Thursday, December 11, 2014

 

November at the library!

Chambers County Library System – November, 2014

Total Circulation for the month of November:  12,797

November came and went in a flash!  We were open 100 hours less than last month, but that certainly didn’t slow us down.  We had over 12,000 items circulate during November, and over 500 titles downloaded from our digital collection, Overdrive.  The Overdrive Digital Bookmobile made an appearance at the West Chambers Branch in Mont Belvieu on the 7th.  Overdrive is a digital distributor partnering with libraries all over the world to bring digital content to the public.  As part of their Gulf Coast tour, the bookmobile spent the day at the West Chambers Branch where patrons could bring their devices and ask questions, or simply learn about the services we offer.   

The new library planning at Mont Belvieu is still going strong.  County Librarian Valerie Jensen, and Assistant County Librarian Annie Vass attended a meeting in Houston at the design firm, PBK.  This meeting allowed us to see in detail the library design, carpet samples, and furniture options.  We anticipate breaking ground early 2015.

Juanita Hargraves Memorial Branch Librarian Cindy Alegria attended her final Small Library Management course on the 3rd in Brazoria County.  This program is intended for management staff to get intense training in the areas of administration, management, policy development, collection development, reference services, youth services, and technology training.  It’s a crash course in library school.  I’m very proud to say that all Chambers County Library System branch librarians, as well as our Technical Librarian have completed the program.

Assistant County Librarian Annie Vass attended a grant writing workshop in Beaumont.  This workshop was sponsored by Grant Writing USA.  As a young professional, Annie has a great eye for grant opportunities and has also had success with her first two grant applications.  The library seeks out as many grants as possible to supplement the county budget, and we look forward to using some of the skills Annie learned on our future grant endeavors.

Several staff members attended webinars on the 2015 Summer Reading Program.  The Texas State Library provides free training for staff to offer ideas for the upcoming “Every Hero has a Story” reading program.  Chambers County Library System prides itself on a wildly successful summer program.  As a group, the entire staff of the library system comes up with outstanding ideas and programs for the children, teens, and adults of Chambers County.  We’re looking forward to 2015….it’s going to be super!

Teens at Winnie enjoyed a movie field trip to see the latest Hunger Games movie.  Staff member Kim Silcox took a group on the 22nd, and the movie did not disappoint!  Anahuac teens also had a trip planned in the afternoon of the same day, but due to the bad weather, decided to err on the side of safety and reschedule.

The Library Advisory Board met on the 18th.  No policies were discussed, but newest member Rhonda LeBlanc was able to be introduced to the group.  The Advisory Board meets 4 times a year, and is composed of 7 members residing across the county. 

Finally, after-school tutorials started November 10th at the Chambers County Library in Anahuac.  A partnership between Anahuac ISD, United Way of Greater Baytown and Chambers County, and the Chambers County Sheriff’s Department allows the library to spend an hour each week giving one on one homework help to selected middle school students.  A grant of 10 iPads awarded to the library lets the students use purchased apps geared towards enhancing math and reading skills. 

Until next month! 
Mont Belvieu patrons enjoy the Digital Bookmobile

Tweens at Winnie having fun at the Diary of a Wimpy Kid program

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?