Thursday, January 28, 2010

Preservation Intern Update

One of the best things about the Massachusetts Room project that I am working on is that I never know what kinds of materials to expect. The documents are housed in a variety of different types of folders and envelopes. Some of the documents are in standard plastic folders while others have had individual folders fashioned to fit their size. Many of the documents have been stapled together but others have been tied with ribbon or string. Some documents have hand-written call numbers while others have printed labels. The original housings are all very unique.

The documents themselves also come in a mixture of different shapes and sizes. The documents may be small pamphlets, oversize newsletters, or standard size reports. Some documents are tall and thin while others are short and wide. Most of the documents are black and white but some are in color. It makes the project interesting because every document I handle is a bit different from the previous one.

The content of the documents that I have been working with is also a source of variety. Many different subjects are covered. To name just a few, I have encountered documents on the Commission Against Discrimination, the Massachusetts State Library, and the Department of Veterans’ Services.


One of the most interesting things that I found recently is a newsletter called The Update. It is the newsletter of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. This particular document is from Spring 2002. Please note the logo for the commission in the upper right-hand corner. It clearly communicates the mission of the organization it represents and it is very easy to remember. I also think it’s one of the best logos that I’ve seen.


The second page of the newsletter mentions the public hearings on women in Massachusetts. The hearings cover everything from domestic violence, housing, childcare, and health care. A number of those hearings, including the Fitchburg Hearing that is mentioned, are also found in the Massachusetts Room of the State Library.


The third page explains National Women’s History Month, which is celebrated every March. It gives a little background and talks about the celebration in 2002. It also reminds us that International Women’s Day is March 8. That’s something to add to the calendar for when spring finally comes!

- Corinne Philips, Preservation Intern

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

LEGO Christmas White House on Display

The State Library is now hosting the LEGO Christmas White House. John Albani, age 16, from Dedham has built a replica of the White House from LEGOs. He took a tour of the White House and built the structure from photos and his memory. He has pointed out to viewers where the Rose Kennedy Garden and the Jackie Kennedy Garden are located. It took over 5000 LEGO bricks build this replica. John has dedicated it to former President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama and all the Presidents who served this great country.

Representative Paul McMurtry hosted the LEGO White House in December and January before its arrival in the Library. It will be in the State Library through February 5th before traveling to Dedham Town Hall. The Library is located in Room 341 of the State House. Everyone who has seen this has been very impressed. Come see the LEGO White House at the State Library before it leaves the State House.

Naomi Allen, Reference Librarian

Friday, January 22, 2010

Tax Forms for 2009


Tax forms are available outside the entrance to the State Library (Room 341) in the State House.

Forms are made available as soon as they arrive.

This year there are new federal forms for certain categories, and some "old" forms are no longer being produced. Federal forms are also available on line at: http://www.irs.gov

State forms are also available on line at: http://www.mass.gov/dor.
The Non-Resident Massachusetts form has arrived, and we await the Resident Form 1.