Install energy power educational kiosks in the lobby of the Central Library

Provide educational information on plaques throughout the building on green practices such as recycling, low VOC paints, natural lighting, etc.

Design new libraries to be LEED certified buildings

Reported by: Vanessa Coria

05:35 PM EDT on Monday, June 15, 2009

Video: Get job help in a SNAP at Chesapeake libraries Larger screen E-mail this clip

Reported by: Vanessa CoriaCHESAPEAKE -- Help finding a job is as close as the Chesapeake libraries. Teaming up with Opp Inc., a federal workforce development program, Chesapeake developed SNAP, which stands for Share Network Access Points. You can find everything from lists of job openings to online resources, get one-on-one help and even advice on resumes. "We have had eight success stories at this branch alone," notes Givonne Ponton,an assistant at the Indian River library. Antoine Hines hopes to be a success story, too. After 10 years in the Navy, he’s getting out and is using SNAP and the job clubto find work. "I utilize a lot of the Websites and the job offers that they have over here on the boards as well as the books and different information that the librarians have,“ he says. Fowler says you don’t have to live in the city to take advantage of the service. "Anybody can come in. You don't have to be a member. You don't even have to be a resident. We're happy to help you," she says.

‘The Virginian-Pilot© February 9, 2009

By Eric Feber The Virginian-Pilot Learning fiscal responsibility and personal finance skills at no cost sounds like an expedient tonic during

these troubled economic times. The Chesapeake Public Library thinks so too. To that end, the library is offering a fun, computer program for all ages. The goal is financial literacy, and the

project comes as the result of a $100,000 grant from "Smart Investing @ Your Library." "This grant is very timely. It was written before the economy made a downturn; now it seems very

prescient," said Chesapeake Library Director Betsy Fowler. "Even though these times offer great challenges, they also present great opportunities for investment, and we're hoping this will be able to improve the economic situation for many of our citizens."

The program, "$ave $teve," was designed by a library committee headed by assistant library director Therese Bigelow. It was programmed by Norfolk State University's Gaming and Simulation Department, spearheaded by Patricia Kendalls, a library assistant at the Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Library and a computer science major at NSU.

"The online gaming module will have players make decisions designed to take $teve from rags to riches through smart investing," said Phyllis Schirle, the library system's director of public relations. "... They designed a program that's fun."

Schirle said the teaching game, funded through a partnership with the American Library Association and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, will also be made available to Chesapeake's public high schools.

"programs. "This reflects the dynamic role the library plays in the community," Fowler said. "We've moved beyond from

being just about books."  

e-government Center Featuring information access for state and local taxes, legal

information, division of motor vehicles, voter registration, voting and election information, notary services, etc.

Job Center State employment listings online, online job applications,

craig’s list, Occupational Outlook information, resume tools, practice tests, etc.

Technical Center Public computers, printing, faxing, computer classes, reference

assistance, online resources, test proctoring

New citizen services, early childhood education, adult literacy, arts community….