Library Closed Monday, October 14th

Our physical building will be closed on September 2nd, 2019 for Labor Day, but we’re open 24/7 online! Check your account, place holds, download ebooks and audiobooks, learn a language, research your family history – all from where ever you are, day or night.

Read On! Communication

One of the best compliments I have ever received as a librarian happened just a few weeks ago. The father of one of my daughter’s friends said, “When we were kids, if libraries had been like the Pryor Library, I probably would have hung out there more.” 

We work really hard here to make sure our library is welcoming to everyone and that we are serving everyone well. We know we’re not perfect, though. Sometimes we mess up, sometimes we have bad days, sometimes we completely forget to order book 4 of a popular series. 

The thing that I like most about the patrons we serve is that they’re not afraid to tell us when they want something new or different from our services. They’re not afraid to tell us what’s working and what isn’t. That input is invaluable to us! We cannot serve our community if the community doesn’t talk to us!

So, if we don’t have something you’re looking for or you need it in a different format, please let us know. We will try our hardest to make sure you get what you need. Sometimes, things that are out of our control prevent us from being able to (like if a book is out of print or not available from our vendor), but we will try to get it for you another way. 

 

Things in the Library World to watch for: 

Architect Jim Graber will present the drawings for the proposed Library additions at the City Council meeting on October 1, 2019 at 6 PM in City Hall. You can watch it online if you can’t make the meeting. We should also have copies at the Library for anyone who is interested. 

The OK Virtual Library (Overdrive and Libby) will start a “Lucky Day” collection so our patrons can, if it’s their lucky day, skip the holds list and read the most popular ebooks. 

The OK Virtual Library has also started subscribing to a limited number of digital magazines that you can check out.

Read On! Banned Book Week

The American Library Association and libraries across the nation observe “Banned Book Week” during the last week in September. This is a week where we celebrate our freedom to read and our ability to freely access information – two things libraries fight diligently for. 

Libraries actively fight challenges and bans on the books we offer our communities because we strongly believe that each reader (or their parent) is responsible for determining what is best for them to read. No one else should be making that decision for our readers.

To that end, our staff works very hard to keep our personal biases in check when selecting materials for the Library. We pay attention to the best sellers lists, what our patrons check out, what patrons request that we purchase, and potential gaps in our collection to make purchasing decisions with as much information as possible. We don’t have the budget or the space to buy all the books everyone in the community might want to read, but we do our best to have enough to satisfy most everyone. 

If someone needs an item that we don’t have and that we can’t purchase, we offer inter-library loan (ILL). Through our ILL service, we ask other libraries to lend us items to let our patrons borrow. There’s a small postage fee of $3 per item, but we have had excellent luck getting what our patrons ask for. Some items have even come from the Library of Congress itself! 

As you go about your normal business this week, keep in mind that your library is fighting for your freedom to read and access information every day. If you have time, take a few minutes to visit a library and celebrate with us. If you head over to the Locust Grove Public Library, check out their new bike rack and the entry requirements for their pumpkin decorating contest! 

Read On! Library Card Sign-Up Month

Happy Library Card Sign-Up Month!

September is when many libraries celebrate and encourage community members to get their library cards. We average about 65 new library cards every month, which is so exciting!

You don’t have to have a library card to use our services. You are welcome to come to the library, use our computers or wifi, read a book, research, ask us for help, or just hang out without a library card. But all of those things require you to be in the building. A library card allows you to take the library home with you.

With a library card, you can check out up to 20 items for 4 weeks (DVDs check out for 1 week), use our online resources, and access our digital library. There are some responsibilities that come with a library card, but they’re pretty simple. Mostly, we ask that you be responsible with our materials – treat them well so they come back in good condition and, most importantly, bring them back.

Getting a library card isn’t difficult. We need to see a photo ID and a piece of mail with your current address on it. There’s a short form to fill out, a couple of things to sign, then you’re all set. If you live in Mayes County, your card is free. If you live outside of Mayes County, we ask that you pay our non-resident fee of $5. To get a card for a child or teen, we need all of the above information from that person’s parent or legal guardian.

If you don’t already have a library card (from us or your local library), there’s no better time than Library Card Sign-Up Month!

In Mayes County Library news:

The Chouteau Public Library is extending their hours on Wednesdays! Now, their hours are 10-5 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and 10-7 on Wednesday.

Locust Grove Public Library has added a “Bounce and Rhyme Storytime” for babies ages 0-2 on Thursdays at 10:30 AM.