Library Board Report June 2009

Library Board Report June 2009 Central Branch | Children’s | Bookmobile Haskett Branch | Euclid Branch | Sunkist Branch Canyon Hills Branch | East Anaheim Branch Heritage Services LIBRARY SERVICES DIVISION ACTIVITY REPORT June 2009 Central Adult Services The 2008-09 fiscal year came to an end in June, with Adult Services staff already planning for the upcoming year. This includes determining which collections to focus on as far as new purchases, and also brainstorming on service changes and improvements. Flexibility will be important until the budget is finalized. Staff also had plenty to do with the other annual June activity—curriculum and research support for students of all ages as they completed the school year. How many times have you said”I always meant to read… ?” .The adult reading group that meets the 3rd Saturday of each month tackled the question head-on for their June session. Participants were encouraged to read and report on some of those elusive titles that could no longer be put off. Romance and Westerns are the subject targets for July. The other Central Library reading group, the Mystery Readers of Anaheim, met on Wednesday, June 10th for another round of sharing in that genre. All interested mystery fans are encouraged to attend. In July the discussion will center on stories set in Florida. It was a “wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen” program presented by Sharon and Alan Johnson at the June 19th travel series sponsored by the Friends of the Anaheim Public. The library duo, who also host the monthly programs, shared their Danish experiences with attendees. In July, follow in the footsteps of the Cossocks by attending Leger Grindon’s look at Ukraine. A new book display area has been created next to the adult New Books section. The first special exhibit, Summer Reads, had artwork created by Staff Artist Lori Shensky. Librarians Ann Ehrlich and Gloria Keene pulled the first selection of materials on view, with Ann charged with maintaining the display during its run. Central Teen Services Since nearly half of our active teen patrons are graduating seniors, the kick-off party for the Summer Reading Game was held on Friday, June 12 when the most teens could attend. Snacks and soda were served, along with a beautiful cake that read “Congratulations, Graduates” in the blue and gold colors of Anaheim High School, our nearest AUHSD site. Monday, June 15th was officially “Opening Day” for the Summer Reading Game sponsored by the Angels Baseball Foundation. Many teens were in the library because of a minimum day schedule at their schools. They received their reading log bookmarks, along with stickers, key chains, or temporary tattoos, and we look forward to seeing many of them return throughout the summer. Librarian Tony Lam continues his very popular weekly Game Days on Wednesday s at 3:30PM with 40-70 teens in attendance each time. Board games, as well as electronic games are available, offering “something for everyone.” After suggestions from the teens, we’ve also started a Music Club on Monday afternoons for those who want to learn to read music and to play an instrument. Poetry/Open Mic events have moved to alternate Fridays, with Senior Librarian Tasneem Watts leading the students and sometimes accompanied by a local poet. Special events planned for the summer crowd got off to a good start on Thursday, June 18 with Tony and Tasneem leading a group of students in the construction of Duct Tape wallets and accessories. Working without a pattern, one teen constructed an attractive cell phone holder including a belt loop. On June 25, the artists assembled again, constructing samples of their own “scratch art,” which is done with colors underneath a layer of black, and the ones who missed the duct tape activity asked to have it repeated. Additional crafts and movie matinees are also planned for summertime fun and relaxation. System-wide Children’s Board Report The Summer Reading Game has begun and the kids are off and running toward first base! Each location has special programs and activities scheduled to entertain many young readers. Thanks to the Friends and the Angels Baseball Foundation for helping make this possible. The fiscal year has come to a close and children’s selectors have finished spending their precious budgeted amounts on books and other library materials. Lots of time and effort go into choosing just the right books for each particular branch. Children’s now has a new collection code, DVD Non-fiction, that will help us run reports to track usage of these items. The 398s are also getting their own code soon. Thanks to the tech services group for constantly helping us do our job better. Home Run Readers Summer Reading Game Children’s Room Board Report June 2009 With cooperation from the Department of Public Works—Transportation Center, we were able to give 102 Head Start students from Franklin School a literacy kit consisting of a mouse puppet, two books about mice, a sheet of mice fingerplays and a bag to keep it all in. The kids loved the kits. They come in every month for stories with Angel. Head Start kids and their literacy kits. We had an author night for Celia Navejas and illustrator Nelmy Perez from Franklin School. Celia read her book, Capitan Parchito & the Lost Treasure and she and Nelmy answered questions from the 50 people that attended. Capitan Parchito came too. Angel then led an exciting treasure hunt in the library. Enjoying the puppet theater after Storytime. Kids are coming to bat with the Home Run Readers Summer Reading Game. They are excited about the theme and the prizes from the Angels, some of which are displayed with our puppets . Each week during the SRG we have an activity, The Scoreboard, where the kids solve a puzzle and put their names in a box for a drawing. The first one was Baseball Boggle. These kids found lots of words in the grid. She’s found her books! Linda attended the Clue Me In reading contest that was held at Ross School. The kids at each grade level read 10 books during the school year and have a ACSD competition in June. Pictured is the winning 4th grade team from Franklin School. Linda has ordered, labeled and displayed the books to make it easy for the students and the staff to find them. Great job! Bookmobile Board Report Bookmobile’s Class Visits Bookmobile’s school stops wrapped up another school year. For the 2008/09 school year, we had 803 class visits to the Bookmobile for a total of 16,247 student visits. That’s over 2400 students and their teachers receiving exposure to the Public Library and getting books for recreational reading and curriculum support. The five participating schools are Centralia and Danbrook from the Centralia School District and Olive Street, Orange Grove, and Palm Lane from the Anaheim City School District. June2009 Teacher helps students choose books. Students sharing their excitement over books. First day of sign-ups at the Mt. View Stop Students read their Bookmobile books while waiting for classmates to finish checking out. Summer Reading Game To better utilize staff, our Summer Reading Game will run on only one Bookmobile at a time. Bookmobile One’s program will run from June 15th – July 23rd. Bookmobile Two’s program will run from July 27th – Sept. 3rd. HOME RUN READERS  In  the  first  week  of  the  SRG  Haskett made contact with 750  youth.    Children  were  able  to  spin the “Haskett Wheel” for an  exciting  prize.    Tweens  and  Teens  received  a  snack  sized  bag  of  chips.      Haskett’s  craft  and  game  programs  went  extremely  well  with  250  participants!   Michael, Haskett’s Page, with two teen SRG participants. Mona celebrates her award with Haskett Staff MAYOR’S TECH SCHOLAR AWARD    Mona  Moucharaffie,  Haskett  teen  volunteer, was awarded the Mayor’s  Tech Scholar Award.  Mona received  a  laptop  computer  and  Internet  service  at  her  home.    Mona  attends  Oxford  academy  and  has  volunteered  at  the  library  for  5  years.      The  Mayor's  Tech  Scholar  program  is  Anaheim's  way  of  making  sure  that  the  next  generation  of  residents  is  ready  to  meet  the  challenges  of  the  technologically  advanced  world  where  they  will  be  competing.  Euclid Library At the start of the month, Librarian Venessa Moffitt was busy applying for the DEMCO Library Interiors $10,000 Room Makeover Contest. She submitted an application to improve the children’s area at Euclid. Demco works with contest winner from start to finish to design, furnish, and provide installation for their space. The total value of the project will be up to $10,000. Keep your fingers crossed! Finally, after weeks of staff preparation, APL’s annual reading program which runs June 15 to July 31 st is here! This year’s theme is Home Run Readers! Sponsorship by the Angels Foundation has everyone inquiring and excited. There are a variety of programs and activities planned for youth throughout the summer thanks to the generous support of APL’s Friends. On Wednesday, June 17th , the summer reading program had its kickoff with Balloon artist and storyteller, Annie Banannie. She performed to a full house of children and their families who were amazed at her balloon tricks; her program concluded by Annie getting inside a 6ft balloon! Smiles were on every face in the room! During June, Children’s Librarian Venessa Moffitt attended career days at Palm Lane Elementary, Madison Elementary, and Key Elementary. She gave presentations to multiple classrooms about what she does as a Youth Services Librarian and the road it took to get there. Her presentation to over 300 children provided her the opportunity to remind children about library programs and resources. Additionally, on June 10 th , Librarian Venessa Moffitt and Library Technician Maria Sanchez participated at Palm Lane Elementary School’s Open House. Community outreach gives library visibility, builds stronger bonds with community members and partnerships with local schools. It was great to hear that Palm Lane Elementary School students will be returning to their home school during August of this year! Euclid’s monthly craft program, organized by Library Technician Emily Park, was held on Thursday June 18 th . Children made fish bowls out of construction paper, popsicle sticks, and pipe cleaners. Over 75 children participated! June programs and activities included 13 interactive story time programs, serving over 200 children and their families. Equally important, are continued efforts to attract teens to discover library resources and programs. Teen Tuesdays have become a regular popular attraction for local teens, especially with the newly acquired Wii system. Although June marks the end of another school year, it is only the beginning of Euclid’s field of dreams! Library Usage On the Rise In these tough times Sunkist Branch as all other libraries have been a refuge for job seekers and families. As mentioned by one of our patrons, “libraries provide a family friendly environment and it helps keep the cost of everything else down”. But it's also because of a change in what libraries have to offer: not just books, magazines, music and movies anymore. We provide computers, access to the Internet, help with job search, we offer computer and Internet classes, and WiFi. Even if patrons have Internet access at home, they come to the Library to use digital resources that they can’t afford, to use software they don’t have, to borrow newly released books, audio books, DVDs and other materials because they don’t want to buy them. Residents of all ages come to the Library to learn from educational and cultural programs, to meet informally and to hold meetings as community groups. They come to find resources that help them solve problems. At Sunkist, we sense that patrons are rethinking their reading, buying and sharing habits. More quality donations (books & DVDs) are being dropped, more patrons borrowing from the library and they have become more patient to wait for their turn to use the computers. Computer Classes Affirms Participants Interests As the adult students of the English/Spanish Computer Classes expect something new in each session, the students keep coming not only for refresher but for always something innovative. The passion of Emiliano Saxe as the computer class teacher is transferred on to his students. One of his students, Shanaz Hashmi purchased a laptop after attending Saxe’s sessions. Hashmi said that it was Saxe who finally convinced her to take the plunge and get her own computer. Her family has been trying to get her to buy her own computer for the last 6 years. She uses the laptop to communicate with her family back in Pakistan. Now she comes to the library to use our wireless service. Sunkist patron counts have increased by over 6000 over the last 2 quarters! The sport of baseball can be found everywhere at the Sunkist Branch as this year’s Summer Reading Game begins. This year’s theme, “Home Run Readers” features prizes generously donated by the Angels Baseball Foundation. Sunkist has already had more than 120 children join the game. Above, spirals hanging over the circulation desk feature baseball images and a thank you to the Angels. On the front of the information desk, pictures of players are highlighted with a bright red border. The big board in our children’s area encourages the kids to “put your best foot forward.” Always a good idea where sports are concerned! Game Crazy Home Run Readers @ Sunkist On June 15th Sunkist Library kicked off the Summer Reading Game in style with the help of Game Crazy Stores in Fullerton and Yorba Linda. The two stores joined forces and brought us 3 XBox 360s and 3 different games for kids to try out. Central and Haskett generously allowed us to borrow a TV and projector to show our games all over the walls of the MPR. Volunteers served nachos, and all in attendance had fun and got their Home Run Reader logs started. The Game Crazy Managers asked to come back again, and the kids can’t wait to see them. CANYON HILLS LIBRARY Library Board Report, June 2009 The 2009 Home Run Readers Game started off with a bang at the Canyon Hills Library as cowboy Ken Frawley presented a kickoff program to more than 200 children and their families on Tuesday night, June 16th. Other performers for Tuesday special programs were David Cousin‘s amazing juggling act on June 23rd and storytelling by Flights of Fantasy on June 30th. All these Tuesday special programs were funded by the Friends of the Canyon Hills Library (FOCAL). A Summer Reading Game (SRG) table decorated with baseball theme is strategically displayed at the center of the reading area alongside the beautiful Angels (baseball team) exhibit. The SRG table is manned by teen volunteers who welcome and greet participants to the reading program. Enrollees are also treated to SRG craft table where children make their own weekly craft. Librarian Regina Powers conducts a weekly Wacky Wednesday Crafts for all ages which feature stories, fun games and craft making. The traditional weekly Toddlertime and Preschool Storytime continue to be favorites of the local community. Father’s Day was the theme for storytime on June 19th which culminated with children making special Father’s Day card for their dads. Librarian Rosemarie Perrone book talked on “Geography of Bliss’ by Eric Weiner during the monthly library program and materials lending service to senior resident homes, Palacio Apartments and Canyon Hills Club. The seniors enjoyed Weiner’s travel adventures to the ‘happiest’ countries in the world. Tuesday Talks & Treats featured ‘Bearing the Body’ by Ehud Havazelet which won the 2008 Ken Kasey (Oregon) Award for Fiction. Librarians Rosemarie Perrone and Mary Nuttelman moderated this monthly book discussion for adults. Concentrating on crafts at the SRG craft table. Ken Frawley kicks off the 2009 Summer Reading Game. Canyon Hills Library continues to provide an active thriving volunteer program to allow teens and adults to help their community. Officer and members of the Friends of the Canyon Hills Library (FOCAL) sorts book donations, maintains the Book Sale Corner, help at library visits to senior residence, delivers library books to shut-in patrons, and pick up library book donations. The teen volunteers help with library programs, staffing the Summer Reading Game desk, and creating story time art work. FOCAL President Bruce Brown with volunteers. Forthcoming July events at Canyon Hills Library: HOME RUN READERS GAME at the Canyon Hills Library July 7 - One World Rhythm—Interactive music July 14 - Richard Woloski—Puppetry July 21- Annie Bananie—Balloon artist July 28 - John Abrams—Animal magic Tuesday special programs are funded by the Friends of the Canyon Hills Library (FOCAL). Wacky Wednesday Crafts & More! OUR REGULAR STORYTIMES:     Toddlertime ‐ Wednesdays, 10:15 or 11:00am  1:00 pm—June 17 to July 29 for school age kids! Preschool Storytime ‐ Fridays, 10:30am  Teddy Bears’ Picnic - Sat, July 11 10:30am - Dan Crow - Songs & skits East Anaheim Branch Home Run Readers –Summer Reading Game During the first week of the program, over 300 have come in to pick up program guidelines and over 70 have registered online. There are kids from ages 1 –16, with the most participants in K—4th grade. Kids signed up for “Home Run Readers” the summer reading game which began on Monday, June 15. Our teen volunteers helped hand out reading logs, registered kids on our online program, E-vanced Solutions, and evenbegan awarding prizes! 15 teen volunteers have been absolutely great at greeting and helping the kids. PT librarian, Karen Voigt, offered mandatory training sessions to the teens who are learning good customer service skills as well as some of the library’s online resources. Program attendance is high at all of our events: Imagination Station: 75 Movie & Craft: 90 Magic Puppet Show: 135 June 2009 Kids designed their own ball caps, which are displayed in the library. Librarian Amy Paino created the delightful bulletin boards. July Programs July 2 @ 2pm Ongoing Programs ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Imagination Station Mondays@11 Movie & Craft Tuesdays@3 Storytime Wednesdays@11 Games & Craft Wednesdays@4 Family Storytime Saturdays@11 Michelle & Feedback July 9 @ 2pm Bubble-ology July 16 @ 2pm Reading with Fido Heritage Services: Muzeo: The MUZEO Bowl – Bowling With Bizarre Beasts! fund raiser was held on Wednesday, June 10th at 300 Anaheim. Nearly 50 companies, with over 400 Muzeo supporters, participated in the beastly fun. Mayor Pringle threw out the first bowling ball at the event. “Bizarre Beasts: Past and Present” opened on May 10, 2009 in the Carnegie building, featuring representations of unbelievable animals that actually lived on Earth. The exhibit closes on September 6, 2009. Running from February 14th through September 6th, 2009 in the new facility is “How to Make a Monster,” featuring over 30 displays of movie monsters, including the Abominable Snowman and the Crocodile from Peter Pan. Heritage Park: Proposals have been received from 6 firms regarding the design and development of Heritage Park, and interviews have been scheduled for June 24th. Woelke-Stoffel House: Jane hosted the Anaheim Historical Society board of directors on May 5, 2009. Mother Colony House: May 2009 Statistics: There were 4 tours of the Mother Colony and Woelke-Stoffel Houses with a total of 77 third grade students, teachers and parents from the Anaheim City School District. Heritage Reading Room: May 2009 Statistics: There was 1 tour with 29 third grade students, teachers and parents from Zion Lutheran School, 108 patrons with 563 reference questions and 114 information questions. On June 1st, Jane gave a tour of the Heritage Reading Room and the Collection Storage Room to 2 representatives from the City of Brea’s Redevelopment Department and 2 members of the Brea Historical Society. They are planning a joint collection storage facility and Anaheim’s facility was highly commended. Donations/Collections: An inventory has been completed for the Karcher family donation of materials documenting the life, career and contributions to Anaheim made by Carl Karcher. Jane and Joyce Franklin are currently installing an exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Hirahara family’s immigration to the United States and their contributions to the history and development of the City of Anaheim. The exhibit is scheduled to ope on July 13th and will be located in the exhibit gallery at the Downtown Community Center, the Anaheim exhibit in the Carnegie building and the Heritage Reading Room. Board and Commission Meetings: The June 18, 2009 meeting of the Cultural & Heritage Commission was held at the Downtown Community Center. Reports were given by the DTCC Art Gallery and Art Facilities sub-committees. The next Historic Preservation Committee meeting is scheduled for June 24th in the CHW 10th floor boardroom. Photograph Reproductions/Publications/Media/Research: Researched and provided a high resolution image file for 1936 photograph of the Bill Payne Garage an Storage Co. for use in an exhibition entitled “House of Cars: Innovation and the Parking Garage” at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The exhibit is scheduled to open October 17, 2009. Historic Preservation Activities: Provided Greg Hastings, Neighborhood Preservation Office, with information regarding Nat’s Palms (1625 S. Ninth) from 1983-2004. Reviewed the historic survey for 612 S. Lemon Street.