I work in a wonderful community, or maybe it's the time of year. Whatever the reason, I am thankful that when I reach out to the people of Manitowoc County at this time each year, they respond!
Manitowoc Public Library collects new, unwrapped children's books each December. Hundreds are received and we, in turn, deliver them to the Salvation Army for their annual gift distribution to underprivileged children, so one one has to go without a new book at the holidays. Books that arrive too late for the SA party are taken to the Domestic Violence Center. Those children endure so much hardship -- especially during the holiday season -- that it's especially nice to give them the opportunity to get lost between the covers of a book!
I also ask people to make a gift to the Friends of Manitowoc Public Library during this festive season. Years ago our appeal took the form of a Cookie Walk. While a wonderful idea, there aren't too many folks who have the time they'd like to bake for the holidays. (Last night, for instance, was baking for the Foreign Language Week festivities [I found out about it at noon]. I'm sure the bars tasted good, but they certainly weren't "Cookie Walk-Pretty." Why do teachers think the high school students actually prepare the food?) Anyway, back to our fund drive. We simply ask our members to save themselves the shopping and baking and plating and shlepping, and send us a check for what they would have spent. And they do. Now, we don't raise enough to replace our book budget, but we certainly raise enough to present a program or two throughout the year that would not otherwise be possible. I'm so happy to send the thank you notes, but what really is fun is introducing those programs, and telling everyone that they're possible because of the community's generosity.
We think of the Library as a community resource. It's nice to pause for a moment or two and remember what a resource we have in the people of our community.
3 comments:
Rachel,
Good to see you blogging away!
Keep up the good work!
Your friends just up the street at Lester Public Library.
(Jeff)
Rachel,
Good to see you blogging away!
Keep up the good work. Your friends up the street at Lester Public Library!
Jeff
I agree with Rachel wholeheartedly. Both Manitowoc and Calumet counties are caring communities that strongly support their local libraries. And the reason why is simple - it is because their public libraries listen.
The library listens to the concerns of its constituents and offers options and opportunities for the citizens that it serves.
But what of libraries in the future? Will they still listen?
I believe libraries will be asked to be active and dynamic guardians of information, protecting the scope of public inquiry and providing equitable, judicious and fair service in all neighborhoods and areas.
I believe public libraries will be asked to live in the “learning zone", and discover, from listening to its users, even better ways to deliver information.
In essence, the "listening" library will be asked to join forces with its local government, schools, community groups and businesses to provide vision for innovative services, cooperative models and inclusive partnerships.
Over the years, libraries have learned to acclimatize in order to navigate a changing environment, and, through the support of community members, this will continue to happen.
Planning an ideal library is the goal of every community; realizing it is the impetus that moves us all forward? Can it ever be accomplished?
Will the library become as dynamic as technology itself and simultaneously embrace print, media and technology for the good of its patrons? Without a doubt, it is a tall order.
In and amongst all of this, I believe one current staple of today’s library will go forward in the years and decades to come – free access for all. Wisconsin is truly an enlightened state because it guarantees this for every citizen. (Someone had the “genius” hat thinking hat on that day.)
In a world where information has become a private commodity, the public library still guarantees public access and will continue to do so. It is a freedom that we all cherish.
So, I guess we must ask ourselves, in the library of the future, will there be late night library quiz shows that answer reference questions and offer prizes when you “Stump the Librarian?” (Sounds like Jeopardy!??)
Will Garrison Keillor become the Librarian of Congress and Michael Feldman use librarians to authenticate “Whad’ya’ Know” answers? (No and Yes)
Will a 24/7 kiosk exist on street corners like the old telephone booths once did, dispensing paperbacks ready for a late night read?
Who knows? But just in case, I’ll be carrying my library card so that I can check one out.
One thing we know for sure...the library will still be listening.
(Can you hear me now?)
Robert E. Hafeman
MCLS System Coordinator
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