News
Read On! Summer Reading Program
It’s Summer Reading season and we have something for everyone! Our Summer Reading Program offers two distinct experiences for participants – reading and events.
The reading portion of Summer Reading consists of game boards or time-trackers for participants of all ages (even babies and adults) to encourage reading all summer long. We are passionate about this portion because for school-age children, reading all summer prevents the “summer slide.” Summer slide is the phenomenon where kids forget much of what they learned the previous year, forcing teachers to begin each school year with a massive review.
Studies show that kids and teens who read all summer forget less than their peers who don’t. Spending 20 minutes a day or more of reading (or listening) is enough to prevent kids and teens from forgetting as much. This ensures our kids will be more successful in school and establish good habits as they get older.
We aren’t above bribing people to read, so expect prizes and drawing entry opportunities!
The events portion of Summer Reading is chock-full of fun classes, activities, and events for all ages. Adults have classes and events every Monday at 6:30 PM starting June 10th. Children ages 5 – 11 have events every Tuesday at 10:00 AM and repeated again at 2:00 PM beginning June 4th. Babies and toddlers ages 0 – 4 have Storytime classes every Wednesday at 10:30 AM beginning June 5th. And Teens ages 12-18 have events every Thursday at 6:30 PM beginning June 6th.
Our slogan this year is “A Universe of Stories,” so our events and classes are (loosely) space-themed. Check out our website at pryorlibrary.org/summer-reading-program for the full schedule and instructions on how to participate.
Registration for the reading portion of Summer Reading starts Tuesday, May 28th.
Closed for Memorial Day
Our physical building will be closed on May 27th, 2019 for Memorial 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! No More Jargon (sort of)
We librarians are very passionate about what we do, but it may come as no great surprise that talking about circulation statistics, reference questions answered, and database uses makes most of our friends and family members’ eyes glaze over. Librarians love to have specific and articulate names for things and we hold fast to our jargon, which is part of the problem with most of these conversations. For instance, it wasn’t until 2008 that the Library of Congress (one of the creators of jargon) agreed to change the subject heading “cookery” to plain ol’ “cooking.”
As part of our Strategic Planning process, the full-time staff read the book “Transforming Our Image, Building Our Brand” by Valerie J. Gross which encourages libraries to ditch as much jargon as possible. The jargon we can’t get rid of, like Inter-Library Loan or ILL, should be accompanied by an explanation whenever possible (ILLs are materials we get for you from other libraries).
In the spirit of Gross’s recommendations and clear communication we’re making some changes. “Circulation” will become “checkout,” “reference” will become “research,” “programs” will become “classes,” “events,” “workshops,” or “activities.” The hardest change for me and one that I’ve been working on for about three years is the change from “databases” to “online resources.” I’m not sure why my brain has so much trouble with “online resources,” but this continues to be a battle for me.
We will likely slip up on occasion. We may even make up new jargon on accident. Our goal is to be clear, so we never mind being asked for clarification on the terms we use. We’re excited to begin working our new Strategic Plan over the next three years. I’m hopeful this change in our language will be one of many positive changes you notice from your library!
Read On! It’s National Library Week
Welcome to National Library Week, 2019! This is the week where we formally celebrate our nation’s libraries and all the ways they benefit our communities and community members. Fittingly, this year’s theme is “Libraries = Strong Communities” which “illustrates how today’s libraries are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing critical resources, programs and expertise.”
The week features a few special days that we’d love to celebrate with you.
Tuesday, “National Library Workers’ Day,” honors the contributions all library workers bring to their libraries and communities.
Wednesday is “Library Giving Day,” a new addition to the week’s celebrations. On Wednesday library users are encouraged to donate to their local library in some way. Remember, donating materials/books is a wonderful way to show your love for your library. If we don’t use them in the collection, we will sell them or find them another good home. (If you need to make a tax-deductible donation, you can donate through our Friends of the Library group which is a 501 c(3).)
Thursday, “Take Action for Libraries Day,” is another new way to celebrate. On Thursday everyone is encouraged to tell their library story. Why are libraries important to you? How has your library helped you? Spread the word! Social media is a good place to share (use #MyLibraryMyStory), but if you want to take it a step further, share with your city and state officials!
By far, the best way to celebrate National Library Week, whether you take time to acknowledge each day or not, is simply to visit your local library. We’ve got five amazing public libraries in Mayes County. This is a good week to check them out if you’re not using them already. Between the five of us, you’re almost guaranteed to find something worthwhile!