Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Funding Just a Public Library Issue - I Don't think So...


School Library Funding

Many of us in public library land have are heads so wrapped around our own funding issues we tend to forget the funding plight of -School Libraries.  While flipping through the channels this evening I came across PCN recorded testimony of School Library Funding, an informational meeting with the PA House Education Committee.  I was shell shocked as I listened to testimony of school librarians who provide service to over 10 school libraries.  One librarian-ten libraries – oh my! I listened to testimony of 20 year old geography books, of 19 year old biographies and how the loss of Power Library Database funding was impacting students.  The testimony references the Pennsylvania School Library Study (link attached is the draft) http://www.psla.org/images/stories/news-images/School_Library_Study_Draft_FINAL.pdf.

I urge you to do the following  

1.     Look over the study

2.     Visit the PA School Librarians Association website for more information http://www.psla.org/

3.     Call you school librarian and develop a partnership asap.  The start of the school year is here and this is the perfect time to introduce yourself and start a mutually beneficial partnership  

               

Monday, August 6, 2012

Basket Raffles... Can cause your Trouble!

Does your library raffle a basket at the desk as a small fundraiser? Do you ever raffle a quilt that has been donated as a fundraiser?  Did you know you need a Small Games of Chance permit to conduct a raffle?  Small Games of Chance licenses are often obtained at your local courthouse and are enforced by the DA's office. 
I was reminded of the Small Games of Chance rules today when a Facebook posting by Pano (Pennsylvania Association of Non Profit Organizations) came across my feed. Recently I attended a Small Games of Chance 101 offered by a local organization.  This was a quick and dirty overview of the Small Games of Chance permits, new laws and limitations.  The links below will provide you with the information you need to know to keep you library legal and safe. 

Pennsylvania Small Games of Chance information http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/small_games_of_chance/14500

PANO posting sends  you to
http://www.simonlever.com/blog/?p=308&goback=.gde_4173892_member_141513075#more-308

The PA Code on Small Games of Chance http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/061/chapter901/chap901toc.html

I conducted a quick online search and discovered many counties have Small Games of Chance information online or a contact name for further informaton.

I made it through the applicaton process and so can you.  Good luck and happy raffling!