Hello!

 

Whenever I run into someone I haven’t seen since the pandemic began, their question is always a concerned, “How are things at the library?” I always hesitate. Do they want my short version or the whole truth? In either case, I’m transparent about our opportunities and challenges.

 

I’ve mentioned in past newsletters how we have had great success with virtual programming. As I write this, tonight is a case in point; it’s our first scheduling conflict with our Tech Trainer offering a class on Smartphone Photography at the same time that I’m hosting a virtual panel discussion on Elder Fraud and Scams. Thank goodness we now have several Zoom accounts! Registration for each of these events is more than we normally had for in-person adult programs; the format just lends itself to attracting speakers and attendees who don’t have to leave their house!

 

I was just looking over statistics from the first quarter of this year compared to pre-pandemic days, and our checkouts for electronic books, audio, and movies is up 18% overall. That reminds me: Last month I told you the story of Bob Gessner sharing e-books with his grandchildren, and I have another to share. Dr. Niall Slater of Emery University comes home to Massillon frequently and has a Massillon Public Library card. Niall tells me that he uses his MPL card to borrow audiobooks while in Georgia! He says that our selection is so much better. (Turns out that these two gentlemen graduated in the same WHS class; must have been a great group of Tigers!)

 

That top-notch selection of materials is one reason that Ohio’s public libraries have the highest use per capita of any state in the country. Did you know that Ohio is the envy of those in other states, many of whom have to BUY an annual library subscription? As my friend Mary Ellen Icaza, Director of the Stark Library, said in a recent newspaper editorial, Ohio libraries’ high usage “is due to the importance that our elected officials put on investing in public libraries through the Public Library Fund. Right now, conversations are taking place at the Statehouse to decrease state funding for public libraries. Now is not the time to cut public library funds, when the community needs our library services more than ever.” I couldn’t say it better, so I’m just repeating it. (She won’t mind!) As I write today, we do have some hope that the Ohio Senate will restore the PLF cuts proposed by the House. So we remain concerned, but cautiously hopeful.

 

However, our biggest challenge, believe it or not, is NOT funding! It’s convincing people that we are OPEN, and have been since last July! I know you newsletter readers are “in the know,” but do make sure your family, friends, and neighbors likewise have this scoop! How else will they stumble onto the two new books I just started reading? I’m thoroughly engrossed by page 25 of Imbolo Mbue’s How Beautiful We Were. This unforgettable story about the collision of a small African village and an American oil company promises to be as vibrant and rich as Mbue’s first book, the NYT bestseller Behold the Dreamers, which I loved. You know I gravitate towards reading about women in other ages and cultures. It has been proven that fiction readers expand their capacity for empathy, because we can live vicariously through these characters. And, although seemingly “foreign,” they show us how much we are all the same. Because I also want something a little fluffier, I’m enjoying the “dazzling debut” novel The Sweet Taste of Muscadines by Pamela Terry. People are often asking for a book “like Where the Crawdads Sing,” and this Southern family saga promises to appeal to the same readers. There is dysfunction, unique geography, love, family connection, and forgiveness. By page one, I was hooked. For more ramblings on books that I will randomly pull from the New Book Shelf, join me Wednesday, June 16 on Zoom for another Lunch Time Book Chat! The first one was a trial, but I’ve been encouraged to keep going with it. Hope to see you there!

 

Sherie Brown, Director

FamilySearch Walkthrough
Wednesday, June 2
1:00pm – 2:00pm

Join us as our Local History and Genealogy Specialist Christine Bowman takes us on an online tour of FamilySearch.org. Explore their World Tree and learn the benefits of MPL’s new status as a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. This program will be presented via Zoom in partnership with the Massillon Local History and Genealogy Society (MLH&GS).

Lunch Time Book Chat with Sherie Brown
Wednesday, June 16
12:00pm – 1:00pm

Join Library Director Sherie Brown online via Zoom for a fun and informal look at what she's found on the "New Books" shelf at the Main location of Massillon Public Library!

Preserving Your Story: Photo and Document Preservation Tips
Wednesday, June 16
1:00pm - 2:00pm

This live Zoom chat hosted by our Local History and Genealogy Specialist will look at photo and document preservation for older and newer formats, including today’s digital formats. Participants will also learn how to protect, store, and organize those photos and documents for future generations.

Drawing Basics for Teens
A weekly Teen Drawing series presented online via Zoom.
Fridays: June 18 - July 30
3:30pm – 4:30pm

Teens going into Grades 7 through 12 are invited to spend an hour a week this summer learning some basic drawing techniques with JoAnna Cowgill! This series of online sessions will take place via Zoom. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Sign up for individual classes, or register for all of them!

Stay Safe from Scams
Wednesday, June 23
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Scams are everywhere these days, and technology provides scammers with a number of tools to prey on their victims. Learn how to recognize and avoid phishing attempts in emails, on the web, and on your smartphone. This class will be presented via YouTube Live.

Celebrate Our Flag!
Saturday, June 26
11:30am – 12:30pm

Join us LIVE on the library's front lawn to learn about flag etiquette, flag history, and some fun trivia! We’ll also have a flag raising ceremony by members of the American Legion with new flags donated by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Register online. Then, ON THE DAY OF THE PROGRAM, stop by the Children’s Department before the ceremony to pick up a special packet! This program is designed for children going into Grades K through 6; however, everyone is welcome to attend.