John Arnold, co-recipient of the MLA Advocacy Award


Kimberly Lynn, MLA President


Sandra Kelly, MSLA President


Stephen Murray, Principal of Andover’s West

Middle School


Dawn Scaltreto, spoke about her experiences at the Watertown Free Public Library

Representative Mark Falzone enthusiastically announced the formation of a new "Library Caucus"

Members of MLA and MSLA (Massachusetts School Library Association) met at the State House on April 2, 2008 for Library Legislative Day.  Kimberly Lynn, MLA President and Sandra Kelly, MSLA President jointly welcomed members and legislators at lunch.  Library users told their stories.  Representative Mark Falzone fired up the crowd with the announcement of a new State House Library Caucus.  Four awards were presented to long-time library advocates.

Telling our Stories

Katherine Brown commented that in her school library in the Urban Science High School in Jamaica Plain, you can be yourself, whether you are a nerd, geek or jock. Cliques fade away there and librarians are the most supportive people in the school.  Katherine is in the library everyday.  She noted that literacy is the connecting factor for everyone.

Stephen Murray, principal of Andover’s West Middle School, cited the current educational theory of “teaming”.  This addresses the whole child and included librarians and media specialists as part of the team.  In fact, they bridge the gaps among disciplines and subjects.  He called on legislators and communities to support their school libraries. “School librarians are not extra, but a core service”, he stated.

Yu Kun Jia came from China 6 years ago at 12 years of age, speaking no English.  Now at 18, she is a graduating senior at Amherst Regional High School and is anticipating college next year.  She spoke about the importance of the Jones Library literacy program for her whole family.  Tutors made the difference for her parents. They could study English around their work schedules and gain enough proficiency to allow them new job options. Jones Library also provided Chinese books and newspapers and volunteer opportunities for Yu Kun.

Lindy Keay has tutored in Plymouth Public Library’s literacy program since 2005.

After retiring from teaching, she wanted to stay active and called the library about volunteer opportunities.  In her student, Lindy has found friendship and inspiration. “I went to the library to teach and she (her student) has taught me—determination, optimism, loyalty and love.”

Fang-Chi Lee has been Lindy Keay’s student for three years.  In Taiwan she taught physical education and martial arts.  After coming to the US with her two sons, she was concerned about her prospects and went to Plymouth Public Library seeking direction and improved life skills. “My tutor became my friend”, she said.  Her sons are now in college, she is a US citizen, she runs her own business and she is active in the Plymouth Rotary.  Her Tai Chi instruction will be carried by local cable this Spring!

Dawn Scaltreto related her experiences of Watertown Free Public Library as community connector and builder. As president of the Watertown Arts Association, board member of the Arsenal Center for the Arts and arts educator, Dawn knows what a resource the library is for her students and colleagues. From hosting displays and art openings to providing collaborative project space, the library meets the need. Through the  “Ask a Librarian” link on the library web page, Dawn got suggestions for a reading list of books set in Massachusetts. The list became part of an art project for Logan Airport.

Awards

Two former Commissioners of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, John Arnold and Edward Bertorelli, were recognized as Advocates of the Year by MLA for their tireless efforts advocating for libraries over many years.

MSLA presented two awards.  Representative Frank Smizik was recognized with the Joan C. Gallagher Legislator Award and Representative Robert Rice received the MSLA 2008 Legislator of the Year Award

Dr. Em Claire Knowles, Chairman of the

Massachusetts Board of Library

Commissioners, presented

at the briefing for attendees


Ed Bertorelli, co-recipient of the
MLA Advocacy Award

Lindy Keay and Fang-Chi Lee told their stories

of the Plymouth Public Library


Representative Frank Smizik, recipient of

MSLA's  Joan C. Gallagher Legislator Award


Representative Robert Rice, recipient

of the MSLA 2008 Legislator

of the Year Award