STAINED GLASS windows at the Knight Memorial Library.Photo credit: Providence Community Library
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Preserving Historic Libraries Brings Early Headaches, Followed By Long-lasting Rewards
Despite the expense and the many hurdles in preserving historic elements of old libraries, the results can have profound rewards in communities where they are critical psychological as well as physical landmarks.
At a workshop during the annual preservation conference sponsored by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, experts involved in three restoration projects- in Westerly, North Kingstown and Providence - discussed what it means to bring about "New Libraries in Old Buildings." Sometimes, speakers said at the April 27 conference in West Warwick, the challenges of projects, such as putting in new wheelchair-accessible ramps, turn out far better than initially expected. The workshop, which was moderated by a member of the Library Report staff. Click here to read the story in our news blog. |
Presidential Libraries
Once hailed as the 'Great Humanitarian,' Herbert Hoover Later Was Blamed for the Great Depression
THE HERBERT HOVER Library and Museum. Photo: Hoover Library
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THE LIBRARY REPORT continues our exclusive series about the nation's 13 presidential libraries by Linda Lotridge Levin, professor and former chair of journalism at the University of Rhode Island.
This installment profiles the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa, birthplace of Hoover. Levin says the library should have been first of the presidential libraries overseen by the National Archives, but that it is the third to be opened. "The reasons for the delay in honoring Mr. Hoover with his own library were as complex as he man for whom the library and museum honors," she writes. Read Linda Levin's stories at the Presidential Libraries blog |
MORE NEWS
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THE WILLETT FREE LIBRARY reopened Jan. 4, 2013, after raising more $450,000 to renovate one of Rhode Island's tiniest libraries, in the North Kingstown village of Saunderstown. Click to read. DESPITE SCARCE JOBS, new librarians - outspoken, adaptable to change, and passionate about their mission -are needed to guide libraries into the Digital Age, New Jersey librarian Peter Bromberg told a March conference organized by University of Rhode Island graduate students. Click to read THE SEQUESTER, the oversize across-the-board cuts in federal spending that took effect March 1, is not expected to have an immediate impact on Rhode Island libraries. Click to read HOWARD BOKSENBAUM, who has played a major role in leading the state's libraries into the computer age, will step down a head of the Office of Library and Information Services June 30.
Click here to read |
About the Library Report
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Pew study affirms public's bond with libraries; patrons increasing visits
In the Digital Age, a sweeping majority of Americans say libraries are vital to their communities and families, according to a new survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. The Internet is one reason: Web access through libraries’ free computers is nearly as important to patrons as borrowing books. Also, patrons who say they're now going to the library more, outnumber those who saying they're using it less. Follow these links to the study, "Library services in the digital age," that we've downloaded onto our Reports, studies pages, or go directly to the Pew site.
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The Harrington School of Communication & Media
The University of Rhode Island's new Harrington School of Communication and Media is breaking new ground in linking two disciplines we care a lot about: library and information studies, and journalism. This YouTube video explains. We think programs like this may hold the key to the future. Visit Harrington's Website by following this link. |
