Read On! An Average Day at the Library

On an average day in May, 190 people wandered through the Library’s doors. 

While they were here on that average day, they used our computers or wifi 445 times (or two times each), checked out over 150 items (or ¾ of an item each), asked 88 questions of Library staff (or ½ a question each), and saved $2,209 (or $12 each) just by using our resources. All in one day!

It’s funny to break down the Library’s statistics in this way (how, exactly, does someone ask half a question anyway?). Looking at an average day’s activities is a good reminder that the Library is here for far more than what we stock on the shelves. Clearly, we are serving needs beyond helping people find their next great read. 

For some, the Library offers a cool, safe place to wait for a ride or a nice place to study for the test that will improve job prospects. For others, the Library offers a space to meet with friends (or make new ones) to attend classes and events. For many, the Library offers a way to save money – borrow books and ebooks instead of buying them or download audiobooks from Overdrive instead of paying for a subscription to a service like Audible. 

During the summer months, the Library offers lots of ways to keep kids and teens engaged in reading and library use while they’re on a break from school. This engagement keeps them from falling behind their grade level during the summer and starting the next school year at a disadvantage. 

Whatever your reason for coming through the Library’s doors, we’re happy you’re here. 

Don’t miss our Summer Reading events this week:

Mon: Jonita Mullins, Oklahoma Author & History Teller at 6:30 PM (for adults)

Tues: Galaxy Slime at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (for ages 5-11)

Wed: Storytime at 10:30 AM (for ages 0-4)

Thurs: Astronaut Training Camp at 6:30 PM (for ages 12-18)

 

Read On! Read In Any Format

Many years ago, back when I was a Teen Services Librarian, I told my teens signing up for Summer Reading that I didn’t care what they read during the summer. I only cared that they read something. My standard line was something like, “you can read traditional books, ebooks, audiobooks, comic books, magazines, newspapers, wordy websites, cereal boxes, or billboards. Just read.”

My views are the same now that I’m a Library Director and a parent. As you and your family work through our Summer Reading time records and/or activity sheets, feel free to read in any format you want. We truly don’t care.

This summer, my kids have to read for 30 minutes before they can watch TV or play on anything with a screen. When they grumbled about reading being boring, I told them something similar to the line I used with my teens. My son’s eyes immediately lit up. “Really, Mom? We can listen to audiobooks? Isn’t that cheating?” Nope. Not even close.

While they’re busy playing with Legos and listening to “The Magic Treehouse” books or studying the pictures in the “My Little Pony” or “Batman” comics, they’re sharpening their reading skills and getting all the benefits of reading a traditional chapter book. Plus, they’re learning that reading is fun!

In fact, allowing my kids to choose what they read and in what format has prompted my son to say four words that I was afraid he would never utter. This weekend, we were getting ready to watch a movie when he asked, “can I read instead?”

Don’t miss this week’s Summer Reading Events:

Monday at 6:30 PM: Intro to Computers for ages 18+

Tuesday at 10 AM and 2 PM: Mad Science’s Destination Moon for ages 5 – 11

Wednesday at 10:30 AM: Storytime for ages 0 – 4

Wednesday at Noon: Free lunch for kids and teens

Thursday at 6:30 PM: Silent Library Games for ages 12 – 18

Read On: Inter-Departmental Cooperation

There are a lot of classes I wish had been available when I was in Library School. Bookshelf Assembly, How to Maximize Your Small Space, Navigating Municipal Politics, Insect Identification, and Building Maintenance are my top five.

I’ve been fairly successful at learning these things on the fly, but I am beyond lucky to have the support of the other City Departments in Pryor. Now matter how crazy my questions or requests, I know that the other Department Heads and their staff are ready and willing to help the Library.

When the Library Board and I wanted a defibrillator and CPR training for the staff, the Fire Department offered to order what we need and get us certified. The Street Department loaned us a paint sprayer and the help using it when we painted the staff kitchen. The Parks Department mows our grass and keeps our trees trimmed. The Police Department, in addition to coming whenever we need them, is always ready to get into trouble with us. The Recreation Center is never shy about partnering with us for programs or to banter ideas. City Hall gets to hear my voice on the phone more than any other department and they’re always so kind about my endless questions. (We haven’t collaborated with the Golf Course yet, but we’ll think of something.)

The bottom line is that without the other departments in Pryor, our library wouldn’t be as successful as it is. We are so grateful!

Don’t miss our events this week!

Monday at 6:30 PM: Yoga with Annie for grown-ups. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel.

Tuesday at 10 AM and 2 PM: An original, life-sized game of “Interstellar Pioneers” for ages 5-11. Think “Oregon Trail” in space.

Wednesday at 10:30 AM: Toddler Storytime Class for ages 0-4.

Thursday at 6:30 PM: A more advanced version of “Interstellar Pioneers” for ages 12-18.

 

Read On! Medical Resources

Having recently spent some quality time in the hospital with a family member, I can tell you that medical diagnoses are often intimidating and overwhelming.

I like to know as much about what we’re dealing with as possible. As soon as the official diagnosis is made, I begin my research. This process can be fraught with misinformation and unnecessary fear, so the Library has developed a nice partnership with the medical professionals at the Utica Park Clinic to help with that.

From our home page find the “Use the Library” tab, then go to the “Health Resources @ Your Library” link. From there you can find several helpful and vetted sites. My favorite, by far, has been the medical dictionary powered by Merriam-Webster. It defines medical terms and medical abbreviations.

We also, through the State Library, have an online resource called “Consumer Health Complete.” It’s similar to Web MD, but not nearly as scary. It’s available on our “Research and Resources” page that’s found in the “Use the Library” tab.

None of the information found in these resources should replace the advice of your doctors, but we are hopeful they will help ease your mind and determine good questions to ask as you learn about a particular diagnosis.

This week in summer activities:
On Tuesday at 10 AM and 2 PM our 37th annual and final Turtle Race. Stay tuned for what we hope will be our new tradition next year!
On Wednesday at 10:30 AM Toddler Storytime class focusing on early literacy skills
On Thursday at 6:30 PM Teen Tie-Dye
As always our events, activities, and classes are free of charge. If you’d like to register for our Summer Reading Program, you can do so at any checkout desk.