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Does scratching poison ivy make it spread?

Written on: May 27th, 2011 in Q & A's

No–the FDA, Mayo Clinic, and several other reputable health organizations all state scratching poison ivy, oak, or sumac will not spread the rash, which is produced by exposure to the plant oil urushiol.  

The Mayo Clinic writes “A poison ivy rash itself isn’t contagious. Blister fluid doesn’t contain urushiol and won’t spread the rash. In addition, you can’t get poison ivy from another person unless you’ve had contact with urushiol that’s still on that person or on his or her clothing.”

According to the FDA “Poison ivy and other poison plant rashes can’t be spread from person to person. But it is possible to pick up the rash from plant oil that may have stuck to clothing, pets, garden tools, and other items that have come in contact with these plants. The plant oil lingers (sometimes for years) on virtually any surface until it’s washed off with water or rubbing alcohol.”

“The rash will only occur where the plant oil has touched the skin, so a person with poison ivy can’t spread it on the body by scratching. It may seem like the rash is spreading if it appears over time instead of all at once. But this is either because the plant oil is absorbed at different rates in different parts of the body or because of repeated exposure to contaminated objects or plant oil trapped under the fingernails.”

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Learning for a learning institution

Written on: May 15th, 2011 in Blog Posts, Learning

Obviously, learning across/in-and-out/through the life span is a very big deal in libraries. Whether researching a small business start-up, planning a long-awaited trip or selecting just the right title for a 5th-grader post-Harry Potter, customers turn to the library staff for ideas and guidance. The staff then dig into their toolkits to charge expertise and creativity into action. Toolkits? What toolkits?

Over the last decade, the Delaware Division of Libraries has built a Continuum of Library Education centered on a primary premise. To provide the best possible service to a lifelong learner, one must be a lifelong learner. The foundation of the Continuum is the Library Associate Learning Institute (LALI); this blended learning experience focuses on core library skills, on the basic tools of the trade: non-fiction and fiction reader’s advisory in all formats, cultural programming and customer service. When the Institute draws to a close, the instructors stand enthused and energized by what the associates have accomplished for themselves and their library. It never fails to inspire. Allow me to shine a light on our newest batch of graduates. Their names…and the projects they created for their library…are listed below. Join me in congratulating the 2011 class of LALI!

Bridgeville: Jonnell Singh ~ a full teen program including books, movies, programs
Delmar: Holly Kunde ~ a fax service for the community
Delmar: Jessica Webb ~ a non-traditional book group for teens, Pages & Pizza
Frankford: Cindy Givens ~ a non-traditional book group for varied ages
Harrington: Marleena Young ~ a teen advisory group
Laurel: Wenona Phillips ~ a weekly non-traditional book group-online too
Lewes: Lea Tomer ~ a Family Game Night with pizza donated by Mr. P’s
Kent County Library: LeighAnne Goulet ~ a monthly non-traditional book group
Kent County Library: Cyndi Laird ~ a periodical check-in process for tech services
Kent County Library: Cathy Michalski ~ a book group for needleworkers
Brava!

Delaware Civil War photographs, information, and more

Written on: May 3rd, 2011 in Blog Posts

In April, Governor Jack Markell issued a proclamation beginning Delaware’s official commemoration of the 150^th anniversary of the American Civil War. 

The Delaware Division of Libraries has created an extensive online list of reading and viewing material about the Civil War for adults and children at http://guides.lib.de.us/civilwar which links users directly to the statewide library catalog to place a hold on a book or a DVD to pick up later at their local library.

The Delaware Public Archives has added their collection of Civil War photographs, maps, diaries, and more to the Delaware Heritage Collection.  And, The Government Information Center, in cooperation with the Delaware Heritage Commission, is responsible for the creation of a new Civil War commemoration website at civilwar.delaware.gov.

In addition, public libraries, historical societies, museums, DNREC’s Division of State Parks, and the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs are offering tours, programs, and events commemorating the Civil War.  Check the events calendar on the civil war website for more information.