Sure, it may be an outmoded idea, not really a 21st Century Idea.  And sure, the State of Utah has huge budget cuts and we need to keep a balanced budget. And sure, I support our Governor Herbert and our legislature on keeping a balanced budget. After all, we try to do that at home and it seems to be workin’.

I especially support USL admin for doing their homework and finding the least used service, since we can’t keep them all in these tight times. Hopefully one day we’ll be back to the days we had pre-recession. I’m all for that.

Moreover, many people may have given up the radio for something zestier like facebook, like twitter, like Salt Lake Tribune online, who has thoughtfully written an article about it.

But really….

I remember when Frank Layden (President of the Utah Jazz) used to come in and read for the radio. People loved that. They liked to listen in, hear his voice, feel his personality, his presence.

I remember when Gerald Lund donated his latest greatest book to be read to the blind. Right when it was sizzling hot off the press. He brought it right on over, didn’t waste a minute. People loved that too.

I remember when Governor Matheson spoke up for the blind patrons and one of them walked on over, slapped him [hard] on the back and said how much he loved him. Those were the days.

Maybe the time has come to give up sacred  (purple) cows, especially when the State Library is facing such huge budget cuts that we can’t even breathe in and out all day long, but always remember these words:

I never saw a purple cow
I never hope to see one;
but I can tell you anyhow;
I’d rather see than be one

–Gelett Burgess, 1895

Colleen:  Thanks so much for the great workshops, and for all that USL does for rural libraries.  Our library is looking better and serving better than ever before!  Thanks again for all you do.   I will end with that note about the benefits of the web and workshops.

Garland City does not have a web site yet.  We are rural and behind the times.   Because USL provided the means for our Library to have a web site, the city now has access to information through the Garland Public Library.  The number of hits on the site last year was unbelievable!  Each year the library board sponsors a ‘fun run’ in conjunction with the city’s annual celebration.  This site will now be used with advertising as a source for information and sign up.  Thank you so much for providing this great service to our growing community.  Staff attends every possible workshop to keep us undated and informed on maintaining the site.  Each time we leave with even more valuable information to provide better information through the library web site.   THANK YOU!
Teresa Clark
Garland Public Library

Citizen’s Briefing Book:  http://citizensbriefingbook.change.gov

Simply log-in and submit your idea.  Your fellow citizens will rate your idea, comment on what you’ve said, and the best ideas will float to the top.  These will be gathered and delivered to President Obama after he is sworn in.

For example: “Libraries of all types need our support”

The collection can be searched, browsed, and sorted by most popular and most recent submissions.

How about we implement something like this locally to gather the best ideas from our citizens for bettering library services?