Library
Read On! Freedom To Read
Of all the myriad documents produced by the American Library Association (ALA), the Freedom to Read Statement is my favorite. Originally issued in May, 1953 it is an incredibly powerful and fist-pumping read. It starts with the assertion: “The freedom to read is essential to our democracy” and end with my favorite line: “Freedom itself is a dangerous way of life, but it is ours.”
This week, Banned Book Week, is the week we reserve to specifically celebrate our freedom to read. Banned Book Week was started in 1982 after an increase in the number of books being challenged and banned across the nation. When a book is “challenged,” it means a member of or group within a community finds one or more things objectionable about the book and would like it removed or restricted in some way. If a book is removed from a library or school collection it gets moved from “challenged” to “banned.”
Challenged and banned books can be found in all genres and for all ages. From the Christian bible to books aiming to educate young people about sex, our society has a lot of opinions about the reading material made available in libraries and schools. The problem isn’t that people or groups have opinions about what’s appropriate reading material. The problem that libraries and librarians actively fight is when the people or groups who have those opinions attempt to force their opinions on others.
The ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom tracks book challenges from year to year. I encourage you to look at their lists. It’s interesting to see what makes the list and why. I honestly think these challenges come from a good place and with good motivation, but the challengers forget that we have the ability and should have the freedom to discern the good from the bad for ourselves and our children.
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!