powerful libraries

On a recent library listserv, a librarian's signature file caught my eye and made me smile:

Delphi Public Library, a small but powerful library :)

It made me smile, just thinking how true this statement probably is. I've never visited this particular library, but I've walked through countless doors of small libraries, talked to plenty of librarians, and admired the impact small libraries make on their communities. I believe the Delphi Public Library is a small and powerful library.

It's a compelling and catchy phrase--especially with the playful emoticon--and it's one that will stay with me, even if I never walk through the doors of this particular library.

new look, new site, new languages, new year

it has been some time since i last posted, and i have a good excuse for it: the september project team has been busy.

we've learned so much from libraries over the past two years, and are now pleased to announce that we've implemented their ideas on our new web site!

there are so many improvements to the site, but the one that's piquing my interest right now is a feature that isn't yet done, yet will emerge over time. to reach libraries across the globe, volunteers--mostly david's students--have been working busily to translate our site into as many languages as possible. translating the site has been a dream of ours, and we're so thrilled that talented people are willing to offer their language skills to reach that goal. so far, the site is in english and chinese, and soon you'll see german, serbian, and turkish.

please visit the site often to watch the flags on the home page increase over time, marking the number of languages our volunteers complete.