For as long as I can remember the library has bridged the gap between school years with a summer reading program for children of all ages. Nearly every patron who takes part in the summer reading program does what is expected; frequents the library, reads books and even enjoys the program. Each year the programs are very successful with a great number of participants. There are, of course, a few exceptions.
The most common is the 10 year old who reads a dozen board books and sees nothing wrong with counting that as age appropriate books. I guess maybe they haven't yet learned their colors and numbers, who am I to judge.
Each year we have the parent who will check out over 100 books every other day and insist that their child has read every single one. "My kids don't want to go outside" "My kids just LOVE to read" "We read ALL the time".
For the past several years, the library has also had story and craft hours for children ages 6 to 10. These have always be popular, VERY popular. Thirty kids can sign up one week prior to the event, and it is usually filled up within the first hour the library is open. The phone starts ringing 15 minutes before we open, and parents are standing outside the door waiting to sign up. The thing is, inevitably there are about 5 kids that cancel or don't show up for the event.
A few years ago we started an Adult summer reading program. We decided have entry forms that patrons could list 5 books they have read and then have biweekly drawings for prizes. That way there is no need to keep track of the total number of books read by each patron. Adult summer reading has become as successful and well received as the children's counterpart. And just like the children's summer reading we have a few exceptions.
For instance, we have a patron who checks out, on average, 15 books (3 entry forms) a day. Last year I made some comment to the patron along the lines of "you must really love to read". She proceeded to tell me that she keeps track of the books she reads throughout the year and then rechecks them out during the summer reading program so she can better her chances of winning.
Another patron once asked if watching movies could be counted for the summer reading program. "Must Love Dogs is a book, I just have had a chance to read it yet."
It never ceases to amaze me how a competition can turn a seemingly normal person into a raving lunatic. Yes the library does have some pretty cool prizes, but they aren't THAT great. In any case, please stop by your local library and join their summer reading programs. Just don't become one of the crazies.
P.S. Thanks Cory for nagging me to do another blog post.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
FREE Computer Classes
That's right, for those of you who didn't know, you can take FREE computer classes at your local library. I have been teaching them for over 10 years and let me tell you I have a lot of material for this month's blog post.
You would think this would be a good idea, free computer classes. Well let me tell you, very rarely does it turn out well. More often than not, by the end of the class I am ready for a tall drink and a hot bath. There are currently six different classes that I teach (http://www.mercer.lib.oh.us/computer.htm) from basic computer skills to advanced internet. Usually the basic computer class brings out the senior population in droves. I have to admire anyone over 70 who doesn't have the advantage of having been around a computer their entire life, and having the ambition to learn the skills this late in their lives. However, I have found that most of the Greatest Generation simply are not capable of grasping computers. Now there are of course exceptions, so don't get all defensive. But, for example, when the patron cannot even follow directions to make it into the room where the class is being taught, you know your in trouble. As was the case with my most recent class. I was waiting for the last person to arrive before I started the class, but after waiting 10 minutes I decided to begin. About 5 minutes later an elderly lady came stumbling in and said she was in the wrong room. Apparently, she had been waiting for 20 minutes for the class to begin, at a computer workstation in the main part of the library.
In the basics class I teach things like "this is a mouse" and "this is how you turn on a computer". Simple right? I would say no less then 10 people have attempted to wave the mouse in the air after I have explained how it works by sliding it on the mouse pad (illustrating it for them and everything). Lack of mouse skills isn't just a problem for the elderly, I once had a classmate who nearly ruined my presentation because she couldn't figure out how to use a mouse (yes I had to go there AK). After another basics class, I began to tape arrows pointing to the on/off button after in one class over half of the people turned off the computers when I was attempting to show them how to open the CD drive.
The internet classes are even better. One of my favorite examples is when I was explaining how to use a search engine to find a web directory like Google Directory (http://www.google.com/dirhp). I instructed the students to type Google Directory, my exact words were "Google space directory". You guessed it, at least half of the class got a hit list for GoogleSpaceDirectory. Once in the Internet Basics class, I was explaining browsers, how there are different browsers but they are all very similar, and if you become familiar with one you will likely be able to use any. One person asked "so all of those things under my favorites are browsers?". I didn't even know how to respond. Then there was the time I told everyone to type "www.google.com" in the address bar, I looked around to make sure everyone had successfully accomplished this to find one innocent looking lady looking at a xxxmatchmaking site. Apparently she had typed www.goodle.com. The guy beside her looked quite interested.
Although many times I want to scream and I do truly believe some people are just not going to get it, I have also had many positive experiences that almost make it worth while. Recently I taught a class on how to use eBooks. Everyone there learned, understood and was excited by actual results by the end. Now if you have a mother, grandmother, aunt or elderly neighbor who wants to learn about computers......do me a favor, teach them yourself. What?! I'm just kidding, I love to teach computer classes, it's always an adventure AND an exercise in patience.
You would think this would be a good idea, free computer classes. Well let me tell you, very rarely does it turn out well. More often than not, by the end of the class I am ready for a tall drink and a hot bath. There are currently six different classes that I teach (http://www.mercer.lib.oh.us/computer.htm) from basic computer skills to advanced internet. Usually the basic computer class brings out the senior population in droves. I have to admire anyone over 70 who doesn't have the advantage of having been around a computer their entire life, and having the ambition to learn the skills this late in their lives. However, I have found that most of the Greatest Generation simply are not capable of grasping computers. Now there are of course exceptions, so don't get all defensive. But, for example, when the patron cannot even follow directions to make it into the room where the class is being taught, you know your in trouble. As was the case with my most recent class. I was waiting for the last person to arrive before I started the class, but after waiting 10 minutes I decided to begin. About 5 minutes later an elderly lady came stumbling in and said she was in the wrong room. Apparently, she had been waiting for 20 minutes for the class to begin, at a computer workstation in the main part of the library.
In the basics class I teach things like "this is a mouse" and "this is how you turn on a computer". Simple right? I would say no less then 10 people have attempted to wave the mouse in the air after I have explained how it works by sliding it on the mouse pad (illustrating it for them and everything). Lack of mouse skills isn't just a problem for the elderly, I once had a classmate who nearly ruined my presentation because she couldn't figure out how to use a mouse (yes I had to go there AK). After another basics class, I began to tape arrows pointing to the on/off button after in one class over half of the people turned off the computers when I was attempting to show them how to open the CD drive.
The internet classes are even better. One of my favorite examples is when I was explaining how to use a search engine to find a web directory like Google Directory (http://www.google.com/dirhp). I instructed the students to type Google Directory, my exact words were "Google space directory". You guessed it, at least half of the class got a hit list for GoogleSpaceDirectory. Once in the Internet Basics class, I was explaining browsers, how there are different browsers but they are all very similar, and if you become familiar with one you will likely be able to use any. One person asked "so all of those things under my favorites are browsers?". I didn't even know how to respond. Then there was the time I told everyone to type "www.google.com" in the address bar, I looked around to make sure everyone had successfully accomplished this to find one innocent looking lady looking at a xxxmatchmaking site. Apparently she had typed www.goodle.com. The guy beside her looked quite interested.
Although many times I want to scream and I do truly believe some people are just not going to get it, I have also had many positive experiences that almost make it worth while. Recently I taught a class on how to use eBooks. Everyone there learned, understood and was excited by actual results by the end. Now if you have a mother, grandmother, aunt or elderly neighbor who wants to learn about computers......do me a favor, teach them yourself. What?! I'm just kidding, I love to teach computer classes, it's always an adventure AND an exercise in patience.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Social DISgraces
I've noticed over the last couple years a steady decline in "social graces" by many of our library patrons. I'm not just talking about politically correct and offensive or off color remarks but I'm also referring to the way people look when they go out into the world. Sebastian Maniscalco said it best, "When you go out to see the world, the world sees you." (link below) It is too common of an occurnce to see a patron walk through the doors wearing slippers and what looks like PJs. I always want to say "Good Morning" to these people no matter what time of day it is. One of our regulars often comes in with her head full of curlers, where is she getting ready to go anyway?
I realize that as people get older they seem to lose the part of their thought process that filters what they should just think and not say. But it has never be more apparent then when I work the circulation desk. Once while helping an elderly patron set up an e-mail account, I asked her what "secret question" she would like to use in case she forgot her password (more like when she forgets it). After spending about 10 minutes reading all of the samples to her, I finally said "What was the name of your first pet?" She then nearly shouts out the "N" word. My face must have expressed my thoughts because she felt it then necessary to explain that her first pet was a black cat and that "back then it wasn't a big deal to say n****r". As she retold her childhood days with her cat she must have used the "N" word a half a dozen times. I kept looking around to see how many people where walking by the circulation desk and wondering how to get her to stop talking. Along the same lines, recently after a large meeting let out of our community room, the hosts were carrying some of the extra chairs back into the library commons and an older gentleman said "too bad you don't have any colored boys to carry those for you." This guy must have just arrived from 1960.
As you have read in my other posts, there is no shortage of crazies that frequent public libraries. I could spend another 500 words retelling the things they wear and say, but I don't have time right now.
http://comedians.jokes.com/sebastian-maniscalco/videos/sebastian-maniscalco---casual-dress
I realize that as people get older they seem to lose the part of their thought process that filters what they should just think and not say. But it has never be more apparent then when I work the circulation desk. Once while helping an elderly patron set up an e-mail account, I asked her what "secret question" she would like to use in case she forgot her password (more like when she forgets it). After spending about 10 minutes reading all of the samples to her, I finally said "What was the name of your first pet?" She then nearly shouts out the "N" word. My face must have expressed my thoughts because she felt it then necessary to explain that her first pet was a black cat and that "back then it wasn't a big deal to say n****r". As she retold her childhood days with her cat she must have used the "N" word a half a dozen times. I kept looking around to see how many people where walking by the circulation desk and wondering how to get her to stop talking. Along the same lines, recently after a large meeting let out of our community room, the hosts were carrying some of the extra chairs back into the library commons and an older gentleman said "too bad you don't have any colored boys to carry those for you." This guy must have just arrived from 1960.
As you have read in my other posts, there is no shortage of crazies that frequent public libraries. I could spend another 500 words retelling the things they wear and say, but I don't have time right now.
http://comedians.jokes.com/sebastian-maniscalco/videos/sebastian-maniscalco---casual-dress
Friday, November 26, 2010
'Tis the Season
There are many perks to working at the library, you don't have to pay those outrageous overdue fines, you get first dibs on newly released books and movies, and everyday is an adventure. A lesser known benefit is approaching as I am writing this post, and I tell you I can hardly wait. During the Christmas season library employees are given more baked goods than a football team could eat. The generosity of our patrons never ceases to amaze me. Fresh baked cookies, brownies, candies and other goodies are brought in by patrons who want to wish us a joyous holiday season and show their appreciation. Most are delicious homemade treats and are greatly welcomed by the entire library staff.
However, every year we also get a few not so welcome treats. For instance, If you ever wondered who buys all those enormous tins filled with popcorn, most of them are grateful library patrons. We will often have a tins filled with popcorn available well into February. One year a mysterious item appeared that we could only guess was suppose to be some sort of fruitcake, likely resembling the patron giving it. For as many years as I can remember a particularly sweet elderly gentleman would bring us numerous boxes of last year's clearance Christmas candy, likely stored with care until he was ready to deliver them to us.
This last example is the inspiration for this months post, we won't be receiving his candy this year because he passed away a few months ago. Although, the treats are not always treasured, the patrons are. I have missed seeing this patron and this time of year especially I find myself remembering to be thankful for each and every "gift" we get.
Of course if you find yourself with an excess of delicious baked goods, don't forget your local library. It is always good to have a librarian on your good side.
However, every year we also get a few not so welcome treats. For instance, If you ever wondered who buys all those enormous tins filled with popcorn, most of them are grateful library patrons. We will often have a tins filled with popcorn available well into February. One year a mysterious item appeared that we could only guess was suppose to be some sort of fruitcake, likely resembling the patron giving it. For as many years as I can remember a particularly sweet elderly gentleman would bring us numerous boxes of last year's clearance Christmas candy, likely stored with care until he was ready to deliver them to us.
This last example is the inspiration for this months post, we won't be receiving his candy this year because he passed away a few months ago. Although, the treats are not always treasured, the patrons are. I have missed seeing this patron and this time of year especially I find myself remembering to be thankful for each and every "gift" we get.
Of course if you find yourself with an excess of delicious baked goods, don't forget your local library. It is always good to have a librarian on your good side.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Spend a Day
Have you ever spent an entire day somewhere by choice? I'm sure you have. The zoo, a museum, a park, the swimming pool, or on a boat. You might be surprised at the number of people who choose to spend a day at their local library. Our library of course have the typical "snoozers", I've caught a good friend of mine taking a little nap in the Adult Reading Room before ;). But, I don't mean a few hours, I'm talking open to close, 9 am to 8 pm. Over the years I have seen numerous people who were waiting outside the door for the library to open in the morning and then we would have to ask them to leave when we closed.
The first person I remember with these habits, was a gentleman we nicknamed "Aphidman." The nickname was because he would often bring in odd critters for us to identify, the most common was a rose covered in aphids. He would bring an old 2 qt. plastic juice bottle with him and refill it using our drinking fountain. He spent an entire day reading reference books (this was before computers).
Since computers and the Internet we have had even more patrons who would spend a day just sitting at a computer surfing the net, only to take breaks when a patron needed to use the computer. It isn't hard to spot the "type", they are usually disheveled and look like they may have all of their belongings with them. They might stay for only one day and then we would never see them again. More than likely they will hang around for a few days before disappearing either for a few months or years.
Just this past summer a kid maybe 12 or 13 who was on the computer or hanging out by the circulation desk for nearly 8 hours. This pattern went on for a couple days and just as we contemplated calling children's services his visits shorted to about 4 hours at a time.
Recently we had a new situation, one that I had never seen or even heard of before. A very normal looking man around my age arrived right as the library was opening in the morning and asked where our dvds were kept. After we pointed the location out to him, he proceed to pick out a couple selections, sign up for a computer and watch movies one after another for the next 10 hours. He was not disruptive as used headphones, and unlike other avid computer users he didn't laugh, cry or dance if such emotions were aroused (another story). He packed his lunch and took his "lunch break" during the time when the computer was needed by another patron. He returned the next day and was just in again the other day.
If I stop to consider the why or "what's their story", I start to get depressed and think about ways I might be able to help them. Because who would want to hang out in a library for 11 hours by choice? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE libraries and everything they encompass. Come to think of it maybe I'm the weirdo. So hey, I guess the next time you can't think of anything to do, and the usual places lack appeal, why not spend a day at your local library. Don't forget the snacks.
Friday, October 8, 2010
United Against the Crazies
After many years in Library Land, I have seen many oddballs, nutcases, wackos, and freaks come in to our library. The repeat "customers" and most memorable ones we give nick names. There are the ones that sound like some kind of bad superhero names like; "Moped-man", "Afid -man", "Ratman" and "crazy hair nice legs man." Then there are the ones that have crazy in their names; "Crazy Paul", "Crazy backpack guy", "Crazy recipe guy" and "crazy trash can talker". I once did a PowerPoint about a few of our favs for a speech class. The speech actually resulted in my Professor stopping in for a visit to see where "crazy backpack guy" hung out one summer.
Recently, we had a patron using a computer keyboard as a pillow, while looking for pictures of butterflies on the Internet. She claimed to be looking for the pictures for a possible tattoo. She printed out nearly $10 worth of pictures, many of which were duplicates. When she left after over 2 hours in the room, she had an imprint of the keyboard on forehead and said "it's so warm in that room you could about fall asleep."
Without my friends/co-workers, some days would be unbearable, but because we can commiserate with one another and share our common stories, it allows work to be an adventure....everyday.
Recently, we had a patron using a computer keyboard as a pillow, while looking for pictures of butterflies on the Internet. She claimed to be looking for the pictures for a possible tattoo. She printed out nearly $10 worth of pictures, many of which were duplicates. When she left after over 2 hours in the room, she had an imprint of the keyboard on forehead and said "it's so warm in that room you could about fall asleep."
Without my friends/co-workers, some days would be unbearable, but because we can commiserate with one another and share our common stories, it allows work to be an adventure....everyday.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Welcome to Library Land
I have been a part of library land as long as I can remember. First as the daughter of the library janitors, then in high school as a lowly Page, slowly I assended the ranks and now I am an official Librarian. I hope one day I will be leader of the library land I call home away from home.
My first memories of the library were playing hide and seek with my brother while our parents cleaned. I was the best at the game, because I was so skinny I could hide in between the romance bookshelfs. My second favorite place to hide was in the "book elevator" which was really just a dumb waiter. Ahh those were the days.
While working at McDonalds in high school the director of the library offered me a job as a Page. I didn't know what that even was, but since I didn't particularly like making french fries for 8 hours at a time, I officially started putting books away on the same shelves I used to hide under.
I hope to continue my story on this blog, I will fill it with all of the crazy stories and patrons I have encountered along the way. So follow me @ Liz's Library Land.
My first memories of the library were playing hide and seek with my brother while our parents cleaned. I was the best at the game, because I was so skinny I could hide in between the romance bookshelfs. My second favorite place to hide was in the "book elevator" which was really just a dumb waiter. Ahh those were the days.
While working at McDonalds in high school the director of the library offered me a job as a Page. I didn't know what that even was, but since I didn't particularly like making french fries for 8 hours at a time, I officially started putting books away on the same shelves I used to hide under.
I hope to continue my story on this blog, I will fill it with all of the crazy stories and patrons I have encountered along the way. So follow me @ Liz's Library Land.
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