We have a winner in vote for the 2011 Big Read! Voters chose The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot as the book they want to read and discuss next spring. This book tells the true story of a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet her cells—taken without her knowledge—became one of the most important tools in medicine. While these cells brought in millions of dollars for researchers, Henrietta Lacks family lives in poverty. This book raises questions about bioethics, privacy, economics, race, and so much more.

The other two nominees had strong support as well, making this one of the closest vote in Big Read history. Still Alice, by Lisa Genova, came in second. It tells the story of a university professor dealing with Alzheimer’s. The Color of Water, by James McBride, was a close third. McBride describes growing up in New York in a racially and religiously diverse family.

With the decision finalized, we’ll start planning a variety of discussions and activities to make the 2011 Big Read a lively event. Look for more details in February!

The Jewish Hospital mobile mammography van will visit several area libraries. If you are uninsured or underinsured (have a high deductible), financial assistance programs are available. Call 513-686-3310 for financial assistance information. To schedule an appointment for a mammogram please call 513-686-3300. Visitation times and locations: Friday, Sept. 3, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Dayton View Branch Library, Wednesday, Sept. 8, 9:00 a.m. - Noon at the Miamisburg Branch Library and Wednesday, Sept. 8, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the New Lebanon Branch Library.

State funding for the Dayton Metro Library continues to lag, causing serious, on-going financial challenges. While the levy helped, there is still a serious budget gap that can get worse if not addressed. The library has made a number of significant cost-cutting moves but more changes are needed to prevent a serious budget shortfall in the next couple of years. A draft plan with additional cost-saving measures was presented to the Board of Trustee's at their meeting on July 21. The Board will consider the recommendations and make a decision in early fall.

The main recommendations are:

• Continue to decrease the number of staff by attrition to an overall cut of 12% from 2008's levels by July , 2011
• Reduce library hours by three hours per week at all locations
• Cap spending for new books and materials at 2009 levels, a 22% drop from 2008
• Use money from the Building and Repair Fund to make facilities more efficient