Libraries save lives

The main Joplin Public Library Facebook page shared Marilyn Johnson's open letter to Governor Nixon. I decided to also share this letter on my Joplin TeenLibrarian Facebook page where my friends are primarily teens, former teens, and their parents. At the bottom is a comment from a former teen about how important the library is to him.

The letter:

Open letter to the Missouri governor
Dear Governor Nixon:
It grieves me so much to hear that next year’s state budget for library services in Missouri is being cut. It is a disservice to the people of your state, and I am writing in hopes that you will find the funds to make up that difference and reconsider this cut, which would harm numerous Missouri communities. I write to you as a native of St. Louis, with family and friends across the state. I write also as the author of a book about librarians in the digital age, who have witnessed firsthand the impact of such decisions on many counties across the country— and the opposite, the tremendous advantages, economic and educational, that can come after even small investments in libraries. I have twice spoken to groups of Missouri librarians and I know many of them personally — civil servants, professionals and para-professionals who, every day, make wonderful contributions to the foundation of our civic life.
A public library is one place in a community where everyone is welcome. If you are a child or a teenager, you will have a safe and free place to pursue positive activities, to meet your friends, do homework and research for school, hear stories or take classes there. If you are an adult, you will be welcome and get help in accessing government services, applying for jobs, staying in touch with the world, and running your business. If you are a senior citizen, you can read the newspaper, get guidance on services and find discussion groups. If you don’t speak English, you are welcome and will be helped. Not everyone can afford computers and internet connections; sometimes the library is the only place where people can get online. No matter what you want or need to know, the librarians can help you find trustworthy, unbiased information, and no matter who you are, your privacy in this quest will be respected (this is so important when people have medical or legal or tax questions). Libraries anchor a neighborhood and enhance the property values of their neighbors. They are a positive place for families and a positive force in the community.
I see libraries constantly reacting to government mandates and the changing world with flexible, people-centered help. When the IRS made the transition to the digital age and no longer sent out printed tax forms, people without computers or internet access (or those who were simply confused) headed to the library to print their forms or file online. When the Affordable Care act had its confusing rollout, libraries organized information sessions and helped people figure out how it affected them. In ways large and small, idealistic and practical, our libraries support the work of our democracy. And because they provide services to everyone, not just one sector of society but all sectors, they should be supported by your state budget. This is one investment, and a modest one, that would yield dividends for all.
Respectfully yours,
Marilyn Johnson

The comment:

Very well written. Very true. Libraries should be protected. They should always get funded. Were it not for the Joplin Public Library, and it's activities and many books, I might not have been here today. There was a lot of bad stuff going on in my life back then, and the library gave me a safe haven. A place I could relax and have fun and also learn. I love the JPL and all libraries. They do good for all and should not get budget cuts when there are a bunch of other things that could be cut!

Beautiful Thing

A woman came up to the Children's Desk this afternoon and asked Debbie and I how many books she was allowed to check out on a card.  I responded that she could take out 50 items at once, but that if she was getting nonfiction that there was a limit of 3 per subject.  She looked a little wide-eyed and said that she didn't think she needed quite that many.  She then smiled brightly and added, "but isn't that a beautiful thing?"

Libraries = Beautiful Things.  I do believe so.

Random Act of Kindness

JPL was the site of a random act of kindness over the weekend.

Earlier today (Sunday) as I explained our payment plan option to a woman and her daughter, another patron pulled me aside and asked that I allow her to annonymously pay the account in full. I did so; she left. I updated the information on the overdue account, then explained to the woman that her account was paid in full by someone who overheard us discussing the matter. Naturally, she was happy (so much so that she cried).

 

Just thought I'd share a happy story.

Library programming as Staycation activities

A mother came into the Teen Department looking for some high interest books for her 14-year-old daughter. During our conversation, I mentioned some of the programming we have for teens at the library--Lunch Bunch Book Club, Manga and Anime Club & Summer Reading activities to be specific. 

The mother got a little emotional and said she is so thankful for all of the programs we offer for children and teens during the summer.  She said, "I was just talking to my 9-year-old son about what we're going to do this summer. We can't afford to go on vacation like we have in the past, and I was at a loss as to what to do. I'm so relieved that now we have so many fun activities to choose from. We won't even miss the vacation, I bet."

"Surprise Me!" Storytime Theme

We launched a new theme for Storytime recently. "Surprise Me!" turned out to be a big success!  Instead of picking one theme, for example Gardening, we selected 10-12 fun/popular stories, song and fingerplays and then had the children who came to storytime draw out of a bag to see what story, song or finger play we would read, sing or say next.  During the Fun for 4s and 5s session we received several nice comments.  One patron said her grandson loved being part of Storytime.  Another commented on how well the children participated.  And, one lady asked if we planned on doing the theme again, because her daughter really enjoyed it. All in attendance joined in and had fun!

Author visits have big impact on teen

After the tornado that hit Joplin in May 2011, one of my teens who lost her home came in to report that all of her autographed books were saved.  She stuffed them into her purse as she was heading for their shelter.

Almost all of these books, her prized possessions, were autographed because the Library brought the authors into town.

Inter-Library Loan possibility makes young boy happy

On Friday, a young boy (he's about 7, I'd say) asked me if we carry any of the Sonic the Hedgehog comic books.  I checked the catalog and told him that we do not.  He lamented that he really wants to read them, but his family can't afford to buy them for him.  I told him about Inter-Library Loans and that we could probably get these books for him for free from another library.  His eyes literally sparkled with excitement and possibility.  A few minutes after he left the Teen Department, his mother came over to ask about the ILL process, so I explained it to her and got her started with our Firstsearch database and ILL forms.