Ted Taylor is an awesome author as well as a valuable asset to Abington. We will see if Libray Director Hammeke will once again prohibit this wonderful volume from being placed on the Library Shelves. Almost reminds me of communism when the government controls what we read. Very Sad!

Looking forward to getting my copy. John Ewing

"impetus"

Libraries make choices every day on what will or won't be on their shelves. It is not communism. There is a limited amount of shelf space and a number of interests to be balanced, plus leaving room for growth space. I'm a librarian, though not at the Abington Public Library. At my library I handle most of the gift books. We simply cannot add all the books given to us, even those with local interest. In another comment there were references to self-publishing. One of the main differences, from a librarian's perspective, is that a book going through the traditional publishing process has been vetted by a group of people and copy editors will have checked it for errors. A few typos and errors always slip through but at present traditionally published books tend to have a more professional look and feel. The content of self-published books may be just as good and just as cleanly edited but when standards are created for acceptance of gift books this is often one that is used. Generally speaking when you give a book to a library you relinquish all ownership, and the library makes the decision of whether the book goes on the shelf or not, which branch it might go to, or whether it is not added at all. Mr. Taylor's book is no doubt quite enjoyable but many enjoyable books are published every year and the library cannot add all of them.

Julie, there you go indulging in the snobbery about self-published books vs. traditional publishing houses and their so-called "standards". For the record, "The Glenside Kid" is selling all over the country (amazon.com, kindle, other e-platforms, Barnes & Noble), is being used as a creative writing textbook at a college, is being considered to be re-written in to a play and so on. I never offered it as a "gift" to the library - not after my last experience. If they want a copy they'll have to contact the publisher. But shouldn't a local library support local authors, not snub them? It's about what is right, not about typos which, by the way, sneak in to even the most professionally published books. When I offered my A's Reference Book two years ago and was snubbed by the Abington librarian I was shocked. The book has sold several thousand copies - in hard and soft cover - and I continue to cash royalty checks 2 years later. But if local people want to look at it they'll have to buy one on line, at the Phillies ballpark, on line or at Barnes & Noble. Something is wrong with that. I always frequented libraries and admired librarians and I understand the challenges, but in this instance there is something deeper going on and it is ashame.

Ted,

Local people do not have buy copies of either of your most recent books online. They are withing the Mclinc system. The Glenside Library has the Glenside Kid. Another has the A's book. How many copies do you think there should be in the system? My point on self-publishing is that they have not gone through the same editorial process. And yes I did acknowledge in my earlier comment that typos get through even the most extensive copy editing. It's just that most manuscripts are better having been reviewed by other eyes and with self-published books that doesn't always happen. It doesn't mean the content is always worse than a traditionally published book. It isn't a hard and fast line. But when lines have to be drawn that is often one that is.

Libraries should support local authors but that doesn't mean buying or accepting every book from every author. If that were the case the bookshelves would be full of titles by local authors, many of them self-published, and that would not necessarily benefit the community.

Be pleased with the reception your books have received in the larger community, with your royalties, and the good that your book has done. Count your blessings and let it go.

Jule - "withing"? the system (speaking of typos). I get your points, but you still slide to the self-publishing snobbery aspect that drives me nuts. And I agree, some people self-publish junk and are lucky if their own mom buys a copy. But I could have published every one of my books (and had contracts offered) by one or more of the so-called traditional publishers and chose not to - and have done better each time because of that decision. Do not demean "The Educational Publisher", they are an excellent house and provide excellent services - they publish college textbooks for crying out loud. I count my blessings every night and I am pleased with the overall reception. The snub by the very library I support with my tax dollars hurts. Plain and simple. Sadly, it's about an agenda, not content.

Ted,

I may have missed your point. Perhaps you are saying that the local library should buy or accept a copy of every book written by someone who lives within the tax system that supports that library, regardless of publisher or content. If that isn't your point, then what would you suggest as criteria for purchase or acceptance?

Julie - I love your tenacity, defending the indefensible. The point is that a library should be able to accept or reject books on merit/content that was never the question. But they should not be able to reject them, even when people come to that very library seeking them, because of a personal agenda. I'm sure that you are fair and objective when dealing with local authors, but the librarian in question has a record of rejecting the works of people she doesn't like or never heard of. My books can and do stand on their merit as literature and this is acknowledged by the acceptance of them by the book reviewers (copies available if you'd like) and the buying/book reading public. Some books are junk and you don't need to be a Princeton PhD to tell the difference. Had my A's book been rejected objectively (for lack of content, accuracy, etc., not for who the publisher was) I'd be OK with that, but to reject a book because I wrote it, regardless of content, is just plain wrong. And to reject a book based on someone's personal agenda flies in the face of Democrary itself. I think we have now sufficiently beaten this dead horse.

Ted,

I guess I did miss the point because I didn't see anything on this or the other post that talked about the library refusing to put your books on the shelf because of a personal agenda. I'm not sure how one could support or, conversely, refute that allegation, unless there is a paper trail of some kind. Perhaps it is just different views of the same situation, where you think it is personal and the librarian doesn't.

That was the whole point. Victor Krievins initial post reiterated it. A paper trail of personal vindictiveness goes back to the print media (Montgomery Newspapers) in 2009. What's fair is fair. This wasn't fair. Period.

Having just watched the video of the book-signing...and having noted this ping-pong match of a month ago...there is an easy way to rectify what should transpire.

First, Julie's typographical error[s] are noted, illustrative of the danger of elitism; second, Julie's having overlooked the "agenda"-point has also been recognized.

She bases her argument on the claim that librarians shouldn't feel compelled to accept books simply because of their authorship by locals; TT bases his argument on the fact that he senses a pattern of rejection, perhaps ascribable to his opinion-pieces in the local newspaper.

The tiebreaker, here, is the TOPIC of the book; it's about a local community! Why would anyone not want to preserve such a unique contribution to the history of Glenside, highlighted for future generations of the residents of this community?

Regardless of how one views the "politics" of the library-activists in Abington, one would think that its leadership would want to create a legacy, perhaps even spurring other potential-authors to contribute their own reminiscences.

Bought the book @ Bonnet last night; it's unique...and very well-written.

I grew-up in Cheltenham a decade hence, but I appreciated the topicality of some of the references as well [e.g., WIBG].

This should be included in the local library, for reasons aforementioned!

Thanks Doctor, the book is selling nationally now (sales in 24 states), it is selling well on e-platforms (Kindle, Sony, B&N) and, of course, locally. I have done readings (and it is carried in) libraries in two states, did a signing at the Keswick Theatre last Friday evening. I'm constantly asked why the book is not included in my hometown library and I have no reasonable answer. Perhaps I should launch a "Banned in Abington" book tour - banned books usually sell very well.

I eagerly anticipate the Ted Taylor, Robert B. Sklaroff, M.D. & Victor B. Krievins World Tour. You three gentlemen seem to basically 'SPAM' any article on Patch together with comments (particularly the latter two gents) supporting virtually everything that one another says. Sometimes one voice speaking one message is much more effective than three voices exclaiming it.

Marc, it's funny but there seem to be very few issues that you don't have an opinion about on "Patch". I never asked Dr. Sklaroff or Mr. Krievens to comment on the book, though I am grateful. But there's something rotten in Denmark when the local library blocks out a book that others seem to embrace. Just saying.

Obviously Marc Lombardi is missing the point or perhaps it has been done so deliberately.
Yet another country heard from.

Marc, you have failed to reply to this core-consideration:

"The tiebreaker, here, is the TOPIC of the book; it's about a local community! Why would anyone not want to preserve such a unique contribution to the history of Glenside, highlighted for future generations of the residents of this community?"

It is insufficient to claim the book is available via request; indeed, would it not be more apt for those living in other communities to be able to access a book about Glenside [in Abington] from a local-library [in Abington]???

Robert: This isn't a book about a community. It's about a PERSON who lives in the community. It's an autobiography that co-stars the town of Glenside. It's the memoirs of a D-List local celebrity. Can you guys give the hyperbole a rest yet? The book is in the library system. It can be received at ANY Abington Library upon request. Just like the multitude of other books in the system but not at every single branch. It's a simple concept, really, considering that no library should be expected to stock every single book written by every local author or about every local topic. This has nothing to do with a private agenda or snobbery against self-publishing. It's a simple matter of common sense and a local author feeling snubbed.

The Glenside Kid is available in The Glenside Library. Can't get more "home" library than that.

Actually, I just answered my own question: After a quick perusal of the Philadelphia Free Library's online catalog I note that of the books that Mr. Taylor has published only "The Ultimate Philadelphia Athletics Reference Book" is available at 4 of the PFL's branches and is on order for a 5th. This, to me, speaks volumes about the remaining books. The fact that they are available within the Abington Free Library system at all is tantamount to generosity. If a system like the Philadelphia Free Library, which has probably hundreds of thousands of books worth of space more than the Abington system doesn't have the book (among otherse the author has written/published) and the Abington system DOES...doesn't that tell you that maybe the author should be happy with what he has?

Robert: I'm sorry that the Abington Free Library does not want to carry your friend's book at all of their locations. I'm glad to know that should I decide to go to one of it's many branches this evening to request a copy that it could be provided to me. My point was to say that if a major local library system that holds "a million books" (just a guess - certainly no scientific proof of this on my part) doesn't see one book as being relevant enough to carry it, but a local system DOES have it...and the author and his supporters still find that this is not enough and that every local library should carry at least one copy of all of his books...well that just seems like you and Mr. Taylor are expecting way too much. He should be thankful that the library has the book in its system in the first place. Having a book in a library is not a right.

One finds it extremely hard to believe that of four books published by Ted Taylor of four different topics, at least one would (actually is of sufficient interest) be placed upon the shelves of the Abington Free Library. I am not even a baseball fan and found the Philadelphia "A's" Book extremely interesting and informative. Personal agendas should not come to light when picking and choosing the contents of any Library. All Libraries are supposed to benefit those in the community. That is why they are publically funded and that is also why they exsist.

I had to comment on Marc Lombardi's endless rants. First he finds fault because "The Glenside Kid" is autobiographical. So what? That's an accepted story telling format. It worked for Harper Lee ("To Kill A Mickingbird"), Jean Shepherd ("The Christmas Story", "In God we trust all others pay cash") for Ernest Hemingway and countless other authors. A D-List celebrity? That's a cheap shot. I'm not a celebrity at all, but I am known for many things I've done over the years locally - including founding the Glenside Youth Activities Organization, the Keystone State Football League, The Phila. A's Historical Society and so on. My other books were not just about "local" things. "The Duke of Milwaukee" was the bio of a baseball player who was born in, tah dah, Milwaukee (Al Simmons) and who played a part of his career here. The book about Ralph's Italian Restaurant celebrated a Sotuh Philly institution, two books about the Phila. A's were research in nature, but addressed a major league (i.e., national) baseball team. My earlier books dealt with the sports collecting hobby and, yes, I've also written three text books. I had a story to tell and I told it in a way that i teach others to write at the college were I am a professor. I don't mind critics, but when people (like Marc) just run off at the computer to see their name in print, well that's overkill.

This issue will be raised tonight.

Well, Marc, it appears that [self-]reports of your having ceased blogging here have been greatly exaggerated ["Here's my last comment on the matter:"], recalling your comment only a few hours ago.

One wonders what flushed-out your latest diatribe, more subdued than those in the past, but no less venal with regard to TT's work [which, betcha, you haven't read].

Perhaps you would wish the issue to be put to rest, but you obfuscate because the only "bloodied" posture is your own.

Perhaps you might also wish to rescind your [now recognized to be tangential] ad-hominem comments against Victor and myself.

All the blather you generated doesn't supplant your having failed to reply to the gambit that you had created for yourself: "Can't get more 'home' library than that? Yes, you can."

Robert: I will say this once more -- IN ENGLISH. The book. Is available. AT THE ABINGTON LIBRARY. It may not be the home library to the book but if you actually waked in there and requested it, they would get it for you. Which, AGAIN, means that the book is available. You're a smart guy -- I can tell by the way you write. i'm sure you know what the word available mean. But since the facts clearly do not allow you and your friends to complain about what you feel is unfair treatment of a book that is the 355,541st most popular title on the Kindle then I can see why you continue to dismiss what is the simple truth and instead would rather prattle on about winning arguments failed responsed to gambits I've created. Face it...you lost an argument to someone half your age who doesn't even care about the issue. Have fun at the Commissioner's Meeting tonight beating that dead horse.

Marc, you say you are a writer too - I doubt that, letters to Patch don't count. I never heard of you nor ever read anything you wrote (except these rants). With any luck at all I'll never hear of you again in the future either. How popular is your latest book on Kindle? And, by the way, I just deposited a nice royalty check from the publisher. Sometime I need explain the difference between self-publishing and the way my last two books (and four of the seven) were published. You need to get a grip.

You don't have to cash a check to be a writer. And you don't have to have your writing appear in a library to be an author. But I have accomplished both as well.

Marc, face facts, your self-declaration that you "won" the argument has fallen-flat.

Mr. Lombardi attempts to be accurate with his facts but fails to recognize the proper spellinh of my last name, the fact that is Dr. Sklaroff rather than Mr. Sklaroff and waking when properly used in his sentance is spelled "walking". It certainly casts a doubt on the facts he presents when the basics are incorrect.

Victor: There is something amusingly ironic and incredibly humorous when the only way you can criticize my remarks it to point out spelling errors and the lack of the correct title for Dr. Sklarof and then you go and spell "spellinh" and "sentance" incorrectly. So, just so I'm clear on how this works -- when words are spelled wrong then the facts are incorrect? Hmmm....

I presented my offer during the meeting; tomorrow, the Township Manager will chat with the Library Directress regarding the potential to "gift" a signed-copy of TT's book [$20 @ Bonnet Lane].

Marc is advised to cease the petty back-and-forth; his entries are replete with spelling errors whereas, as I noted during the meeting, there was only one typographical error in the book [where a double-indent started a 'graph].

Regarding the juvenile roots of the most-recent comment, one would have to suggest that the pot is calling the kettle "black."

Your said advisement has been noted.

With that being said: Never let the facts get in the way of a good rant. Stay thirsty, my friends.

i also advised the listeners/viewers to read these postings

Mr. Lombardi does certainly know me well enough to call me by my first name. Obviously a lack of manners and proper upbringing. Perhaps the Tin Foil hat he mentioned is on too tight and has prevented the gamma rays from enetring his head.

His expolits have brought even greater attention and interest to the Book "Glenside Kid" and are resulting iin a dramatic increase in sales for what is really an exceptional book!

Marc, sniping doesn't work with us; for example, your critique of Victor's spelling contrasts with your errors. In any case, you should also know that I proposed the Roslyn Branch Library be relocated to the Grove property, serving as a community center also for Crestmont [and allowing for the Historical Society to stake its claim @ the little meeting house on Jenkintown rd. My goal is to problem-solve, and it would be desirable if you were to coadopt this attitude.