The-Librarian-Blog

Chambers County Library System – April, 2014

April started off with good tidings towards the library with the award of a grant from Entergy.  Assistant County Librarian, Annie Vass wrote a grant to purchase EMT training DVDs to add to the library’s existing collection of Fire Training, Vehicle Extrication, and Hazmat training DVDs.  These materials are available for area Emergency Responder groups for checkout from your local library.  We appreciate the support from Entergy, and Annie’s hard work in putting the grant together.   

Annie also had the opportunity to attend the annual State Library conference this year in San Antonio.  As a first time attendee, Annie spent the week attending programs related to public libraries, saw the latest and greatest books/technology/furniture/services in the exhibit hall, and enjoyed getting information she could bring back to the staff.   It’s always great to send staff to these conferences to inspire the rest of the gang with new ideas. 

April 1 may be April Fool’s Day, but in Chambers County Library System’s terms, it’s the day for the local version of the International Edible Book Festival!  In our 8^th year, this Friends’ sponsored program allows people to enter edible items that had some connection to books, and which were, in the end, edible.  This year we had entries from Harry Potter, Magic Eye, and several kids’ books.  We have such fun with these events, and the public enjoys it too.  In conjunction with the edibles, the staff at Anahuac held a 3 day book sale the rest of the week.  Book sales are always well attended and a local attraction at all the branches when we have them.  Proceeds go towards library programs and events for the community.  

The Friends of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge donated 3 copies of their highly anticipated book, A Year in the life of our refuge.  The books will be placed at each branch with a plaque acknowledging the donation.  We appreciate the continued support from the refuge.  

Ongoing after-school tutorials at Anahuac continue to thrive.  Kids were treated with some special tutors in April.  Ariele Brownfield and Caitlin Armstrong with ONEOK in Mont Belvieu were excited to show their support of the program by offering some math help to the kids.  The students had a great time learning from the ladies, and left with smiles on their faces eager to know when they would be back.  It’s wonderful to have such widespread support for this program. 

On the 23^rd, we welcomed a new addition at Winnie.   Jennifer Kellum started as a Library Technician to assist with front desk work and coverage as Winnie continues to grow both in circulation and program attendance.  She’s jumped in and become a quick learner and we welcome her to the staff.

In program news, along with the usual movie nights, computer classes, craft programs, genealogy classes, homeschool programs, toddler times, and teen programs we began April with Easter parties for the young set, and there were various activities in the three branches, from egg hunts to visits from the Easter Bunny.  

Winnie’s “tween” programs have also become quite the hit targeting that 7-11 age group!  And finally, resident cheese maker and County Librarian, Valerie Jensen took her show on the road to the Groves Public Library.  They had a great turnout with close to 30 people in attendance.  Sharing program ideas and resources with area libraries is always a great thing – we get some of our best ideas from each other. 

Lastly, we’re gearing up for our annual Summer Reading Program.  We have some great programs and activities lined up this summer for all age groups.  Be on the lookout at your local branch for some weird and wacky decorations!  It’s going to be a great summer!  Check our website soon for more details on the summer program.  It all starts June 9^th. 

Until next month!