Ideas for 2011-2012

Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell

Me...Jane is a picture book about Jane Goodall. It is written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell, the creator of the comic strip MUTTS. The book tells of young Jane's fascination with animals and nature. She and her stuffed chimpanzee, Jubilee, have imaginative adventures in the outdoors. Jane always spent time outside, observing nature and recording her observations. In the book we have an example of her science notebook from childhood.

The book is an inspiration for everyone to follow their dreams as Jane does. At the end of the book there is a picture of adult Jane, who followed her dreams all the way to Africa.

Here is a short interview with Jane Goodall.

What Can Your Library Do for You?

In today's tough economic times libraries have been under attack from over-zealous budget cutters. Often it seems that legislators and other law-makers view libraries are archaic, unnecessary vehicles from the past. What can we, librarians and library-users, do to change their minds?How can we defend the library, and prove that we are relevant and beneficial?

One thing we can do is advocate for our libraries. We must make sure our libraries have a mission and a purpose. The stake-holders must be clearly identified, and the library programs should be tailored support them. Then we can advocate, or support, our library by making sure everyone understands the benefits a library provides.