Breaking News

TGIF at Ole Ole Mexican Restaurant (Plantation) -- Friday, April 4th @ 5:30 pm

2-for-1 drink special until 6:30 p.m. Ole Ole is located at 8100 West Broward Blvd (one block west of University Drive on the south side of Broward Blvd.)

BCLA Annual Luncheon – SAVE THE DATE: Friday, May 16th, 2008 at Diamante's

Don't miss your chance to meet fellow members, vote in Executive Board elections, and have a good time!

Behind Our Eyes -- Monday, March 31st @ Main Library, Room 6E from 6 to 8 p.m.

This program contains readings from the book. The book is a collection of essays, poems, and stories relating to the various authors’ experience with confronting their individual disabilities. Readings will be done by volunteers; providers of services to the disabilities will have display tables; the Seeing Eye puppies will be on hand. Sanford Rosenthal is the originator of the book and is the executive director of Behind Our Eyes. Refreshments will be available.

Technology @ Your Library -- Thursday, February 28th @ 7:00 pm.

The Deerfield Beach Library conducted a pilot project and is excited about sharing their results. Using technology, they were able to increase the services offered, and work much more efficiently. Come and hear about their project and gain tips for how you can accomplish some of the same results at little or no cost.

Deerfield Beach Percy White Branch, 837 E. Hillsboro Blvd., 954-360-1380.

Library Days in Tally 2008

The dates for FLA Library Days are February 19 & 20, changed from the 18th and 19th. Someone realized that the 18th is President's Day! Please make a note on your calendars.

FLA Library Days Flyer

FLA Home Page

BCLA's TGIF at Side Pockets -- Friday, August 17th, 5:30 until ???

Happy hour 4-6PM. Located on Banks Road and south of Cypress Creek Parkway (1117 Banks Road, Margate). For directions call Side Pockets: 954-977-9747 or mapquest it!

Side Pockets houses over 40 pool tables, electronic dart boards, a Golden Tee Live Golf game, a Silver Strike Electronic Bowling game, the NTN Trivia Network and a digital jukebox. Several high-definition projection screens and TVs.

See you there!

MyFlorida Home Page

BCLA Annual Meeting and Luncheon -- Friday, May 18th @ 12:00 PM

Come join fellow BCLA members at Diamante's. Don't miss your chance to meet fellow members, vote in Executive Board elections, and have a good time! Barbara Parker and Elaine Viets will be our guest speakers. Click on the link below to print, fill out and send to Tara Zimmerman by May 7th.

Please make checks payable to the Broward County Library Association.

For those members unable to attend the luncheon, please click on the link to print and fill out to include your vote:

Book Talk and Author Heidi Boehringer
3.26.2007

Come join fellow BCLA members on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, at the Parkland Library for a book talk and author visit with Heidi Boehringer. Program starts at 7:00 pm. BCLA members are invited to arrive at 6:30 pm for a tour of the Parkland Library.

BCLA Educational Trip to the International Swimming Hall of Fame
2.5.2007

BCLA members toured the International Swimming Hall of Fame on January 8, 2007. Bruce Wigo, President, was our special tour guide. The Henning Library and Archive houses materials from over 150 aquatic and other sports related entities. The library consists of two floors. A small conference room stuffed with stored books. The second floor houses books and AV/ material.

One of the most interesting things we learned about was the important role swimming had in social customs of society thorough the years. To learn more you can visit their website at: www.ishof.org.

To view some photos of the event, click on the Photo Gallery link.

BCLA's TGIF at KnightTime Billiards!
2.4.2007

It was a cold and rainy Friday night for the BCLA TGIF at the KnightTime Billiards at the Seminole Casino in Hollywood. David Jess and Lisa Amanna-Ohina teamed up against Neil Pollack and Mariana Jovanovic for a fun game of pool. Mariana, who claimed she wasn’t very good, sunk the eight ball twice to win two games.

To view some photos of the event, click on the Photo Gallery link.

Job Posting!
2.3.2007

ITT Technical Institute in Fort Lauderdale is currently seeking applicants for the Librarian position. The Librarian is responsible for all Learning Resource Center (LRC) operations: Responsible for the cataloging, in/out processing, storage repair and maintenance of books and other LRC equipment. Assists students with questions regarding the LRC. Develops, coordinates and delivers user training courses/materials. Creates and publishes monthly campus newsletter. Assesses student progress and changes needed in tutorial programs. Performs various duties within the academic affairs department. Requires a Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited school; 1-2 years experience in a library environment.

Job posting OPEN until filled.

Email resume to: tdaley@itt-tech.edu.

BCLA Board Members On the Move
3.15.2006

After five years in Florida, BCLA Historian Michael Shires and BCLA Webmistress Darcy Sharman are leaving the state.

Members of BCLA since their arrival in 2000, Mr. Shires and Ms. Sharman have also been active in the Florida Library Association's Continuing Education Committee and many local iniatives with their libraries: Broward County Library and NSU's Alvin Sherman Library.

After marrying in August 2005, the couple decided to pursue work opportunities overseas. In February 2006, Mr. Shires was accepted as a Reference and Instruction Librarian at the Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

After spending some time with their families, they anticipate arriving in their new home in May 2006.

BCLA is Back Online!
3.15.2006

After a period of technical difficulties, BCLA is happy to announce that their website is back up and running!

The organization's new URL is www.mybcla.org. Please update any bookmarks and online links to reflect the new change.

BCLA hosts Barnes & Noble Event
3.13.2006

BCLA held a Breakfast reception at Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Plantation the morning of Monday, March 13.

Approximately 20 BCLA members came to the store to enjoy coffee, juice and pastry, talk to a company PR representative about how Barnes & Noble runs their business, and take a store tour.

The session resulted in much discussion, insight, and ideas to implement at home. Look for photos in the gallery!

BCLA's First 2006 TGIF set for January 20th!
Join us at Gatsby's for networking, pool, and fun!

The first TGIF of the new year will take place on Friday, January 20th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, at Gatsby's. Come enjoy a 1/2 price discount on wine, beer and premium drinks, $4.00 pizza, 1/2 price pool tables, and the company of your BCLA Board and fellow members!

Gatsby's is located at 1805 S. University Drive, Davie--Southwest corner of University and I-595, in the shopping plaza with Bed, Bath and Beyond and K-Mart.

See you there!

BCLA hosts Patriot Act Progam
11.12.2005

On November 10, the Broward County Library Association and the Florida Library Association Continuing Education Committee hosted the program: "Beyond the Patriot Act: Issues Facing Libraries and the Community."

Presenters Tim Dixon and Gary Gershwin opened the program with a video produced by the ACLU outlining problems and concerns with the Patriot Act legislation. After clarifying their opinions on the issues raised in the video, the program was opened to the floor for a discussion ranging from the justification for the Act, various points of law, and how it could be used, to the ethical and philosophical ramifications of permitting such legistlation.

Stay tuned to this site for more articles in the Newsletter and photos in the Photo Gallery!

BCLA/FLA Patriot Act Program Still On!
11.03.2005

The November 10 Program, Beyond the USA Patriot Act: Issues Facing Libraries and the Community, will go on at Nova Southeastern University as originally scheduled.

Jointly Sponsored by BCLA and the Florida Library Association, the program will feature Professors Tim Dixon and Gary Gershman discussing the implications of Congress possibly renewing sunset clauses in the USA Patriot Act. The program will run from 7-8:30 pm in Room 4009 of the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center. Light refreshments will be served at the event.

Free parking at NSU is available; contact BCLA Historian J. Michael Shires at mshires@nova.edu to make your arrangements.

See you there!

Florida libraries recovering from Hurricane Wilma
11.03.2005

Libraries in Broward County and throughout the state continue to recover and reopen after Hurricane Wilma.

In Broward, many college and university campuses, including libraries, reopened the week of October 30. BCC libraries are set to reopen November 7. Broward County Library system reopened five locations on Monday October 31; branches continue to reopen as power and air conditioning is restored and damage is repaired. All BCL libraries are operating on a 9-5 reduced schedule until at least November 12.

Information on libraries in other Florida areas has been tabulated by the State Library and Archives of Florida. The lastest information distributed by FLA is as follows:

Below is information that the State Library and Archives has received on the impact of Hurricane Wilma [as of October 27th]. Libraries in some areas are without power and have not been able to provide information. Thanks to all of the libraries and multitype library cooperatives in affected areas that have been able to give us updates...

Brevard County Library System Libraries did fine. Only minor damage-everyone open as usual today; lots of destruction from three tornadoes.

Collier County Public Library
Library is closed-at least through Wednesday [November 2]. Minimal library service might be available on Thursday. Phones and electricity are out of order. Libraries sustained minor damage such as leaks; most damage is to landscape. There is no electricity/phone service and the roads are difficult to navigate due to downed trees/lines and perhaps flooding. Some staff are manning phone banks.

DeSoto County Library
No damage, library is open.

Hendry
Clewiston was "flattened," according to deputies in a shelter. The business district was shattered. There was some looting, and a curfew is in effect with no expiration time. The rest of Hendry County is under a 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew.

Indian River County Library
Got hit harder than originally thought, but there was no damage to the Main Library. There is some water in the North branch. The library system is up and running and open to the public.

Lee County
Ft. Myers Beach Public Library
The library reopened today with all services. Some minor roof damage, lost of gutters and trees.

Lee County Library System
The aftermath of Hurricane Wilma has left all library staff and facilities accounted for and ready to provide library services to Lee County residents with normal operating hours. East County reported structural damage from water leakage in the main entrance; Cape Coral Children's area had some water leakage; Riverdale had water leakage around the main entry glass area where visible roof tiles are also missing; All locations experienced some horticultural damage (uprooted trees, loose branches, etc) which should be repaired within a reasonable amount of time. Besides a few inconvenient power outages.

Lee County
Sanibel Public Library
The library opened again this morning. There is no apparent damage to the library, but several tree limbs are broken, some small vegetation is damaged beyond repair, and the street sign is damaged. We have two email servers, the one staff uses is up, but the Sprint circuit for public Internet access is still down. Staff is all ok with one or two homes having pool cage and porch damage. Staff living in South Fort Myers still does not have electricity, but we do have water and phone service. Power company expects to have all power restored by Nov. 15.

Lee County
SWFLN
Phones not working; no e-mail or Web access; office will open on Friday but staff accessible via phone at 239.410.0081.

Lee & Collier
Edison Community College
All three campuses came through okay except for some roof damage on the Lee campus; no power.

Manatee County Public Library System
The libraries received no damage.

Orange County Library District
No damage reported. The library district was going to open at noon yesterday, but decided to stay closed all day due to tornadoes.

Osceola County Public Library
All of the libraries came through okay. One library with pre-existing roof damage sustained additional damage. Library staff who are with the National Guard have been called up to assist with disaster recovery in South Florida.

Palm Beach
Boca Raton Public Library
Library closed today.

Palm Beach
Boynton Beach Public Library
Library closed today.

Palm Beach Delray Beach Public Library
Library closed today.

Palm Beach
Lake Worth Public Library
The libraries came through with flying colors. No damage or leaks in the building; and have water but no power in Palm Beach County. It could be many days before there is power at the library. So far, employees will not report for work until power is restored to the building.

Palm Beach
West Palm Beach Public Library
Library closed today.

St. Lucie
St. Lucie County Libraries
Library servers and computers are back up this morning. Three of 5 libraries are without power. Three libraries will reopen three libraries on Thursday and the other two as soon as power is restored. The Hurston Branch Library sustained additional damage with ceiling tiles falling in on the circulation desk and adjacent areas. There was no major water intrusion and the building has already been cleaned up. The Fort Pierce Branch had about 25-30 tiles break on the roof and a vent cover missing and just a little dampness of the carpet on the second floor but no water intrusion. Port St. Lucie and Lakewood Park Branch are fine. The Morningside Branch had some minor leaks that we are still determining if it is from the air conditioner or the roof. There is no word on the Bookmobile as it was out of service before the storm. One employee worked at the Emergency Operation Center to answer the telephone and staff will work with the County's Extension Services Department to offer a day camp for County employee's children until the schools are reopened.

Sarasota County Libraries
The libraries in Sarasota County fared well. There was a lot of rain (7.5 inches during Sunday night in the southern half of the county) and windy weather through Monday. In Venice, the wind was pretty steady at around 30 mph with gusts in the 40s during the day, even after the storm had passed. All seem to have escaped without any damage.

BCLA names new Paraprofessional Committee Chair
10.24.2005

Joanne Sheets has been named as BCLA's new Paraprofessional Committee Chair.

A longtime Broward County Libraries employee, Ms. Sheets began her career in 1993 as a part-time Periodicals Clerk at South Regional/BCC. After rising in the ranks to full time employee and assistant department supervisor, she moved to the Remote Operations Center in 2002 to head the Processing Department. Currently a Library Specialist II, Ms. Sheets is now working on outsourcing projects with numerous library vendors and completing materials for the three major BCL bond projects due at the end of this year.

The BCLA Board and Membership welcome Ms. Sheets and look forward to working with her.

BCLA to Hold TGIF at Rush Street in Ft Lauderdale
10.11.2005

Arrangements for the next BCLA TGIF have been finalized! Plan to get together with your colleagues at Rush Street in Ft Lauderdale on October 28th!

Fodor's online describes Rush Street as "one of the best martini bar-dance clubs in Broward County." BCLA's last Rush Street gathering was one of the best attended in recent memory. Come meet us from 5:30-7:30 and take advantage of a great dance floor, 3-for-1 drink specials and a free hot buffet!

BCLA Names New Continuing Education Chair
10.4.2005

The BCLA Executive is pleased to welcome Tara Zimmermann of the Florida Center for the Book as its new Continuing Education Committee Chair.

Ms. Zimmermann has worked for Florida Center for the Book as the literary events coordinator since the fall of 2001. Prior to joining Broward County Library, she was a manager and buyer for an independent bookstore in Boca Raton. She is vice-chair of the FLA Readers Advisory Group and is looking forward to working with the BCLA board to develop and present interesting and educational events for the BCLA membership.

BCLA Historian Graduates from State Leadership Program
10.4.2005

BCLA Historian Michael Shires has graduated from NEFLIN's inaugural Sunshine State Library Leadership Program.

Created with an LSTA grant to foster a new generation of library leaders, the year-long program was facilitated by former FLA President and former SEFLIN Executive Director Elizabeth Curry, and was built on the principles explored in The Leadership Challenge. Mr. Shires wholeheartedly recommends the program, saying "It made me realize how organizations, especially libraries, can function more harmoniously. I believe that given the right guidance from colleagues, library employees at all levels can be effective leaders."

More details on Mr. Shires' experiences with the institute will be detailed in an upcoming newsletter. Interested in signing up for yourself? Visit the program's website at www.neflin.org/leadership.

Come Meet the New Board at the BCLA TGIF at Tarpon Bend!
8.19.05

The first TGIF of the new membership year will take place at Tarpon Bend in downtown Ft. Lauderdale on Friday, August 19th, 2005.

Many new Board members will be at the event to introduce themselves and be available for questions, conversation and networking.

Specials for BCLA members during the TGIF include 2 for 1 prices on wine and well drinks, as well as a buffet of snacks and appetizers.

For more information about the location, and directions, check the latest BCLA Newsletter or visit the restaurant online at www.tarponbend.com. Hope to see you there!

BCLA Member appointed to FLA Board
6.14.2005

At the BCLA Board meeting on June 13th, FLA Executive Board Director and BCLA Legislative Committee Chair Carol Russo confirmed that newly-elected BCLA Vice President Patricia Ventura has also been appointed to the Executive Board of the Florida Library Association.

Ms. Ventura joins the FLA Board as its newest Board Intern Fellow. She is also serving on the FLA 2005 Conference Planning Committee. With the appointment, Ms. Ventura now holds the honor of serving as first paraprofessional Executive in the history of both Associations.

BCLA applauds Ms. Ventura for her well-earned recognition and for her accomplishments advocating for and promoting paraprofessional staff. Her work highlights the integral role these library workers play in libraries across the state.

PayPal payment option once again available

BCLA members can once again pay for new or renewing Association memberships using PayPal.

Minor technical issues have been resolved, and the PayPal link on the How to Join page of bclaonline is once again operational.

In the future, BCLA plans to make payments for Luncheon tickets and other programs and merchandise available through PayPal. One of the best-known ways to transfer money safely over the Internet, Paypal is fast, secure, and effective.

Never used PayPal before? Curious about how it works? Ready to set up an account? Visit the PayPal Website for more information!

New Executive Board members elected at successful BCLA Luncheon
5.16.05

BCLA hosted its Annual Meeting and Luncheon at the Plantation Renaissance Hotel May 13, 2005.

Outgoing President Ellen Lindenfeld chaired the business portion of the event. During the meeting, Past President Carol Russo and outgoing Newsletter Committee Chair Joan Martin presented the Secretary's and Treasurer's annual reports (copies of these documents to be posted in the BCLA Archives). Webmistress Darcy Sharman also launched the new BCLA website with a quick online tour.

The Samuel F. Morrison Award was presented to Karol Christmas, Library Specialist I at Davie/Cooper City Library for her extraordinary dedication to the job, taking charge times of understaffing, and her commitment to fulfilling her responsibilities despite inconvenience and even personal injury. Ms. Christmas, who was not aware of her nomination until her name was announced, pronounced herself "speechless" at the prize.

Michael Shires, new BCLA Historian, and Patricia Ventura, new BCLA Vice President/President-Elect, were elected in the annual vote. Ms. Ventura's election is a benchmark moment for BCLA, as she is the first paraprofessional to win a spot on the Executive Board in the Association's history. New Committee members Darcy Sharman (Communications/Webmistress), and Tanisha Beecher (Communications Chair) were also introduced.

The proposed changes to the BCLA Constitution and Bylaws were passed.

After the meeting, author James O. Born entertained the assembled membership with stories of his career in law enforcement and his progression from full time FDLE agent to published writer.

Watch for forthcoming reports in the Newsletter and snapshots in the Photo Gallery.

BCLA Annual Luncheon Registration now available

BCLA's Annual Luncheon event is scheduled for May 13, 2005, at the Plantation Renaissance Hotel.

Don't miss your chance to meet fellow members, vote in Executive Board elections, have your say on proposed bylaw changes, and generally have a good time!

Download your Registration form here

BCLA travels to FLA Annual in Jacksonville
4.16.05

It was another busy spring as BCLA members once again worked hard at the FLA 2005 Annual Conference in Jacksonville.

Attending BCLA members included President Ellen Lindenfeld, Past President/Legislative Committee Chair Carol Russo, who also serves on the FLA Executive Board as a Director-at-Large, Vice-President/President-Elect Neil Pollack, Technology Chair Jim Flynn, Membership Chair Margie Mays-Pollack, Paraprofessional Chair Patricia Ventura, Historian Candidate Michael Shires, and Webmistress Darcy Sharman.

Margie Mays-Pollack and Patricia Ventura, who also act as Chair and Vice Chair of the FLA Paraprofessional Interest Group, hosted the popular session, "Ga-Ga for Google." Presented by Jim Flynn, the session highlighted new services and search capabilities. Darcy Sharman, Chair of the FLA Continuing Education Committee, hosted the Committee's annual Discussion Roundtables. During the session, Ms. Sharman facilitated a discussion on Information Literacy; Patricia Ventura brought in COLT secretary Kristen Fiato to speak about the Changing Needs of Paraprofessionals; and Michael Shires invited discussion on Collection Management for Joint-use Libraries.

More news will be forthcoming about further BCLA involvement at the state level after the FLA Board Meeting on June 11th.

Look for photos of BCLA members in action in the BCLA Photo Gallery

New Filtering Bills hit the House
3.21.05

The Florida Library community should brace themselves as Sen. Wise and Rep. Baxley once again bring forward bills to mandate filtering for Library computers.

The latest proposed legislation (S0611 and H0722) would include fines of $100 per day per public library location that is found to have not made reasonable efforts to comply.

BCLA has taken the FLA position that inappropriate use has not been a problem in Florida libraries, and that filtering is a home rule, not a state, issue.

For information on how to contact your state representative, and how to get involved in BCLA efforts to fight filtering legislation, contact Legislative Committee Chair Carol Russo at crusso@browardlibrary.org

Author announced for BCLA Annual Luncheon
2.14.05

BCLA President Ellen Lindenfeld announced that author James O. Born has agreed to speak at the BCLA Annual Luncheon, May 13, at the Renaisance Ft. Lauderdale-Plantation Hotel.

Mr. Born is the author of the novels Walking Money and the forthcoming Shock Wave.

More information about Mr. Born may be found on his web site, www.jamesoborn.com