Babs tarnishes the Garden Tour

Today was my 25th Mt. Lebanon Public Library Garden Tour. This has always been my favorite Mt. Lebanon event and would look forward to it every year. I support the Mt. Lebanon Library and would never think of making it political. I would say hello to all the attendees at the Garden Party which is held the evening before, even if we may disagree on an issue. Last night, there was a change in the air.

Since Barbara Logan's garden was on the tour, she attended the Garden Party. The Logans' garden was on the Garden Tour three or four years ago, but made a command appearance this year. I said hello to Barbara, and was ignored. I said hello to others who spoke in favor of killing deer, and would get a cold hello in return. I was very discouraged. This was the one social event that I loved. 

People spoke in whispers saying that they actually weren't bothered by the deer. To say that out loud would have been politically incorrect last night.

Today's tour was fabulous. There were eight private gardens on the tour. The subject of deer seemed to come up at every home. I spread the word about a deer deterrent called, "The Scarecrow." It is a motion sensing device that attaches to a garden hose. It really works! 

Then I attended the Logan garden. At the sign in table were stacks of these.

And this:

This is what upsets me the most. The commissioners are telling us that this isn't about gardens. It is about reducing the deer/car accidents (9%) by 50% over the next five years, while ignoring the 91% of the remaining accidents. It isn't about car accidents. It really is about gardens. 

Library Fundraiser on Saturday

For you beer drinkers out there, and it seems that there are many of you, please support Mt. Lebanon Public Library's Beer Garden Bash this Saturday, August 24, 2013.

Here is the latest LeboALERT:

Sat Aug 24 Don't miss the library's Beer Garden Bash! Get your ticket today for this library benefit. $30 all-inclusive. Adults only. 412-531-1912

Nothing is on the Lebomag.com website promoting it, but that doesn't surprise me. Oops, that is another story.

Not being a beer drinker, I support the Library through donations and the Garden Tour. Please help in whatever way you can.

Save room for Brew Fest, coming September 21, 2013 from 4-7 PM to be held at the Academy Parking Lot. Giant Eagle will be the major sponsor for this year.

Pittsburgh-Area Librarian Receives National Award

Mount Lebanon Library Director Cynthia K. Richey in the Childen's Room
of the Mount Lebanon Public Library (Photo Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette).

Cynthia K. Richey, director of the Mt. Lebanon Library for 17 years, has been named the 2013 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Association for Library Service to Children.

The award is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to library service to children.

In 2011, Ms. Richey was appointed chair of the Newbery Award Committee. The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association for what is deemed to be the "most distinguished American children's book published the previous year," according to the association website.

Ms. Richey began her career as a children's librarian in 1971 and served as the president of the Pennsylvania Library Association in 1994.

"Cynthia has been active on the local, state and national levels, taking on more responsibility as she progressed to leadership levels," said Distinguished Service Award Committee Chair Carol Doll in a statement. "Her contributions to children and to ALSC are far reaching and long lasting in developing literacy in children and in moving ALSC forward in a positive, helpful way that brings out the best in all of us."

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/mt-lebanon-librarian-honored-by-national-group-675639/

Read more: http://spacewatchtower.blogspot.com/2013/02/pittsburgh-area-librarian-receives.html

Are the National Geographics next to go? UPDATED

In today's Post Gazette, our Mt. Lebanon Library is making the news. It seems that a photograph, that is part of an exhibit of architectural photographs, is making some people nervous.



                                                            Photo by John Flatz

"Innocence," a historic painting hanging in the Mercer County Courthouse.

The problem is the exposed breast in the photograph of the mural and the close proximity to Mellon Middle School. The library asked the photographer to replace the photo with a different one and photographer John Flatz refused.

So he covered up the offending breast on Monday with a picture of a bra and an arrow pointing to it saying "Censored by the Mt. Lebanon Public Library."

Are the National Geographics next to go? Maybe the library should talk to our school board director, whose billboard says that even good girls go there.  We have truly lost it here in Mt. Lebanon.

Read more: Mt. Lebanon library says partially nude woman in photo exhibit breaks rules

Update February 9, 2013 1:30 PM As of 1:15 PM (only fifteen minutes ago), this is what is hanging in the hallway at Mt. Lebanon Public Library.

Nothing has been censored. There are no photographs of bras or statements of censorship. 

Joe Wertheim Memorial Fund

Remembering our wonderful friend,

Joe Wertheim,

Friends of Mt. Lebanon Public Library President and Library Board of Trustees Member.

1950-2012

Joe Wertheim Memorial Fund form

Note: In observance of Labor Day, the library will be closed on Sunday, Sept. 2 & Monday, Sept. 3.