Resources for everyone

A patron came in looking for books about a significant and unique life-change she is going through.  Not only did we have nonfiction books on her topic, we had fiction books (with further resources listed in the back)!  She seemed relieved, appreciative, and touched that we had resources for her.

Teen programs are a bright spot for teen

One of my regular teens is going through a rough time right now.  He let me know the other day that getting out of the house to attend Teen programming is helping him get through this rough spot.

Doesn't Know What She'd Do Without Library

A woman called this morning for information on the distance and directions to a Missouri town. Time and directions were needed to get to a treatment facility. The woman said she does not have internet access and calls us for needed information. She said "There are times when I wouldn't know what to do without the library."

The Library's free internet and wifi is vital to students

After the tornado on May 22, 2011 Joplin Schools received a huge donation enabling them to buy a laptop for every high school student.  These laptops are used instead of traditional textbooks--each class has a set of e-textbooks and other online resources for the students to use.  While they are in school, the students use the schools' wifi to access their assignments and textbooks, but once they are off school grounds, they are on their own to find a suitable internet connection.  Many students have internet access at home, but many do not.  The school has some strategies in place for these students, but it seems like it is much easier to do well in school if students have internet access outside of school.

Yesterday, I spoke with two high school boys who come to the Library almost every day after school about how they use our wifi.  Both boys said they don't have internet at home and don't drive yet, so their only source for free wifi is the Library.  Of course, they both use our wifi to play games and use facebook and other social networks, but they also use our wifi to do their homework and access their textbooks.  They told me that if it weren't for the Library's wifi, they would have a harder time completing their school work. 

Teen nonfiction awakens inner reader

A few weeks ago a recent high school graduate came to the Teen Department looking for true books about things that she is currently dealing with or has dealt with.  (Pretty weighty things like drug abuse, foster care, self harm, child abuse, etc.)  I recommended Hannah by Hannah Westberg and a few other titles.  Today, she came back.  When I asked her how she liked the books, she told me she loved the books so much that she read Hannah 3 times in a row.  She said, "I haven't been into books since the 6th grade, but my mom had to keep telling me to get my head out of these books.  Now, I need more!"

Storytime is a Highlight!

This morning one of our library patrons, who brings her twin 3 year-old grandsons to Storytime enthused, "You always do such a great Storytime! Coming here is the highlight of our week!"

  

Thanks to Chelsey Gatewood, JPL Children's Assistant, for sharing this story!