All libraries will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 28.
All branches will be closed and the two bookmobiles will not make their normally scheduled stops on Monday, May 28. All book drops and online services are available.
All 12 library locations and both bookmobiles in Alachua County will resume their regular schedules on Tuesday, May 29, 2012.
If you can sing, we want you!
Library Partnership Idol auditions will be held May 9 and May 16, 4 to 6 p.m. at the Library Partnership, and on May 23, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Cone Park Branch.
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale was a crowd pleaser!
April 21 - 25, the Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale drew crowds, stopped traffic on Main Street, and tallied up more than $152,000 in sales. Though there is no total tally for attendance or total items sold, it's easy to calculate that many thousands of items were sold, as items were priced from 10 cents to $4 for most everything except collector's items.
Proceeds from the book sale help to purchase library materials, programs for children and adults at library branches throughout the county, scholarships for library staff and special land purchases as well as remodeling projects for the library.
Applications are being accepted for the current vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees.
The Alachua County Library District Governing Board encourages all interested citizens to apply for one vacancy, effective March 31, 2012, on the Alachua County Library District Board of Trustees. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 25, 2012. Applications must be signed and mailed or delivered to Headquarters Library Administration, 401 E. University Avenue.
Upcoming "Law in Library" session covers Landlord Tenant/Public Housing Legal Issues.
Jan Bendik, Esq. and Judy Collins, Esq. of Three Rivers Legal Services Inc. will discuss the rights and obligations in landlord tenant relations, how to deal with evictions, when is withholding rent an option and other relevant considerations.
The Alachua County Library District is partnering with the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association to present the “Law in the Library Series” to provide legal information and services. This session is free and open to the public and will be held on April 30, 6 p.m., at Headquarters, 401 E. University Avenue, Room A, Gainesville.
Celebrate Preservation Week @ your library with best-selling author Steve Berry.
Steve Berry, international and New York Times best-selling author, is the first national spokesperson for 2012 Preservation Week (April 22-28). Berry will talk about his suspense novels and the importance of preserving our personal and community cultural heritage at Millhopper Branch on Apirl 23, 4 p.m.
April is Library Appreciation Month
During April’s Alachua County Library District Governing Board meeting, County Commissioner Paula DeLaney was elected Chair of the Governing Board and School Board of Alachua County member Barbara Sharpe was elected Vice Chair of the Governing Board. As the newly elected Chair, Governor DeLaney recognized outgoing Chair Scherwin Henry for his service on the Governing Board and proclaimed April Library Appreciation Month.
Last day and the best bargains at the Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale.
The Friends of the Library book sale is underway through Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at the FOL Book House, 430 N. Main Street, Gainesville. Book Sale hours are:
Saturday, April 21, 9 am to 6 pm
Sunday, April 22, 1 to 6 pm
Monday, April 23, 12 to 7 pm
Tuesday, April 24, 12 to 7 pm – everything in the general collection is half price
THINK celebrates the Big Read and big reasons to visit your library.
This latest issue of THINK details "Big" reasons to visit your library, from National Library Week to 25+ "Big Read" events scheduled across the community onto "Dream Big" this summer for the Summer Reading Program. Something for all ages to discover.
THINK, the quarterly newsletter and program guide for the Library District, is now available at all library branches. THINK can also be picked up in both bookmobiles, at various city recreation centers and the Thomas Center as well as other county offices.
Interested in doing business with the Library District and Alachua County?
The Alachua County Purchasing Division will host a workshop on March 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to help vendors learn how to conduct and obtain business with the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and the Alachua County Library District. The workshop will be held at the Alachua County Extension Office, 2800 NE 39 Avenue, Gainesville, (next to the Alachua County Fairgrounds).
Law in the Library series addresses elder legal issues on March 26
The Alachua County Library District is partnering with the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association to present the “Law in the Library Series.” The next presentation is on elder law issues at Headquarters Library on March 26, at 6 p.m. in Meeting Room A. Sam W.
Children's Books and School Supply Drive
Fans that bring two new or gently used children's books or $5 worth of school supplies to the Florida Gymnastics vs Utah meet on March 16, at 7 p.m. at the O'Connell Center, will receive 2-for-1 general admission. Donations benefit the UF&Shands Pediatric Clinics and Alachua County Schools.
All books and supplies can be donated at Gate 1 of the Stephen C. O'Connell Center for redemption on the night of the meet. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Kids 17 and under receive free admission to all home meets.
The Children's Books and School Supply Drive is sponsored by the University of Florida Athletic Association and the Alachua County Library District. For more information, call University Athletic Association Marketing at 352-375-4683, ext. 6600.
Alachua Branch celebrates 30th anniversary of its opening
Alachua Branch Library Timeline:
SPRING 1981: Margaret Harris and her 8th grade students petition the Alachua City Commission. “We have no library.” The City
Commission establishes a Library Board.
SEPTEMBER 1981: A group of citizens organize the Alachua Friends of the Library. Books and equipment are donated or purchased.
FEBRUARY 19, 1982: The Alachua Library opens in a singlewide trailer donated by the Hipp family and is run by volunteers.
OCTOBER 1986: The Library is condemned due to structural and electrical problems.
StoryCorps will visit Headquarters Library on February 23 – 25, 2012
Community members, library patrons, staff and supporters have signed up to participate during the three days of interviews at Library Headquarters downtown. StoryCorps’ visit is a gift from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as part of the 2011 National Medal Award awarded to the Library District in December 2011.
The Library District and StoryCorps invite you to tell us your story
StoryCorps will visit Headquarters Library on February 23 – 25, 2012. Members of our community are invited to sign up now to share their stories and create their oral histories. A limited number of interview time spots are available now. Applications are being accepted and interview times will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please apply now while time slots are available.
At the end of each session, participants will take home a broadcast-quality CD of the interviewee’s recorded story, and with permission, a copy will be archived at the Library of Congress and the Alachua County Library District.
Opening reception for Highwaymen artist is February 2, at the Matheson Museum
The community is invited to the opening reception of “Beyond Expectations: Florida’s Highwaymen” welcoming legendary Highwaymen artist, Mary Ann Carroll, the only female Highwaymen artist on Thursday, February 2, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at the Matheson Museum.
Application Deadline Extended for two Alachua County Library District Board of Trustees Positions
The Alachua County Library District Governing Board encourages all interested citizens to apply for two vacancies, effective March 31, 2012, on the Alachua County Library District Board of Trustees. The application deadline has been extended to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2012. Applications must be signed and mailed or delivered to Headquarters Library Administration, 401 E. University Avenue.
Libraries Succeed by Constantly Evolving
People depend on libraries now more than ever. Not only do visits and circulation continue to rise, the role of public libraries in providing Internet resources to the public continues to increase as well. Public libraries have also increased their program offerings to meet greater demand and provide more targeted services.
In the business world, such demand for an industry's services would mean big profits for that sector. But despite the demonstrated ability of libraries to adjust to meet the growing needs of the public, many libraries across the country face severe budget cuts.
THINK...details National Medal honor
The latest issue of THINK, the quarterly magazine for the Library District, is now available at all library branches. THINK can also be picked up in both bookmobiles, at various city recreation centers and the Thomas Center as well as other county offices.
Coming soon a space for teens
Teens are a vibrant part of our community who make significant use of the Library District’s many resources. At Headquarters Library, staff recognized teens needed a more inviting place of their own to enjoy, so they spoke with teens to find out what they would most like in a space especially designed for them.
Teens envisioned having an area that was inviting to hang out in for fun and entertainment, as well as being close to resources they used most for quiet studying. Construction is underway and expected to be completed by early February, 2012. This remodeling project is funded in part by a generous donation from the Alachua County Library District Foundation.
It's official, Floridians love libraries
Libraries of all types across Florida collected statistics, pictures, and stories from users to show what a typical day in the life of a Florida Library looks like. The Alachua County Library District participated and would like to provide a snapshot of the results.
Join the discussion on America's water crisis and possible solutions
Award-winning journalist and author Cynthia Barnett will discuss her new book, Blue Revolution: Unmaking America’s Water Crisis at the Alachua County Library District Headquarters on January 9, 2012 at 6 p.m.
Barnett, a Gainesville resident, is the author of Mirage: Florida and the Vanishing Water of the Eastern U.S., a winner of the gold medal for best nonfiction in the Florida Book Awards. Her new title, Blue Revolution, is the first book to call for a water ethic for America.
“Of the new crop of books on water, this one may be the most important,” wrote UK journalist Fred Pearce, author of When the Rivers Run Dry.
New Year's holiday schedule
Happy New Year from the Alachua County Library District staff. We wish you and yours a joyous New Year.
For the New Year’s holiday the Library District will be closed all day Sunday, January 1, and Monday, January 2, 2012. All branches will be closed and the two bookmobiles will not make their normally scheduled stops. All book drops and online services will be available.
We look forward to serving you in the new year.
A leaf on Katherine's Tree makes a shining, memorable gift
The holiday spirit inspires many of us to be kind, to give and to share what we have so that others may enjoy the spirit of the season. If you’re looking for a unique way to give, consider this very special gift that will lift your spirit all season long and honor a person for a lifetime. Make a contribution 
to the Alachua County Library District Foundation (ACLD) Endowment Fund by placing a name on Katherine’s Tree. A beautifully etched leaf will honor someone and create a lasting recognition that can be enjoyed for many holidays.
Applications due January 12, 2012 at 5 p.m.
The Alachua County Library District Governing Board encourages all interested citizens to apply for two vacancies, effective March 31, 2012, on the Alachua County Library District Board of Trustees. Applications must be signed and mailed or delivered to Headquarters Library Administration by 5:00 pm, Friday, January 13, 2012.
The Library Board of Trustees is a citizen volunteer board which is part of the Library District governing structure. The seven citizens who serve as Board of Trustees members are appointed by the Governing Board. The Board of Trustees is made up of three Alachua County representatives, three City of Gainesville representatives and one Alachua County League of Cities representative.
Alachua honors Branch Manager
Alachua business leaders, city officials and community members joined together Dec. 9 in thanking and honoring Caryl McKellar, the longtime head librarian at the Alachua Branch Library. After years in Alachua, McKellar is transferring to the main library on East University Avenue in Gainesville.
During a luncheon held by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce on Friday at Conestogas Restaurant, McKellar was thanked by everyone from retired school principals and teachers to area business owners and Mayor Gib Coerper.
The Heart Gallery features children in this community that would like to find forever families
The Alachua County Library District kicked-off the Children's Home Society's Heart Gallery tour. The Heart Gallery features photographs of adoptable children and their stories. Viewers may take a card home with them about any child that they might be interested in adopting and learn more about adoption and fostering by attending information sessions scheduled in January and February.
Library receives nation's highest honor for museum and library service
At the ceremony on December 5, Institute of Museum and Library Service Director Susan Hildreth presented the National Medal for Museum and Library Service to five libraries and five museums at a ceremony on Capitol Hill. Journalist and author Cokie Roberts gave the keynote address. The National Medal is the highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for service to the community.
At the ceremony, Hildreth also read the following excerpt of a letter from First Lady Michelle Obama to the medal winners:
Anna Moo delighted the audience with holiday songs
Fans of Moo delighted in the award winning songwriter and recording artist's holiday performance at Headquarters on December 6. Anna Moo entertained the lively group with her collection of children's songs delivered with her joyous holiday spirit. Moo has been a featured performer at the Alachua County Library District throughout her music career. Check out the photos from the Gainesville Sun.
Traveling exhibit at Headquarters, closing reception is December 7
Alachua County Library District is proud to be the only library in Florida to host this traveling exhibit now through December 16. The closing reception and talk is with Dr. Lowery, a professer in the College of Education at the University of Florida and an expert on immigrant literature.
