Massillon Public Library
News & Notes - July 2019
Hello from the corner office!
I was watching something on TV lately that showed a "behind-the-scenes" look at a particular industry, and that stuck in my mind as I started to write this column. A common refrain among new volunteers as they get a full tour of the library is that no one had any idea about what goes on in all the nooks and crannies.
I have a bit of a breather this week because I've finished several big projects—a Disaster Plan and Emergency Procedure Plan—and turned them in for the Board to consider, and await the opening of bids for some asbestos abatement and cosmetic improvements to our Bookmobile department that will be our next project—which you might never see. It's the former Massillon Museum classroom facing out onto Lincoln Way and isn't very functional for current needs. Summer Reading Clubs for children, teens, and adults are off to a great start, and it's time for me to write some grant reports, set up some meetings, and rewrite the to-do list.
Which leads me to those “behind-the-scenes” projects that might surprise or interest you.
Our IT Manager is in the process of replacing our phone system. Some of you might even have been on the phone with library staff when the call dropped and we had to call you back on our cell phones. It's past time for an upgrade. Our circulation staff is putting together a notebook with photos of all the cake pans that will soon be available for borrowing—cake pans are already in the catalog, and our Facilities Manager has created a pegboard wall on which they will hang. We are working on the logistics of rotating Main's audiovisual collections to the branches and Bookmobile to offer a better selection at all locations, and we are working with three other Stark libraries on the procedures and funding to bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (free books mailed to the homes of children from birth to age 5) to children in our service area.
Our Outreach staff is working on a changeover from the "book talks" they now offer at the parochial schools to a book discussion format in the new school year, to better engage students with the material. Our Local History and Genealogy Librarian is partnering with the Spring Hill Historic Home to digitize (scan) some of their documents. Speaking of our digital collection, our Technical Services Manager just worked out all the kinks between two software vendors so that our catalog now includes results from our digitized images, like WHS yearbooks. Yes, right within the catalog! Our Cultural Diversity Committee is planning an important workshop for young drivers of any race on the legal issues and how to behave if stopped by law enforcement. We think it could be a life changer. Our Technology Trainer is gearing up for his first class to be taught at the Chamber of Commerce about how the business community can use the library's access to Lynda.com for workforce development.
So, what is the connection in all of these moving parts? Enhancing service, and transforming lives. Did you just think we only checked out books? Since you are a reader of this newsletter, YOU know better, but some folks in our community do not. Help them and us by spreading the word!
Here comes the book recommendation. I'm going to surprise you. I don't often read thrillers, but my book club picked this one and WOW, I devoured it in a day. If you like Gone Girl-type twists, allow me to recommend The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
Happy summer reading!
Sherie Brown, Director
Wednesday, July 3 - 1:00 p.m.
When all the obvious possibilities have been exhausted, the strategies of other researchers becomes a very useful consideration. During the July meeting of the Massillon Local History & Genealogy Society, attendees can present their "brick walls" in either their genealogy or local history research, allowing others to share what they have found to be solutions to their own roadblocks.
Saturday, July 20 - 11:00 a.m.
Celebrate this historic anniversary in the library’s auditorium with film footage of the moon landing and lunar-themed crafts and activities. Stay to watch the movie Apollo 13 (rated PG) at 12:30 p.m. and enjoy free popcorn! This program is free and open to families with children up to and including grade 6. No registration required.
Visit with Children’s Author/Illustrator Walter Tyler
Tuesday, July 23 - 10:30 a.m.
Families with children up to those entering grade 6 are invited to the library to meet children’s author/illustrator Walter Tyler and hear him read his book The New Barn. Tyler’s books will be on sale after the program.
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