More great news! The Tunkhannock Public Library will be joining SPARK. Locating in Wyoming County, the addition of this fine library strengthens the presence of SPARK in Northeastern PA as they join their neighbors the Lackawanna County Library System and the Susquehanna County Library. This creates great possibilities for sharing and cooperation! They will be migrating in just about one year.
PaILS Is Sponsoring Two Development Projects
One nice thing about open source software is that, if you don’t like the way it works, you can change it. PaILS, on behalf of its members, is sponsoring two software development projects. The first, Digital Book Plates, seeks to address the problem of how to show that an item was donated in memory or in honor of someone. Unlike the current solution, Digital Book Plates will be searchable by … Read More
Welcome Nazareth!
I am pleased to announce that the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity will be joining SPARK! Located in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, Nazareth is, famously, home to the Martin Guitar Factory. Welcome Nazareth!
SPARK Welcomes Bangor Public Library!
SPARK extends a warm welcome to our newest member, the Bangor Public Library. Halfway between Stroudsburg and Easton, this vibrant community library further enhances the presence of SPARK in Eastern Pennsylvania. Expect more announcements about new members soon!
PaILS Members: Talk to Us
PaILS is working on a Strategic Plan that will set priorities for the next several years, and we want to hear that you have to say. Therefore, we have scheduled two sets of Focus Groups. Monday, July 18th (Martin Library, York) Administrators / Directors / Supervisors / Managers: 11:00AM Circulation: 1:30PM Tuesday, July 19th (Holiday Inn, Wilkes-Barre-East Mountain) Administrators / Directors / Supervisors / Managers: 8:30AM Circulation: 12:30PM If … Read More
PaILS Schedule Updated
We all like to know what will be happening when so here is an updated schedule of events that will affect the entire consortium over the next several months. I know it doesn’t need saying, but this schedule is subject to change. July Access PA Export Authority Control Update September Blair County Libraries Go Live! October Access PA Export Authority Control Update Staff Permission Group Revamp November Pocono Mountain … Read More
Altoona Area Public Library is Live!
The Altoona Area Public Library is now live on SPARK! Congratulations on a successful migration, and we are thrilled to have you on board!
SPARK Welcomes Libraries of Bedford County
We are pleased to announce that the libraries of the Bedford County Library System have joined SPARK and will be migrating in early 2017. They will bring four libraries, the Everett Free Library, Hyndman-Londonderry Public Library, Saxton Community Library, and the Pioneer Library, along with a Bookmobile. With Blair County (who are migrating right now) just to the north, the addition of Bedford County will create many opportunities for cooperation … Read More
PaILS Welcomes Lehigh Valley Libraries!
PaILS is pleased to announce that the Allentown Public Library, Easton Area Public Library, and the Bethlehem Area Public Library will be joining SPARK! These three important libraries will bring a wealth of resources, energy, and talent to the consortium. They will be migrating sometime in the latter half of 2017. More details to follow. Let’s all give a warm SPARK welcome to our friends in the Lehigh Valley.
By the Numbers
Here are some impressive SPARK numbers: Population Served by SPARK Libraries: 1,512,639 Titles: 1,287,992 (100 percent increase over last year!) Copies: 2,727,846 Circulation: (May 15-April 16): 3,831,881 (48 percent increase over last year!) Patrons: 559,669 (Increase of almost 60,000 over last year!) Library Service Outlets (Live, Migrating, or Committed): 105