbursement may be made for any out-of-pocket expenses in discharging official duties, but no part of the net earnings of the Organization shall inure to the benefit of any member, officer, or individual.

ARTICLE VI - COMMITTEES

SECTION 6.1. The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees. Each Committee shall be composed of at least one (1) Director, together with other members as may be appointed by the Board of Directors from time to time to consider and make recommendations to the Board on matters affecting the Organization and to perform any function delegated to it by the Board.

SECTION 6.2. Standing Committees shall be named Bylaws Revision, Membership, Nominating, and any other committee deemed necessary by the Board of Directors. Members of any committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Upon receipt of a final report, the Board of Directors may discontinue such committee or committees.

ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS OF THE ORGANIZATION

SECTION 7.1. BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS: Board of Directors’ meetings shall be held at such dates, times and places as determined by the Board.

SECTION 7.2. ANNUAL MEETING: The Annual Meeting of Members shall be held in October at a day, time and place as determined by the Board of Directors for the purpose of electing, as necessary, a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Clerk, and in staggered terms Directors-at-Large and for the transaction of such other business as may be brought before the meeting.

SECTION 7.3. SPECIAL MEETINGS: Special Meetings may be called at any time by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. At a Special Meeting, no business shall be transacted other than that stated in the notice of the Meeting.

SECTION 7.4. PLACE OF MEETING: Every Meeting of Members shall be held at such date, time and place as shall be determined by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the Meeting.

SECTION 7.5. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING: Notice of Annual Meeting of Members shall be given by the Clerk to be distributed (mail, email, delivery or other standard mechanisms) at least fourteen days before the Meeting to each Member at his/her address as it appears on the records of the Organization. The notice shall state the day, hour and place at which the meeting is to be held.

SECTION 7.6. QUORUM: There shall be no membership quorum requirement for the holding of any Annual Meeting or Special Meeting of the Membership.

VIII - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SECTION 8.1. REGULATIONS: The Board of Directors shall have the power and authority to make such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary concerning and governing the activities of the Organization and the care, custody and use of its properties.

SECTION 8.2. FISCAL YEAR: The Fiscal Year of this Organization shall comprise the period beginning October 1 and ending September 30 in each year consistent with the membership year.

SECTION 8.3. CHECKS, NOTES, ETC.: All checks, drafts, notes or other obligations and orders for the payment of money shall be signed by the Treasurer at the direction of the President. Any expenditure in excess of $200.00 shall be approved by a majority of the Board of Directors. Checks, drafts, notes or other obligations and orders for payment of money to the Organization may be endorsed for deposit to the credit of the Organization with a duly authorized deposit by the Treasurer or the Assistant Treasurer.

SECTION 8.4. WAIVERS OF NOTICE: Whenever any Notice is required to be given under these Bylaws, a waiver thereof, in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled thereto, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to such notice.

SECTION 8.5. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY: The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern this Organization in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Bylaws of this Organization.

ARTICLE IX - DISSOLUTION

Upon dissolution of this Organization, none of the properties then owned by the Organization shall be distributed to or inure to the benefit of any Director, Officer or Member thereof. Any such properties may, by vote of the Membership, be conveyed to a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization to benefit one or more organizations which have operations consistent with the purpose of this Organization anywhere in Massachusetts and are exempt under the provisions of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding provisions of any federal tax law which shall be in effect.

ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS

SECTION 10.1. These Bylaws and any amendments thereof may be altered, amended or repealed or new Bylaws may be adopted by the Board of Directors at any meeting by the affirmative vote of all members of the Board. Bylaws adopted by the Board of Directors may be altered, amended or repealed and other Bylaws may be enacted by the Members of the Organization at any meeting, the notice of which shall have stated the proposed alteration, amendment, repeal or enactment as one of the purposes of the meeting.

SECTION 10.2. Proposed amendments must be announced to the Membership at least seven days in advance of the meeting at which a vote will be taken. The Bylaws may also be amended through a ballot to be distributed (mail, email, delivery or other standard mechanisms) to the Membership following a majority vote of the Board of Directors; in the latter situation, explanatory statements shall accompany the written ballot for any substantive change.

SECTION 10.3. Nothing contained in this Article shall be construed as conveying the ability to so amend the Provisions of Article IX hereof (Dissolution) to permit properties of the Organization inure to the benefit of any Director, Officer or member upon dissolution.

Voted October 5, 2011

_________________________________________________

Approved on

Deborah Bruneau

_________________________________________________

President

Appendix A: Western Massachusetts Library Advocates Membership Categories and Dues Schedule (Amended August 18, 2011)

Library Champion $150

Business or Institution $100.

Friends/Library Group $ 50.

Family/Household $ 50.

Individual $ 25.

Student / Senior/Retiree $ 10.

Open $Any Amount

Exhibit: Saturday's Rivals: Football Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Schaler) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:58:00 +0000

The UMass Amherst Libraries host an exhibit, “Saturday’s Rivals: Football Memories from the ‘Aggie Eleven of 1879’ to the MAC of 2011,” September 15, 2011 to January 3, 2012, on the Lower Level, Du Bois Library, UMass Amherst. The exhibit highlights posters, programs, brochures, artifacts, and photos of the team in action. An online exhibit will include additional programs, photos, listings of games and scores for the first several decades, and written histories. A reception will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2011, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Football began on campus in 1878 at what was then known as Massachusetts Agricultural College (M.A.C.). In 1947, the Yankee Conference was formed by the six land grant institutions in New England; University of Connecticut, University of Maine, Massachusetts State College (later UMass Amherst), Rhode Island State College, University of New Hampshire, and the University of Vermont. In 1997 the Yankee Conference was taken over by the Atlantic 10 Football Conference, with UMass Amherst having won more league titles (17) and games (160) than any other conference member.

In the 1990s the Yankee Conference was split in two, placing UMass Amherst in the New England Division. Beginning in 2012 the team will be playing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

For more information, contact Anne Moore (amoore@library.umass.edu, 413-545-6888).