Libraries have entered the Twenty-first century and technology is at the apex. It has entered all our lives with a new impetus. Later this year all the study carrels will be wired for electricity making access WiFi easier. Last fall we implemented a Teen Twitter account to reach teens with Twitter messages about library events and new materials of interest to Teens. The Book Club has a wiki for its members to keep with the reading list and even chat. Last year we upgraded to a new digital phone system. We are expecting a new website, enabling us to be able to reach more people, quickly and timely.
We are helping people to stay connected in other ways, too. We offered programs on selling on eBay and a program on job searching online is coming in March. We had a highly successful Spanish Storytime in January. The FOL have generously contributed to the OCPL eAudiobook collections, supported Reader’s Rally and Literary Orange.
What does all this mean to you, the library user? It means that there are more options for you. The first word that pops into your mind on hearing the word library – is books. But libraries are much more than books. We see libraries becoming more of a community center than ever before. We are growing to include many new formats in addition to the printed word. All this is possible through you, the Friends of the El Toro Library, and your diligent efforts. You have made a tremendous difference, not only in our library but in the community. Thank you just doesn’t seem enough when you provide endless possibilities for so many.
With great sadness we bid farewell to Bob Geiss as he steps down as treasurer. Mary FitzGerald has been an institution with the Friends. She has been president since I came to the library in 1994. Fortunately, she will still be volunteering in the bookstore and we can look forward to seeing her each week. We also bid farewell to Irene Bauer as membership chairperson and thank her for her willingness to serve. 2009 has started as year of change and transition. But out of this change will come new growth. The library staff and I wish the very best to Mary, Bob and Irene in all they do.
Grace M. Barnes
Senior Branch Librarian
El Toro Library
This is an article I wrote for the Bookish Bull the newsletter for the Friends of the El Toro Library.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
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