CPSIA and books

In case you haven't been following the news lately, there is a new law going into effect on February 10th that was passed in reaction to the lead in children's toys scare. Basically this law requires anyone selling or distributing items intending for children under 12 to have them certified to be lead free. Sounds good on the surface until those of us in the book and library world found out that this legislation has been determined to include books. The testing must be done by only select laboratories and even though books do not have lead in them, the publishers have been unable to get an exemption from this law. The American Library Association has also been unable to get a determination if libraries are exempt from the law either and if it goes into effect as written, will instruct libraries to either remove all childrens books or make libraries off-limits to children.

To read more about how this might affect you I recommend reading the blog, Musings from a Catholic Bookstore.

The law goes into effect on February 10th and if you have any kid’s products that haven’t been certified, you are required to destroy them. We have created this site to keep track of Catholic and other Christian vendor certifications so that you don’t have to contact everyone yourselves. If you do contact a vendor, please send us the information so we can update this site and save the vendors from having to answer the same question hundreds of times.

I could go on and on (and I do on my personal blog) but I thought it might be a good idea to give our faithful readers a heads up here too

End of the Semester Blues

I know everyone around here is anxious to get final exams over with and go home for the holidays but this is just a reminder than all library items need to be returned this week. If you need materials for next semester please be sure and renew them starting on Tuesday.

If you need to listen to something inspirational, try one of my favorite radio shows, Speaking of Faith. This week Krista Tippett has a conversation with Parker Palmer in which they explore human and spiritual aspects of economic downturn.

You might want to check out Krista's book from the library also.

Cheers and Merry Christmas to all of our wonderful patrons

fiona

Free Online Courses

Sometimes I just can't get enough of the WEB 2.0 stuff that goes on around here. I've been twittering lately and today I got a twitter feed from another librarian providing a link to free open-source non-credit classes at Yale University - I'm ready to take Game Theory but followers of this blog might be interested in Introduction to the Old Testament or the Philosophy Department class on Death - for more free open source courses from the best US universities try Dan Colman's list at Openculture

Avast me hearties!

Thar be pirates everywhere today - some just be looking for the pillaged treats and others be looking fer treasure

if ye be hunting using our treasure map, be sure it be back here by 6 bells (3o'clock) as fine booty awaits!

Labor Day Weekend

Just as you were getting settled in, it is time to close the library for the Labor Day weekend. We will close at 6pm on Friday and re-open at 8am on Tuesday. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Facebook

Are we Library 2.0 or what? The Library now has it's own Facebook page and we encourage all of our friends to become fans. Here you will find some applications, library news, and a calendar of upcoming events. It's just another way to stay in touch with the library and connect with other friends.

The Scottish Play...

The Catholic Book Club of Denver had their monthly meeting at the Cardinal Stafford Library. The format this month varied a little from the usual style. Sarah Crockarell, assistant director of Macbeth in this year's Colorado Shakespeare Festival, moderated the discussion. Topics covered were the Gunpowder Plot and its connection to the play, religious themes of the time, and analysis of the characters in the play.

As you can see from the picture, this month was a pretty good draw. More than 30 people were in attendance to participate in the conversation! So, while we are still in the middle of the hottest part of the summer, we can still enjoy fellowship and dialogue! What the picture doesn't show is all of the food and drinks that were prepared and presented. It was very nearly a feast!

Next month, the book is John by Niall Williams. Check for it at your local library; you don't have to find it at Amazon, but do come join us for the conversation.