Reference@TBML

Foundation Directory Online @ Branigan Library

Are you a representative of a non-profit organization?  Come learn how to search the Foundation Directory Online.  This database has over 80,000 grant-makers listed and is a great source for nonprofits seeking funds.  This training will be held in the Library's Computer Training Lab.

This program is offered free of charge, but seating is limited.  You can register online here.  Call Catherine Christmann at 528-4085 with questions or for help registering.

Download the flyer here.  Download Grants

Before You Seek a Grant

Thinking about starting a non-profit?  Unsure of how to get funding?
Join us on Wednesday, September 2nd from 9-11 AM for Before You Seek a Grant: A Checklist for New Non-Profits.

This workshop provides a step-by-step checklist to help increase your organization’s readiness for foundation fundraising.  This course is geared towards representatives of community groups without nonprofit status or new nonprofits with very little experience in grant seeking.  This training will be held in the Library’s Computer Training Lab.

Registration: This program is offered free of charge, but space is limited.  You can register online here.  Click on the event and fill out the registration form. It’s that easy.  Call Catherine Christmann at 528-4085 with questions or for help registering.

Download a flyer here:  Download Grants

Anyone who will require accommodation for a disability to attend this event, please notify the library 48 hours in advance at 528-4005 or 528-4008 TTY. 

Gorgeous New Art Books

In support of the Las Cruces Art Museum's "Las Cruces Collects" exhibit, we offer a selection of new art books:

Asian American Art: A History, 1850-1970     A comprehensive and beautiful collection of works from around the country.  May be the new authoritative collection for this ethnic group of artists.

Post-Modern Art: 1945-Now     A strong collection of what is happening NOW and more recent predecessors.

Loot: The Battle Over The Stolen Treasures of the Ancient World    A fascinating look at the pathways pieces of art can be taken on and the controversies and battles that erupt over these routes.

The Street Art Book: 60 Artists in Their Own Words     This book offers up little-heard commentary on street art and the cultures and contexts surrounding this movement.

Street Art: The Graffiti Revolution     A more comprehensive look at this newer artistic movement.

Photography: New Mexico     A survey of artists based in New Mexico.  Some of the photography is specific to the landscape while other artists deal in more esoteric concepts.

Annie Liebovitz at Work     The famed photographer provides commentary and context for some of her more famous pieces of work.

Pictures From a Drawer: Prison and the Art of Portraiture     A fascinating series of photographs from a prison in Arkansas in the 1930's. 

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Taking Reading and Writing to the Next Level

By now we all know that one of the great things about the internet is the vast number of resources available to us.  And that number is growing every day.  Another great thing about recent innovations is the ability for all of us, even those of us with limited techinical skills, to access and add content online.  Here are a few places where you can get started:

Project Gutenberg was at the forefront of the ebook biz and remain an excellent source for free, full-text e-books.  Their catalog covers books in numerous languages all in the public domain.  If you are undecided about where to start first, check out their Top 100 list of most downloaded books.

Scribd is a newer site that allows people to access and publish their own documents.  As the website states, "Scribd is the place where you publish, discover and discuss original writings and documents."  If you are concerned about how to get started or the terms and policies of the website, they have an Info and FAQ page with all your answers.  Even President Barack Obama uses Scribd, so join in the fun!

And finally, join an online book community today.  Goodreads is a free social networking site centered around books and readers.  Keep a list of books you've read, review them, and find out what your friends are reading.  Goodreads even hosts online book clubs based on certain themes--so find one that you are REALLY interested in.  Visit their How It Works page to find out how to sign-up and get your bookshelves organized.  And join the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library staff reads group to see what we are reading here at the library.  See you there!

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Library to be closed for construction March 6-8 2009.

Branigan Library will be closed March 6, 7 and 8 for construction work. The Library entrance is getting a facelift; some of the enhancements will be new sidewalks, an ADA-compliant entrance ramp with railings, and new Xeriscaping.

The Library will be closed on Friday and will remain closed through the weekend while construction crews pour new concrete and allow it to cure. The Library will open as usual at 8:00 AM on Monday, March 9.

Libraries and Current Legislation

 

In these times of economic hardship, public libraries around the country are experiencing an uptick in business.  Check out this radio program featuring the American Library Association's President, Jim Rettig, for an interesting conversation on the role and state of America's libraries.  

Unfortunately, in times of economic hardship, it is often libraries who are subject to sizeable cuts in funding.  As a library user, your voice can be a powerful tool in drawing attention to the importance of libraries.  If you are interested in becoming an advocate for your local library, you may want to look at the following annotated list of links related to current library legislation.  

• Check out the New Mexico State Library legislation page for a listing of state legislation related to libraries.  If you value local issues concerning libraries, please alert your legislators to the issues concerning New Mexico’s libraries, and seek their support for legislative actions.

• The American Library Association keeps a record of all federal activity that is related to library legislation.  Detailed information about the library voting is handily accessible here.

• If you would be interested in learning more about becoming a library advocate, the American Library Association details how to become an involved citizen at the website’s Legislative Action Center. 

• The FY 2009 Omnibus appropriations bill contains $171,500,000 for the Grants to State Library Agencies program within the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).  Please contact your Senators and Representative and tell them to support this bill.  This link contains all the information you need to voice support for action.  You only need to add your personal address information to direct the email to send to your senator.

LN and BES

Barricade Art

One of the great things about the construction of the new city hall is the proliferation of art.  Set up to mask the construction site, artists from all over the city have been contributing panels to the barricade fence.  Vibrant and colorful and a true celebration of city talent, the barricade is worth an appreciative look.

Recently, the library's Teen Advisory Group created a wonderful panel that promotes reading.  Keep an eye out for a panel depicting a pink car with two passengers and bumper stickers promoting reading.  See TAG's work below and in person!

 TH

In Memoriam: Keith Wilson

IN MEMORIAM
Keith Wilson
Poet Laureate of Las Cruces
26 December 1927 (Clovis NM) —10 February 2009 (Las Cruces NM)

Keith Wilson, Las Cruces’ own poet laureate passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Tuesday the 10th.  Wilson lived a rich and varied life. His academic career enriched students at the University of Nevada—Reno, and the University of Arizona in Tucson as well as NMSU where he won the first ever Westhafer Teaching Award and was for years, the poet-in-residence. His published work includes voluminous works of poetry, and he was the recipient of numerous awards, grants and prizes.

Perhaps his greatest accomplishment, though, is the clouds of friends, admirers and students he leaves behind. He was the kind of person whom others felt enriched by just for meeting. There are scores and scores and scores of people who count themselves better, fuller persons for having known him.

I never had the privilege of really knowing Keith well. I only briefly met him two or three times, and on each occasion I was deeply impressed by his quiet dignity and the respect with which he treated everyone around him. He had a way of listening so intensely to you that it was almost intimidating and you could tell he was genuinely interested in what you had to say. A refreshing change in this age of instant messaging and rampant glad-handing!

Rest in Peace, Keith, your family and many friends, readers and “mentees” will miss you.

To see the works by Keith Wilson that Branigan Library owns, click here.

Some additional resources and online poetry can be found here and here.

MAP

Getting Ready for Day of the Dead

   

In this part of the country, the Day of the Dead celebration is serious business.  It is never too early to start making preparations and recently, students in TBML’s Teen Advisory Group did just that.  The group (sadly, their last meeting was held last week) met to work on Day of the Dead masks.  The masks will be used in a display later this year as part of a Young Adult Program on Day of the Dead.

Check out their work below:

  

 

Also, to start making your own Day of the Dead plans, consider checking out:

Day of the Dead Crafts by Arquette, Zocchi, and Vigil

or Paper Crafts for Day of the Dead by Randel McGee

TH

Know Your Community. Improve Your Community.

In these troubled economic times, more and more people are turning to non-profits for assistance and guidance.  Meanwhile, non-profits and foundations are feeling the financial pinch as well.  This makes knowing your community and knowing how to find resources for your community all the more important.

The library has endeavored to improve its resources for grant-seeking individuals and non-profits.  Check out our Grant and Non-Profit Collection for some resources and inspiration for the state of New Mexico.

While Las Cruces itself is not rural, much of our county is, so you may want to consider looking at the Rural Assistance Center.  The Rural Assistance Center is an online portal providing references to state-specific health and social services organizations and resources.  Put together by librarians in North Dakota, this expansive site is a wealth of both local and national information. 

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