Philosopher Carla Fehr to discuss research linking workplace diversity and scientific excellence
Alachua County Library District and UF Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere are bringing philosopher Carla Fehr to Gainesville for two events to discuss recent research linking workplace diversity and scientific excellence. Both events invite community members, business owners, scientists, professionals, and others to discuss the factors contributing to the absence of women in certain professions, and how this hinders excellence and innovation in the workplace.
Speaking events:
“What Evolution Can't Tell Us about Women's Sex and Work
February 8, 7 p.m., at Millhopper Branch Library, 3145 NW 43 Street
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.
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.
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.
See Florida artists at the Matheson Museum
Visit the Matheson Museum to see the Payne's Prairie Amateur Photography Exhibit. This exhibit showcases Florida artists such as Mark V. Barrow, John Moran, Jeff Ripple, and Susannah Peddie. Exhibit is November 16 through December 29. Photo by Susannah Peddie.
Cone Park is now open
Cone Park is now open at 2841 E. University Avenue, adjacent to the City of Gainesville's Fred Cone Park Recreation Center.
World War I Memorial Dedication Ceremony November 11 at the Matheson Museum
The Matheson Museum, located at 513 East University Ave., will dedicate a World War I plaque during a ceremony on Friday, November 11, at 12:30 p.m. Robert Gasche, veterans advocate, and Dr. Mark V. Barrow, historian, will preside over the ceremony.
Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale rang up $159,506
If you love books, DVDs, artwork, CDs, puzzles and collector items - you might have been a customer at the Friends of the Library Book Sale October 22 -26. Maybe you were one of the 745 enthusiastic fans that entered the sale during its first 10 minutes. Or maybe you were part of the crowd of shoppers that contributed to the total of $159,506 raised during the five day sale. Though there is no total tally for attendance or 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.
Thank you for supporting libraries and lifelong learning
On November 2, libraries across the state are participated in Florida Library Snapshot Day by collecting statistics, comments, and photographs from a typical day. Snapshot Day was s a project of the Alachua County Library District and the Florida Library Association. Check out some of our photos.
THINK...quarterly magazine and program guide
The latest issue of THINK, the quarterly magazine for the Library District, is now available at all library branches. This edition announces a national traveling exhibit coming to Gainesville, new additions to our collection, a new branch location, new services, plus the popular events calendar and more. It also welcomes our new Library Director Shaney T. Livingston and looks ahead to exciting events and programs coming in 2012.
The Library Partnership extends Friday hours to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you live in Northeast Gainesville, library hours have been expanded on Fridays to better serve neighborhoods. The Library Partnership, a Neighborhood Resource Center, located at 1130 NE 16th Avenue, is now open all day on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library District expanded Friday hours to provide citizens more access to library and community services. The Library Partnership is open Monday and Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
Vehicle Usage
Approved by: Board of Trustees 10/21/92; 10/21/09
Approved by: Governing Board 11/12/92; 12/10/09
Policy
Library District vehicles are used for official Library District business only. Only Library District employees may operate District vehicles or equipment, including vehicles or equipment leased to or rented by the District. The Alachua County Library District and its employees will comply with all safety laws and regulations that apply to motor vehicles in the State of Florida, or other applicable jurisdiction. The Library District's commercial insurance covers employees while driving a District vehicle within the scope of their employment. The District's insurance extension limits shall not exceed those provided in 768.28 Florida Statutes.
Regulations
Safety Policy
Approved by: Board of Trustees 7/12/90; 12/14/94; 2/19/97; 4/15/09
Approved by: Governing Board 8/23/90; 1/12/95; 3/13/97; 4/23/09
Policy
The Library District is responsible for providing a safe environment for its employees and the public they serve. To that end, we administer a safety program that:
1. Insures a safe and healthful environment for each employee and patron.
2. Provides safety training to improve work habits and practices.
3. Investigates each incident and identifies measures to prevent recurrence of a similar incident.
4. Identifies and corrects hazards before they result in accidents.
5. Raises the safety awareness of each employee.
Public Programming Policy
Policy
The Alachua County Library District provides free public programming for all ages. District programming
introduces and promotes use of the Library by the community, provides recreational, informational
and educational experiences for all ages, and promotes literacy and life-long learning. In keeping with
the Standards for Florida Public Libraries, ACLD programming includes, but is not limited to:
Library Membership in Community and Civic Organizations
Approved by: Board of Trustees 8/21/02; 11/18/09
Approved by: Governing Board 10/24/02; 12/10/09
Policy
The Library District plays an active role in the community by making connections and developing relationships with local civic, cultural and educational organizations, both public and private. To this end, the Library District staff attends and/or participates in the activities of certain community organizations that may require membership fees. On June 13, 2002 the Library District Governing Board declared payment of memberships in local Alachua County community and civic organizations as a public purpose.
Regulations
Meeting Room/Outdoor Spaces Use
ACLD Policy Statement: Meeting Room/Outdoor Spaces Use Policy
Approved by: Board of Trustees 10/17/90; 03/16/94; 12/17/08
Governing Board 10/25/90; 06/23/94; 01/08/09
The Alachua County Library District's meeting rooms, gardens, courtyards, parking lots and other
outdoor spaces are primarily for the use of the Library District. When not required for District use,
they may be made available, free of charge, to individuals or community groups whose purposes
are civic, cultural, educational, or recreational in nature. Final authority for the use of the Library
District’s various meeting rooms/outdoor spaces rests with the Library Director or designee. The
Library District welcomes opportunities to make accommodations for people with disabilities.
Regulations
Library Code of Conduct
ALACHUA COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT POLICY STATEMENT
Approved by: Board of Trustees 1/16/91; Revised 6/15/94; 11/19/97; 3/14/07; 1/16/08
Approved by: Governing Board 1/24/91; Revised7/14/94; 12/11/97; 5/10/07; 1/24/08
Policy
Gifts and Donations
Policy
The Library District may accept donations from individuals and organizations.
Regulations
1. Donations can be:
- Cash
- Goods or services that can be used in one of the District's programs
- Goods, land or buildings that can either be used by the District or sold resulting in an advantage to the District.
- Marketable Securities
A memorial or recognition plaque(s) to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the Alachua County Library District.
2. Donations are subject to review by the Library Board of Trustees at the Director's request.
Fines
ALACHUA COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT POLICY STATEMENT The Alachua County Library District does not charge fines for overdue items.
Exhibit and Display Policy
ALACHUA COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
POLICY STATEMENT
Approved by: Board of Trustees 10-17-90
Approved by: Governing Board 10-25-90
The library makes every effort to allow as many people as possible to exhibit, but limited space means that only a few of the many requests to display items in the library can be granted. Decisions on which exhibits to display in the headquarters library are made by the Coordinator of Headquarters Patron Services, who may delegate the responsibility to a committee or other staff. Decisions for branch libraries are made by Branch Managers.
The display of exhibits in the library is subject to the following conditions:
1. Nothing shall be exhibited in the library without official permission.
