Legal and Illegal Fireworks

Speaking of fireworks, I will admit that July 4th fireworks can be fun (for some of us).  That leads to the question of when fireworks are legal in New York State.  Before October 2009, New York was one of four states that banned the sale and use of all consumer fireworks by individuals (New York Penal Law Section 270.00). New York allowed an exception only for those "municipalities, fair associations, amusement parks or organizations of individuals" granted a permit by a local authority to present a "public display of fireworks", as outlined in Section 405.00 of the Penal Law.

Then a 2009 amendment to Section 405.00 changed the law with respect to private event fireworks displays. The statute currently provides that "persons" can also apply for permits for what are now referred to simply as "fireworks displays," provided they meet strict qualifications such as naming an individual with a "valid certificate of competence as a pyrotechnician" to be "acutally in charge" of the firing. A 2010 New York State Attorney General opinion further explained that the amended state law preempted any still-on-the-books local ordinances to the contrary; individuals in the state could in fact apply to their towns for private fireworks display permits.

So you may want to consider applying to your local permit authority for an impressive July 4th fireworks display at your private (outdoor) party this year. Well, maybe next year.  The statute also states that all fireworks display permit applications must be made "at least five days in advance" of the display date.    

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

July 4th Library hours

My least favorite holiday is fast approaching (I HATE fireworks!!!!).  So that I can go find some peace and quiet, the Library will be closed for July 4th.

In fact, so that I can hide in advance and then recover, the Library will close completely as of Tuesday July 3rd at 8pm and stay closed completely through Thursday July 5th at 8am.  **There will be no swipe card access during this time.**

24/7 swipe cared access resumes at 8pm on Thursday, July 5th.

Enjoy your BBQ and have some sympathy for your favorite felines and lay off the fireworks!

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Creative Thievery?

Thieves who seek to steal expensive sneakers in New York City have found an unusual way to circumvent security measures. The New York Post explains, here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

SCOUTSblog: Real Time Summaries of Health Care Verdict Tomorrow

The Supreme Court is expected to announce its verdict tomorrow on President Barack Obama's health care law.  SCOTUSblog is blogging the proceedings live!  To get real time summaries of the Supreme Court proceedings, go to SCOTUSblog.  Live blogging begins at 9:00am.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Protect Your Mobile Reader at the Beach

It's time for beach fun with your mobile devices.  Unlike the paperbacks of olden times, todays e-readers don't mix well with surf and sand at the beach.  The good news is that there is a protective covering (and price range) for everyone.  See a list of eight good options for protecting that e-reader around water below.

See the list here: http://on.mash.to/MVo7Wz  And happy reading this summer!

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Stonehenge

Scientists are still investigating how Stonehenge was built and what the monument means.  A new theory is that Stonehenge was built as a monument to unify the people of Britain.  Stonehenge may have been built in a place that already had special significance for prehistoric Britons. The SRP team have found that its solstice-aligned Avenue sits upon a series of natural landforms that, by chance, form an axis between the directions of midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset.

An interesting article that links to related stories.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat