ELF Blog
Welcome to the Early Learning with Families (ELF) @ Your Library blog. The blog is designed to share information, insights and resources among the California libraries offering ELF services. In addition, it can serve as your means to make statewide inquiries of the ELF programs.
We encourage feedback through the “Comments” section.
Stacey Aldrich Appointed State Librarian of California
CONTACT: SACRAMENTO - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the appointment of Stacey Aldrich as State Librarian of California on November 13, 2009. “Stacey is truly an expert in her field and California is lucky to have her as the State Librarian,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “She’s the perfect person to maintain the excellent quality of services and access to accurate and up-to-date information Californians expect and receive every time they visit our library.” Aldrich was appointed Acting State Librarian in February 2009, and also served as Deputy State Librarian from August 2007 forward. As Acting State Librarian, she directed a staff of 155, oversaw a budget of $80 million, and worked with state and local officials on library bonds, programs, and initiatives. Aldrich was instrumental in obtaining financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for a major broadband initiative for California’s public libraries. “I am honored and excited for the opportunity to take on the position of State Librarian,” said Aldrich. “I will use my experience to uphold the California State Library’s tradition of preserving our history and connecting Californians to the information they need to be successful.” Prior to joining the State Library, Aldrich served as Assistant Director of the Omaha Public Library from 2005 to 2007, Branch Chief of Public Libraries and State Networking for the Maryland State Department of Education from 1996 to 1999, and 2000 to 2005, and as Senior Associate at Coates & Jarratt, Inc., a futuring think tank, in 2000. She served as Information Technology Librarian for Hood College Library in Frederick, Maryland, from 1992 to 1996. Aldrich earned a Master of Arts in library science and a Bachelor of Arts in Russian language and literature from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a board member of the Association of Professional Futurists, and holds memberships in the American Library Association, Public Library Association, California Library Association, and Beta Phi. Library Journal named Aldrich one of the library profession’s Movers & Shakers in 2003. An engaging futurist, speaker, and workshop facilitator, Aldrich challenges librarians to envision and actively shape the future of libraries. Founded in 1850, the California State Library is the central reference and research library for the Governor’s office, legislature, state employees, and the general public. It supports California’s public libraries by administering federal and state grants for programs in historical preservation, library construction, civil liberties education, literacy, volunteerism, and broadband connectivity. # # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 20, 2009
Laura Parker
California State Library
916/651-6798PRESS RELEASE - STACEY ALDRICH APPOINTED STATE LIBRARIAN OF CALIFORNIA.
Bessie Condos to Lead ELF Initiative
To: Public Library Directors
From: Susan Hildreth, State Librarian of California
It is my pleasure to announce that Bessie Condos, Library Programs Consultant, will return to Library Development Services (LDS) as the new lead for the Early Learning with Families (ELF) initiative. She has recently been working on the development of the Family Place project, which is an outgrowth of ELF. Given the scope of this project and it's potential for synergy with other ELF initiatives as well as the departure of Judy Klikun, a contractor serving as the ELF statewide coordinator, it seemed like the right time to have Bessie take the reins as the lead to develop a cohesive vision for supporting ELF. Her expertise in youth services and public libraries, and her passion for supporting families and their communities will be a great addition to LDS.
Bessie will continue to work on Library Bond Act projects that are her responsibility but as those projects move toward plans approval, construction and completion, Bessie's energies can be redirected to LDS. She will become an official member of the LDS team as of October 6, 2008.
When Bessie joined the California State Library (CSL), she worked in LDS and, for over the last 5 years, has been an important member of the Bond Administration Office. Please join me in wishing Bessie success in her return to her original CSL home.
