The-Librarian-Blog

Chambers County Library System – February, 2015

February was full of fun at the Chambers County Library System!  With 963 people attending 45 programs, it’s easy to see that your library is the hub of the community!  From Valentine’s Day parties for the little ones, to computer classes in Spanish, there’s something for everyone at your library. 

Staff member Kim Hart led an ‘e-Couponing’ class for adults at Mont Belvieu.  She used her expertise of mobile couponing to create a program that was quite a hit!  The program included tips and tricks to save money using your smartphone, or other mobile device.

The Juanita Hargraves Memorial Branch in Winnie held their annual book sale along with a Community Book Swap.  Local residents and Barbers Hill ISD teachers, Kellie Rogers and Lisa Ledoux spent several hours offering a great selection of books to patrons who wanted to trade one of their own.  This is the 2^nd year Kellie and Lisa have organized the book swap in conjunction with the book sale, and we look forward to continuing this for years to come.

February was National Children’s Dental Health Month, and this brought the little ones a treat with a visit from the Tooth Fairy in Winnie and Mont Belvieu.  The kids enjoyed hearing songs to make brushing their teeth fun, and brought home a little goodie from the Tooth Fairy herself!  Anahuac kiddos enjoyed a visit from dentist, Dr. King with Bayside Clinic. 

The Chambers County Library in Anahuac hosted The Rose mobile mammography unit.  The Rose offers an alternative to hospitals and doctor’s offices by bringing mammogram testing to off-site locations.  County nurse practitioner Mary Beth Bess came a few days before to share some breast cancer prevention tips to the 16 women were able to get screened. 

February provided the library system with another opportunity to show the communities some of the things we do best. National Read Across America Day was celebrated at all three libraries celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss.  The Cat in the Hat made a visit to all the branches, and activities included songs, stories, snacks, and tons of Dr. Seuss fun!

Teens and tweens at Winnie enjoyed game nights with Young Adult Librarian, Kim Silcox.  Kim had quite a crowd as she allowed the teens to play videogames, enjoy snacks, and play traditional board games.  The teens always enjoy having the library to themselves so they can get a little noisy!

On the 28^th, the Friends of the Chambers County Library System held their annual meeting.  The Friends spent their time updating those in attendance on activities held throughout the year, discussion of the library’s “wish list” of items not funded in the county budget, and selection of the library system’s employee of the year.  The 2014 Employee of the Year was selected, and the honor went to Michelle Mims in Anahuac.  Michelle has been with the library over 8 years as Children’s Librarian and Technical Services assistant.  Michelle has done a great job increasing attendance with storytime, and developing creative and interactive activities for the kids.  She’s one of the most cross trained members of the library staff.  The Friends also gave an update on the fundraising campaign for the new Sam and Carmena Goss Memorial Branch Library.  County Librarian, Valerie Jensen gave a ‘State of the Library System’ speech, giving those in attendance a snapshot of the year, as well as new things to come.    

And finally, The Friends of the Chambers County Library System announced a gift of $100,000 from Enterprise Products. This donation will fund the Multipurpose Community Room at the new branch library building in Mont Belvieu, to be known as the Sam and Carmena Goss Memorial Branch Library.  Bob Moss, Mont Belvieu plant manager for Enterprise Products, said: “Enterprise is very interested in improving literacy, and we couldn’t think of a better way to do that than