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Home My WebLink About2015-08-17 - Agendas - FinalArkansas Reading Association - Greetings and salutations! Page 1 of 1 Back to list Greetings and salutations! 10 Aug 2015 2:18 PM 1 Anonymous member (Administrator) Despite (or maybe because of — time does have a way of painting the past with rosy colors, LOL) having been out of my eighth grade language arts classroom for almost a decade, I still experience an involuntary twinge of excitement about this time of the year, which always meant new supplies, a new classroom (or perhaps the same one, but with freshly painted walls and a shiny waxed Floor), new students, and new opportunities. I had to get over the hump of dreading the end of my summer, and 111 cop to impatience with most of the in-service meetings, but once I was alone in my classroom, filling my in -class library shelves with books, organizing information stations, and flipping through the first run (of about 20) of my new rosters, I found myself smiling in anticipation of meeting my kids, knowing that I would again learn more from them than they would learn from me. I always enjoyed the first open house and realtytruty!iterally got goosebumps during the cheerful exchanges with my new students and their parents. Good times. 1 knew the challenging times were of course coming — exhaustion and aggravation with students, parents, administration, politicians, and most of all, myself — but in that moment, I was six inches off the ground. It seems appropriate to be introducing myself now, when the new school year is quickly approaching (or perhaps has just begun), as the new blogger for the Arkansas Reading Association's website. 1 am absolutely positive I will be learning more from you than you will from me, but I'll do my best to provide you with posts that are helpful in some way, even if it's just for a laugh. I am currently a children's librarian at the Fayetteville Public Library, and my days include presenting story times for toddlers and preschoolers, as well as developing our juvenile nonfiction, juvenile graphic novel, easy reader, and read -along collections. Three times a year, 1 teach six -session writing workshops for older elementary students and teens. I also coordinate two literacy -building programs that incorporate therapy dogs and shelter cats. Over the past several years, I've had the privilege and pleasure of presenting sessions at the ARA conference on brand spankin' new juvenile nonfiction and will do so again this November. I hope to see you there! In the meantime, 1'11 be populating this blog with articles, updates, any tidbits of information that may be of some use to ARA members, questions for discussion, funny stuff, etc. I'd like to take this opportunity to invite your input — what would you like to see in this space? Please let me know! For those of you in the classroom and in school libraries, best wishes to you for a successful and fun school year! Many thanks and so much admiration for your hard work. For my colleagues in public libraries, the countdown to quiet time begins in five, four, three... ; ) Alyson Add comment http://www.arareading.org/blog/3473520 8/12/2015 `iC.4'1l V' 11,ti)r National Library Week April 13 - 19 ALA's theme for this year was "Unlimited possibilities@ your library®." SIS asked alumni to send in on-the-job photos whether they worked in traditional or non-traditional library settings. The photos were then posted on the SIS Facebook page forall to enjoy. John Palmer (`96), Assistant Director of the Nelson Library, Waxahachie, Texas sent us his photo pictured with a painting of their library's founder, P.C. Nelson. Alumni Society President Michael Lindsay (`02), Serials/E Resources Librarian &Associate Professor at UT's Preston Medical Library sent a photo of himself at their beautifully renovated library. Elijah Scott (`97), Director of Libraries - Georgia Highlands College sent in his picture with: Silver the pet therapy HORSE that visits in the library during Stress Free Finals Week! Not to be outdone, SIS Advisory Board member and '93 grad David Johnson sent his photo with Bob Woodward! David is the Executive Director of the Fayetteville Public Library. "Mr, Woodward was here as part of our free Fayetteville Public Library Author Series," David wrote. "Programming of this nature resonates well with our community. We had over 450 people in attendance." April Alans ('14) was photographed working through the piles of archival materials at Lander University. Only in Louisiana, Celise Reech-Harper (`12), associate director of the Beauregard Parish Library and Advisory Board member along with some co-workers celebrated NLW'at their main branch open house. Their post went viral when a local radio station reposted it! Laissez les bons temps rouler, ya'll! Travis Tidwell ('13) sent his creative photo shelving and playing in the 398.25 at Northview Intermedi- ate School. I bet those students LOVE going to their library! If you haven't already, connect with us on Facebook at UTKSIS. This bit of fun highlighted our gradu- ates as more than intelligent, committed and. professional; they are also creative and know how to have a good time! See all photos on our UTK SIS Facebook page. Above: David Johnson with Bob Woodward Left: Travis Tidwell in the 398.2's Right: Elijah Scott with the library's de -stressing horse! 5 YVONNE RICHARDSON COMMUNITY CENTER ve v le www.acce ARKANSAS ayettevitle' g` Tenisha Gist, M. Ed. YRCC Director 2401iast Rock Fayetteville, Arkans(s 72701 Phone (479) 4 -3461 Fax (479) 444-3462 tgist@fayetteville-ar.gov Telecommunications Dence for the Deaf 700(479)521-1316 &k yup O(*$(\Aed 4m. A ' d c 1lQ Sto 6nrd eonnttP0AMAL± we aQ,u c boa- 04Aik 1)-41M k -64W, 6,6)c War CINU *Spa 0 NA- akFaQ Lodb: 0,1\010 o N etz, . V V +912 o u R1,bs% I IvoM&cWA'ttp Cont oC‘1.J1Q, - btA/Cd\Ncaiof Cut in Arkansas State Aid to Public Libraries by Kim Crow Sheaner Deputy Director, Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County, Mountain Home n early April the state legislature of Arkansas voted to cut state support to public libraries iLby 18%, or nearly $1 million, in order to find monies to cover the capital gains tax decrease. Along with other public libraries in the state, the Baxter County Library is definitely feeling the cut in state aid to public libraries. Like other public libraries, our budget is tight. We depend on a one - mill ad valorem county property tax, which has not changed since the 1950s, as well as state aid to public libraries to Rind our operations. In order to be fiscally responsible, the Baxter County Library Board recently made the decision to cut hours by closing on Sundays. Although there are fewer visitors on Sundays than other days of the week, our community will notice the difference. Working families with small children and students at Arkansas State University—Mountain Hone are regular Sunday afternoon library users. ASU's library is closed on Sunday. The staffing cost for Sunday afternoons is nearly the same as the amount of the cut. Glossing over such a substantial cut in our operating funds by trimming a little here, a little there, would only give the impression that the same services can be provided for less. And although fundraising might bring in enough money to temporarily cover the difference, it is not a sustainable solution long tern and gives us no room to grow. We understand that our elected officials have tough choices to make, but it is important for them to know that our communities value their public libraries and need the funding restored. Joining together through our Library Development Districts and organizations such as Advocates for Arkansas Public Libraries will help us develop a united effort to get state aid to public libraries restored. Our representatives expect to hear from librarians, but just think about how much more impactful it would be for them to hear directly from library users. Because of this, our library has created a postcard to help patrons convey a personal message to their representatives. The cards are available at our front desk and at library events along with a list of representatives' contact information. The postcard design is available for other libraries to print and share. (Visit www.baxlib.org.) Whether they hear 10 Arkansas Libraries Vol. 72, No. 2 via postcard, email, or in person, it is imperative our representatives know our libraries' stories and what the funding means to communities across Arkansas. The list of cuts on the following page is taken from a posting on April 2, 2015 by Max Brantley on the Arkansas Times blog (http://www.arktimes.com/ ArkansasBlog/archives/2015/04/02). The columns reflect the library or library system receiving the money; how much they received this year; how much they'll receive next year, the dollar amount of the cut, and the percentage reduction. Library or Library System 2015 Funds 2016 Funds Amt of Cut % Cut Arkansas Co. Lib. $47,551 $40,198 $7,353 15.46% Ashley Co. Lib. $51,668 $43,291 $8,377 16.21% Baxter Co. Lib. $82,207 $66,231 $15,976 19.43% Boone Co. Lib. $76,387 $61,859 $14,527 19.02% Columbia Co. Lib. $67,929 $55,506 $12,423 18.29% Conway Co. Lib. $51,297 $43,012 $8,285 16.15% Crawford Co. Lib. System $114,895 $90,787 $24,109 20.98% Garland Co. Lib. $169,575 $131,861 $37,714 22.24% Hempstead Co. Lib. $52,996 $44,288 $8,707 16.43% Jackson Co. Lib. $45,530 $38,680 $6,850 15.04% Jefferson Co. Lib. $134,881 $105,800 $29,082 21.56% Lawrence Co. Lib. $44,610 $37,989 $6,621 14.84% Marion Co. Lib. $43,964 $37,504 $6,460 14.69% Newton Co. Lib. $30,648 $27,501 $3,147 10.27% Pope Co. Lib. $116,177 $91,749 $24,428 21.03% Saline Co. Lib. $192,947 $149,418 $43,529 22.56% Union Co. Lib. $129,949 $102,095 $27,855 21.43% Washington Co. Lib. $228,403 $176,052 $52,351 22.92% White Co. Reg. Lib. System $140,778 $110,229 $30,549 21.70% Arkansas River Valley Reg. Lib. $203,432 $169,237 $34,195 16.81% Carroll & Madison Co. Lib. System $109,659 $92,825 $16,835 15.35% Central Arkansas Lib. System $565,471 $435,224 $130,247 23.03% Crowley Ridge Reg. Lib. $236,026 $187,749 $48,276 20.45% East Central Arkansas Reg. Lib. $80,765 $71,120 $9,645 11.94% Faulkner -Van Buren Reg. Lib. $254,314 $201,487 $52,827 20.77% Lonoke/Prairie Co. Lib. $164,472 $133,999 $30,473 18.53% Mid -Arkansas Reg. Lib. $172,356 $145,893 $26,463 15.35% Mississippi/Crittenden Co. Lib. $151,332 $124,129 $27,203 17.98% Northeast Arkansas Reg. Lib. $174,094 $144,213 $29,881 17.16% Ouachita Mountains Reg. Lib $88,630 $77,028 $11,602 13.09% Phillips -Lee -Monroe Reg. Lib. $96,734 $81,623 $15,112 15.62% Scott -Sebastian Reg. Lib. $121,572 $101,773 $19,799 16.29% Southeast Ark. Reg. Lib. $184,708 $158,157 $26,550 14.37% Southwest Ark. Reg. Lib. $73,553 $65,702 $7,851 10.67% Tri -County Reg. Lib. $122,610 $105,539 $17,071 13.92% White River Reg. Lib. $275,110 $229,052 $46,058 16.74% Fayetteville Public Library $138,285 $108,356 $29,929 21.64% Forrest City Public Lib. $23,807 $17,883 $5,924 24.88% Fort Smith Public Lib. $154,778 $120,746 $34,032 21.99% North Little Rock Public Lib. $110,098 $93,944 $16,155 14.67% Rogers Public Lib. $110,123 $87,202 $22,922 20.81% Texarkana Public Lib. $77,002 $65,308 $11,695 15.19% West Memphis Public Lib. $58,178 $48,181 $9,997 17.18% Grand Totals $5,569,500 $4,520,419 $1,049,081 18.84% Arkansas Libraries, Summer 2015 11 Washington County election officials expect ballooning costs in 2016 NWADG#.VbjEd... Page 1 of 3 Jobs I Homes I Classifieds 1 Deals 1 Events I Contact Us Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Weather & Traffic Sections FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Search NWADG News Sports Opinion Business Features & Entertainment Photos Video Weeklies Today's Paper 0N1) '•• Give her a diamond that shines as bright ns your love. 98'7o of diamonds leak light, but Undo meow] Diamonds tib erent. They tiro precision cut for maximum beauty and lace brilliance Underwood diamonds don't leak! OPrXW ESI ASSIfr riiinurite Washington County election officials expect ballooning costs in 2016 By Dan HolMeyer Posted: July 29, 2015 at 1 a.m. FAYETTEVILLE -- Washingto thousands of dollars more tha Jennifer Price, election coordi Commission's meeting. It's stil request between $650,000 an Voting Equipment Pilot Program Secretary of State Response Earlier this month Benton, Crawford and Washington counties asked to be added to the pilot program to roll out new voting equipment to a few counties. Since then, the Secretary of State's office said it'd be willing to consider doing so, but only if more state money becomes available. Whether that will happen is unclear. Source: Staff report Print Cou8kaq1 slate of electio s next year could cost hundreds of the last election year, el ction officials said Tuesday. Favorites ator, Ihi Jput her budgetrediction for 2016 during the Election early in the budgeting process, but the officials said they hope to $1.lT`h'ilibn to cover 2016's special, primary and general elections. Goodie For compa9riQson, 41 2014's election budget was about $540,000. The last year witn a presidential vote, 2012, had a budget of about $440N)Otted by Addrhis New voting equipment, rising population and voter rolls, more training, more work for poll workers and other factors all pumped up the costs, Price said. "We have to think what could happen," she said, pointing to the uncertainty of how many special elections and runoffs will come around. "That keeps us from having to go to the Quorum Court to ask for more money (throughout the year)." The three commissioners, who are appointed by the majority political parties, all said elections are one of government's core duties. "It's the biggest budget we've ever had because it's the biggest election year we've ever had," said Max Deitchler, commission's sole Democrat. The new equipment is the biggest new budgetary drag. The state hopes to replace all of its ballot counters and touch screens in time for the 2016 general election for a total cost of $30 million, though state officials are still hunting for sources of money to pay the bit. Washington and Benton counties would get about $1.5 million each under the plan, but their election commissions say that won't be enough, because it's based on outdated voter numbers and didn't take population changes into account. Washington County will need to spend at least $420,000 on top of the state allocation to meet its growing needs, Price said. If they ask for the amount all at once, that would push the commission's 2016 budget north of $1 million. Splitting the cost into three years would keep the request around $800,000. Washington County isn't part of a state pilot program to put new equipment in a few counties in time for the March primary. The staggered equipment roll-out means poll workers would need to be trained for one set of equipment, then another, Price said. Such a budget request is likely to face an uphill battle among the Quorum Court, which has denied department spending requests this year for as little as $7,200 after hours of discussion and argument. The county's overarching budget oscillates around $60 million each year. The justices of the peace sheared $4 million in spending for this year to rebuild reserves, and that concern remains. UNDERWOOD'S FINE JEWELERS www.underwoods.com Most Popular COMMENTED FIEVVED J EMAILED • Guardsmen get training on using guns 1 NWADG 1 comment • 1 hour ago • Chance meeting of rival gang members led to shooting 1 NWADG 77 comments • 3 minutes ago • Dinner seen as due for name change 1 NWADG 2 comments ' 1 hour ago • Obama chides 2016 candidates for 'ridiculous; 'sad' remarks 1 NWADG 31 comments • 1 minute ago • Where to Lind Iran's real power 1 NWADG 41 comments • 18 hours ago AP Analysis: Women's Impact On Men's APPro sportsAP AP Analysis: Women's Impact On Men's Pro n Sports The Arizona Cardinals say new coach Jen Welter is believed_ Convicted Israeli Spy Pollard To Be Paroled Jonathan Pollard, a former Naval intelligence analyst... Peek at New York's Soon- To.Be LaGuardia Airport A peek inside the ambitious plan to rebuild New Yards_. 0 http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2015/jul/29/washington-county-election-officials-ex/?ne... 7/29/2015 Washington County election officials expect ballooning costs in 20161 NWADG#.VbjEd... Page 2 of 3 One factor might make the request easier to swallow: Cities and the state reimburse the commission for pot workers, equipment rentals and other expenses for elections. The county covers half the general election's cost but otherwise bills most of an election's cost to the relevant government. Price said such reimbursements could total almost $333,000 next year, meaning the county's election spending in practice would be that much lower than requested. Taxpayers provide the money regardless. but the reimbursements could help the county keeps its budget in line. NW News on 07/29/2015 You May Like sponsored Links by Taboola 4 Billionaires Say: Something Big Coming Soon In U.S.A Stansberry Research Drivers Surprised They Never Knew This Rule Provide -Savings Insurance Quotes Is Donald Trump The Best Candidate for 2016? Vote Here. Newsmax.com Do you have a giant credit card balance you can't pay off? Try this solution NextAdvisor (ADVERTISEMENT) UNDERWOOD'S EINE JEWELERS Diamonds from Underwood's are precision cut for maximum beauty and brilliance. Learn why Underwood Diamonds are different. www.underwoods.com We Recommend by Taboola Washington County animal shelter request sto... Washington County OKs animal shelter money requ... Benton trio due back on 'America's Got Talent' t... County expects War Eagle Bridge costs in November Restore Dental Perfect Teeth Whitening Deal! (ADVERTISEMENT) THE UNDERWOOD GEM LAB Underwoods travels the world in search of the finest gems and metals, purchasing at the source for the absolute best prices. Our team of gemologists work diligently to certify that each gemstone lives up to the Underwood standard. UNDERWOOD'S FINE JEWELERS www.underwoods.com http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2015/j ul/29/washington-county-election-officials-ex/?ne... 7/29/2015 Property value increase to raise county's tax take By Dan Holtmeyer Posted: July 27, 2015 at 4:46 a.m. FAYETTEVILLE -- Rising property value in Washington County means more tax money for county services and budgets, but the amount isn't set in stone yet. County residents have about three weeks until the Aug. 17 deadline to set an appointment through the county clerk's office to protest their property appraisals with the Equalization Board. The county this summer completed its first mass re -appraisal in five years. Taxable value as a whole is likely to increase about 6 percent over last year, though some owners might not see a change or could have a drop in value, Assessor Russell Hill said this month. Hill credited a healthy market and robust construction, both of which have rebounded from the recession several years ago. The change could put almost $400,000 more into the county's general fund from real estate alone, Hill said. More could come from personal property, but that number's still being tallied, he said. The totals could change as appeals go through the board. Washington County receives less than one-tenth of property tax revenue for the sheriff, jail and other operations, snagging about $10.5 million last year. About 80 percent goes to the school districts, with the rest split among the cities and other public agencies. Taxpayers with questions or concerns about the change in their property value can call the assessor's office first for an informal hearing, Hill said. From July 10 through Friday, almost 900 people had done so. Most seem satisfied with their answers, Hill said Friday; only about a dozen had scheduled Equalization Board appointments. Appointments begin Aug. 3. "Actually, it's really going pretty smooth," Hill said, also acknowledging that residents have a few weeks left to raise objections. If property owners aren't satisfied with the Equalization Board's ruling, they can appeal to the county judge, then Washington County Circuit Court and eventually the state Supreme Court if they choose, Hill said. The additional revenue could be a small relief for the Quorum Court, which has already begun debating next year's county budget. The justices of the peace cut this year's budget to $59 million, about $4 million less than last year's, to rebuild a county reserve that has steadily dwindled in recent years. The county turns to its reserve for unexpected needs, emergencies and large construction projects. The Quorum Court dipped into the reserve for the animal shelter, a $1 million payment to the state for fees the county missed and for other needs. Many members have said the county must rebuild its reserve further, perhaps through more budget cuts. "Every little bit helps," said Eva Madison, a Fayetteville Democrat and representative of District 9 who has pushed to quell additional spending. Property taxes are collected the year after they're applied, meaning any benefit from the rise is months away. Besides the timing issue, she said, "[Revenue] is just not quite keeping pace with spending." The possibility of raising property taxes to help with budget concerns has popped up occasionally in the past year or so among a minority of Quorum Court members. The county hasn't raised its millage since 2001, instead lowering the millage in 2011 by half of a mill, to 3.9 mills. A county assesses property at 20 percent of its appraised value. A mill is one-tenth of a cent, with each mill producing $1 in tax revenue for every $1,000 of valuation. That amounts to $78 for the owner of a $100,000 home. Butch Pond, a Republican representing rural District 15, suggested the millage cut was too deep during budget discussions last year. Democrats Ann Harbison, John Firmin, Barbara Fitzpatrick and Diane Bryant voiced similar opinions or unsuccessfully pushed to raise the millage by half a mill or by 1 mill. One mill would mean about $20 more per year for the owner of a $100,000 home. Of those justices of the peace, only Harbison and Pond remain on the Quorum Court. So far, Pond is the only justice of the peace who has raised a millage increase option. In last year's budget cuts, the county denied most departments' capital requests for new vehicles or other equipment. If the county must do so again, "I'll say it again, maybe we cut [the millage] a little too much," Pond said at the Quorum Court's July 13 meeting. The idea hasn't found much support on the Quorum Court. "That's all that budgeting is about: strict control of expenditures," Tom Lundstrum, an Elm Springs Democrat and representative of District 1, said at the same meeting. Metro on 07/27/2015 Underdogs: Ordinary animals with extraordinary adaptations I NWADG#.VakKh_nV WE... Page 1 of 4 Jobs I Homes I Classifieds I Deals I Events I Contac) Us Friday, July 17. 2015 Weather & Traffic FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY ywk7Y+Tpil Search NWADG �; 53 Sections News Sports Opinion Business Features & Entertainment Photos Video Weeklies Today's Paper (ADVERTISEMENT) local 16% Annuity Return 2014 True Investor Returns with no Risk. Find out how with our Free Report. Underdogs: Ordinary animals with extraordinary adaptations Posted July 17. 2015 at 1 a.m. Most Popular COMMENTED I VIE WED I EMAILED) • Fayetteville's Jackson charged with fling false report! NWADG 2 comments • 1 hour ago • GOP vows Planned Parenthood review I NWADG 13 comments • 1 hour ago • Our ancestors and us I NWADG 5 comments - 1 hour ago • Bentonville School Board member walks out, forcing end of meeting I NWADG 24 comments • 29 minutes ago • Duggar family releases statement on '19 Kids' cancellation I NWADG 6 comments • 5 minutes ago AP Analysis: Spieth Following Tigers Footprints AP IMSlaying p°r6VIpIgOURTESY OF NATURAL HISTORY EDUCATIONAL COMPANY OF THE MIDSOUTH An educational programmerjive Wecfox whi e explaining the animal's special adaptations during an Underdogs program. Atlantis Lizards, chinchillas and pythons, oh my! These animals, along with Pygmy goats, an African hedgehog, a Fennec fox and a few other small critters will be visiting the Fayetteville Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on Monday as part of a program that educates about animals' special adaptations. "These animals all seem to be pretty un -extraordinary,' says Shawna Adams, the wildlife educational programmer bringing the animals to Fayetteville. "But they all have 'super' adaptations that are useful or helpful. That's what makes these animals unique; you wouldn't expect them to be that cool: Fitting with the "Superhero" theme of summer reading programs across the country. including those at FPL, these animals are part of the Underdogs program that is presented by the Natural History 12 AP Analysis: Spieth Following Tigers Footprints Jordan Spieth is showing co signs of letting up alter... Raw: Two Critically Hurt in House Explosion Authorities say two people have been taken to the... Hendricks on Missing 'Mad Men' Atter her Emmy award nomination, actress Christina n v http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2015/jul/17/underdogs-ordinary-animals-extraordinary-a... 7/17/2015 xturainaitnn Underdogs: Ordinary animals with extraordinary adaptations I NWADG#.VakKh_nVWE... Page 2 of 4 Educational Company of the Midsouth. The NHECM travels to libraries, summer camps and schools in the southeast, hosting educational and wildlife outreach programs for all ages. "Our animal exhibits always have such a positive response," Adams says. "It makes for a good learning opportunity when you can expose a group or community to something they may have never seen before. And [Underdogs] is such a great program for not only bringing light to the animals' cool adaptations but also to how important they are to their ecosystems and even to human survival." The NHECM programmers make the exhibit understandable and relatable to all ages. They wit still use technical terminology like "herbivore" and "nocturnal," but they cater each show to the audience so everyone is able to understand. "The kids will love it," says Caitlyn Walsh, assistant manager of youth services at FPL. "We really look for programs that have an educational component but are also entertaining, so animals are always really popular. We're expecting a group of between 50 and 100, of all ages, for this program." While traveling with that many animals can be challenging, and checking into a hotel with a Pygmy goat is always an interesting experience, Adams says she loves educating people about the animals. "It's a lot of hard work and long days on the road.' Adams says. "But the work is very rewarding. 1. get a lot of kids coming up and asking what they can do to have a job like me when they grow up. So it's a good company to work for, and a great feeling making wildlife education more tangible to audiences." — Jocelyn Murphy jmurphy@nwadg.com (ADVERTISEMENT) 2015 Dutchmen Voltage 3970'. i « Previous Story Don't Cry For UAFS Stk#3413 Regulr: r 1119,707 e Sale Pr.4,rce -� Fort Smith audiences might want to check their cellphones at the door for a Jan. 28 concert al the ArCBest Cor... 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Read Sponsored Links by Taboo's / / PROFESSIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES for TODAY'S BUSINESS for more innjarnrtion PMI My Ht Prabfa.aroF http://www. nwaonline.cont/news/2015/j ul/ 17/underdogs-ordinary-animals-extraordinary-a... 7/17/2015 The God Of Saypur I NWADG#.VakKwz5TO9U.email Jobs I Homes Classifieds 1 Deals I Events I Contact Us Friday, July 17, 2015 Weather & Traffic Sections Page 1 of 4 FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY ,4e i Search NWADG News Sports Opinion Business Features & Entertainment Photos Video Weeklies Today's Paper (ADVERrISEMEN jihrf iaiiy, local cle iEs! FOURTH OF JULY SAVINGS EVENT! MUM E P AI036 The God Of Saypur Author creates fantastic world for teen readers By Becca Martin -Brown Posted: July 10. 2015 at 1 a.m. Print In a weird way shared orr$K other artists, Robert Jackson Bennett is a god. Favorites Bennett created the city pzfegiMlikov, the colonial power of Saypur, elerything in the world of "City of Stairs," his breakout 2i`Eliantasy novel fo young adults. Google egg FYI M, I(?MId maintain 'Wallis this world, I Robert Bennett have t0 care ully curate what is now an 11 -page Word document consisting of a 2,000 -year timeline, along with varying First sci-filfantasy book you names of the months, the days, the religious texts," Bennett told Tor.com. "This would be a pain in the a*" to maintain even if it corresponded with a real-world history -- imagine a Word document summing up the Tudors -- but when the burden rests on me to provide the name of the book or town (or whatever), and make sure its consistent with all the other books and towns I've mentioned thus far, then suddenly I have to think very long and hard about this tossed -off mention of a thing in a single line of the book that has no long-term consequences on the plot whatsoever." Fast Facts Robert Jackson Bennett Age: 31 Hometown: Austin, Texas remember: 'A Wrinkle in Time" 1 Thought 1 would grow up to be: Basically this, but I thought I'd be better dressed My parents thought I would be: A violist What do you read now? Mostly nonfiction history books Vdnat is your 4-year-old's favorite book? Currently "Dinosaur Farm; but in two weeks it'll be something else L FAQ Summer Author Series: Robert Jackson Bennett WHEN — 7 p.m. Wednesday, with a 6 p.m. reception WHERE — Fayetteville Public Library COST — Free INFO— faylib.org 36 MONTHS FINANCING SALE RAID-" Most Popular ` COMMENTED I VIEWED 1 EMAILED • Fayetteville's Jackson charged with filing false report 1 NWADG 2 comments • 1 hour ago • GOP vows Planned Parenthood review 1 NWADG 13 comments • 1 hour ago • Our ancestors and us 1 NWADG 5 comments • 1 hour ago • Bentonville School Board member walks out, forcing end of meeting 1 NWADG 24 comments • 19 minutes ago Duggar family releases statement on '19 Kids' cancellation I NWADG 6 comments • 1 minute ago AP Analysis: Spleth Following Tigor's Footprints AP Credit: Courtesy Photo Robed Jackson Bennett, author of "City of Stairs," will speak Wednesday at the Fayetteville Public Library. Then he adds: "... But I also get to do all kinds of fun things, where the way the miracles work and the ways the cities are structured reflects what I feel to be the nature of our own real world, only distorted. Fantasy offers us the opportunity to take the limitless contradictions that confront us in our world and set them against one another, thus allowing us a rare peek into what makes these contradictions both so ridiculous and so desperately human." http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2015/j ul/ 10/the-god-of-saypur-20150710/ AP Analysis: Spieth Following Tiger's Footprints Jordan Spaeth Is showing no signs of letting up after Raw: Two Critically Hurt in House Explosion Authorities say two people have been taken to the. n Hendricks on Missing Mad Men' • Alter her Emmy award nomination, actress Chnshna.. V 7/17/2015 Sluts i The God Of Saypur I NWADG#-VakKwz5TO9U.email Page 2 of 4 Bennett, who lives in Austin, Texas, had received rejection letters for three books before "Mr. Shivers" -- described as "a dark, savage journey across America's heartland" -- earned the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Novel in 2010. Asked how he started writing, he answers: "The way most people start: Badly." Bennett enrolled in college intending to be a concert violist, but he soon learned "it really wasn't for me." He switched to English and government with the idea of law school, but instead, after graduation he worked a string of "pretty awful jobs" -- many of them in call centers where he had time to think -- changing employers every time he found one that paid "a dollar more." He describes his first four novels -- "Mr. Shivers "The Company Man," "The Troupe" and "American Elsewhere" -- as "basically fantasy, except for the fourth one, which was more sci-fi" and says they were "sort of a series of reflections on the American past." "City of Stairs," on the other hand, was inspired by "Dark Star," a spy novel by Alan Furst, that looks at the years leading up to World War 11 from the Eastern European perspective. As Bennett was cleaning house -- "that's when a lot of my good ideas happen" -- the 1937 film "The Prisoner of Zenda" caught his attention on the TV. And Bennett began to wonder what would happen if he sent a spy from Saypur, a colonial power, to investigate the murder of a historian in Bulikov, an old city that is one of Saypur's colonies. Why would they hate her? He pondered. "Because her country killed all their gods." Bennett hopes the resulting novel, its upcoming sequels -- among them "City of Blades" in January -- and the lecture he'll give Wednesday at the Fayetteville Public Library all encourage his readers to "look at stories a little bit differently." "You need to ask yourself, what question is this story asking? How are they exploring it? Are they doing so in a fashion that's fair? Once you can start to think about stories that way, you can apply that same critical tens to a lot of things in your life," he says. "A cartoon isn't just a cartoon; a commercial isn't just a commercial. A lot of things are embedded in these images, and they all have a meaning and a purpose and an effect on you:' NAN What's Up on 07/10/2015 (ADVERTISEMENT) ARS FO U TH OF JULY SAVINGS EVENT! 36 MONTHS FINANCING 3 qhs SAGES PAID « Previous Story Drumming Up Excellence rre r. It was the fifth time Jackson Urhahn, a Bentonville High School graduate and first-year trumpet player for Gen.. Read u You May Like How This Razor is Disrupting a $13 Billion Industry Dollar Shave Club Drivers Surprised They Never Knew This Rule Provide -Savings Insurance Quotes The Highest Paying Cash Back Credit Card Has Just Hit The Market NextAdvisor Your Cable Company Doesn't Want You To Know This The Motley Foot How Much Money Do You Really Get from a Reverse Mortgage? NewRetirement Next Story » Nothing But Net Michael Riha likens the actors, designers, directors and playwrights of the University of Arkansas theater dep... Read »n Jim's Razorback Pizza Great Pizza And More At Jim's Razorback Pizza!!! (ADVERTISEMENT) FOURTH OF JULY SAVINGS EVENT! 36 MONTHS FINANCING $399..,. '699 a799 Sponsored Links by Taboola I Stopped Using Regular Banks For Two Weeks — And I'm Never Going Back '999 http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2015/jut/10/the-god-of-saypur-20150710/ 7/17/2015 Quieting The Mind i NWADG#.VakKSHdYxlw.email#.VakKSHdYxlw.email Jobs I Homes 1 Classifieds I Deals I Events I Contact Us Friday, July 17, 2015 Weather & Traffic B Sections FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Search NWADG Page 1 of 3 News Sports Opinion Business Features & Entertainment Photos Video Weeklies Today's Paper (ADVERTISEME loortl clouts! CLICK 'HENEEOL MOREINFErj., Quieting The Mind Meditation component expands summer yoga class ay Jaime Dunaway Posted: July 17. 2015 at 1 a.m. Print When Siddhartha Gautania aro 8ifom days of meditation underneath tht Bodhi tree as Buddha, "the enlightenedllione,Ei1&2 rdnged meditation from an isolatd traadi6M among ancient societies to a modern, watcwide practice. Google Meditation existed long beforeamiddlyaglept the popularity of his teachings spread the practice throughout Asia, where it expanded.inta the ._.___. many forms known today. Though it remained confined almost exclusively within Asia until the 20th century, as technology made travel among continents easier, the practice spread to the Western world, including a Southern town in the northwest corner of Arkansas. FAQ Meditation Class WHEN — 5:30.6:30 p.m. Monday WHERE — Fayetteville Public Library, 401 W. Mountain St. in Fayetteville COST — Free INFO — faylib.org or 856-7000 In an effort to promote health and wellness, the Fayetteville Public Library is offering a 30 - minute meditation component to its summer yoga class that takes place Mondays at 5:30 p.m., says Willow Fitzgibbon, manager of adult services for the library. "Yoga developed to prepare people for meditation, so it was a natural progression;' Fitzgibbon says. "The classes are fuller each week, so based on that, I know that people are finding it valuable? On the third Monday of every month, retired engineer Jack Kayser, who has been practicing meditation for 40 years, leads participants in a guided meditation based on a form of sleep yoga called yoga nidra, in which participants focus on a problem or issue they wish to solve, Most Popular COMMENTED VIEWED EMAILED • Fayetteville's Jackson charged with filing false report 1 NWADG 2 comments • 1 hour ago • GOP vows Planned Parenthood review I NWADG 13 comments • 1 hour ago • Our ancestors and us 1 NWADG 5 comments • 1 hour ago • Bentonville School Board member walks out, forcing end of meeting 1 NWADG 24 comments • 29 minutes ago • Duggar family releases statement on '19 Kids' cancellation 1 NWADG 6 comments • 5 minutes ago AP Analysis: Spieth Following tiger's FFootprints By Jaime Dunaly4Y Credit NWA Democrat-Gazelte Community members participate in a summer yoga class July 13 at the Fayetteville Public Library. AP Analysis: Spieth Following Tigers Footprints ' Jordan Spieth is showing no 519ns of letting up after... Wth a hand-written script, Kayser takes practitioners on a journey through the library and out into the world by walking them through their own thoughts, says Kalli Vimr, the summer yoga instructor. "It will be an out -of -body experience for them," Kayser says. "Hopefully their imagination is open, and they're open to the influences of their subconscious mind. In the end, it brings relaxation, better sleep and fewer worries. You're not as obsessed about what your problems are." Yoga and meditation portions of the class are suitable for both beginner and intermediate participants, but everyone must bring their own mats to the session, as well as warm clothing for the meditation portion, which will lower their body temperature, View says. Raw: Two Critically Hurt in House Explosion Authorities say two people have been taken to the.. Hendricks on Missing 'Mad Men' fter her Emmy award nomination, actress Chnstina_ V http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2015/j ul/ 17/quieting-the-mind-20150717/?features 7/17/2015 Quieting The Mind i NWADG#.VakKSHdYxlw.email#.ValcKSHdYxlw.email "It can be a rewarding experience to try something new, especially something that's not about twisting up like a pretzel;" she says. -- Jaime Dunaway jdunaway@nwadg.com NAN What's Up on 07/17/2015 (ADVERTISEMENT) « Previous Story Raising The 'Flag' Alter Jasper Johns made his fest 'Flag," he destroyed at of his previous work. He knew the subject and his a... Read You May Like You Won't Believe What We Found Inside The New 2015 Penny Stansberry Research Mortgage Rates Hit 2.89% APR (15 yr). See If You're Eligible LendingTree Forget The iPhone 7. Next Apple Sensation Leaked The Motley Fool Stop Paying $300 for Glasses - Here's How! Glasses USA Mind Blown! 34 Objects We Had No Idea Existed. Whoa (Pies) pored Lion "Shark Tank" Star's Mortgage Payoff Tip Has Banks On Edge eills.com Pastor Mocked for His 'Biblical Money Code' Gets Last Laugh Newsmax Next Story » FYI TODAY (7/17) Linen Sale -- A fundraiser for the Siloam Springs Hospital Auxiliary, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Siloam Sprin... Read n Sponsored Links by Taboola 27 Bizarre Aircraft We Can't Believe Exist (How Do Some Of These Even Fly?) Odometer We Recommend by Taboola Page 2 of 3 Jim's Razorback Pizza Great Pizza And More At Jim's Razorback Pizza!!! (ADVERTISEMENT) 01511utciiman /oltage 3970 Stkn3413 -. Regular ?119,707 Sale Price 9/2015 Cruiser RV Shadow Cruiser .,Shadow ' Northwest Arica:tsar''ire+siierRV Dealer Underdogs: Ordinary animals with extraordinary adaptations Malpractice lawsuit filed in death of Bentonville man Murder, He Wrote http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2015/jul/17/quieting-the-mind-20150717/?features 7/17/2015 Voters in LR few, but pass library bonds] NWADG#.VaZEu5Zw1FM.email#.VaZEu5Z... Page 1 of 3 Jobs [domes 1 Classifieds 1 Deals I Events I Contact Us Wednesday, July 15, 2015 Weather & Traffic FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Search NWADG E Sections News Sports Opinion Business Features & Entertainment Photos Video Weeklies Today's Paper (ADVERTISEME Voters in LR few, but pass library bonds Refinancing to lower cost to taxpayers, fund upgrades By Chelsea eoozer Posted'. July 15. 2015 at 3:30 a.m. Performance irria'l Service p. Print Less than 1 percent of el 'l bit& voters turned out for Tuesday's Little Rock library -bond refinancing election that passed with 86 percent of the votes in favor. Favorites Just 4,460 of the 127,10 i, bre voters submitted ballots in the election -- 402 of those votes were cast early and another 347 were submitted by absentee ballot. Tumblr Complete, but unofficial jg at the close or polls Tuesday were: For 3,834 More... (294) '.. Against 619 Atlantis The remaining seven votes cast weren't counted because of submission problems. Central Arkansas Library System officials say that by refinancing 2008 and 2009 bonds, they will lower the amount Little Rock property owners pay on those bonds and also extend the payment by about four years. This will raise between $15 million and $17 million for projects at Little Rock library branches, The vote didn't affect libraries in the system's other areas of coverage in Pulaski and Perry counties. Library administrators plan to use the money from the refinancing to buy more computers and books, as well as build additions on to three branches and purchase Internet -related technology upgrades. Before the vote, Little Rock property owners paid 5.1 mills for library bonds or operations in total. They now will pay 5 mills because the 1 mill dedicated to the bonds that will be refinanced will be lowered to 0.9 mill. For a homeowner with a $100,000 home, the property taxes paid on all library bonds will be reduced from $102 to $100 per year. A mit is one-tenth of 1 cent, with each mill producing $1 in tax revenue for every $1,000 of taxable property. The majority of the money generated from the refinancing will be used for expansion and major renovations for the Dee Brown Library, the John Gould Fletcher Library and the Roosevelt Thompson Library. The upgrades will add at least 2,000 square feet and reconfigure the libraries' children's areas. Smaller remodeling is planned for the Main Library and the Sue Cowan Williams Library. About $2 million will be dedicated to technology upgrades, such as Internet bandwidth and digital equipment, including computers. Library Executive Director Bobby Roberts has repeatedly said there is a huge need for those upgrades throughout the library system. Internet service is currently at capacity, he said. "We don't need long lines of people waiting for Internet, which is what we are heading toward," he said previously. "The main thing is the library is getting a lot of use. This is the cheapest way I know to push the system up another notch: There was no organized opposition to the bond refinancing campaign. Still, Pulaski County Election Commission Executive Director Bryan Poe expected a higher voter turnout. Most Popular COMMENTED'i. VIEWED EMAILED'. • Bentonville School Board member walks out. forcing end of meeting 1 NWADG 5 comments • 11 minutes ago • Iran nuclear deal reacted 1 NWADG 15 comments • 15 hours ago • Court upholds birth -control rule 1 NWADG 1 comment - 2 hours ago • Cotton targets 'sanctuary cities' I NWADG 86 comments • 1 day ago • NWA editorial: The court's new right 1 NWAOG 160 comments • 15 hours ago CCoourt Convicts Former Auschwitz Guard AP Court Convicts Former Auschwitz Guard A 94 -year-old former 55 sergeant who served at 'Scout' Reads Harper Lee Novel Mary Balham, the actress who played Scout ti the 1962 rem Apatow Continues Criticism of Cosby Director Judd Apatow explains why he thinks It is nmportant. v http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2015/jul/15/voters-in-lr-few-but-pass-library-bonds/?new... 7/15/2015 in such a situation. I fappy about, but sat - se law protecting the, decline toprovide this ice because of religion id the importance of t wedding cake is not I'd choose in the cul - tissue: Does this new it of two persons of n marry mean that a Led college could be the same benefits to Idents as to other mat- vainly inure matter of it housing? precise: Could such .' ,ially lose its religious ;. _RS. over their married -housing policies, But it is entirely possiblethat a same-sex married couple would en- roll at a religious college, get denied married housing and go to courtAnd it is possible that one federal district court would rule that, the Supreme Court precedent allowed a religious college that latitude and that anoth- others through public policy. The answer is to protect one man's personal free religion while, at the same time, protecting another man's personal freedom not to live by that religion. As, Madison and; Jefferson knew and intended, you do that by smartly compartmentalizingreligion and the Constitution, or the state:. loons over the grandstand. And is falling thereon, some grandstanders will always shout johnibunmiett'scola= appealsregulorly.. in the Arkansas Democrat -Gazette. Email hini at jbnunmett@arkansasonline co»z Read his blog atbrummet arkaifsasonline.com,orhis oni of Bubba iett's column and blog Jar reading list, not to col - cult " phy. ent was To 4 .+o =o, COT - and wisdom was very ;till laughing. FARRELL FORD. Arkadelphia ,est surprise nth, and I had gone • to celebrate our 64th Ristorante Capeo in ckAfter finishing our the waitress, "I guess tobringus the check' and said, "There is no au mean, `There is no ;joker id, "someone has paid Eked. Sher just smiled is some sort of a joke. d, "be serious:' S" s, I'dlike to know who : check and see if they e acknowledged," she s. When'the waitress' r table, she said, "It's hat table across the 'r and introduced our- ple whopaid our bill- • Bill and Cindy Sowell of North Little Rock, whom we had never met before. Well, thank, you; I said, "but why did you do it?" Bill answered. "Because it looked, like you two were enjoying each other What a total, unexpected surprise an our 64th anniversaryi Bill and Cin- -' dySowell of North Little Rock will go' downin our family scrapbook and be remembered for generations as the biggest surprise their parents/grand- parents/great-grandparents ever had. JAMES W. BELL Little Rock Support the libraries As a freelance writer who works at home, I spend much of my day with my fingers hovering over a keyboard, not typing but hoping to type. This often makes. me, as Herman Melville put it in Moby-Dick, "grim about the mouth." When this feeling comes over me, to further invokeMel- ville, I account it high time to get to the library as soon as I can. In the wonderful libraries of Little. Rock, I have found obscure documents that crystallized my research, helpful staff to point me in the right directions, and comfortable chairs to plop down in with a book plucked while brows- ing (not just an Internet term). I've heard favorite authors speak through the library -sponsored Arkansas Liter- ary Festival and seen surprising dis- plays, like the delightful origami art produced by eStem student Addyson Gee at the Teny library. For others, the library is not just a mood -changing but a life -changing• place. Those who don't have a quiet space or Internet service at home re quire library computers and connec- tions to help them ford jobs, govern- ment aid or information important to their well-being or careers. I don't know much about millag- es or bonds, but the Central Arkan- sas Library System has given me so much over the years; I'm voting: yes in the special election on Tuesday (or before, in early voting) to refinance bonds to aid expansion of its branch- es and services; l would encourage everyone to do the same. JAY JENNINGS Little Bock Wonderful Arkansans I live out in the country Tnir derly and have ahard time walkmgltev€ral days ago, I was out in my/driveway slowly trying to pullmy-btg greed gar- bage can back from the road$hen a pickup going up the mad stopped, pulled back to my driveway,' and a young gentleman I' had never seen before got out He said, "I will take care of that He asked me where Iwanted itplaced and then put the big garbage can where I indicated. ,After saying, "Have a good day," he went backto his truck and left. What a great guy. , Alsori have the greatest mail lady.' Whenever I have a package that will not fit in my mailbox, she will park in the driveway and carry the package to myporch and place it safely on a chair by my front door. Arkansans are the greatest! With so many bad things happening in this world, it is wonderful to live here in Arkansas. EM. GOODWIN Jacksonville Washington County sends notices of reappraisal to property owners By Staff Report Posted: July 6, 2015 at 1 a.m. FAYETTEVILLE -- Reappraisal notices for Washington County real property owners will be sent through the mail starting today, the county assessor said. The notices will show the values of about 94,000 parcels and how they've changed since the last reappraisal about five years ago, Assessor Russell Hill said. The values set owners' property taxes, most of which go to public schools. "We do reappraisal typically every five years unless there's something in the market where it would change more than 20 percent, which is rare," Hill said. The mass appraisal process is done largely from the air, with helicopter flyovers taking photos of the entire county to find any changes, such as an expansion to a home, done since the last re -appraisal, Hill said. The process also takes into account construction and real estate market trends. It's been an ongoing effort for the past five years. "Most people will see a change," Hill said, noting across the board values have gone up roughly 6 percent. State law limits increases to 10 percent or less from year to year. "We're looking that the market has stabilized and we're starting to see growth." Hill plans to lay out his office's findings and trends during Tuesday's meeting of the county Quorum Court's finance committee. It's set to start at 5:30 p.m. in the Quorum Courtroom of the county courthouse in Fayetteville. Property owners can protest their re -appraisals before the county's equalization board from August through October. Owners have to set up an appointment with the board through the county clerk's office from July 13 through Aug. 17. NW News on 07/06/2015 r'9V99CNSBtf Washington County sends notices of reappraisal to property owners I NWADG#.VZpt4S-... Page 1 of 3 Jobs I Homes I Classifieds !Deals 1 Events I Contact Us Monday, July 6, 2015 Weather & Traffic LOGIN REGISTER Search NWADG 24. Sections News Sports Opinion Business Features & Entertainment Photos Video Weeklies Today's Paper (ADVERTISEMENT) se'ctplggyrcom Daily, local deals! (AAwnced Socialization & awe 479-1582 950M'' Stimulating the Mind and Bod ENIOR SboAcei TER Washington County sends notices of reappraisal to property owners By stair Report Posted July 6. NIS at 1 a.m. FAYETTEVILLE -- Reappraisal not through the mail starting today, the The notices will show the values of reappraisal about five years ago, A most of which go to public schools. "We do reappraisal typically every change more than 20 percent, whic Print s foj\ shington Coun ounty assessor said. Favorites bOUTAM00 parcels and sessor Russell Hit said. Tumblr Google e years unlessZthere's s is raree mom.. s4ald. AddTnis The mass appraisal process is don 'i helicopter flyovers taking photos of the entire county to find any changes, such as an expansion to a home, done since the last re- appraisal, Hill said. The process also takes into account construction and real estate market trends. It's been an ongoing effort for the past five years. "Most people will see a change," Hill said, noting across the board values have gone up roughly 6 percent. State law limits increases to 10 percent or less from year to year. "We're looking that the market has stabilized and we're starting to see growth" Hill plans to lay out his office's findings and trends during Tuesday's meeting of the county Quorum Court's finance committee. It's set to start at 5:30 p.m. in the Quorum Courtroom of the county courthouse in Fayetteville. Property owners can protest their re -appraisals before the county's equalization board from August through October, Owners have to set up an appointment with the board through the county clerk's office from July 13 through Aug. 17. y real property owners will be sent how they've changed since the last he values set owners' property taxes, mething in the market where it would NW News on 07/06/2015 (ADVERTISEMENT) « Previous Story NWA Public Meetings Today, 3:45 p.m., Fayetteville Board of Adjustments — Room 111, City Administration Building, 113 W. Mountain St. Read » Next Story » NWA Records Charles Russell Hoyt, 33, of 602 S.W. C St. Apt. C, Bentonville, was arrested Sunday in connection with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. refusing to submit to an into... Read » Most Popular COMMENTED I VIEWED I EMAILED • NWA editorial: The court's new light 1 NWADG 22 comments • 10 minutes ago • State's 'pot' tax revenue soars 1 NWADG 6 comments ' 2 hours ago • Researchers screen vets' health online] NWADG 4 comments • 3 hours ago • Supreme Court extends same-sex marriage nationwide 1 NWADG 180 comments • 2 hours ago • Clerk to quit. cites 'moral conviction' 1 NWADG 52 comments ' 2 days ago Raw Warehouse Fire Outside of Cleveland Raw: Warehouse Fire Outside of Cleveland An early morning fire has engulfed a commerdal... Search For Missing After Kentucky Boat Crash Al leas) two people are dead after a July 4th boat accident. A Joseph Gordon -Levitt on 'HltRecord on TV Third Rock from the Sun' star, Joseph Gordon-Levat reveals... v http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2015/j ul/06/washington-county-begins-sending-reappr/?ne... 7/6/2015 Sharon Daniel 'vom: ant: To: Subject: Gretchen Allen Friday, June 19, 2015 9:13 AM MailAllStaff FW: News from EnvisionWare: Alpha Bytes V4 N3 Lolly Et FPL are in Envisionware's newsletter! From: EnvisionWare Corporate Communications [mailto:communications@envisionware.com] Sent: Friday, June 19, 2015 9:04 AM To: Gretchen Allen Subject: News from EnvisionWare: Alpha Bytes V4 N3 VIEW IR BROWSER Self Service and Library Efficiency Solutions Envision Ware is proud to recognize "Envisionary" customers -- individuals who have demonstrated library leadership through innovative ideas, outstanding accomplishments, and their ability to inspire others to help ntake great things happen. -Card Lolly Greenwood, Fayetteville Public Library, iCard Student Program Val.4 110.3 At Fayetteville Public Library (FPL), Arkansas, the vision of providing library access to all students in the community is becoming a reality with the iCard program. The brainchild of Envisionary Lolly Greenwood, FPL Director of Youth and Outreach Services, the iCard gives every K-12 student in the district an opportunity to virtually visit the library and access the library's electronic resources. The iCard program started a few years ago as a partnership with a local elementary/middle school for students of their after school program. The initial goal was to give students in the program access to the library's online homework resources, regardless of whether or not their parents had a traditional card or a card in good standing. The success of the pilot led to the "Internet only' cards being distributed to all students in the school and, a few years later, the entire Fayetteville Public School system population. Greenwood credits the entire FPL team for the success of the program, noting that it touches almost every department within the library. yabeacame Springdale board publicly approves policy changes 1 NWADG Jobs 1 Homes I Classifieds 1 Deere I Contact Us Wednesday, June 17, 2015 Weather & Traffic E Sections LOGIN REOISTER Page 1 of 2 Search NWADG News Sports Opinion Business Features & Entertainment Photos Video Weeklies Today's Paper Give her a diamond that shines as bright as your love. 9,9 ojall diamonds leak light, but Undcrweuud Diamonds egc different. They are precision cud for maximum beauty and brilliance. Underwood diauronrlr don't leak! Springdale board publicly approves policy changes By start Report Posted June 17. 2015 at 1 a.m. Print SPRINGDALE -- The Public LibrawinInard approved changes to loan and fine rules at Tuesday's meeting. Favorites The board approved the chaigesifiSi120 and 21 through email, documents show. Ernest Cate, city attorney, said in 'Malficity boards and commissions must take action in public, and email isn't considered as such. More... (294) The changes went into effect JSi9alh, said Marcia Ransom, director of the library. Officials wanted the changes to take effect on that date -so they wou!d-be ready for students once they were out of school for the summer. AdaTn!s The change removes a limit of five items per category, according to meeting documents. An overall 30 -item limit, however, is still in place. Another change allows library users to renew checkouts twice, according to the documents. The changes also lower fines on multiple items. NW News on 06/17/2015 (ADVERTISEMENT) UNDERW00D'S FINE JEWELERS Diamonds from Underwood's are precision cut for maximunm beauty and briiiance. Learn why Underwood Diamonds are different. www•.underwoods.com From Around. the Web « Previous Story Opera of the Ozarks to perform at Bentonville... Opera in the Ozarks will present excerpts from Gioacchino Rossini's Cinderella at the Public Library on June 24. Next Story » Noteworthy Death CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Blaze Starr, a burlesque Read » star who drew tourists to post -World War 11 Baltimore, lent glam... Read n ADVERTISEMENT How old is your Myrtle Beach body? You might Summer Deals - be YOUNGER Save up to 40%. than you think! Package specials, Find out your resort credits and actual age now. more! Fix Your Bloated Here's the ugly Belly? (Try this 2 truth about Minute "Cleanse) diabetic amputation your doctor will never tell you. Fayetteville Drivers are Furious Over This 1 New Rule... ' NDERWOOD'S FINE JEWELERS www.underwoods.com Most Popular COMMENTED VIEWED EMAILED' • Stand against gay marriage, Baptists urged NWADG 13 comments • 14 minutes ago • Debate over Fayetteville's latest anti- discrimination ordinance begins NWADG 7 comments • 22 minutes ago • Column One Better not say that I NWADG 63 comments • 1 hour ago • EU still split on human -tide plan I NWADG 1 comment • 1 hour ago • Columnists One step closer to the cliff 1 NWADG 1 comment 2 hours ago A&M Railroad Scenic Excursions For 50% Off! (ADVERTISEMENT) http://www. nwaonline.com/news/2015/jun/ 17/springdale-board-publ icly-approves-poli/ 6/17/2015 Fayetteville Public Library sets financial plan in motion I NWADG#.VYAKUQpA7ds.em... Page 1 of 2 Jobs 1 Flomes 1 Classifieds! Deals! Contact Us Tuesday, June 16, 2015 Weather & Traffic Fs Sections i� RB0IBi8B ',. Search NWADG SUBSCRWIt News Spas Opinion Business Features & Entedainmenl Photos Video Weeklies Today's Paper tiltph r.1 am Fayetteville Public Library sets financial plan in motion TH.E SUBARU LL OVE SPRING EV N SUBARU E.inEtt OR - FAYETYesLLE:a By Om nollmeyer Posted June 10,2015 all a m. Print FAYETTEVILLE -- The public library's board Monday fina&eg1its short-term plan to shore up the facility's finances for the year and a push for a millage increase remains on the horizon. Favorites The much-discussed plan includes a late fee increase of Ngificents per day, raising rent for meeting room space by a few dollars and charging for VIP access at specific library events, all of which should have minimal impact on patrons, board meaP'slrsaid. From the library's side, the changes mostly fill a $600,000 gap between expected reQdfndeand the cost of running the library as it is today. More... (294) The Week Ahead Fayetteville Public Library events • Wednesday: Roy Reed Reporting from Selma Roy Reed, who covered the Civil Rights Movement in the South for The New York Times, will talk with KUAF's Kyle Kellams about the Freedom March from Selma, Ala., in 1985. The 2014 film Selma was based on the march. fi Am. to 7 p.m. • Thursday: The Choose Love Movement with Scarlett Lewis Scarlett Lewis's first -grade son was among the 26 people shot and killed at Sandy Hook - Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012. She will -- speak about her push for widespread compassion and forgiveness. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Source: Fayetteville Public Library Monday's vote was ih§iffit el step ending months of meetings on the short-term plan. 11 cicamd Cho- board without opposition. • AddTNs Now the board looks turtber to the future. Members have said repeatedly an increase in millage for the library is the only way to keep the facility up to par under more and more demand from its patrons for programs, events and technology -heavy services. Fayetteville pays 1 mill to the library, which is about $30 annually for the owner of a $150,000 home but collectively sends more than 31 million to the library. Voters would have to approve anything more. Brenda Boudreaux, newly elected board president and former City Council member, proposed a committee of a few board members, a member of cit government, a representative from the library's foundation and a member of the wider community to look into the timing and scope of a millage vote. Some board members have said this fall would be too eady for such a vote. In 2016, May, August and September are all possible options, according to a calendar in the board's meeting agenda. The committee isn't set yet because several possible members still need to be asked, but it could include Boudreaux and fellow board members Kim Agee, Maylon Rice and Hershey Gamer, Boudreaux said. -. --- - - -- - The committee would first come up with a rough plan for possible millage increases, Boudreaux said. "Then we would probably have a lot of public discussion," possibly with public forums to hear the city's input. The combination of short-term and long-term measures more or less follows the recommendations of the board's revenue committee that met from January to June. Library officials partly intended the process and money -generating steps to stand as proof that the library did what it could to improve its situation before asking voters to step in. "I'm really comfortable with where we are; Janine Parry, chairwoman of the board's revenue committee, said after the meeting. "We took the steps we needed to take" Parry added: "But what's really clear is if people continue to want more and more from this library, it's going to need a designated millage." NW News on 06/16/2015 IAOVERTISEMENT) Next Story » Lowell approves Harps store Harps Food Stores received approval to siert work on a location in Lowell during a Planning Most Popular COMMENTED !VIEWED I EMAILED'. • Column One Better not say that NWADG 51 comments • 1 hour ago • Others say Bandidos and Cossacks, oh my 1 NWADG 63 comments • 14 hours ago • 51h Circuit upholds Texas abortion Iavis new rules for clinics I NWADG 75 comments • 2 days ago • Fayelleville anti bias proposal a result of month of work 1 NWADG 134 comments - 3 days ago • Editorial Mr. Justice Obama 1 NWADG 1 comment . 4 hours ago SAgokane NAACP President Resigns AP Spokane NAACP President Resigns A demonstration was het Spokane. Washington... Reverend: Archdiocese's Resignation 'Painful' 01tidals 01160 Amhdiocose el 51 Paul and Minneapolis aro. A LeBron Jamas: 'I'm The Best Player In The World' The Golden Slate Warriors are e victory away from their... e/ http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2015/jun/ 16/fayeteville-public-library-sets-financ/?news... 6/16/2015 rAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Brenda Boudreaux, President Hershey Garner, Vice -President Maylon Rice, Treasurer We inspire imagination and foster learning. Board of Trustees August 17, 2015 4 pm AGENDA Regular Meeting Ann Henry Board Room Janine Parry, Secretary Kim Agee Suzanne Clark I. Call to order II. Minutes A. Approval of minutes 1. June 15, 2015 regular meeting — page 2-3 B. Signed minutes 1. April 20, 2015 regular meeting — page 4-5 III. Reports A. Management reports 1. Key upcoming events — page 6 2. June -July 2015 Strategic Plan progress — page 7-8 3. July 2015 Performance Measures — page 9 4. FPL 2"d Quarter Report to City — page 10-11 B. Financial reports 1. Balance sheet as of July 31, 2015—to be distributed 2. Budget to actual as of July 31, 2015 — to be distributed IV. Informational: A. Summer Reading Club statistics —to be distributed (L. Greenwood) B. Update on City Hospital C. Impact of Fair Labor Standards Act on FPL— page 12-14 D. Concepts for expanding FPL on Blair footprint E. Funding a capital campaign F. Benefits cost increase G. 2016 budget timeline — page 15-17 H. Staff in-service date I. Millage exploratory committee meeting to be rescheduled during second or third week in September V. Action: A. Ratification of new Foundation Board member Teresa Cornett — page 18 B. Proposed revision of policy LM: Loan Period —page 19 C. Proposed revision of fee schedule — page 20-21 D. Contract extension with Washington Regional on City Hospital parking lot VI. Public Comment VII. Adjourn Susan Graham Attachments: FPL press 1 FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Board of Trustees June 15, 2015 4 pm MINUTES Regular Meeting Ann Henry Board Room Trustees present: K. Agee, B. Boudreau, 5. Clark, H. Garner, S. Graham, J. Parry, and M. Rice Staff: G. Allen, M. Burdette, S. Daniel, S. Davis, W. Fitzgibbon, S. Foley, B. Holt, S. Houk, D. Johnson, A. Low, C. Moody, S. Palmer, H. Robideaux, 5. Walker, L. Yandell Others: V. Chadick Press: Dan Holtmeyer, KNWA I. Call to order: President K. Agee called the meeting to order at 4 pm. II. Minutes: A. Approval of minutes: M. Rice moved to approve the minutes of April 20, 2015 and May 19, 2015. B. Boudreau seconded. All voted AYE. III. Report of Nominating Committee: M. Rice moved to approve the Nominating Committee's nominees as follows: B. Boudreau as president, H. Garner as Vice -President, M. Rice as treasurer, and J. Parry as secretary. S. Graham seconded. All voted AYE. Meeting continued with new officers. B. Boudreau designated S. Graham as Friends' liaison, K. Agee as Foundation liaison, and B. Boudreau and M. Rice as members of the Finance Committee. IV. Reports A. Management reports 1. Key upcoming events: Upcoming events include journalist Roy Reed speaking about the events of Bloody Sunday in 1965 when civil rights marchers were beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Scarlet Lewis, mother of slain Sandy Hook student Jesse Lewis, will speak on her Choose Love Foundation. The Summer Reading Club concludes August 1 with a performance by Trout Fishing in America. 2. April -May 2015 Strategic Plan progress: The Peter Coyote and Bob Woodward events were well attended. The SRC kickoff drew 3500 and the Young Meteorologist Weather -Fest was popular. Study rooms checked out 860 times during April -May. Adult Services negotiated a new periodicals contract with financial savings. The volunteer program is growing 800 kids participated in the Kindergarten tours this spring. Begun with a GIF grant last year, Books and Bites (a program to foster literacy and enhance food security) will continue this year with support from First Security Bank. l -Cards were extended to upward bound participants. Facilities work included balancing the fans and preventive maintenance on the air conditioners. IT rolled out print release work stations to provide patron privacy when printing. The marketing department reached 39,000 citizens by placing a flyer in the city water bill at no cost to FPL. The Development Department continues to work on J. Blair's 80th birthday party. Updating the strategic plan will begin after the budgeting cycle concludes. 3. May 2015 performance measures: not discussed. 8. Financial reports 1. Balance sheet as of April 30, 2015: not available 2. Budget to actual as of April 30, 2015: Millage revenue collection is behind last year's creating a cash flow problem. Slower collection does not equate to reduced over-all income. Interest earnings are poor - a total of $46 for the first quarter. All major expense categories are within budget. A transfer from long-term reserve to the operating budget is scheduled to be made. While the LTR Committee recommended this reserve be locked, the 2015 budget was approved with some of this reserve committed to programming. Historically, the long-term reserve has been used as a supplemental cash flow to operating funds. Managers have managed their budgets well. While a category may be over -spent, others are under spent. V. Old business: A. Vote on options to reduce costs/increase revenues: The Long -Term Revenue Committee did not support a library card fee. M. Rice moved to correct the record to indicate this; K. Agee seconded. All voted AYE. Scrivener's note: The Long -Term Revenue Committee also did not recommend a wage freeze. Record has been corrected. After reviewing staff input on the impact of a "no tolerance" policy (all fines to be paid before further 2 check-outs), M. Rice moved the library not institute a no tolerance policy. H. Garner seconded. All voted AYE. Noting some recommendations of the LTR committee are not policy issues, e.g., a possible millage, M. Rice moved to adopt the LTR policy recommendations as amended by the board. H. Garner seconded. All voted AYE. B. Tent acceptance: A tent, donated to FPL by the Rural Mountain Producers Exchange, Inc., must be formally accepted by the Board for audit purposes. M. Rice moved to formally accept the tent; K. Agee seconded. All voted AYE. VI. New business A. Artist-in-residence budget adjustment: M. Rice moved to approve the budget adjustment for the 2015 artist- in-residence; J. Parry seconded. All voted AYE. B. Resolution on bank signatories: M. Rice moved to approve board officers elected at this meeting as signatories on all library accounts. J. Parry seconded. All voted AYE. After discussion, M. Rice moved to revise his motion and accept the staff recommendation for signatories as follows: Kim Agee, Suzanne Clark, Janine Parry and Maylon Rice. Other board members to be added at their request. Any person not a current board member to be removed as account signatory. J. Parry seconded. All voted AYE. C. Developing public input for Long-Term Revenue Committee recommendations: D. Exploratory group on possible millage increase: B. Boudreau requested K. Agee and H. Garner serve on this committee. Others to be invited include Jack Butt, Don Marr, Stephen Smith, and a person to be named later. Board members to send additional suggestions to B. Boudreau and committee to report at board's August 17, 2015 meeting. E. S. Graham distributed information on SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) that has been modified by the American Library Association for library use. VII. Public Comment VIII. Adjournment: H. Garner moved to adjourn; K. Agee seconded. All voted AYE. Meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m. 3 Fayetteville Public Library Board of Trustees Regular Meeting April 20, 2015, 4 pm, Ann Henry Board Room Minutes Prepared by S. Daniel, Office Manager Library Trustees present: K. Agee, B. Boudreaux, M. Rice, S. Clark, S. Graham, H. Garner and J. Parry Staff present: D. Johnson, S. Foley, S. Daniel, S. Davis, L. Greenwood, S. Houk, J. Atha, L. Yandell, B. Holt, G. Jelinek, and S. Palmer Press: Joel Walsh Others: Judge William Storey, V. Chadick, W. Marley, C. Burns Call to Order: President K. Agee called the meeting to order at 4 pm. Swearing in of Maylon Rice by Judge William Storey. Judge Storey administered the oath of office. III. Minutes: M. Rice moved to approve the minutes of the March 2015 regular meeting; B. Boudreaux seconded. All voted AYE. IV. Reports A. Management Reports I. Key upcoming events: Miller Williams' memorial service will be Sunday, April 26. David Slawson, a nationally recognized landscape architect, is scheduled for May 12 as part of the TRY FPL series. Peter Coyote will be here Friday, May 1 and Summer Reading kicks off Saturday, May 30. ii. Oct -Nov Strategic Plan update: FPL offers programming for all ages including robotics, beekeeping, and Chinese language classes. In February and March the study rooms checked out 905 times, Staff has implemented another eBook platform, 3M. L. Greenwood worked with NOAA to produce a young meteorologist festival that drew over 250 participants. Bob Woodward drew a crowd of 450; 168 attended the private reception. iii. Quarterly Performance measures: While digital check-outs are growing quickly, print book check-outs are declining, reflecting a national trend. B. Financial Reports i. This is the first financial statement produced by the new software, Departments are within budget. A balance sheet will be available once 5 years of financial history are entered. All management staff have an interactive dashboard showing their budgets and expenses as they occur. To replace the cut in state aid ($28,000), Charlie Collins is helping FPL get $30,000 in GIF funds. The grant request will be out later this week; staff will provide board members with a copy when completed. V. Old business A. Long -Term Revenue Committee update: Staff is providing scenarios of what can be raised/saved for a final committee meeting on April 28, 2016. Recommendations will be given to the Board of Trustees at a special meeting in May - date to be determined. B. City Hospital Update: V. Chadick noted Judge Beaumont's decision has been appealed. The appeal process could take from 6-18 months. FPL is trying to reach a lease agreement (including a liability policy) to be able to use the City Hospital parking lot for library events. VI. New Business A. Audit: C. Burns of BKD noted FPL received an unmodified opinion - the best possible. The Management Discussion and Analysis summarizes the events of 2014 - one of which is the decrease in earnings on investments because $2 million was liquidated in anticipation of purchasing City Hospital. The income statement shows the governmental fund had a net increase of almost $150,000, but depreciation results in a loss of approximately $220,000. The budgetary schedule on page 8 details revenues and expenditures. Staff is following board approved guidelines; spending was approximately $100,000 less than what was budgeted. The governmental fund operated at a net loss of $351,000 for the year. BKD did not propose any audit adjustments. M. Rice moved to accept the audit; H. Garner seconded. All voted AYE. B. PTO Cash -Out: The 2012 audit noted an excess of accrued PTO. Were everyone to have cashed out at one time, it would have debilitated library finances. A transitional cash -out policy brought down the accrued balances, and now the maximum accrual is 320 hours. It remains policy that staff can cash out 50 hours per year. There is no money in the budget for this, and in light of our current fiscal situation, staff is recommending suspending cash -outs from May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016 at which time the policy would be reevaluated. This does not apply to employees terminating in good standing. M. Rice moved to suspend the PTO cash out policy from May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016 and to re-evaluate the policy at the end of this period; S. Clark seconded. All voted AYE. C. Appointment of Nominating Committee for Officers: K. Agee appointed S. Clark and M. Rice to the nominating committee. The committee will report its nominees at the June board meeting. 4 D. Possible fraud hotline: According to BKD, about 5% of money lost by entities, including governmental entities, is due to fraud. A hotline has been shown to be one of the best ways to combat fraud. Library staff will investigate what other libraries do. E. Summer Reading Club: L. Greenwood reported theme to be super heroes with capes and T-shirts to read "Unmasked." Youth and teen librarians will visit all schools beginning next week. Last summer, 18, 176 people attended SRC programs. A total of almost 5000 participants of all ages registered to participate. The website will go live May 1. Trout fishing in America will be the finale. A $9000 grant from the AR Arts Council will fund an artist in residence. First Security Bank will underwrite Books and Bites, a program that addresses food insecurity. Staff may contact Marvel Comics about participation in SRC. Businesses in Fayetteville have been generous in supporting SRC year after year. This year, the Parks family donated $25,000. F. Sole source for tent repair: FPL acquired a storm damaged tent from the Farmers' Market. Staff have been seeking competitive bids to repair the tent for use throughout the summer, but have not been successful as no one vendor has been willing to take on all aspects of the project. H. Garner moved to waive the requirement for competitive bidding; M. Rice seconded. All voted AYE. G. M. Rice moved to provide FPL staff with a 3.75% across the board raise consistent with city plans; B. Boudreaux seconded. Following discussion, M. Rice requested the motion be tabled until the board meets in May. Public Comment Adjournment: J. Parry moved to adjourn; H. Garner seconded. All voted AYE. Meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m. 5 FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Key Upcoming Events August & September 2015 Fayetteville Roots Festival Events with KUAF KUAF's Ozarks at Large Live! Friday, August 28 from 12 to 2pm Tales from the South — Live from FPL Sunday, August 30 at 2pm Afterschool Workshops with FPL Artist in Residence Leilani Law Visual Poetry Art Camp (Grades K-2) September 1 — 4 from 4 to 5:30 pm Students will compose original poetry and transform their poems into visual masterpieces. Printmaking Mania! (Grades 3-5) September 8 — 11 from 4 to 5:30 pm Students will learn the art of multiples, create a monotype and an edition series of prints. Go Baroque! (Grades 2-4) September 14 — 17 from 4 to 5:30 pm Students will create drawing and painting inspired by Baroque masters as well as decorate a special frame for their piece. Fun with Storyboards! (Grades 6-12) September 21 — 25 from 4 to 5:30 pm Students will write video scripts, create visual storyboards, film and produce short videos. Art of Illustration (Ages 4 & 5) Fridays in September from 10:30 to 11:30 am Develop a child's love of literature through pictures and explore some of the world's most celebrated illustrators in this fun hands-on art workshop with Leilani Law. September 4: Eric Carlyle — Creepy Crawler Cut-outs September 18: Cicely Mary Barker — Watercolor Fairies & Flowers Teen ACT Prep Course Thursday, September 17, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm A two-hour professional ACT prep class for students in 6th -12th grade. Registration opens August 27. Try FPL Series Third Wednesday of the Month at 6pm August 12 — International Folk Dancing September 16 — VariYoga with Andrea Fournet October 14 — Jewelry Design and Wire Wrapping True Lit: Fayetteville Literary Festival — Author Schedule October 1 — 8, 2015 Thursday, October 1 at 6pm — Donna Lampkin Stevens Saturday, October 3 at 1pm — Cole Closser Saturday, October 3 at 7pm — Joe Crookston Monday, October 5 at 7pm — Zadie Smith Wednesday, October 7 at 7pm — Lois Lowry 6