The-Librarian-Blog

Chambers County Library System – November, 2016

The Texas State Library provides to Chambers County a large group of electronic databases for use by the public.  The cost for these databases, (for which we pay $815.76 per year), would cost $113,677.01 if we were to purchase them individually.  The combined bargaining power that the State Library uses to negotiate this service for public libraries, colleges, and medical libraries of Texas is of great value to us; in the State’s fiscal year, which ended on August 31, the databases were accessed by Chambers County residents a total of 5,399 times.  Instructions on how to use these databases are available at the libraries; the databases can be used at home or in places of business with the proper login and password, which are given to any library cardholder in good standing.  

   

   

Several staff members completed continuing education webinars during the month of November.  The library strives to keep on top of the latest library trends and topics by attending online and face to face meetings.  Children’s Librarian Michelle Mims traveled to Richmond, Texas to attend a workshop on incorporating STEAM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math) in Preschool Storytime.  Popular workshop presenter Kim Lehman inspired the group with ideas and hands on activities to take back to their libraries and schools.  Other staff members who weren’t able to attend will have a chance to view the archived webinar on the topic.  Storytime and Babygarten programs continue to take place weekly.  The little ones and their parents/caregivers enjoy weekly themed stories, songs, crafts and activities.

Teens from Anahuac and Mont Belvieu traveled to the local theater to see the latest book to movie release based on the popular Harry Potter spinoff series by J.K. Rowling.  The groups enjoyed hanging out with each other and talking about the movie afterwards. 

 

The tween crowd at Winnie enjoyed a Diary of a Wimpy Kid party on the 3^rd.  Kids enjoyed games based on the book series, and had some green screen fun taking pictures. 

Homeschool programs were held at all Chambers County Library System branches during the month of November.  The Anahuac branch held a homeschool craft club, while Winnie and Mont Belvieu did their monthly “Homeschool Explorers” program. 

The adults also had several programs to take part in during November.  Anahuac held their monthly craft program along with a special six part t-shirt quilting course.  Winnie held another adult coloring program on the 8^th, and Mont Belvieu held an e-couponing class, and also participated in a “NaNoWriMo” (National Novel Writing Month) which was live streamed from California.  NaNoWriMo is held annually to allow participants time to write towards the goal of a 50,000-word novel within the month of November. 

The Library Advisory Board met on the 8^th to discuss any proposed policy changes.  Members meet quarterly at the Chambers County Library in Anahuac.  Long time board member Marlin Moore stepped down after 9 years of service and was presented with a plaque recognizing him for his leadership, and diligent efforts on behalf of Chambers County residents.  To fill his expired term, Heather Puppa of Mont Belvieu will begin serving with the board in February. 

                    

Library Board Members: Sarah Kathan, Sammy Little, Marlin Moore, and Susie Davis.   Notpictured are: Rhonda LeBlanc and Carolyn Caldwell

As the fiscal year winds down, the library begins to receive calls from vendors to schedule meetings to share their latest books and products.   We’ve already started the process of purchasing books for 2017.  These books won’t be delivered until after January 1, and will then go through the cataloging and processing steps before they reach the branches. 

The library recently purchased Library Aware, a marketing software for libraries.  This allows us to connect with readers and keep them engaged using templates and tools to create flyers, bookmarks, and more for promoting books and resources throughout the library.  We’re looking forward to implementing this in early 2017.

Until next month!