With great regret, I'm bring Library Grace to an end. It has been inspiring and enjoyable to comment on library management and the trends and issues in the library world. It has meant so much to communicate with a few readers and to encourage and mentor other librarians and future librarians.
Hopefully at another date I can take up Library Grace again. Until that time, I'll be writing a column for Caring Kids and Communities, a local publication in southern Orange County, California.
Wish you all well and much success and happiness in your library careers and library experiences. Libraries have been very good to me and provided a very rewarding and fulfilling career these last 32 years.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Back to School
School has started. It is a little quieter in the mornings, but the library is jam packed after school. It looks like it will be a very busy school year. The usual runs on titles for reading lists is well underway. We have had one school visit and this is only the second week of the school year.
Along with the school rush goes keeping up with the book displays. It seems all our children's book displays are depleted as soon as they are stocked. We are working on ways to maintain this as it is a good indication of greater circulation.
Programming for the fall is planned and Storytimes start up again this week. We are very fortunate to be able to continue with Spanish Storytime this semester. Other programming will include monthly after school programs and a special program from the American Lung Association, Asthma 101 in October.
New this semester is the El Toro Library Teen Advisory Board. These enthusiastic teens have had their first meeting. The Board's first project is Teen Read Week coming in October, the 18th through the 24th.
It looks to be a very busy school year. The staff is excited. We have greater interest and participation from kids, teens and parents. We are looking for new ways to better serve with more programs and new materials. Special thanks to the Friends of the El Toro Library who make all this possible.
Along with the school rush goes keeping up with the book displays. It seems all our children's book displays are depleted as soon as they are stocked. We are working on ways to maintain this as it is a good indication of greater circulation.
Programming for the fall is planned and Storytimes start up again this week. We are very fortunate to be able to continue with Spanish Storytime this semester. Other programming will include monthly after school programs and a special program from the American Lung Association, Asthma 101 in October.
New this semester is the El Toro Library Teen Advisory Board. These enthusiastic teens have had their first meeting. The Board's first project is Teen Read Week coming in October, the 18th through the 24th.
It looks to be a very busy school year. The staff is excited. We have greater interest and participation from kids, teens and parents. We are looking for new ways to better serve with more programs and new materials. Special thanks to the Friends of the El Toro Library who make all this possible.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Bookless Libraries???
During the last week I read a couple of articles about bookless libraries. And the prospect is a little frightening and even threatening. I consider myself old school. I love dusty books and the adventure waiting between the covers of every one. A world without books is an impossibility that I can neither imagine nor fathom.
Yes, I understand about Library 2.0 and try to learn something technical or electronic daily. Trends in society are moving to rely on technology more and more. There are so many options and choices. A book can be read in several print forms, or many electronic forms, and it can be listened to in several forms. I would not think of eliminating any of these forms, so why eliminate books?
The publishing industry is struggling. Authors are releasing their work electronically with some never making it into print form. The world is changing, but does it have to leave books behind? I read from electronic devices everyday. I would be lost without my computers at home and work. I would be just as lost without books.
Libraries have always been about change. We are continually growing and changing. Trends come and some stay, some don't. One of the best things about libraries is the way they adopt the new, then adapt it to the old.
It doesn't have to either/or when it comes to books and electronics. There is plenty of room for both. There are times we prefer to read books and other times when reading from an electronic device is preferred or more convenient. At least we have a choice. Isn't this what freedom is? Wouldn't bookless libraries take some of that freedom away?
Yes, I understand about Library 2.0 and try to learn something technical or electronic daily. Trends in society are moving to rely on technology more and more. There are so many options and choices. A book can be read in several print forms, or many electronic forms, and it can be listened to in several forms. I would not think of eliminating any of these forms, so why eliminate books?
The publishing industry is struggling. Authors are releasing their work electronically with some never making it into print form. The world is changing, but does it have to leave books behind? I read from electronic devices everyday. I would be lost without my computers at home and work. I would be just as lost without books.
Libraries have always been about change. We are continually growing and changing. Trends come and some stay, some don't. One of the best things about libraries is the way they adopt the new, then adapt it to the old.
It doesn't have to either/or when it comes to books and electronics. There is plenty of room for both. There are times we prefer to read books and other times when reading from an electronic device is preferred or more convenient. At least we have a choice. Isn't this what freedom is? Wouldn't bookless libraries take some of that freedom away?
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Take care of yourself
This has been a very hectic summer. We have been short staff and everyone seemed stretched to the limit. As usual, I've neglected to to make sure that I had enough time off to rest and recuperate. This is so important as a leader, a supervisor or manager, we often wear all three hats.
Your staff looks to you for direction. It is imperative that you, as their supervisor are at your best -- calm, cool and collected. It's guaranteed that if you are stressed and worn out, your staff will be too. Mistakes increase. Customer service will not be optimal. The list can go on and on.
I remember attending some leadership workshop long ago that suggested that we treat ourselves to a day trip once a month, a long weekend away from home once a few months and vacations twice a year. At the time that sounded like a lot of time off, but I have come to see that all this time off is essential to your mental health. You come back to work revitalized, refreshed and ready to clear for action. You are able to make clear decisions and find solutions to the endless little problems that pop up.
For some reason, I am always happy to give time off to staff, but neglect myself. It's common for me to step in to fill in a scheduling gap and the next thing I know I'm working six days in a row or as in this month three Saturdays in a row. I'm returning after a week off and I'm amazed in the difference in my clarity and decisiveness.
It is more than doing something nice fore yourself. As a leader you owe it to your staff to be at your best for them, to direct and shape the culture of your library. You can only do that with the proper amount of rest and relaxation. Take time to reflect on the direction you are headed, to fine tune your means of transportation there, and celebrate the accomplishments along the way.
Your staff looks to you for direction. It is imperative that you, as their supervisor are at your best -- calm, cool and collected. It's guaranteed that if you are stressed and worn out, your staff will be too. Mistakes increase. Customer service will not be optimal. The list can go on and on.
I remember attending some leadership workshop long ago that suggested that we treat ourselves to a day trip once a month, a long weekend away from home once a few months and vacations twice a year. At the time that sounded like a lot of time off, but I have come to see that all this time off is essential to your mental health. You come back to work revitalized, refreshed and ready to clear for action. You are able to make clear decisions and find solutions to the endless little problems that pop up.
For some reason, I am always happy to give time off to staff, but neglect myself. It's common for me to step in to fill in a scheduling gap and the next thing I know I'm working six days in a row or as in this month three Saturdays in a row. I'm returning after a week off and I'm amazed in the difference in my clarity and decisiveness.
It is more than doing something nice fore yourself. As a leader you owe it to your staff to be at your best for them, to direct and shape the culture of your library. You can only do that with the proper amount of rest and relaxation. Take time to reflect on the direction you are headed, to fine tune your means of transportation there, and celebrate the accomplishments along the way.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Dog Days of Summer
We are in the last stretch of the Summer Reading Program. We have doubled enrollment this year and I'm anxious to see if the number completing the Summer Reading Program has increased as well. We have completed all the special programming for this year and are still doing well with supplies and prizes.
Staff is a little weary and ready for the quieter, slower last few weeks of summer. There have been a rash of much deserved vacation requests. We are already looking in to planning programming for the fall. Storytimes will be starting up before we know it.
Overall it has been a very productive and successful summer. The Summer Reading Programs at all levels saw greater participation and excitement. We were able to provide more special programs this year through the generosity of our Friends Group. Library attendance is up, as is circulation and new library card applications. El Toro Library has been bustling with activity.
Staff is a little weary and ready for the quieter, slower last few weeks of summer. There have been a rash of much deserved vacation requests. We are already looking in to planning programming for the fall. Storytimes will be starting up before we know it.
Overall it has been a very productive and successful summer. The Summer Reading Programs at all levels saw greater participation and excitement. We were able to provide more special programs this year through the generosity of our Friends Group. Library attendance is up, as is circulation and new library card applications. El Toro Library has been bustling with activity.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Calm in the Storm
It seems that there is a short calm in the storm as we pass the halfway mark for the Summer Reading Program. The flurry of activity at the beginning as everyone rushes to register, children, teens and adults, has subsided.
The children's program, Home Run Readers, exceeded last years enrollment in the middle of the third week. We have an estimated 800-900 enrolled, the highest in seven years. Sponsors and donors have been very generous and we have plenty of incentives to encourage reading through the summer.
Both the Teen and children's programs are partnered with the Angels baseball team and the theme has been very popular. The Angels have been very generous, provide great incentives, beach mats, bobble heads, batting helmets, salsa dishes, clocks, backpacks in the shape of a catcher's chest pad, growth charts, notebooks and more. the grand prize is tickets for four to a special Home Run Readers game. One lucky winner will get to say. "Play Ball" to open the game.
Special programs have also had full attendance. We have had to turn a few kids away each week. Our community room has an occupancy of 116, so we restrict admittance to children ages 4-12. All the programs have been great and I can only praise the excellent job of our children's librarian and her volunteers.
The Teen program has also exceeded expectations. We have doubled last years enrollment with hope of reaching 100 enrolled by the close of the program. The teens have been invaluable volunteers as well. It seems that we have older, more responsible teen volunteers this year. This has helped make this year Summer Reading Program run smoothly and more efficiently.
The adult program, our third year, has tried a new approach. It's entitled Scrabble Mania and adults enrolling in the program can read to earn chances in the drawing, register for to play Scrabble for chances for the drawing or do both. This has been our most successful adult program yet. Attendance at the Scrabble games started out low, but everyone was encouraged to bring a friend and it has grown steadily with each program. The Friends of the Library purchased prizes, a Scrabble mug, Scrabble book bag, Scrabble cap, Scrabble books and the grand prize a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble. Kudos to our adult librarian and his very unique theme this year.
The children's program, Home Run Readers, exceeded last years enrollment in the middle of the third week. We have an estimated 800-900 enrolled, the highest in seven years. Sponsors and donors have been very generous and we have plenty of incentives to encourage reading through the summer.
Both the Teen and children's programs are partnered with the Angels baseball team and the theme has been very popular. The Angels have been very generous, provide great incentives, beach mats, bobble heads, batting helmets, salsa dishes, clocks, backpacks in the shape of a catcher's chest pad, growth charts, notebooks and more. the grand prize is tickets for four to a special Home Run Readers game. One lucky winner will get to say. "Play Ball" to open the game.
Special programs have also had full attendance. We have had to turn a few kids away each week. Our community room has an occupancy of 116, so we restrict admittance to children ages 4-12. All the programs have been great and I can only praise the excellent job of our children's librarian and her volunteers.
The Teen program has also exceeded expectations. We have doubled last years enrollment with hope of reaching 100 enrolled by the close of the program. The teens have been invaluable volunteers as well. It seems that we have older, more responsible teen volunteers this year. This has helped make this year Summer Reading Program run smoothly and more efficiently.
The adult program, our third year, has tried a new approach. It's entitled Scrabble Mania and adults enrolling in the program can read to earn chances in the drawing, register for to play Scrabble for chances for the drawing or do both. This has been our most successful adult program yet. Attendance at the Scrabble games started out low, but everyone was encouraged to bring a friend and it has grown steadily with each program. The Friends of the Library purchased prizes, a Scrabble mug, Scrabble book bag, Scrabble cap, Scrabble books and the grand prize a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble. Kudos to our adult librarian and his very unique theme this year.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Opportunities with Summer Reading Programs
What does the annual Summer Reading Program mean to the Library?
This is an opportunity to for programming to show what the library has. It brings non-library users in the the library for free programming. Parents often have forgotten the value of free things to do with the kids. Take this opportunity to remind them. Once in the door, we have an opportunity to show them other services and materials of interest.
This is an opportunity to win new library users through exceptional customer service. While most libraries are very busy during this time of year, we can take advantage of higher attendance to allow the public to see just what they get with their tax dollars. It is also an opportunity to work with our staffs to provide them with scripts and scenarios to use. It is vital that we, as managers, make sure our staff understands the level of customer service that we require of them.
This is an opportunity to outreach to the community, people, schools and businesses. It's an opportunity to partnership with other government agencies. It's an opportunity to create partnerships that can be useful for both parties, not just during the summer, but throughout the year.
This is an opportunity to market the library. We are able to make library services known in the community, schools and business. Everyone is for reading and giving kids a help up to better education. Just about everyone would like to be associated with these efforts. Talk about what the Friends of the Library do. Talk about what a difference the library makes not only in the community, but also in individual lives. Talk about the library to everyone and everywhere.
There are endless opportunities I won't take time to mention here. The first to come to mind are opportunities to promote reading, career opportunities, volunteer and community service opportunities, but there are many, many more. During the hustle and bustle of this busy time of the year, take time to think of all these opportunities at your finger tips and how you can take better advantage of them. Remind you staff, particularly after the most hectic days, that they make a difference each and every day. It never hurts to let the staff know that you appreciate their hard work with moral boosters. We had a staff ice cream social to kick off the Summer Reading Program and we'll have another moral booster to celebrate the end of the Summer Reading program.
This is an opportunity to for programming to show what the library has. It brings non-library users in the the library for free programming. Parents often have forgotten the value of free things to do with the kids. Take this opportunity to remind them. Once in the door, we have an opportunity to show them other services and materials of interest.
This is an opportunity to win new library users through exceptional customer service. While most libraries are very busy during this time of year, we can take advantage of higher attendance to allow the public to see just what they get with their tax dollars. It is also an opportunity to work with our staffs to provide them with scripts and scenarios to use. It is vital that we, as managers, make sure our staff understands the level of customer service that we require of them.
This is an opportunity to outreach to the community, people, schools and businesses. It's an opportunity to partnership with other government agencies. It's an opportunity to create partnerships that can be useful for both parties, not just during the summer, but throughout the year.
This is an opportunity to market the library. We are able to make library services known in the community, schools and business. Everyone is for reading and giving kids a help up to better education. Just about everyone would like to be associated with these efforts. Talk about what the Friends of the Library do. Talk about what a difference the library makes not only in the community, but also in individual lives. Talk about the library to everyone and everywhere.
There are endless opportunities I won't take time to mention here. The first to come to mind are opportunities to promote reading, career opportunities, volunteer and community service opportunities, but there are many, many more. During the hustle and bustle of this busy time of the year, take time to think of all these opportunities at your finger tips and how you can take better advantage of them. Remind you staff, particularly after the most hectic days, that they make a difference each and every day. It never hurts to let the staff know that you appreciate their hard work with moral boosters. We had a staff ice cream social to kick off the Summer Reading Program and we'll have another moral booster to celebrate the end of the Summer Reading program.
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