Wikipedia Defines Library

Wikipedia, the online, free encyclopedia where the public contribute entries, has a very rich and interesting entry for "library." Check it out!

Librarians Ruled "Brainiest" in Britain

In a credit to the library profession, The British Library's team on the BBC2 show "University Challenge - The Professionals" won out as the brainiest of the brainy professionals.

Library Quote of the Day

From one of our staff members comes the following quotable comment:

"In the indices of quotation books, libraries come right after liberty, and I cannot think of two words better suited to be near each other." – Nancy Kunz (1972 - )

Press Coverage

Invitations are going out to the press for the "Off The Map" screening. We're hoping to have some reporters and photographers at the event. If you're a member of the press and would like to cover the screening, please contact Nancy Kunz at the library at 232-3508. We have a limited amount of press passes, but would love to use them all!

Have you reserved your tickets yet? Not only will this be a spectacular event, but it also helps the library. Without public support, libraries tend to cut hours, staff, collection development - let's not let that happen to us! With your help, no matter how great or small, Katonah Village Library can continue to grow and flourish.

JFK Quote

"If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all - except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights is the guardian of our security as well as our liberty." – John F. Kennedy

NYS Library Budget Cuts

Bad news for New York libraries.

• The Governor has proposed a 5% cut in state aid to libraries in the 2004-05 budget, a reduction of $4.4 million from $88.9 million to $84.42 million.
• Library funding has been frozen since 1998 at $88.9 million. According to Education Law , library aid should be at $91.3 million, using the new population figures of the 2000 Census (library aid is distributed on a per capita basis).
• Since 1995, School Aid has increased 47% or $4.7 billion, while Library Aid has increased by only 9% or $7.4 million.
• Library Aid makes up less than 1% of the state budget, yet Libraries serve 51% of the state’s population (registered users).
• Library usage is up 20% since 2001 due to tough economic times.
• Library costs have increased due to higher utilities costs, pension payments, health insurance premiums and the costs of books have increased, and yet funding has remained flat.

Please take a moment to read the whole story, linked above, and then please take action to help keep New York's libraries healthy and growing!