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.
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
# posted by Valerie @ Thursday, April 09, 2015 
