Thursday, April 09, 2015

 

March report

Chambers County Library System – March, 2015

Each month the library system compiles a report with specific statistical information.  How many books did we check out?  How many reference questions were we asked?  How many Interlibrary Loan books did we receive?  How many kids attended a program?  And the list goes on.  At the end of the year, we take these monthly reports and gather all the info along with other required data and send to the Texas State Library for review.  As long as the county meets the local funding requirements for our assigned population, and our collection is the appropriate size per capita, we are certified as an “Accredited” library for another year. 

Thanks to the Friends of CCLS, the items they purchased on the staff’s “wish list” have started to come in.  The wish list includes small items that we don’t have county funds to purchase, so our Friends help out when they can.  So far this year they’ve purchased a rug for the children’s section at Anahuac, new book carts, barcode scanners, puppets for story time, and a few other items.  We’re definitely thankful for our Friends!

Jared the library turtle reads a book on the new rug in the children’s section at Anahuac.
  

 Assistant County Librarian Annie Vass and I did some outreach on the 26th at the county’s Health and Wellness Fair.  It was a great opportunity to show off the resources the library has that can be used for wellness points for county employees.  We featured health and wellness books, magazines, and DVDs.  We also passed out fruit donated by Food Town, which seemed to be a hit! 
          


 Vass at the county’s Health and Wellness fair


Earlier in the month we visited PBK, the architects in charge of the new Sam and Carmena Goss Memorial Branch Library at their office in downtown Houston.  We spent half the day choosing fabrics to go on all the furniture.  We’ve gone with a green/orange/blue color scheme that we think will flow well and look inviting.  Branch Librarian Missy Parham joined us and did a great job helping narrow down just the right colors – she also enjoyed seeing her future desk!  Construction has begun, and it’s extremely exciting to see progress being made. 



Entry to the construction site at the Sam and Carmena Goss Memorial Branch Library

Staff member Jennifer Kellum held a unique program in March in honor of Women’s History month.  She’s in charge of adult programming at the main branch and has done a great job coming up with different ideas.  This program allowed women to invite another woman in their life who has been an inspiration to them.  The program featured a talk about women’s history, attendees spoke about an inspirational woman in their lives, and a small brunch was served.  Jennifer also pointed out the women who were in attendance who help with book sales, after school tutorials, or volunteer efforts at the library. 


Women's History month program at Anahuac

During Spring break the library system held several programs for the kids and teens to stay busy during their week off.  A movie marathon, Spring Fling, Family craft day, and other fun activities provided hours of entertainment for all ages. 

Spring Break also coincided with Teen Tech Week.  Teen Tech Week is a week when libraries make the time to showcase all of the great digital resources and services that are available to help teens succeed in school and prepare for college and 21st century careers.  Winnie featured a “Digital Footprints” program, while Anahuac teens enjoyed a DIY digital craft program.

County Librarian Valerie Jensen was invited by the ESA Sorority’s Literature and Drama department to speak at their monthly meeting.  About 20 women, (some of them regular library patrons) gathered to hear about the library’s latest services and programs.  The women were very enthusiastic about book club, and learning more about the downloadable books offered for free to the public.  It’s great to share what the library does to the various community groups in the county. 

March ended with a book sale at the Chambers County Library in Anahuac.  Their 4 day sale allowed customers a little extra time to rummage through all the donations that we’re unable to keep.  Book sales continue to be one of the Friends’ most lucrative fundraisers for the past 20 years. 

Until next month!  Valerie Jensen, County Librarian




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