Message From the Director, May 2008
Susan Flannery (sflannery@minlib.net)

Celebrate National Library Workers Day
by Janet Axelrod, Chair, Board of Trustees

Are other library lovers and patrons like me in that they make it a habit to visit all of our branch libraries? Of course, I have my faves in different categories, but mostly I just like to see what's new, who's working where, what the new book shelf offers and to remind myself of the unique feeling each branch conveys when I enter. The changes I notice are often subtle ones, but since the beginning of the Main Library construction, that is less so. This period of time has required flexibility from all of us; the people whose homes abut the construction site, anyone connected with the high school, and the general public looking for a book which may or may not be available where and when we want it.

But nobody has gone with the flow more than the library's wonderful employees. These are people who respond to uncertainty and the stresses that come from change with a can-do attitude and rise to the challenges that present themselves. Due to a combination of luck and skillful hiring and management, we are rich in such people working for our community in all seven branches of the Cambridge Public Library.

April 15, I am told, is National Library Workers Day, which like most "appreciations" carries with it a mixed message. Does that mean we don't appreciate our library workers the rest of the year? To me, it seems especially appropriate during this month to be vocal and obvious about our feelings for our library staff who work so hard and so effectively for our benefit all year long. Now is the time to write that note thanking your local librarian for her or his special effort, for the consistency with which he searches for the information you need, or simply for the warm welcome your child receives when she walks in the library door. Now is the right moment to encourage your child to make the picture he's been talking about for his favorite story reader. You get the idea. Perhaps you know from your own work experience how much these small gestures can mean to the recipient.

For my part, I want to extend a simple but very heartfelt thank you to the library staff for making me proud to be associated with them. They make me look good all over town every day. For that and much more I'm grateful to them.

Safety Tips for Parents and Children in Public Places
by Kelly Downes, Cambridge Police Department, Legal Advisor

Recent events involving a young child at a New Bedford public library provide a tragic reminder that children can be victimized even in places that parents, guardians, and teachers generally regard as safe. Luckily, such incidents are rare.

Good communication between parents and their children, and the exercise of common sense, are the most effective tools to keep children safe. Remember that the responsibility for your child's safety ultimately rests with you—not other adults, even if they have positions of authority in the place you are visiting (librarians, store clerks, etc.).

These are some useful guidelines for keeping young or school-aged children safe in public places:

1. Teach your child to stay within eye and earshot of a parent, guardian or trusted adult while in public.
2. Teach your children to refuse gifts or rides from anyone they don't know, and/or always check with a parent before doing so.
3. Teach your children to say "No!" or seek help from an adult if someone tries to touch them or makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. It is important to emphasize that safety is more important than good manners in this situation. Teach your child not to be embarrassed or feel like a tattletale for seeking help.
4. Teach your children what to do if they become separated from you or lost in public—if in a store, approach the closest cashier for help. Otherwise, seek help from security guards, police officers or other adults in authority.
5. Speak to your children about safety in a calm manner, without frightening them. Practice "what if" scenarios during quiet moments.
6. Remember that "strangers" are not the only people who can present a danger to a child—people known to children, even family members, may present dangers as well. Teach them how to be safe without overemphasizing "stranger danger."

Remember too that children aged 11 to 17 are also at risk of victimization. Greater independence at this age is expected and appropriate, but safety rules are equally important for them. For all children, a healthy self-image combined with practical knowledge will go a long way toward enhancing their safety during childhood and beyond.

Source: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (2008) (www.missingkids.com).

New Membership Benefit for Friends of the Cambridge Public Library

The Friends of the Cambridge Public Library are pleased to announce that Clothware has joined Nomad in offering a 10% discount to Friends members. To receive a discount in either store show your library card with 2008 membership sticker when making a purchase (some restrictions may apply).  Louise Ciampi, owner of Clothware, has been a friend to the library for years. The Friends appreciate her continued support and hope that other local retailers will be inspired to join this initiative.

More about Clothware

A lively shopping destination since the Seventies, Clothware began as a "womens' design collective," producing an original line of fashion alternatives. Clothware remains loyal to the same criteria that accounted for its initial success as a Harvard Square specialty shop. The winning combination of upbeat colors, resilient fabrics, and uncluttered design continues to appeal to a self-styled customer who is aware of fashion direction, but not defined by it. Clothware is located at 52 Brattle Street in Harvard Square, just beyond the Crate & Barrel building.