Libraries have always referred people with social service needs to matching agencies as part of reference work. More and more, we see people who are in great need and could use more than a referral to an agency. They need an advocate. There is a movement called Whole Person Librarianship that guides libraries to a transition beyond referral to include partnerships like social worker student internships, agency office hours at the library, or library staff social workers. KPL is working with 11 other mid-sized libraries in Wisconsin on a project to model community recovery and resilience and the psychosocial needs of the community is a major focus area. Next week we'll be sending you a survey to hear your experiences with patrons in need, and understand your opinion about the library's role in responding to those needs. We'll ask you how well we're doing in our response and how we can do better. We'll ask the same questions of our frequent library users, and then we'll formulate a plan to move forward. I hope you'll participate!
Our next big project will launch this fall when we completely redesign our online experience. No, we aren't changing catalogs, so don't worry about relearning WorkFlows, but the website will change completely, and I think you're going to be excited about the new look. We're partnering with BiblioCommons to generate all new content and refresh the user interface. Here are examples of other libraries up and running on BiblioCommons. I think you'll like what you see. The project will take 22 weeks which will give us plenty of time to get everything right. We'll form teams to build it just how we like it, so prepare to get creative! If you want to know more about the benefits of migrating to BiblioCommons, see this month's Board Packet or attend the board meeting on Tuesday August 11th at 5:30pm at NS.
Congratulations to Amy and Emily for their continued success with craft programs. The tie dye programs are especially popular. Look at the pretty products!
Aaron for stopping by with an offer of help when he noticed I couldn't find the copier jam. Such a lovely act of kindness! Thank you!
Sandy for completely redesigning the board packet. If you think that's an easy job, I have news for you. The details are crazy!
Dan for keeping at the contractors until they get the air conditioning system right in the new activities room at SW. Thanks for being so persistent!
Jennifer for creating such magical programs at NS and Brandi for crafting a Hispanic Heritage Month slate of programs that are sure to wow us all.
Linda for compassionately supporting every department all the time.
Brent for getting his computer network security certifications.
Sue Vaal for starting a new senior book club to help the elderly combat loneliness.
Do you have stories to share about team members who are doing fantastic things and performing random acts of kindness? Share them with me and I'll add their name to the Bright Spot Hall of Fame!
Happy weekend, Everyone!
Barb
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