Blogging Documents

Yesterday the House passed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This is weighty piece of legislation that will likely become weightier as it makes its way through the Senate.

In light of the state of the American and world economies, this is a sensitive issue with Americans. With this and any legislation, knowledge is power. So get to know the legislation, and whether you agree or disagree, petition your legislators to do what you think is best, they are who we’ve sent to be our voice.

Click the links below to follow the legislation.

• H.R. 1:The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – This link will connect you with up to date legislative information, the text of the bill, amendments, and actions.
• CBO Cost Estimates – This link will give reports from the Congressional Budget Office… know what and how we’ll pay for the programs.

If you have specific projects or programs you think should receive funding, or if you want Congress to know you don’t agree with the bill, contact your legislators. To find contact information for your legislator, phone the Tulsa City-County Library AskUs Hotline (918-596-7977) or visit Project Vote Smart.

In the event of inclement weather, libraries may not be open regular hours.

If Tulsa Public Schools are cancelled due to inclement weather, the Central Library, Hardesty Regional Library, Martin Regional Library, Rudisill Regional Library and Zarrow Regional Library will open at 10 a.m. unless otherwise noted in the News & Events section on the right side of the screen at http://www.tulsalibrary.org.

When in doubt, please call 596-7977 or your local branch.

Yesterday we witnessed the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. As President Obama was taking the Presidential Oath of Office change was already happening, at least at WhiteHouse.gov, the President’s official web page.

WhiteHouse.gov is promised to be a new way of communicating with the American people, encouraging transparency and public participation. The site already has numerous blog postings, President Obama’s first Presidential Proclamation, a place for weekly video addresses, and countless online exhibits and information about our government and how it works.

On every page of the new website, visitors will find a box inviting participation and a means to send questions, comments, and well-wishes. Those wanting to keep up with Presidential goings-on can sign up for updates.

The American people were promised change, and change has come. For now it seems only virtual; however, we have the next four years to witness, question, comment on, and be updated on other changes.

On Tuesday January 20, we will swear in the 44th President of the United States. Every presidential inauguration is historic, but in many ways this one seems much more so. There are a few events being held to mark the occasion. Join other inauguration watchers at these locations:

Rudisill Regional Library 1520 N Hartford, Tulsa – watching begins at 10:30 a.m.

Greenwood Cultural Center 322 N Greenwood Ave, Tulsa – watching begins at 9:00 a.m.

Sadie’s Coffeehouse 567 E. 36th St N., Tulsa (in the Northland Center)

The 2008 tax season is underway and as always the Tulsa City-County Library is here to assist with forms and information.

All Tulsa City-County Library locations should have a select supply of federal tax forms. What is not available at the library can typically be printed from the IRS website.

The Oklahoma Tax Commission may not provide libraries with forms or booklets. Library staff can assist you with accessing Oklahoma tax forms online, or you can request a booklet be mailed by contacting the Oklahoma Tax Commission by phone at (800) 522-8165 or email otcmaster@tax.ok.gov

The Tulsa Organizations & Services database has a listing of free tax assistance sites. Search title or keyword using “free tax” or access the list here

If you have tax form related questions, the Tulsa City-County Library is here to help. If you have tax related questions, you need to contact a tax professional. The TCCL AskUs service, can help with both.