Tuesday, October 04, 2011

 

September @ the Library!





It always amazes me what a great library system we have. There are so many people and organizations that make it possible to have the quality library service we offer. Many libraries that are comparable to us in service population, budget, and resources, circulate less than half of what Chambers County Library System does. That means we’re doing something right and we’re not too proud to brag about it! We’re already soaring past last year’s total circulation and look forward to another record breaking year.

September is the time of year our children’s librarians get back into Toddler Time mode with stories, songs, games and crafts for our little patrons. They offer programs each week at the libraries and also go out into the communities to the local schools, day cares or other places that extend an invitation. Over 200 people attended Toddler Time just in the month of September and of course cramming all those moms, dads, grandparents and kiddos into our tiny spaces leaves the noise level a little higher than normal. Patrons who are browsing the shelves often take a peek at the expressions on their little faces as they’re completely mesmerized by the stories. It’s a great thing to watch.

This month also brought Gatorfest to the community and the library had a presence promoting resources and services. Hundreds of people enjoyed the display made by Library Tech Melba Gmelch and several employees rotated hours at the booth passing out bookmarks, and other publications the library produces. The Friends of CCLS sold cookbooks and book bags boasting a $200 profit to be used for programming costs.

Banned Books Week was celebrated at all three libraries with very different and interesting displays. The displays always generate discussion by patrons with the staff wanting more information behind Banned Books Week. Patrons are always shocked at the books on display that have been challenged or banned and it always leads to great discussions about censorship and everyone’s freedom to read.

On September 19th County Librarian Valerie Jensen attended the Southeast Texas Small Libraries meeting in Port Arthur. This meeting is comprised of library people in Dayton, Orange, Jefferson, Hardin, Newton, Liberty and Chambers Counties. We meet twice a year to hash out local issues and ongoing management problems.

The West Chambers Branch in Mont Belvieu held a Salsa Dance Night in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. Library Tech Nikki Beltram hosted a Salsa dance lesson with a crowd of people learning the basic steps and rhythms of the dance. Samuel Aleman with Sabora Salsa donated his time to teach the class and also gave a brief history of Salsa dance and music.

One of our most popular services is downloadable audiobooks and we are proud to announce that the Kindle is now compatible with the library’s Houston Area Digital Media Catalog. Patrons can now download popular and classic eBooks to a Kindle device or any mobile device running the free Kindle app. The library’s collection of bestselling books are available using a library card and are 100% free. Due to the popularity of the eBooks the library is holding 2 additional download classes in October. Check out the times at your local branch.

And finally, if you haven’t noticed them lately, your local Commissioners and County Judge grace the walls of the library in “Celebrity READ posters”. The American Library Association created a campaign to promote reading by having celebrities pose with their favorite book to be featured in a poster. The library purchased software to customize these posters with our own local celebrities and patrons and they generate quite a bit of attention! Commissioners Abernathy and Senac are the most recent additions, so stop by your library and see if you can spot your County officials.




























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