International Literacy Day, Thursday, September 8, will be noted in the state by a partnership between Library People - Friends of Colorado Libraries and Barnes & Noble Colorado. A percentage of sales from September 8 through September 13 in Colorado Barnes & Nobles will benefit Library People if the purchase is identified with the bookfair number 10508869 or a voucher presented. Click here for the voucher (PDF).

Two Barnes & Noble stores will host representatives of Library People on International Literacy Day. They are:

• Barnes & Noble Colorado Blvd., 960 South Colorado Boulevard, Glendale, CO
• Barnes & Noble Centerra, 5835 Sky Pond Drive, Loveland, CO

The offer also will be honored at ANY Barnes & Noble store in the state from September 8 through the 13th and online if the bookfair number 10508869 is used. Visit the Barnes & Noble website for online shopping.

For every eligible item that is purchased at Barnes & Noble and identified as part of the Library People - Friends of Colorado Libraries bookfair, Barnes & Noble contributes up to 12% of the purchase price to the group. Purchases at cafes as well as cheesecakes from the Cheesecake Factory are also included. More details are on the Barnes & Noble website.

Supporters of libraries throughout the state can use this method to benefit libraries. Library People plans to use proceeds to fund its grants to local libraries programs.

The International Reading Association estimates that 780 million adults, nearly two-thirds of whom are women, do not know how to read and write. They also estimate that 94-115 million children worldwide do not have access to education.

Northern Front Range Libraries Build Connections, May 2011

Some 50 people attended the networking meeting on May 3 for northern Front Range libraries at Poudre River's Council Tree Library in Fort Collins.  Trustees, members of Friends, people from library trusts, along with staff, met their peers interested in support for libraries statewide.  For some, this was the first time they'd met colleagues from neighboring districts.

A straw poll and brainstorming session gave direction to participants.  Top issues for Friends groups and supporters included:

• Strategic (overall) planning
• Advocacy on behalf of libraries
• Organizing supporters in general
• A statewide fundraising idea:  An Evening with Friends

Top issues or concerns for libraries in general include:

• Community outreach, partnerships 
• Training, professional staff development 
• Improved space/facility
• Shrinking funding

See the complete report here (PDF)

[photos from Norther Front Range Libraries Build Connections event, May 2011]