The Klamath County Libraries and the Oregon State University Extension arent going to let coronavirus get in the way of the 2020 gardening season! Were taking the popular Gardening Lecture Series online with a Zoom presentation on how to nurture houseplants on Thursday, May 21 at 10 a.m.

Lots of folks are using their shelter in place time to nurture an indoor plant. From traditional, reliable choices to new varieties with exotic leaf shapes and colors, youll learn how to choose and care for houseplants well suited to your home and dcor. Well cover fertilizer, grooming, light and heat requirements, and how to propagate to start new plants.

Guest lecturer Nicole Sanchez has worked in the horticulture industry for over 30 years. She runs the Klamath County Master Gardener Program at the OSU Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center, and has worked extensively with both home gardeners and commercial produce growers. (Ask her how you can pursue a Master Gardener education online.)

Please pre-register by emailing Supervising Librarian Charla Oppenlander at coppenlander@klamathlibrary.org and shell send you the videoconference link. You can join our meeting for free at zoom.us, or via the Zoom app on your favorite mobile device. (Need help getting set up? Email Charla.)

For more information about this and other online activities through the Klamath County Libraries, call us at 541-882-8894 Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit klamathlibrary.org/calendar.

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Learn how to care for, propagate houseplants through online library presentation - Herald and News

BELMAR, NJ Belmar Public Librarys virtual doors are now open, offering round-the-clock access to a wealth of online resources.

The 24/7 Virtual Library is the go-to place for Belmar Public Library patrons to access digital online services like downloading e-books, audiobooks, 72-hour access to The New York Times, and much more as we add services in the coming days, said library assistant Luis Pulido.

All Belmar Library cardholders will have full access to these resources even though the library itself is closed to the public, he said.

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Dont have a library card? A free temporary library card is easily available through the Belmar Public Library website by clicking here. These temporary cards are available to Belmar residents, and students of Belmar Elementary School, St. Rose Grammar and St. Rose High School.

The card grants full access to all Belmar Public Library online resources. It also will be valid for online resources only 30 days after the library reopens. It will not be valid for physical checkout of books and media.

However, temporary cardholders will have the opportunity to convert to a free permanent library card at any time after the library reopens with a valid identification/proof of residency.

We invite all Belmar residents and students of any school in Belmar to register for a temporary library card and take advantage of the digital resources we have now, and the new ones we will be adding soon, Pulido said.

For example, grab an e-book or digital audiobook fromeLibraryNJ, a downloadable digital media collection provided by libraries in central New Jersey (formerly ListenNJ).

Looking to explore a new career or academic challenge? The Ebsco LearningExpress Library a service of the New Jersey State Library is organized into target learning centers to improve core skills, pass the GED, prepare for college, find a job, join the military, become a U.S. citizen and much more.

Or find your favorite magazines through Flipster, an easy-to-use digital newsstand where best-selling periodicals are accessible by computer, tablet or mobile phone.

Click hereto get connected with the Belmar Public Librarys 24-7 Virtual Library. For more information, email library@belmar.com

TAPinto Belmar/Lake Como offers its marketing partners targeted advertising, content marketing, email marketing and sponsorship opportunities to help them brand their products or services, and improve their bottom line. Our advertisers enable us to continue to provide you with local online news for free. To learn how you can promote your business to our readers, email cgoetz@tapinto.netto request more information about business marketing opportunities.

Original post:
Get Connected Online with the '24/7 Virtual' Belmar Public Library - TAPinto.net

By: SNJ Today Staff

CAMDEN, N.J. The New Jersey State Library has awarded the Camden County Library System the 2020 Best Practices in Early Childhood Literacy Award that recognizes excellence in early childhood programming in New Jersey libraries.

The county library was recognized for its successful Story Time in the Park program that engages families and removes service barriers by bringing library services into the communities served by the systems eight branches. These pop-up story times include stories, songs, stretches and activities, as well as a portable assortment of childrens books that can be checked out onsite.

Freeholder Melinda Kane, liaison to the library system, said that even though the story times cannot be in the park right now, the library is still offering activities for youth.

While we are disappointed that our story times cannot be held in the parks this spring because of the coronavirus pandemic, our library team is continuing to deliver critical childhood programming and services online, Kane said. The Freeholder Board and our team throughout the Library System are committed to delivering quality library services and programming to our residents. We are thankful for this honor and recognition from the New Jersey State Library, and for the families who made this program so successful by joining us in the parks week after week.

The Camden County Library System continues to provide a variety of services to residents. Library staff are now delivering live online programming, including the Little Readers Theater, which had over 10,000 views during the month of April. Online digital services such as Hoopla, Rosetta Stone, Ancestry.com, and Tutor.com have been accessed over 28,500 times in the past month.

Staff at individual branches have been calling regular library patrons to offer information about library services and answer questions. Staff have provided information on how to access digital services, how to make reading lists in the Librarys catalog, and how to access online programming.

Additionally, the Library System is continuing to provide all Camden County residents with a free instant online library card to access streaming movies, ebooks, audiobooks, online genealogy resources and other digital resources during the pandemic.

For more information, to view available online services and programming, and to sign up for a free library card, visit the Librarys website at http://www.camdencountylibrary.org.

SNJ Today is a Southern New Jersey news and information source that is dedicated to providing current stories related specifically to South Jersey.

Do you have community news or events? Email us at news@snjtoday.com

See the original post here:
Camden County Library System Recognized For Early Literacy Programming, Continues Operations - SNJTODAY

Courtesy photo, Estes Valley Library

Though the Librarys building may not be open yet, theres an exciting menu of services available. Were inspired by our great local restaurants, who have been creatively bringing delicious curbside cuisine to our community. Here are 10 items now on the Library Menu:

Curbside pick-up service began this week, and its been popular! You can place holds in the Library catalog. We pull your items, and well have em ready at your scheduled pick-up time, right by the Librarys front steps.

Cliffhanger Used Books joined many downtown retailers in re-opening their doors this past week. You can again shop on-site, with all precautions in place, while supporting the Library Friends & Foundation in the process.

Digital Collections were expanding in popularity even before the closure. Weve added lots of new digital books and movies, including more than ever for kids and teens. Whatever your interest, theres a download for that!

7-Day-a-week Reference Desk: Got questions? Contact us with whats on your mind, whether its about a Library service, or locating the right website for an application, or a local service. Call, email, or look for the new online chat button at estesvalleylibrary.org.

Outdoor Wi-Fi 24/7: Library wi-fi and the Towns Wapiti wi-fi networks cover a big downtown footprint, spanning the Library parking lot all the way to Bond Park. Check out the full service area map on our website.

Live Storytimes: yesterday, Fire Chief David Wolf was our special storytime guest. You can watch storytime live three times a week, or catch all the great recordingsincluding Chief Wolf. Songs, stories, and puppets will inspire your day! How about scheduling a shared viewing time with the grandkids?

Community Zoom Rooms: while our meeting spaces are closed, weve been helping and hosting community groups and clubs to stay active and connected through videoconferencing. Many of our book clubs have been Zooming happily. Contact us, and well help you Zoom too.

College Readiness: our resident college-planning expert, Kaye Orten, offers one-on-one phone appointments to help local teens exploring college options, along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities. High school juniors can watch the Librarys all-new webinar now available through our Facebook and YouTube links.

A Helping Hand with Advanced Directives: via phone and videoconference, our partners at the Larimer Advance Care Planning Team are here to help you draft your Advanced Directivesdocumenting how you want medical decisions about you made in case you someday cant make them yourself. Work with a caring expert, and youll have peace of mind.

The Summer Reading Program is coming soon! Summer is a great time to read for pleasure, and this years Program will offer reading incentives and fun challenges for all ages. More details are coming soon, with the program launching in late May.

Find details on all these great menu items at estesvalleylibrary.org, or give us a call at 970-586-8116.

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Now serving: Ten great items on the Library menu - Estes Park Trail-Gazette

May 12, 2020 2:14 PM By: Jason G. Antonio

The City of Moose Jaw will reduce its funding to third-party groups by $159,100 this year to save money during the pandemic, with the public library seeing the biggest reduction.

During its May 11 regular meeting, city council discussed ways to reduce the 2020 tax increase in its operating budget to zero per cent from 2.3 per cent, as a way to alleviate financial pressures that residents and businesses have faced during the coronavirus pandemic. Reducing funding given to third-party groups was one area city council discussed.

Council eventually reached a zero-per-cent tax increase for 2020 by eliminating or deferring $703,636 in spending after nearly two hours of discussion.

City administration has spoken with the municipality's third-party groups that it funds and has estimated that council could reduce funding to these groups by $159,100 due to building closures and staff layoffs, a report to council explained.

These numbers indicate how much funding each group receives and how much in reductions each faces:

Council voted unanimously to reduce third-party funding by $159,100 for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Sarah Simison, library board chair, attend the meeting by video link and told council that while the library building is closed, services continue at a steady pace. Library employees have focused on programming, digital collections, and general, technical, and administrative support during the past two months.

The general, technical and administrative support occurs via a virtual help desk that staff operate remotely. The help desk answers questions, offers support and training to use the digital collection, and administers library cards. Through this latter activity, people can continue to receive help and access library resources, ask archival questions and even receive a new library card.

The library has also offered live programs for storytime, a COVID-19 conversation group, book clubs, recordings of Saturday morning craft clubs, Dungeons and Dragons activities, and youth programming using a digital platform called Discord.

The digital library collection continues to be available, (while) there has been an increase in usage of Libby or Library2Go Kanopy, Tumble Books and Hoopla, Simison said. The library proudly offers these resources and connections to the community during this time.

While this service is robust, it is not at the same level as if the building was open, she continued. The library does not need more money for operations, while it does not expect to need all of the estimated funds for 2020. However, the proposed reductions are based on the library being physically closed for four months, while service levels could not be maintained if council made similar cuts in the future.

Moose Jaw Public Library does not hold reserves for operational expenses and attempts to be good stewards of the publics money, Simison said. It attempts to provide an essential role to bring people together during this time and attempts to provide efficient and effective services and programs.

Our community will certainly face challenges going forward and we believe our library can share a role in supporting the well-being and recovery ahead, she added.

Gwen Fisher, head librarian, also participating online, added that the funding reduction is manageable this year as long as the library reopens by Aug. 31. It might be possible to have curbside pickup of books, but thats difficult to predict.

The next regular council meeting is Monday, May 25.

Read more from the original source:
Library sees biggest funding cut among all third-party groups - moosejawtoday.com

Elizabeth Little will be the featured guest at this special Friends of the Coronado Library fundraising luncheon on March 11, 2020 at 12:30 pm. For $50, attendees will get a delicious lunch, an intimate event with the author, and receive a personally signed copy of her new book, Pretty as a Picture. The book is listed as one of the most anticipated releases of 2020 by Crimereads. Little will take questions and discuss her work. The luncheon will be held in the Winn Room at the Library.

Members of the Friends group will receive a $5 discount on tickets, but non-members are encouraged to join the Friends and apply the discount straight away. All proceeds support programming at the library. Join the Friends of the Library online at http://coronadofol.org/

Elizabeth Little is the Los Angeles Timesbestselling author ofDear Daughter, and two works of nonfiction, Biting the Wax Tadpole: Confessions of a Language FanaticandTrip of the Tongue: Cross-Country Travels in Search of Americas Languages.

Her writing has also appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Review of Books, among other publications.

Dear Daughter, her debut thriller, was nominated for the Barry and Macavity Awards for Best First Novel, longlisted for the CWA John Creasey Dagger, and won the Strand Critics Award for Best First Novel.Pretty as a Picture was published by Viking on February 25, 2020.

This event is held in partnership with Warwicks. Register and pay on Eventbright: https://tinyurl.com/r9qp27u or stop by the Library Reference Desk.

See the article here:
Author Luncheon at the Library with Elizabeth Little - Coronado Times Newspaper

Saturday, March 07, 2020

GoLocal LIVE

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Julie Holden (left) appeared on LIVE with GoLocal News Editor Kate Nagle.

On November 1st, Macmillan Publishing decided to limit all library systems to only one copy of a new ebook for the first eight weeks of publication after the eight weeks we could purchase more copies but we just thought that this was unsustainable, said Holden. We want to be able to provide as many copies as we want, we want to be able to buy as many copies as we want.

So the Rhode Island Library Association and the American Library Association started a campaign to build awareness, to try to fight this embargo, said Holden.

Taking Action

In Rhode Island, legislation has been introduced to address the move by Macmillan and Holden said the libraries are in talks with Congressman David Cicilline at the federal level to look at the issue from an anti-trust standpoint.

We want to provide information to the public. We dont want to be restricted, said Holden, who noted that other publishers are taking a wait and see approach with the current battle taking place.

Rhode Island libraries are part of the Constitution in Rhode Island. Access to everything that the libraries provide is supposed to be upheld in the Constitution, she said.

Holden noted that there will be more information for the public shortly, including a website and call to action.

We have a lot of library users in Rhode Island, theyre fired up about this they cant stand the long waiting list, they dont understand why they have to wait months and months and months to get an e-book. It seems ridiculous," she said.

Read the rest here:
Rhode Islanders Are Fired Up About This - Libraries Battle Publisher's Effort to Limit E-Books - GoLocalProv

Free Family Movie: Cinemagic Theatres in the Washington Square Mall will host a free 10 a.m. screening of the family movie "How to Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World." Call 218-844-5220 for more information.

Polar Pile-Up Winter Demolition Derby: The Detroit Lakes Jaycees will be hosting a winter demolition derby at the Becker County Fairgrounds, starting at 1 p.m. Gates open at noon. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 5 and up, and free to all kids age 4 and under. Derby entry fee is $40 per vehicle. Contact chair Brian Anderson, by phone at 763-438-9745 or email at briana618@gmail.com.

Intro to Faux Calligraphy: Come to the Detroit Lakes Public Library at 1 p.m. for instructor Linnea Schroeder's class on the basics of faux calligraphy, from strokes to flourishes to the personal touches. Free and open to the public. Call 218-847-2168 for more information.

Cabin Fever Supper: The congregation of Grace Lutheran Church invites all lakes area residents to enjoy a Cabin Fever Supper from 4 to 7 p.m. in the church fellowship hall at 213 Roosevelt Ave., Detroit Lakes. Menu includes meatballs and gravy, mashed potatoes, lefse, corn, pickles, buns, coleslaw and a variety of desserts as well as choice of beverage. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids age 4-10; those age 3 and under are admitted free of charge. Call the church office at 218-847-4568 for more information.

Dollars & Collars: The Humane Society of the Lakes will host a "Dollars & Collars" fundraiser at the Spitfire Bar & Grill in Detroit Lakes from 5 to 9 p.m. There will be exciting games including Bargo, video races, a prize drop, bucket raffles, and the always popular meat raffle. Spitfire will have yummy appetizers to sample and a signature drink you do not want to miss. For more information contact the Humane Society at 218-847-0511.

Golden Gloves Boxing: Lakes Area Boxing (LAB) will host Golden Gloves Boxing at Ralph Anderson Gymnasium inside Detroit Lakes High School. Doors open at 5 p.m.; fights are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The card has at least 15 fights scheduled with a double main event consisting of the Region 4 Golden Gloves semifinals. The winners advance to the Region 4 finals Saturday, March 14 at the Maslowski Research Center in Wadena. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students 18 and under.

American Legion Auxiliary Breakfast Fundraiser: John Bridges American Legion Auxiliary Unit 15 will host a breakfast fundraiser from 8 a.m. to noon at the Post 15 Legion Club, 810 West Lake Drive, Detroit Lakes. Menu includes a choice of biscuits & gravy, pancakes or French toast; bacon or sausage; scrambled eggs and coffee. Suggested donation is $7. Call 218-847-8533 for more information.

Wildlife Movie: Come to the Tamarac Refuge Visitor Center at 2 p.m. and celebrate St. Patrick's Day a little early as you enjoy the 55-minute wildlife movie, "Ireland's Wild River." Take a journey down the Shannon River, Ireland's greatest geographical landmark and the longest river. It is a silver ribbon holding back the rugged landscapes of the west from the gentler plains to the east. On its journey south, the Shannon passes through a huge palette of rural landscapes; where on little-known backwaters, Ireland's wild animals and plants still thrive as almost nowhere else. Free and open to the public. Call 218-847-2641 for more information.

Hands-Only CPR Course: The Detroit Lakes Public Library will host a free hands-only CPR course starting at 6 p.m. Call 218-847-2168 for more information.

Health Talk: Naturopathic physician Dr. Joan Waters of Practical Health Solutions will be giving a presentation on the "Naturopathic Approach to Acid Reflux at 6 p.m. in the Healing Hub, 115 Willow St. W., Detroit Lakes. Call 970-482-2010 or visit http://www.practicalhealthsolutions.com for more information.

Mindfulness 101-Bringing It All Together: Get together to combine everything you have learned about a mindful life in this final part of the Mindfulness 101 series, set for 7 p.m. at the Detroit Lakes Public Library, 1000 Washington Ave. Feel free to join us even if you havent made it to others. Kelsey Juhnke, a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, will be reviewing previous sessions and showing how to fully integrate these techniques into your daily life. Free and open to the public. Call 218-847-2168 for more information.

Building Brand in Detroit Lakes: The Small Business Development Center of Moorhead will lead this discussion of how brand defines identity and shapes how the public perceives your business. Join SBDC consultant Deb McGregor as she walks you through the steps of building your brand. Cost is $10 per person. Call Amy Anderson at 218-299-3037 for more information.

Library Knitting Group: The Detroit Lakes Public Library's monthly knitting Group meets at 4 p.m. in the main meeting room of the library at 1000 Washington Ave. Knitters of all experience levels are invited to join in by bringing new and ongoing projects and sharing experience and inspiration with fellow knitters. Call 218-847-2168 for more information.

Social Security & Medicare Seminar: Join presenter Nick Christenson for this seminar on "Social Security & Medicare: How to, When to, and How it Works," at 6:30 p.m. in the Holiday Inn, Detroit Lakes. There will be refreshments & desserts included. RSVP by calling Nick Christenson at State Farm Insurance, 218-847-1353.

Becker County Republicans: The March meeting of the Becker County Republicans will be at HUB 41 restaurant, 104 West Lake Drive, Detroit Lakes, in the upper level. There will be a "strategy" get-together at 6 p.m., with menu options available for purchase, followed by the official meeting at 7 p.m.

Baby Bounce: The Detroit Lakes Public Library has scheduled a Baby Bounce session at 10:30 a.m. in the main meeting room of the library at 1000 Washington Ave. A half-hour program of songs, stories, flannel board, action poems for infants and toddlers plus their caregivers will be followed by playtime and chatting with other caregivers. Call the library at 218-847-2168 for more information.

DL Book Bike Spin-A-Thon: Help raise money for the DL Book Bike, coming this summer to the Detroit Lakes Public Library. To participate, sign up for a 15 minute time slot between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to pedal the stationary bike that will be in the library's reading lounge area call 218-847-2168 or stop in at the library (1000 Washington Ave.) to register. You can sign up by yourself, or challenge a friend to join you; there will be two bikes for each available time slot. Participants are asked to gather pledges, either by the minute or the mile. The top fundraiser will win a Little Free Library filled with books! Pledges must be collected and turned in by April 1. All funds raised will go towards the DL Book Bike project.

Tubing After Dark: The Tubing Hill at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area will host a special "Tubing After Dark" event from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, with Friends & Family Tubing until 9:30 p.m., followed by tubing for those age 21 and up until midnight. This adventure-driven experience has participants slide down a snowy run through a series of flashing, colorful lights and lasers. Cost is $22 per person. Some restrictions apply. Call 218-844-7669 or visit detroitmountain.com for more information.

FireHouse at Shooting Star: Get ready for a night of GLAMtastic hair metal rock and roll with award winning band, FireHouse! This 1990s band reached stardom with hit singles like, Dont Treat Me Bad, All She Wrote and signature ballads, I Live My Life For You and When I Look Into Your Eyes." Show starts at 8 p.m.; tickets are $12-$28. Call 800-313-7469 or visit http://www.starcasino.com for more information.

Read to a Dog: Kids in the lakes area can come to the Detroit Lakes Public Library from 11 a.m. to noon for a chance to practice reading aloud to a furry friend from Pet Partners. Sign your child up to read with Norman, a certified therapy animal, by calling the library 218-847-2168 or stopping in at 1000 Washington Ave. Each session is 15 minutes long; participation is on a first signed up, first served basis.

Eagles Charity Auction: The Detroit Lakes Eagles Aerie 2342 will present their annual charity auction from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Eagles Club, 112 W. Holmes St., Detroit Lakes. Call 218-847-5267 for more information.

Bridge Over Troubled Water: St. Cloud-based band Collective Unconscious will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Simon and Garfunkel's iconic album, "Bridge Over Trouble Water," by performing the album's songs from start to finish in a 7:30 p.m. show at Detroit Lakes' Historic Holmes Theatre. Complete with strings and horns, it's a true sonic representation of the original arrangements. down to the last meticulous detail. Tickets are $28 for adults, $14 for students, and may be purchased online at http://www.dlccc.org/holmes-theatre.html, in person at 806 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes, or by phone at 218-844-7469.

October Road at the Holiday Inn: Country rock band October Road will perform at the Holiday Inn Beach Bar starting at 9 p.m.

Color Guard Breakfast: The Lake Region Veterans Color Guard is hosting a fundraiser breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon at the Detroit Lakes American Legion Club. Breakfast will feature scrambled eggs, pancakes or French toast, and sausage or bacon, all for a suggested donation of $7.

Turkey Dinner: St. Andrews Catholic Church of Hawley will be hosting a turkey dinner with all the trimmings from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Assorted salads and desserts are also included; admission is $12 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for all preschoolers (age 5 and under). Fifteen percent of the proceeds from the event will go to support local charities.

Library Book Club: This month's book club discussion will focus on ""Mrs. Everything" by Jennifer Weiner. It promises to provide an interesting discussion regarding "how should a woman be in the world." All are welcome to attend, even if you haven't read the book. Call 218-847-2168 for more information.

Crochet Group: Calling all crocheters! People of all experience levels are welcome to bring new and ongoing projects to the librarys crochet group meeting in the main meeting room at 4 p.m. Share experience, inspiration and the love of crocheting. Call 218-847-2168 for more information.

Lake Region Veterans Color Guard: The Lake Region Veterans Color Guard will hold its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the home of VFW Post 1676, 500 N. Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes. For more information send an email to daveindl@arvig.net.

These Happenings section items or events do not have a specific date, or take place on more than one day.

Winter Games at Detroit Mountain: Detroit Mountain Recreation Area will host several Winter Games events on Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8, including an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt at 9 a.m. Saturday; a Rail Jam at 11 a.m. Saturday; and Learn to Ski & Snowshoe demonstrations on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon. The Cardboard Box Derby event that was set to take place Sunday afternoon has been cancelled, however. Visit detroitmountain.com for details.

Naytahwaush Nightriders Snodeo: Pinehurst Resort on North Twin Lake in rural Naytahwaush is the setting for the 50th annual Snodeo, hosted by the Naytahwaush Nightriders Snowmobile Club. This years milestone event is set for March 7-8, and will include 18 different categories of USXC snowmobile racing on the lake as well as a vintage snowmobile show, old timers' run and other commemorative festivities. Gate fee is $10. Call 218-849-6363 for more information, or visit http://www.naytahwaushnightriders.com/snodeo.html.

Lakes Area Photography Show: The 8th Annual Lakes Area Photography Show continues from now through Sunday, March 8 in the main corridor of the Washington Square Mall, Detroit Lakes. Come vote for your favorites; the Peoples Choice 1st and 2nd place winners in both the adult and youth categories will be announced during a small ceremony at the conclusion of the show. There will also be a pop-up photo booth at the mall on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. Call Dawn Olson, 218-847-1679, or send an email to wsm@arvig.net for more information.

Great Lakes Indigenous Farming Conference: The 17th Annual Great Lakes Indigenous Farming Conference is set to take place from March 6-8 at Maplelag Resort near Callaway. Over 25 native herbalists, gardeners, horticulturists, community leaders, professors, students, and farmers from all four directions will share their knowledge. Come learn how native people are restoring traditional foods, implementing sustainable practices, and collaborating with native nations. Visit http://www.welrp.org or call 218-375-2600 for registration information.

Detroit Lakes Lenten Fish Fry: The Detroit Lakes Knights of Columbus, Council 3166, will host a Lenten fish fry on two Friday nights during the Lenten season March 13 and March 27. Serving will be from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Holy Rosary Parish Center, 1043 Lake Ave., Detroit Lakes. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for students under age 12. All proceeds will be returned to the community.

Frazee Lenten Fish Fry: The Knights of Columbus Council 12581 of Frazee will host a Lenten fish fry fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 20 and Friday, April 3 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frazee. The meal will include fried fish, scalloped potatoes or French fries, green beans, cole slaw, bread and ice cream. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for kids age 7-12, and free for kids age 6 and under.

STEAM Club at the Becker County Museum: The Becker County Museum will be hosting a weekly Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) Club every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m., now through March 31. Students have the option to choose between the Art track or the STEM track, or can or move back and forth between projects. Each two-hour session includes a daily snack and supplies. Cost is $130 for the 13-week program ($10 per session); appropriate for kids ages 8-14. Call the museum at 218-847-2938 to reserve your spot.

Peoples Park Skating Rink & Warming House: The outdoor skating rink and warming house at Peoples Park are now open. Warming house regular hours through Feb. 29 will be 3-5:30 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; as well as 12-5 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. Schedule is weather dependent; changes and/or cancellations will be announced on both KDLM and KRCQ Radio as well as the City of Detroit Lakes Facebook page.

Toddler & Family Storytime: Children ages 3 through kindergarten, and their families, are invited to the Detroit Lakes Library on Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. for exciting stories and activities that are more fun than a barrel of monkeys. For more information, call 218-847-2168 or visit your library at 1000 Washington Ave. Information is also available online at http://www.larl.org.

Becker County Food Pantry: The Becker County Food Pantry at 1308 Rossman Ave, Detroit Lakes, is open from 4 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, by appointment. Call 218-846-0142 on that day to schedule your slot. No appointment is necessary during the Pantry's regular operating hours, which are every Tuesday and Thursday (national holidays excepted) from noon to 3 p.m.

ServSafe Food Manager Classes: Detroit Lakes Adult Basic Education is offering ServSafe Food Manager classes on Wednesdays and Fridays, Feb. 19-March 6. Participants will learn best practices and regulations for safe food management, and those successfully completing the course and exam will be able to register with the Minnesota Department of Health as a certified ServSafe Food Manager. Classes will be held from 8 a.m. to noon. There will also be a re-certification course for previously certified food managers held on March 13. Call 218-844-5760 or email afish@detlakes.k12.mn.us for more information.

Free English as a Second Language Classes: Adult Basic Education in Detroit Lakes offers free English language instruction for adults every Monday-Thursday. The schedule is flexible and individualized. Call 218-844-5760 or stop by the ABE offices at M State to register or for more information.

Driver's License Exam Prep Classes: Detroit Lakes Adult Basic Education is now offering classes designed to help unlicensed adult drivers become familiar with vocabulary, signs, and rules of the road so they can successfully pass the written portion of the Minnesota Driver's License Exam. Call 218-844-5760 or email afish@detlakes.k12.mn.us for more information.

Local Al-Anon and Alateen Meetings: Several weekly meetings of Al-Anon Family Groups (AFGs) and Alateen support groups take place in the lakes area. The Lakes Fellowship AFG meets at 5 p.m. every Monday at First Lutheran Church, 912 Lake Ave., Detroit Lakes; the Perham Al-Anon group meets at 7 p.m. on Mondays in the Perham Alano Club, 43452 County Highway 34; The Detroit Lakes AFG meets at 7 p.m. every Tuesday in the Detroit Lakes Alano Club, 827 Summit Ave.; the Keep It Simple AFG meets every Thursday at noon in Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1025 Lake Ave. (enter south door), Detroit Lakes; and the Detroit Lakes Alateen group meets every Thursday at 8 p.m. in the DL Alano Club. For more information visit http://www.minnesotanorth-al-anon.org.

Memory Cafe of the Lakes: Memory Cafe of the Lakes is a free place to gather, open to those with mild to moderate memory problems and their care partners. It is a place to come together to share social experiences in a supportive environment. You will have a chance to develop new friendships over coffee, treats, music, art, fellowship and guest speakers. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Detroit Lakes' Community Alliance Church. For more information call Kathy Kallis, 218-849-0631; Jenna Miller, 218-844-8376; Sue Sorensen, 218-841-0371; or Brenda Labine, 218-844-7157.

Volunteer Respite Care: Become a respite care volunteer! For those 17 years and older interested in providing basic companion and supervision to older adults to relieve their primary caregivers. AmeriCorps volunteers receive a $200 per month stipend and after completing 450 hours in a year, receive a $1,600 educational grant. Community volunteers, individuals willing to help on a minimal basis, also welcome! Please contact Laura Rasmussen at 218-220-7517 or laura.rasmussen@lssmn.org if you are interested in learning more.

Detroit Lakes Area Pickleball: Detroit Lakes Area Pickleball hosts organized play from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Monday through Friday at the Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center. Two to four courts are available depending on program scheduling; check the gym door for details. All skill levels are welcome; all equipment provided. Wear good quality court shoes. To get more information about lessons, events and socials email DLpickleball@gmail.com or like the DL Pickleball page on Facebook.

Lakes Area Adoption Support: Lakes Area Adoption Support is an adoption support group for anyone who has adopted or who is in the process of adoption. Meetings are the last Tuesday of each month at Audubon Elementary School from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Child care available.

Overeaters Anonymous: Two local chapters of Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step food addiction recovery program, meet weekly in Detroit Lakes: One group meets on Sundays at 6 p.m. in Community Alliance Church, while the other meets on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. at First Lutheran Church. No diets, weigh-ins, or fees. All are welcome! For more information on the Community Alliance group, call 701-388-7585. For more information on the First Lutheran group, contact Donna at 218-329-5335.

Eagles Bingo: Bingo is back at the Detroit Lakes Eagles Club, 112 W. Holmes St., every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Call 218-847-5267 for more information.

Moms Morning Out: A Moms Morning Out meeting is held every Thursday morning, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at La Barista in the Washington Square Mall. You and your little one are invited to come visit with other breastfeeding moms and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or tea. A breastfeeding and infant care expert will be present to answer questions. For more information or to sign up call 218-314-7051.

Birthing class: Essentia Health St. Marys hosts childbirth preparation classes for expectant mothers in their sixth to seventh month of pregnancy. Topics include Labor & Delivery, Cesarean Birth, Role of the Labor Companion, Newborn Care, Unexpected Outcomes, Breast & Bottle Feeding, Postpartum Period, Breathing Patterns & Relaxation Techniques. Suggested donation is $40 for all five classes. Classes are Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 218-314-7051.

Eagles Pinochle: Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. there will be pinochle at the Eagles Club at 112 W. Holmes St. in Detroit Lakes. Members, guests and friends welcome. For questions call Gordy Martinson at 218-841-2940.

Caregiver discussion group: A caregiver discussion group is held the first Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes. Are you caring for a friend or family member age 60 or older? Join other caregivers for education, sharing, problem-solving and refreshments. Facilitated by Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota. All are welcome. Contact Laura Rasmussen at 218-220-7517 with questions.

Adult Children of Alcoholics: The Alano Club of Detroit Lakes (827 Summit Ave.) will host a weekly meeting of Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families (ACoA) every Sunday at 8 p.m. For more information contact Gina B at 218-849-3649.

TOPS meetings: Take Off Pounds Sensibly members help each other stay on track to their weight loss goal. No diets, no food to buy and no workouts to follow. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Minnesota TOPS Chapter 30 meets Mondays in Trinity Lutheran Church choir room in Detroit Lakes. Weigh in is at 4:15 p.m., followed by meeting at 4:30. TOPS Chapter 940 meets on Thursdays at 9 a.m., also at Trinity Lutheran. TOPS 1251 of Lake Park meets every Tuesday at the Lake Park Lutheran Church, with weigh-in starting at 12 noon, followed by the meeting at 12:30. Come and join us as we help each other reach our weight goals as we improve our health. New members welcome. For more information call 218-532-2883, or 218-532-5882.

L.A. Moms group: Lakes Area (L.A.) Moms is designed to nurture every mother. At our L.A. Moms group, you will have a chance to socialize with other moms, hear some great teaching, have discussion time and participate in creative activities. L.A. Moms is held the first and third Wednesday of each month throughout the school year from 9-11 a.m. at the Lakes Area Vineyard Church in Detroit Lakes. For more info, call 218-846-1199.

Senior Social: A Senior Social is held the first and third Thursday of the month at the Neighbor to Neighbor office in Frazee. The address is 501 W. Juniper Suite B. (the blue building on old Hwy. 10). Call 218-334-3559 for more information.

Community Alliance Church programs: Community Alliance Church, Detroit Lakes, hosts Quilting for Missions Mondays at 9:30 a.m.; The first Tuesday of every month is High Mileage (suggested ages 55 and up), which meets for pot-blessing meal at noon, followed by special music and a Bible nugget.

Foster homes needed: Foster homes are needed. If you or someone you know can help, call Becker County Children and Family Services 218-847-5628 and ask for Intake.

Bone Builders: An exercise class for seniors called Bone Builders is being held at 405 W. Maple Ave. in Frazee, Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m.; the Lake Park City Center every Tuesday and Friday at 10:15 a.m.; and also at the Vergas Event Center, Thursdays at 9:30.a.m. The group focuses on low-impact and balance exercises.

Alzheimers Support Group: Meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. in the Yoga Studio at Ecumen Detroit Lakes.

Dunvilla Lions Club: The Dunvilla Lions Club will meet the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Dunn Township Hall.

Be a foster grandparent: For those 55 and older interested in being a foster grandparent through the Tri-Valley Opportunity Council program, call 800-584-7020 or visit http://www.tvoc.org.

The Caring Cup: Every second and last Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., community members who are dealing with the loss of a loved one meet at the David-Donehower Funeral Home for friendship, support and encouragement. The free program is open to the public, no registration necessary.

Womens Domestic Violence Education Support Group: Lakes Crisis & Resource Center hosts a Womens Domestic Violence Education Support Group every Wednesday from 5:306:30 p.m. in the crisis center. Call to pre-register at 218-847-8572 or 218-847-7446. child care is available upon request.

Rummikub, more games: Tuesday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., come to Holy Rosary fireplace room for coffee, desserts and a game of cards, board games or Rummikub. Everyone is welcome.

Parkinsons Support Group: Emmanuel Nursing Homes Forest Conference Center, 2 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month.

BC Senior Meals: Meals for persons 60 and older are served several times each week at nutrition sites in Detroit Lakes, Lake Park, Osage and Wolf Lake or can be delivered directly to homes in these communities, Frazee and Callaway, via the Meals on Wheels program. One-day advance notice of attendance is required at many sites. For more information, call Lake Park at 238-5336, Detroit Lakes at 847-5823, Osage/Wolf Lake at 573-3663, Frazee at 847-5823, Ogema at 877-498-2865, and Callaway (Meals on Wheels only) at 847-5823.

Lakes Area Quilt Guild: The Lakes Area Quilt Guild meets every fourth Thursday at 7 p.m. at Ecumen in Detroit Lakes, Emmanuel Nursing Home in the Forest Conference Center. All levels of quilters, new and experienced are welcome to attend.

Preschool screening: Preschool screening for 3-5 year olds for the Frazee-Vergas district is provided through Becker County Community Health Services. Call Annie at 218-847-5628 ext. 5419 to make an appointment. This one screening will provide your child the requirements for Early Childhood Screening. Minnesota law requires each child attend a health and developmental screening before kindergarten.

Senior Center Activities: The DL Senior Citizens Center has activities all month long. Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. is Pinochle; at 1 p.m. there will be 500 and other games. Whist is played on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. The third Wednesday of each month will be a celebration of birthdays for the month. The second Monday of each month there will be a Site Council meeting at 11 a.m. For more information, call 847-5823.

Bingo for DL Hockey: The DL Youth Hockey organization holds bingo every Sunday at Zorbaz in support of youth hockey in Detroit Lakes. All are welcome; bingo starts at 6 p.m.

Mens lunch, bridge club: Men's lunch and bridge club meets every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Holiday Inn. Call 701-388-4329 if you are interested in playing.

eReader help: Schedule a one-on-one appointment to address your eReader questions every Tuesday (10:30-11:30 a.m.) and Wednesday (4:30-5:30 p.m.) at Detroit Lakes Public Library, or call for an appointment that better fits your schedule. For more information, call Detroit Lakes Public Library at 218-847-2168.

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Happenings around the lakes area - Detroit Lakes Tribune

A yearlong analysis of Facebooks Ad Library has revealed significant systemic flaws in the way the platform monitors and enforces its political ad rules, according to researchers at New York University.

The issues were uncovered as part of the NYU teams audit of the Ad Library between May 2018 and June 2019, which found some $37 million worth of ads did not accurately disclose who was paying for them.

Researchers Laura Edelson, Tobias Lauringer, and Damon McCoy found more than 86,000 Facebook Pages that ran political ads with the misleading disclosures, the report states. More than 19,000 ads appeared to be paid for by likely inauthentic communities, with groups of Pages promoting near-identical images or messages targeted at swing state voters.

The inauthentic ads used disinformation tactics similar to those employed by the Russian-backed Internet Research Agency, including targeting readers by race, gender, union membership or veteran status, the report states. The Internet Research Agency is believed to be behind efforts in 2016 to hack emails from the Democratic National Committee.

A Facebook spokesperson told The Verge in an email that our authorization and transparency measures have meaningfully changed since the research was conducted, adding that the social media platform offers more transparency into political and issue advertising than TV, radio or any other digital ad platform.

The vulnerabilities in Facebooks ad system could have allowed a malicious advertiser to avoid accurate disclosure of their political ads, the researchers found.

Facebook relaunched its Ad Library last March, saying it was committed to creating a new standard of transparency and authenticity for advertising. The update to the online repository, first introduced in May 2018, made all Facebooks active ads publicly available for review for seven years, including information about who paid for the ad and how much. Researchers and journalists were given access that allowed them to analyze information about ads in the library.

But that system was criticized for being difficult to navigate, making it an unreliable tool for tracking political advertising, the New York Times reported in July.

For its part, Facebook says its reviewing the Pages mentioned in the NYU researchers report. When a Page hides its ownership to mislead people, Facebook requires additional information and a verification process for the page to remain active. Fewer than 10 percent of ads its current Ad Library ran without the required disclaimers, but all were eventually labeled, the company says.

Facebook has tightened its requirements for political ads since the research was conducted as well; any political or social issue-ads require a Federal Election Commission or tax ID number as well as other identifying information. And additional updates to the Ad Library, including allowing people to see fewer political ads, are slated to roll out later this year.

The NYU researchers recommended Facebook take on a more active role in improving its Ad Library security, but praised the platform for taking steps toward better transparency, calling it the only [ad library] that provided enough data to meaningfully study. Google doesnt include issue advertising, and Twitters transparency center lists only a few hundred advertisers, compared to 126,000 pages with transparent political ads provided by Facebook.

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Thousands of political ads on Facebook were unclear about who paid for them - The Verge

There are currently 342 potential borrowers waiting for 197 digital copies of Ronan Farrows investigative thriller Catch and Kill at the Los Angeles Public Library.

Itll take months for that ebook to become available, I mutter to myself as I do my usual dance: searching the LAPLs ebook shelves for titles on my reading list. I place a hold anyway. Then I search for a book thats no longer the topic of watercooler conversations: Sally Rooneys Conversations with Friends. Only four borrowers in line for 93 copies. This book was major back in 2017, with dozens of digital copies to prove it, but Im reaping the benefits of being three years late. Ill be able to download this book to my Kindle in less than a week, I bet.

But why can only one person borrow one copy of an ebook at a time? Why are the waits so damn interminable? Well, it might not surprise you at all to learn that ebook lending is controversial in certain circles: circles of people who like to make money selling ebooks. Publishers impose rules on libraries that limit how many people can check out an ebook, and for how long a library can even offer that ebook on its shelves, because free, easily available ebooks could potentially damage their bottom lines. Libraries are handcuffed by two-year ebook licenses that cost way more than you and I pay to own an ebook outright forever.

Ebooks could theoretically circulate throughout public library systems forever, preserving books that could otherwise disappear when they go out of printafter all, ebooks cant get damaged or lost. And multiple library-goers could technically check out one ebook simultaneously if publishers allowed. But the Big Five have contracts in place that limit ebook availability with high pricesmuch higher than regular folks pay per ebookand short-term licenses. The publishers dont walk in and demand librarians hand over the ebooks or pay up, but they do just...disappear.

You think about Harvard Library or New York Public Librarythese big systems that, in addition to lending out stuff for people to use, are also the places where we look to preserve our heritage forever, said Alan Inouye, the American Library Associations senior director of public policy and government relations. You cant do that if its a two-year license.

My annoyance at having to wait months for the Catch and Kill ebook to appear on my virtual bookshelf suddenly seems like small potatoes compared to the loss of knowledge that could occur with limited ebook licenses.

Last summer, one of the book worlds Big Five publishers announced a change that will make ebook lines even longer. Macmillan, publisher of recent bestsellers like James Comeys A Higher Loyalty, decided to embargo new ebooks for eight weeks, preventing libraries from buying more than one copy until two months after a books release. The reason behind the embargo, CEO John Sargent said at the time, was that library lending has become so popular that ebook sales are taking a nosedive.

The embargo officially took effect Nov. 1, and now libraries are waiting to see if Macmillan will reverse its decision or if the companys data will support the move and prompt other publishers to follow suit.

The other top four U.S. publishersPenguin Random House, Hachette Livre, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schusterhavent instituted their own embargoes in the wake of Macmillans move. But Amazons growing in-house publishing imprint doesnt allow libraries to lend its ebooks at all, in what Inouye calls a permanent embargo, setting the stage for what could become an increasingly tense relationship between publishers and libraries.

As the year continues, it will become more contentious, regardless of what Macmillan does, Inouye said. Its a smaller part of a larger problem. Amazon has a rapidly growing marketshare in everything it does. Looking toward the future, thats the real concern.

To understand why the embargo is such a big deal, you have to understand that checking out an ebook from a library is dramatically different from borrowing a physical book in basically every way. Libraries work with intermediary companies, such as OverDrive (the biggest player), Hoopla, and others, to negotiate ebook licensing contracts with publishers. Instead of buying copies of a book to put into circulation, as libraries do with physical books, they procure licenses through a company like OverDrive. Those licenses last about two years, on average, and cost $50-$60 per ebook, according to the ALA. Thats approximately five times the cost of the average ebook on Amazon. Physical books dont require licenses; libraries buy them outright at volume, so the cost is much lower than $50 per book.

We think the library pricing is egregious, Inouye said. Its unjustified and awful. You as a consumer would pay $12 or $14 for a bestseller ebook that you would have for the rest of your life. The library buys the same ebook, one user at a timeits not like you can copy it indefinitely and hundreds of people can use it. Publishers say because of friction its a lot easier to borrow an ebook than a print book because you dont have the turnover of checking it out and returning it for the next person. We dont see it that way. Ebooks might be worth a little bit more, but not five times more. Thats crazynot to mention the two-year limitation.

Ebook pricing has a fraught history. Amazon once sold most ebooks for $9.99, usually taking a loss in order to sell more Kindle ereaders. In 2010, Apple introduced a rival ereader of sorts in the iPad, with a corresponding bookstore, iBooks. Apple convinced publishers to start setting ebook prices at $14.99, and asked them to withhold ebooks from Amazon unless the company also raised its prices. The U.S. Department of Justice sued both Apple and the Big Fivethen six, until Penguin and Random House mergedfor antitrust violations. The tech company and publishers lost in court, but the $14.99 list price has remained de rigueur today.

Because only one reader can check out an ebook at a time, and because the cost of licensing an ebook is prohibitively high for libraries to invest in hundreds of copies for every new title, library-goers have become accustomed to long waits to check out ebooks, particularly bestsellers. For publishers, thats the point. If you have to wait weeks to check out a new ebook, you might just cruise on over to Amazon and pay $14.99 to have it delivered immediately to your Kindle or the Kindle app on your phone.

It is true that in its digital form a book can circulate endlessly, but the friction around this has to do with the fact that in a world where an ebook circulates endlessly, the economics of that dont return to the publisher or the author, said NPD BookScan analyst Kristen McLean. I think theres a misperception generally that it takes no overhead to make an ebook, but of course there is. You dont have to print that edition, you dont have to print the physical book, but all of the overhead that goes into that book is still there. It costs the publisher to acquire it, it costs the author time to write it, all the editorial and all the processing to make that book, all of it is still there. The only thing that isnt there is the dollars that it takes to actually print the book. That to me is the fundamental friction in this model.

Ebook sales peaked in 2013 and have since declined, according to NPD data. At the same time, ebook lending through libraries has jumped. OverDrive reported a 15 percent increase in ebook lending last year, up to 211 million copies checked out across 43,000 schools and libraries worldwide. Los Angeles Public Library is the top library system in the U.S. for ebook lending, with 5.9 million ebooks borrowed in 2019.

But sales of print books have increased even as ebook sales have tapered off in recent years. McLean said the overall effect is a net zero.

I personally dont believe that circulating a book through the library, whether or digital or print, erodes sales for that book, McLean said. Even before ebooks, that was not the case. There are some people who choose to borrow and theres some people who choose to buy, but over time, when we look at all the numbers, it all always works out to be an almost zero-sum game. I think that there are benefits to people discovering books in the library and then choosing to buy those books or buy the next book by that author.

Checking out ebooks from your local library has only become easier in recent years, which has contributed to the rise in ebook lending. OverDrives Libby app for iOS and Android lets library-goers scour their library systems inventory for books, check them out, and download them directly to a smartphone or tablet when the books are available. You can also use Libby to sign up for a digital-only library card, or check to see if youre eligible to sign up for another library system, which makes ebooks more accessible. Basically, you never have to leave your house and still read books for free.

OverDrive CEO Steve Potash is an ebook evangelist, the kind of person who answers the phone by saying, Theres never a bad day in ebooks. He gave me a crash course in how to get the most out of Libby and instructions for navigating the ins and outs of my home library system, the Los Angeles Public Library. He even had kind words for publishers, who sometimes make new titles and bestsellers available for people to check out immediately through book club programs and on virtual library shelves labeled, Its Your Lucky Day. (The lucky-day loans last just seven days, but quick readers dont have to wait in line.)

Of the thousands of publishers and content creators and aggregators and distributors we work with, the significant majority value, appreciate, and embrace opportunities to promote the availability of their product under more fair and reasonable terms, Potash told me. Macmillan got a lot of ink, and its unfortunate that they made decisions based on what I think is bad data and legacy thinking.

Macmillan CEO Sargent told the Wall Street Journal last year that library reads comprised 45 percent of Macmillans overall digital reads in the U.S., effectively cannibalizing the publishers ebook sales. Libraries only make up about 15 percent of Macmillans annual ebook sales, according to the WSJ. Potash rejects that argument, citing OverDrive data from public libraries that shows that 79 percent of Macmillan ebook titles are removed from library shelves because the 2-year license expired before the ebook copy was checked out 52 times, as per Macmillans licensing agreement with OverDrive. (Its also difficult to determine whether someone who has checked out a book has actually read it.)

There are no third-party studies that support or reject Macmillans assertions that library ebook lending depresses ebook sales, though OverDrive is one of the funders of a group called the Panorama Project, which is in the process of studying library lendings effects on ebook sales. The American Library Association doesnt collect any data around ebook sales, and analysts like NPDs McLean only examine ebook sales trends, not ebook lending.

But if data doesnt inspire publishers to be more amenable to libraries, the law might.

Congress is currently investigating tech monopolies, and while the attention has largely been focused on companies like Facebook and Google, the inquiry extends to digital markets like ebook sales, too. Last fall, the ALA submitted comments to the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciarys Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law about two separate issues: the Macmillan embargo and the high prices publishers charge libraries for restrictive ebook licenses. Inouye said the ALA expects the subcommittee to release a report toward the end of March or early April. He hopes the ebook library lending issue will be included in the report, and that legislative action will follow.

Our hope is that the library and ebook lending issue would be included as an example of abuse of market powerthat very large players in the marketplace go beyond what is really appropriate for our economy and society, Inouye said. Some kind of adjustment to the law needs to be made to prevent this kind of behavior. A company cant arbitrarily decide that theyll sell to you, the consumer, but they wont sell to a library at any price during the embargo price.

It might all come down to money, but libraries also have a responsibility to serve the public in what is perhaps one of the only widely acceptable bastions of socialism in the U.S. Libraries are cornerstones of their cities. They offer resources to underserved communities, provide programming for curious children and frazzled parents, and, perhaps most importantly, preserve knowledge for future generations. That will remain the case even without ebooks, but print is fragile and not as accessible as digital, freely available information.

Ebooks were supposed to change the world, and make information more affordable and accessible to people everywhere. Instead, people are buying hardcover books from Amazon, which are somehow cheaper than paying $15 for an ebook, or have to wait weeks on end for an ebook to become available for free through their local library. This is not the utopia we imagined. Perhaps legislation could change that.

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Libraries Could Preserve Ebooks Forever, But Greedy Publishers Wont Let Them - Gizmodo