NS Kids Remodel Phase 2

If you haven't seen the bright walls in the KPL Kids area, stop by- it's a real treat for the eyes! The next phase begins on Monday or Tuesday when the KPL Kids logo is hung on the blue area above the windows and at the edge of the purple banner near the front pillar. The new power walls arrive on Monday, as well, and we'll be planning on installing them soon. The power walls are mobile shelving units that will separate the children's area from the main walkway into the building. There will be a 10 foot gap between the walls to allow entry and exit from the kids' area. The front side of the power wall will display all our new adult books, freeing up that cramped aisle along the fiction stacks. The back side of the power wall will face the children's area, and allow lots of display of new books and themes.
Our amazing staff at NS is working to consolidate collections after the children's staff Big Weed efforts, and we hope to take down the leftover shelving units in the middle of the room, as well as reduce the number of picture book bins on the floor. And speaking of the floor, we'll be looking at the possibility of replacing the carpet in the back area of the kids' space- it all depends on whether we can squeeze the money from our funds.
The orange wall where the FOL book sale used to be will soon be filled with four new computer stations for kids. Finally the children at NS will have their own computers for school projects and other activities! That's been high on the wishlist from vocal parents. I've submitted a grant application to WE Energies for an additional iPad cart with 16 iPads for collaborative projects like Computer Coding Camps for Kids in that area. We'll see whether that gets funded.
It will take a while for new furniture to arrive. Our order is behind orders from schools, which will likely bump us back to September. Piece by piece, it will come together!
Thanks to everyone who is contributing to this project's success!
Barb

WE Energies Foundation Grant Submitted

Hot off the press- I just submitted a grant application to WE Energies Foundation for a mobile cart of 16 iPads plus a management desktop for use in the newly remodeled Northside KPL Kids area, and to take on the road to senior centers, day care facilities, and other outreach venues. This will be a great resource for collaborative activities at the new tables as well as in support of our expanded Outreach activities.
Cross your fingers!

Today we have blue walls!

Staff Kingfish Game

We had so much fun last year that we're doing it again! And the deal is the same- $10 gets you a seat and a dinner buffet at the Kingfish stadium. This year's event is an evening game on Friday, July 10. The food tent begins at 6pm and the game starts at 7.

Bring your family and friends and cheer for the library. All tix are $10. Send your money and your reservation ASAP to Jen Fait at the SW Neighborhood Library.

See you at the game!

Outreach Needs Assessment Report

Thanks to all the staff members who attended the board meeting last night- it was wonderful to have your participation. The Outreach Needs Assessment presentation was quite long, but very powerful. I hope you learned a lot from it, and most of all, I hope you aren't wasting your time blaming anyone or anything for any criticism we received. I'm not. I'm looking forward.
This is a new dawn for the library in many ways. Our foundation couldn't be stronger. That foundation is based on the community's trust that you have built over the years. No matter what happened in the past to ruffle feathers, the most important fact is that every organization interviewed wants very much to work with us. YOU are the reason for that. You have worked hard and your intentions have been good. You are very much loved by your community.
Thanks to every one of you who have worked so hard to provide wonderful outreach services! You are truly appreciated! I hope you feel a renewed passion to continue in this important work and will lend your talents and ideas to an exciting new plan of service that's sure to delight the community!
Barb

How Libraries Can Survive

I had the pleasure of listening to Steve Denning at the Computers in Libraries conference last month. This recent article nicely recaps Steve's presentation. The most compelling bit of advice he gave us was this: if the organizational structure is bureaucratic, we can't be innovative. If you think about it, that's really true. Decisions take too long. We need to be nimble.
Our organizational chart continues to evolve to support the strategic plan goals, which is essential- we have to reallocate resources toward the goals. Now let's think about how we can realign toward a more horizontal chart, with shared responsibilities and more empowerment at every level.

Bookmobile? Words on Wheels? Mobile Library?

Calling all marketing geniuses

We are getting ready to re-wrap the bookmobile and need a new snappy new name to let the public know we are so much more than books.

Portland Public Library calls theirs the "Portable Library."

A library is Texas calls theirs "Words on Wheels" or the WOW bus.

Aaron will design the new graphics for the bus, but I'm turning to all of you to give it the great name it deserves. So start thinking of some catchy names and send them our way. Email Aaron with your best ideas from now until May 15th. The entry we select wins a $50 gift certificate to the business of your choice. Plus you get to see your genius displayed all over town for many years to come.

Have fun!

Barb

President Launches Two EBook Initiatives

I am left wondering how low income students will read these books- do they own devices?
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