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Richard Thau's blog

From The Director: 2010

 
The contributions of our public library to our community neighborhoods are too numerous to list. Because HTFL is such an established institution, people often take for granted that we will always exist in the manner so accustomed. Here in Haverford Township as in most communities, the library agency must compete with many other essential community services for funding. Although the library does collect a percentage of revenue from fundraising activity, private sources, or grants, these revenue streams can never (nor should they) fully support the many functions performed by HTFL. Despite the fact that we are involved in a challenging economic period of time and as such we are set to continue to act in a proactively fiscally responsible manner as we meet our fundamental budget, we will continue to strive to provide “impact” to the following arenas of service as exemplified by the following:
Education
The public library is often called “the people’s university” because it is available to all. Our school children depend on our public library for books and materials that supplement those of the educational community. College and Adult learners use our services as we now offer specialized online research tools.
Information
The public library contains resources to answer most questions. Information staff help customers find answers by showing them how to use resources or how to narrow and refine their computer searches to get authoritative information.
Lifelong Learning
We are essential for the development of language skills and critical thinking. Resources cost money and it is the goal to provide the community with as extensive and varied collection as is possible given building and budgetary limitations. The library provides programs that foster a love of learning from an early age. People of all ages can pursue self-directed learning. Staffers can mentor individuals plan programs of study.
Recreation
From popular movies to “must reads” to cyber sources, HTFL offers a wealth of opportunities for recreational reading, viewing, and listening. School-age children often rely on the public library for their leisure reading, because the collections and services of school libraries are by definition curriculum-oriented. Public library offerings include programs, author visits, movies, and other opportunities.
The Library as Gathering Place
People use the library as a neutral place to gather—for socializing, networking, or working together on projects or community issues. The library has sponsored discussions on issues of interest. People involved in business meet clients. Tutors meet students or adult learners. Community groups use meeting rooms. Book and writing groups come together.
Evolution
New service responses will be chosen by the library to meet specific community needs in the months to come as the library continues to evolve. The library has chosen to focus on services to entrepreneurs, job hunting, economic development and to be active in teaching technology skills. We also absolutely continue to devote a share of resources to helping people learn to find, evaluate, and select valid and accurate information through an evolving technology scene both in-house and remotely.
 
Your insights, suggestions and questions are sought. E-mail me: Richard Thau at

, phone 610.446.3082, access our library social media sites or stop by the facility and say hello.

Posted: Tue, August 24, 2010

The #1 Card!

Library Cards for All!

 

       To:  The Greater Community:

            In tough economic times, parents might find it harder than ever to make sure their children have everything they need for school. Luckily, the most important school supply of all does not cost a thing. It’s a library card. Libraries support literacy education by providing teaching resources, space for tutoring, and information and referral services, as well as with access to music, DVDs, the Internet, books and more. By motivating children to read, librarians create lifelong readers, and that makes for better citizens, and that makes for a healthier democracy.
          Of course, library cards aren’t just for kids. A recent report found that the importance of libraries in American life continued to grow in 2010—and accelerated dramatically as the national economy sank and people looked for sources of cost-effective help in a time of crisis. In fact, 68 percent of American adults have a library card. Now more than ever, Americans turn to – and depend on – their libraries and librarians financial information, computer and Internet access, and, of course, books, movies and more. It’s all free with a library card.  
 
Please do communicate with me your thoughts on this and all matters library! I look forward to speaking with you individually!
 
–Richard Thau/Library Director
Posted: Fri, August 13, 2010

Talking Points!

OCLC has published an insightful two-page pdf document on "How Libraries Stack Up".

Do explore the link.

People interested in learning about the dynamic nature of today's libraries should take a look at the document in question. Some of the findings will astound you!

-Richard Thau 

Posted: Fri, August 6, 2010

A Vital Library

The Haverford Township Free Library is the community gathering place, a cultural destination and a gateway to ideas for citizens of all ages.  Our collection is made up of books, magazines, movies, music and audio books.  We have public computers that provide access to our library catalog, the Internet, as well as, the many databases to which the library community subscribes. 

We host a variety of programs for people of all ages.  We offer library and information services at our service desks where a librarian will strive to assist inquiries that you may have, whether it pertains to research or general interest. 

All of this makes the Haverford Township Free Library a very special place to visit.  Please browse our website where you can check the online catalog, access databases and find out more about the services we offer.

Whether you are visiting the Library on our website or in person, I hope that you have an enjoyable experience!

 

Posted: Fri, August 6, 2010

Library Speak

Libraries are not only about borrowing books. Libraries are not only about housing books. Libraries are one of the vehicles in place to deliver community cohesion, social inclusion, community engagement, equality and diversity. Libraries are a place where you can access the internet. Libraries are venues for homework assistance, family center groups and programs. Libraries work with the education sector to promote reading. We stress adult learning to promote life skills akin to our nickname the People’s University. We work with the business community and members of our labor force. In essence, libraries are local and they are community centers. The best attract all ages and all sections of the community. We want to be the best. You are part of the team. Consider volunteering. Consider joining the Friends of the Library. Consider philanthropy. We are, in summary, among the top five essential services that citizens expect to be in their daily lives which ultimately insures community growth and a solid quality of life.  The Haverford Township Free Library appreciates suggestions, compliments and concerns about library services. If you would like a response, please include your name and address. Your comments are important to us and we welcome the opportunity to respond. Richard Thau, Director; thau@haverfordlibrary.org
Posted: Fri, July 30, 2010