Stimulus package info

I noticed a link to www.recovery.gov on the Boyden Library website...it gives information as to where the money is going.

New Features in Ibistro

On Monday, February 23rd, Ibistro (our on-line catalog) is going to have a new, updated look. Click the link to get some info on these upcoming features.

Norton Public Library decertified today

The Norton Public Library was "decertified" by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners today, and we've had lots of questions about it. The MBLC requires a certain level of taxpayer support for Massachusetts libraries, and the Norton P.L. was over $200,000 short of the required support this year. This lack of support made them ineligible for "certification." Because of this, our library's Trustees voted to suspend "reciprocal borrowing to Norton and other decertified libraries, which means we will no longer lend our materials to Norton residents. We feel very bad about this situation, and hope Norton gets back on its feet soon. If we lend materials to Norton, Mansfield taxpayers are subsidizing Norton. A comparison to this might be phrased like this: If Norton cuts back its snow plowing budget, Mansfield plows would not be used to plow Norton roads. As I write this on February 12, Norton residents may still borrow our materials. This privilege will probably be suspended early next week. Norton residents are certainly welcome to come to our library and use our resources within the building. Norton residents may want to contact their Board of Selectmen about this issue, as well.
Please call me if you have any questions! Janet Campbell, Library Director 508-261-7380.

Welcoming a new family member

Our display case this month features great photographs of foster and adoptive families, from the state's Department of Social Services, Attleboro office.

Keeping track of your reading

Folks sometimes ask if we can tell them what items they have borrowed in the past. Sometimes they are wondering if they've read something previously, or they want to reread something they enjoyed in the past. Up until now, this was not something we could do. Sails has just made an adjustment in patron records, and as of today we can "turn on" a feature for you that will keep track of your borrowed items from now on. It will not show items borrowed before today.
Due to staff and time limitations, we will not be able to review this history at our main desk, but later this month you'll be able to access this feature through Ibistro, available at home or at our on-line catalogs. Just as when you log in to review your account, you'll be able to access your "history." I want to emphasize this is something you can "opt" into, it is not automatic. As we register new library users, we'll offer this option, but for previously registered users it will be something to ask for. Also, there are many people who want to keep their borrowing record invisible. That's a choice too! Let us know if you have any questions.