Library News

Election Day! Go Vote!

Hi everyone — just wanted to remind you all to make sure you vote today! I won’t push my view on anyone, but this is what democracy is all about. Whoever your candidate is — make sure your voice is heard! 馃檪 And if you’re interested in some good election and polling analysis, one place you can find it is www.fivethirtyeight.com.

Ex-BPL head Bernie Margolis compared to Babe Ruth…

“Just as the Yankees took Babe Ruth, Boston’s loss is our gain,” said Tom Dunn, New York Education Department spokesman, speaking of Boston’s well-liked ex-public library head, Bernie Margolis.聽 Margolis was ousted from the Boston Public Library last year by Mayor Menino, and has just landed a very plum job as State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner of Education for the state of New York.聽 Congratulations, Bernie, it was good to know ya! Read more in yesterday’s Globe: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/10/22/ex_bpl_chief_margolis_lands_library_education_post_in_ny/ Karen Merguerian

Fall Football Preview

Tomorrow @ Noon, Snell Library will host former NFL player Mark Bavaro and footbal statistician Aaron Schatz.聽 The two are discussing their repective books, Rough & Tumble, and Pro Football Prospectus.聽 Join us in 90 Snell for a spirited kick-off of one of the season’s great pleasures–football (and the Meet the Author Series)!

Pinball Wizardry

Once again, the Research & Instruction department held its annual Pinball Tournament. R&I Librarians competed for a deluxe championship prize in this annual event. Previous champion (yours truly) got the contestants on track, made sure flippers worked and that the contestants knew how to find the controls. For 30 minutes, the sounds of pinball filled the room. Winner was Sandy Dunphy, with a top score of 3,915,000 points. I’d post a few photos, but nothing will load them up. Congratulations to Sandy, our new Pinball champion!

More on Library Liberty

I just read this NY Times article, on聽Sarah Palin’s聽career as mayor of Wasilla, AK.聽聽One incident really jumped out at me–her experience with the town library, librarians, and possibly censoring books (or at least having that discussion).聽 It surprised me a bit that this would be occuring at聽the level聽of a town mayor–has anyone heard any other stories like this?聽 Any thoughts?