Posts by Cari
Read On! Library Card Sign-Up Month
In the middle of the Library’s board meeting last month my daughter, who just turned four, came in to ask, “Mommy, can I get a library card?” It was a heart-melting moment for this librarian.
In our house, we’ve decided our kids will get cards when they’re old enough to write their names on the back. I remember getting my first library card (at the Vinita Public Library) and I’d like my kids to have similar memories. Of course, many families have made different choices for their children. For the Library, a person simply has to be born to be old enough to get their own library card.
September is Library Card Sign-up Month on the American Library Association’s calendar. This means we’re making a concerted effort to encourage everyone who doesn’t yet have a library card to get one this month. You can do some incredible things with a Pryor Public Library card. Even from home in your pajamas!
To get a library card, you’ll need to come into the library with a photo ID and a piece of mail with your current mailing address on it. There’s a short form to fill out, then you’re all set! If you live in Mayes County, your library card is free. If you live outside Mayes County there’s a one-time $5 non-resident fee.
With a library card from the Pryor Public Library, you’ll have access to all our online resources (including ebooks and downloadable audiobooks), easier access to our computers and internet, and you’ll be able to take home up to 20 items at a time from our physical collection. We’re kind of the best deal in town.
With or without a library card, don’t forget to join us on Thursday, September 13th at 7 PM as we bring back our monthly adult classes and events. Jacinda will walk everyone through how to make bird marionettes. And who doesn’t want to craft your own marionette?
Read On! Library Staff
I am probably going to tell you something you already know: The Library’s staff is outstanding. Pryor is lucky to have these women working at the Library.
I got a glimpse at how passionate the staff and Library Board are about the library when I interviewed for the Director position three years ago. This glimpse was enough to make me feel comfortable moving my family and accepting the position when it was offered. What I saw in the interviewing process has proven to be true time and time again. We have a lot of fun here, but we take the job of serving our community very seriously.
Our staff at the main checkout desk – Marie, Jerri, and Bonnie – are amazing at connecting people to the information they need or their next favorite book. Plus, they are patient and kind when helping people figure out our Computer Lab printer.
The ladies in our Youth Services Department – Amanda and Autumn – are so good at what they do. They understand and anticipate the needs of the young people in their area and have seen enough temper tantrums to not flinch even a little when your kids (or mine, if I’m honest) throw one.
I talked about Haley in last week’s article. She has been a wonderful addition to our staff and is also a dogged researcher, which is invaluable!
Behind the scenes is Jacinda who has saved the Library more money than I can keep track of simply because she loves finding a good deal. She is also in charge of our Inter-Library Loans (ILLs). If she can’t find a book for you to borrow from another library, it simply can’t be found.
You’ll be seeing a couple of new faces in the coming weeks. I know these employees will fit in nicely with the staff we already have. I can’t wait for you to meet them.
The Library will be Closed for Labor Day
Our building will be closed September 3rd, but our digital library is always open!
Read On! Legacy Lab
On the refrigerator in the Library’s kitchen is a sign that reads, “This workplace has proudly been shenanigan free for 0 days.”
I don’t remember what particular shenanigan inspired the sign, but it remains true. From thinking up creative programs to claiming adjacent property through the “cunning use of flags*,” we try to take a light-hearted approach to the very serious job of serving our community.
Our latest shenanigan/project is our Legacy Lab. Haley, our Local History Research Assistant is spending much of her time learning how to use the equipment we purchased with our annual State Aid grant. Each machine was chosen to help convert older media like slides and 8mm film into newer media.
Haley is having a great time experimenting with the equipment and writing up the “How To” documents we’ll use when the lab is fully functional. We’re still discussing the procedure for community members to use the Legacy Lab, but stay tuned! It’ll be available soon!
We’re hopeful our Legacy Lab will be a great way for families to preserve and share memories. Once it’s ready, like all of our services, use of the Legacy Lab equipment will be free of charge.
We’re also in the midst of our strategic planning process. The end result will guide our focus and services through the next few years. The biggest piece of any strategic plan is to get input from the people this plan will affect the most – our community. We’ve conducted a paper and online survey and are in the process of hosting focus group meeting.
Please stop by the library on August 27th or 30th from 6-7 PM to let us know how we can improve our services and what shenanigans you’d like to see us attempt. We’ll have cookies!