HomeMy WebLinkAboutSept 2019 Adult Services OP (CO)
Columbia Heights Public Library
3939 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3932 ▪ Ph: 763-706-3690 ▪ TDD: 763-706-3692
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
TO: Renee Dougherty, Library Director
FROM: Cortni O’Brien, Adult Services Librarian
SUBJECT: Adult Services –September 2019 Operational Report
DATE: September 30, 2019
I. Adult Programs and Displays
a. In partnership with the Metro North Adult Basic Education Center, the library is
offering a US Citizenship Prep Class. Twelve adults are attending the class bi-
weekly, on Monday and Wednesday evenings. The class began on Sept. 9 and runs
through Oct. 30.
b. In partnership with the Anoka County Law Library, the library is offering a new
“Consult with a Law Librarian” program on the second Wednesday of the month,
from 5-7 pm. Law Librarian John Murphy met with two drop-ins at his first session
on Sept. 11.
c. The library offered its first Mobile Menders Event on Sept. 14. Three talented
volunteer menders repaired or altered 18 items of clothing for people in need.
d. The final Bike Fix-it Clinic of the year was held on Sept. 14. Twelve bikes were
tuned and repaired by four wonderful volunteers. Attendees learned basic bike
maintenance skills. The clinic incorporates tools from the library’s new bike fix-it
station.
e. Minnesota Book Award finalist Carolyn Porter did an author talk at the library on
the evening of Sept. 25. Thirty adults attended a fascinating presentation on Porter’s
nonfiction book: “Marcel’s Letters: A Font and the Search for One Man’s Fate.”
One attendee commented, “Loved the presentation! Passion, perseverance, history,
and memories. A valuable surprise.”
f. Eight “Buddy Up and Read” partners met a total of 20 times to practice their
English language reading and speaking skills.
g. Conversation Circles for adult English language learners met twice weekly, on
Mondays at 6 pm and Thursdays at 1 pm. Total attendance for the month of Sept.
was 38 adults.
h. Senior Surf for Adults 55+ was held on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Three adults attended
the class, which offered hands-on computer learning with help from the Senior
Linkage Line.
i. September Book displays included a “Banned Books Week” display, a Library Card
Sign-up Month Display, a sewing and mending display, and a special display hosted
by the Friends of the Library—the glass case featured items from the library’s
collection of WWII TEMA letters.
j. The Library Book Club met on Wednesday, Sept.18, to discuss "The Real Michael
Swann” by Bryan Reardon. Total attendance was 14 adults.
k. The library hosted four AARP technology workshops on Sept. 27. Eighty people
attended the workshops, which were conducted by AARP staff and covered iPhone
basic and advanced skills. AARP provided devices for each registrant to use during
the workshop.
l. Three deliveries were made to At-Home Patrons.
m. Winter program planning is underway.
II. Meetings
a. I met with Renee for my two-year review on Sept. 5.
b. I met with three potential library volunteers on Sept. 6.
c. I attended the Friends of the Library monthly meeting on Sept. 11.
d. I was delighted to attend the Minnesota Library Association’s Annual Conference
in Prior Lake on 19-20. Breakout session highlights included several sessions on
library programs for adults—comedians in the library, fitness in the library, and
creating escape rooms. The most thought-provoking session was a presentation by
the St. Paul Public Library on their fine elimination program. The keynote highlight
was Secretary of State Steve Simon’s address on civic engagement and the
important role libraries play during election years.
e. I met with the Columbia Heights Centennial Celebration planning committee on
Sept. 17.
f. I met with the program lead for the upcoming Hardanger Embroidery class on Sept.
26.
III. Projects
a. Orders were placed for office supplies, 2019 calendars and planners, and adult
DVDs.
b. Many book donations were processed, and either added to the library collection or
the ongoing book sale inventory.
IV. Outreach/Other
a. I attended the first Student Information Expo at the Metro North adult basic
education center on Sept. 25. Over 70 current ABE students visited the library table
to learn about library services and/or register for library cards.
b. Fifteen adult volunteers donated 49 hours to the library, working with adult English
language learners, delivering materials to At-Home Patrons, setting up the display
case, and performing miscellaneous tasks at the library.
c. Renee and Kelly, as well as five members of the Friends of the Library, volunteered
at the Foundation Spaghetti Dinner on Sept.12.