News

Dansville Public Library has a new service available in cyberspace. Patrons in the 42 public libraries in Pioneer Library System can now listen to their books via a new dynamic collection of digital Audiobooks and eBooks at OWWL2go ( http://owwl2go.owwl.org ).

With a valid library card and pin #, OWWL cardholders can log onto the digital library website, install the free software on their PC, download popular and classic Audiobooks, and then transfer the titles to a portable MP3 player or even burn some titles to CD and listen in the car.

The growing collection includes bestsellers, romances, mysteries, classic literature and non-fiction. There are even children’s and teen titles so there is something for everyone.

‘This is an exciting opportunity for Pioneer Library System member libraries to expand their range of services to patrons,’ said Jennifer Morris, Executive Director. ‘We can now offer instant gratification in the form of Audiobooks and eBooks ‘ no waiting to listen to a new book. It’s just a download away.’ Last June a system-wide survey ranked downloadable Audiobooks and eBooks as the top new service requested by Pioneer patrons.

Patrons can check out up to three titles at a time, and at the end of the 14 day lending period, the Audiobooks and eBooks selected will expire from their PC and be automatically returned to the OWWL2go digital collection. There are no late fees or damage costs connected to the service. It’s free, easy-to-use, and best of all, available anytime from anywhere in the world.

Residents in Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming and Livingston Counties are encouraged to visit http://owwl2go.owwl.org to learn more about this service or to visit their local OWWL library for a library card and pin # so they can start downloading.

The Dansville Public Library was notified it is the recipient of a $2,860 grant for ‘Arts in the Library’ from the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts. Four musical events and three children’s creative arts workshops will be held in 2008.

The musical portion of ‘Arts in the Dansville Public Library,’ is a continuation of the Local Performing Artists Series begun in 1985. Allan Howe and Friends featuring Rich Greene will lead off with #28 in the Series of Local Artists when they present their concert on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

The series will continue with three additional musical groups during the months of February, March and November. W.B. Blues is scheduled for February 7, and the remaining musical groups are Turtlestone Quartet and Band of Brothers, yet to be scheduled.

The children’s arts workshops will be part of programming for children during the summer. Writer Dan Folts, artist Rene’ Coombs and actor Jill Macy will each conduct a daily, two-hour workshop for children ages 8-12. The classes will be held three separate weeks with tentative plans for two workshops in July and one in August. Each week long workshop culminates in an event open to the public.

The grant derives from the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization program, administered by the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts.

The Dansville Public Library is the recipient of a $500 donation from the New York State Festival of Balloons. The Festival Committee selected the Dansville Public Library, along with other community charities, to benefit from the proceeds of this year’s annual Festival. The Awards Ceremony was held at the Dansville Ambulance Garage on the evening of November 14.

‘Our operating philosophy is to first ensure the funding is in place for next year’s Festival, then to share the profit with a designated primary charity and other deserving charities and local organizations,’ said Mary Ann Holden, President of the 2007 Festival Committee. ‘Recently we began a reception to present the charities with their funds. It had the additional benefit of connecting local charities with each other to share information.’

The Dansville Ambulance and the Dansville Fire Department were this year’s designated primary recipients.

System Upgrade October 24, 25, 26, The Pioneer Library System has scheduled an upgrade of the on-line circulation system in the four counties of Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming and Livingston on October 24 through 27. During the upgrade, the Library will be closed, our system will be down, and online renewals will be suspended. Also, users will not be able to order reserves on-line or by telephone, or check on user accounts.

Library staff will use the time to attend training workshops and to inventory parts of the book collection. Telephone service to patrons will be very limited. The Library will re-open for business as usual on Monday October 29 at 10:00 a.m.

The upgrade is a cost saving move by Pioneer Library System and part of the overall plan of improved service to the member libraries.

The Dansville Public Library has retained the services of John Adamski to act as project manager for the Library’s planned expansion and Jean O’Connell, J. O’Connell and Associates Grants Consultants, to act as grant writer in securing funding for the project.

John Adamski has been hired to act as project manager. Adamski has over 35 years of experience designing and building homes, including some commercial and industrial projects. His background is in both architecture and construction. After owning his own firm, Adamski and Associates in Pittsford, New York for 25 years, he sold the firm and has acted as a consultant in construction management for the past ten years.

Adamski sees his role as project manager as two-fold. "Right now, the project is in its infancy," he says. "The architect is working on design and my initial role is to guide the design process so that the intent of the Board of Trustees is carried into the design, and into the budget." Part two will begin after the design process is complete. "I will then assist in awarding of bids and selection of contractors."

Jean O’Connell, owner of J. O’Connell and Associates Grants Consultants, has been hired to research and write grants. O’Connell has a background in education with a BS and MS in Education from Buffalo State College. She has been working in the area of grants development since 1986 and founded J. O’Connell & Associates in 1991. The firm researches and writes grants for municipalities, schools, and not-for-profit organizations.

"I am looking forward to helping the Dansville Public Library with their grants and consulting needs," says O’Connell. "The tremendous need for an improved facility and the enthusiasm of the Library Director, Terry Dearing, makes my work both important and enjoyable. I invite all those who are interested to give me their thoughts on how my company can best benefit this project."

The Dansville Public Library held its 3rd Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon Thursday, September 13th recognizing the contributions of the nearly 120 volunteers who serve the Library. Mrs. Gay Frame was named as ‘Volunteer of the Year.’

Frame was recognized for her many years of service and dedication to the vital services of the Library. Frame served on the Board of Trustees for more than ten years holding the offices of Secretary and President. Her tenure as President occurred in the 1980s during a time of renovation and growth for the Library including securing a number of grants to add a handicapped accessible ramp, rewiring of the Library, updated heating systems and lighting, as well as staff expansion. In recent years, Frame continues to serve as a ‘Friend’ assisting at the Annual Book Sale and, most recently, as coordinator of the annual volunteer recognition luncheon.

Attended by 55 volunteers and guests, Director Teresa Dearing thanked all those present for their commitment to the Library. ‘Thanks to the generosity of volunteers like you,’ said Dearing, ‘we are able to do so much more for our community members.’ Volunteers of the Library range from ‘Friends’ who assist at events, to members of the Board of Trustees, to individuals who offer special talents or resources to the Library.

The Dansville Public Library, housed in the historic Shepard Memorial building at 200 Main Street, serves 10,419 people from Dansville and the surrounding nine towns and villages. With annual circulations in excess of 50,000, the Library is a community center dedicated to providing a gathering place for residents to explore, to meet, to learn and to relax. For more information about the Library and its services and ways that you can help, or to take a tour of the library, contact Teresa Dearing, Director, Dansville Public Library all 585-335-6720. Or visit us on the web at www.dansvillelibrary.org.

Dansville Public has received a Collection Development Grant in the amount of $500 from the Pioneer Library System. This has allowed the library to purchase 30 new books in the adult non-fiction Dewey Decimal area, 740-759. The library was one of 5 other libraries receiving a Collection Development Grant in 2007.

The Library has a printed booklist of all the new titles and the list is available at the Main Desk. Subject areas covered in the grant include knitting, crocheting, home remodeling, antiques, and papercraft.BR>

The Dansville Public Library Board of Trustees would like to thank Senator Cathy Young for her part in The New York State $14 Million Public Library Construction grant of 2006-07. Senator Young will be presenting a check to Sherrie Reilly, President of the Board of Trustees on Friday July 27th at 2:45 p.m.

The Dansville Public Library received $74,053 in State funding. The grant was used to help offset the costs of site preparation for the building expansion. The project included demolition of the former Wilcox auction building, asbestos abatement, back fill and grading. This one-time construction grant was approved by the New York State legislature in 2006. This spring New York State public libraries were delighted to learn that the grant has been continued for 2007. Libraries may apply for large projects requiring several years to complete.

‘This grant continues the active support Senator Young provides to libraries in her district, but especially to Dansville Public. We are so appreciative of the generosity of the state toward the people of Dansville and Library needs,’ said Sherrie Reilly, President of the Dansville Public Library Board of Trustees.

‘Libraries are an essential part of the community, especially in rural areas,’ Senator Young said. ‘As someone who grew up in Livingston County, I can remember how important a strong community library was to me and my family. When I was told of the building expansion plans in Dansville, I worked to help offset some of the costs with State funding.’

‘On behalf of the Library Board of Trustees, our patrons and community, we want to thank Senator Cathy Young for her vote for public library construction grants. This is an important project to our community, and such financial resources are essential,’ said Teresa Dearing, Dansville Public Library Director. ‘The Library has experienced steady growth in the demand for our services which has outpaced our facilities. The grant assisted us in addressing the needs for additional library space.’

The Dansville Public Library continues to work to finalize plans for the updated and expanded Library. Currently, the Library is working quietly to secure private funding from various sources. Once more is known, a public announcement will be made and support sought from the larger community.

The 31st Annual Used Book Sale of the Dansville Public Library, held during Dogwood Week, raised a record $2,517 and involved 45 volunteers. The sale was sponsored by the Friends of the Library and VanHyning’s Service Station.

‘This is the library’s biggest fundraiser,’ said Lynne Blum, President of the Friends of the Dansville Public Library. ‘Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, hardworking staff and overwhelming community support, we raised record funds for library services and materials.’

Volunteers for the event included: Nancy Allen, Roxie a’Uno, Doris Bacon, Carolyn Baker, Janet Beardsley, Margaret Biek, Suzy Boor, TJ Canfield, Bob Canuti, Norma Davis, Carole Day, Tyler Eldred, Cathy Fedorchuk, Terry Flannery, Eleanor Forsythe, Norma Forsythe, Linda Hines, Mary L Hammond, Rose Hayes, Don Hayton, Phyllis Hayton, Nancy Helfrich, Lil Hemmer, Dorothy Henty, Rebekah Hull, Holly Hull, Beth Kelly, Sherlee Keough, Francine Knapp, Marilyn Mahl, Mary Melenbacker, Jim Miller, Barb Mitchell, Rita Morsch, Richard Morsch, Ruth Morsch, Jerry Pilkenton, Peg Pitcher, Marie Roberts, Fran Schmitt, Pat Shafer, Janet Spring, Shirley Stewart, Lorraine Stremovihtg, and Joyce Williams.