1. Library usage up; state support critical to providing service
2. Grant opportunity for rural public libraries
3. Apply by May 5 to host "Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War" traveling exhibition
4. Website of the Week -- FedStats
5. Calendar
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1. LIBRARY USAGE UP; STATE SUPPORT CRITICAL TO PROVIDING SERVICE

Over the last five years, public library visits in Wisconsin increased by more than 10 percent, circulation of library materials increased by 15 percent, yet paid library staff per capita decreased by 2 percent, a testament to the efficiency of Wisconsin's public libraries and library systems in providing service in this time of economic need, according to a recent Department of Public Instruction news release.

"Public libraries are focused on service to their communities," said State Superintendent Tony Evers. "State aid to public library systems is critical in providing these services in an efficient manner and is a sound return on investment for Wisconsin taxpayers."

Additional information and the full text of the news release is available on the Department of Public Instruction newsroom website /sites/default/files/imce/eis/pdf/dpinr2011_01.pdf.


2. GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR RURAL PUBLIC LIBRARIES

The Libri Foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2011 Books for Children grants. The Libri Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization which donates new, quality, hardcover children's books to small, rural public libraries throughout the United States.

In general, county libraries should serve a population under 16,000 and town libraries should serve a population under 10,000 (usually under 5,000). Libraries should be in a rural area, have a limited operating budget, and an active children's department.

In order to encourage and reward local support of libraries, The Libri Foundation will match any amount of money raised by your local sponsors from $50 to $350 on a 2-to-1 ratio. Thus, a library can receive up to $1,050 worth of new children's books. After a library receives a grant, local sponsors (such as formal or informal Friends groups, civic or social organizations, local businesses, etc.) have four months, or longer if necessary, to raise their matching funds.

The librarian of each participating library selects the books her library will receive from a booklist provided by the Foundation. The 700-plus fiction and nonfiction titles on the booklist reflect the very best of children's literature published primarily in the last three years. These titles, which are for children ages 12 and under, are award-winners or have received starred reviews in library, literary, or education journals. The booklist also includes a selection of classic children's titles.

Application deadlines for 2011 are January 23rd, and April 15th. Application guidelines and forms may be downloaded from the Foundation's website at: http://www.librifoundation.org.


3. APPLY BY MAY 5 TO HOST "LINCOLN: THE CONSTITUTION AND THE CIVIL WAR"

The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, in partnership with the National Constitution Center (NCC) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), is pleased to announce a large-scale tour for the traveling exhibition "Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War." Online applications will be accepted through May 5 at http://www.ala.org/civilwarprograms. Funding for the exhibition and tour is provided by a major grant from NEH.


4. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

FedStats -- http://www.fedstats.gov/ -- This site provides easy access to the full range of official statistical information produced by more than 100 U.S. Federal Government agencies.


5. CALENDAR

January 21, 2011 - Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) meeting, by web conference

February 22, 2011 - WEMTA/WLA Library Legislative Day, Madison

March 20-22, 2011 - Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA) conference, Madison

May 4-6, 2011 - Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) annual conference, Madison

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Roslyn M. Wise
Editor, Channel Weekly
Department of Public Instruction
Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning
PO Box 7841
Madison, WI 53707-7841
Phone: (608) 266-6439
FAX: (608) 267-9207