HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07 Library Board UpdateColumbia Heights Public Library
Library Board Report – July 2024
BUILDING
o Adams Pest visited for the regular monthly inspection and maintenance.
o Exterior windows were washed.
o Six ceiling lights were repaired.
o A coolant leak was discovered in the AC unit for the server room and repair was completed.
o Plexiglass panels were removed from the service desk.
TECHNOLOGY
o IT staff solved numerous issues with the print management kiosk and public copier.
COLLECTION
• New books were selected from reviews in the April issues of Booklist, Kirkus Reviews and School
Library Journal. Adult titles from bestselling authors to be published in August, replacement
copies of popular youth titles, and newly published young adult graphic novels were purchased.
• Weeding was completed in adult nonfiction 600-700s for condition, datedness, and lack of use.
• Adult slatwall displays featured Disability Pride Month, author Mindy Mejia, summer books,
Olympics, and missed connections science fiction and fantasy titles. Larger displays featuring day
celebrations including “Macaroni and Cheese Day, “Lake Superior Appreciation Day,” “Collector
Car Day,” and “International Joke Day”. Youth book displays featured outer space and the
Olympics.
PROGRAMS AND SELF-DIRECTED ACTIVITIES DATE INTENDED AUDIENCE ATTENDANCE
Family Storytime 7/1 Children (0-5) 55
English Language Conversation Circle 7/1 Adult 3
EL Conversation Circle 7/3 Adult 4
Family Storytime 7/8 Children (0-5) 31
EL Conversation Circle 7/8 Adult 4
Bultum Academy Field Trip 7/9 Children (6-11) 35
Walk and Talk Book Club 7/9 Adult 2
Tinker Time: Galaxy Slime 7/9 Children (6-11) 54
Youth Services Librarian visits Valley View Summer School (4 classes) 7/10 Children (6-11) 60
EL Conversation Circle 7/10 Adult 4
EL Conversation Circle 7/11 Adult 7
Saturday Scribes: Mindy Mejia 7/13 Adult 14
Family Storytime 7/15 Children (0-5) 38
EL Conversation Circle 7/15 Adult 5
Book Club: “The River We Remember” 7/17 Adult 14
EL Conversation Circle 7/17 Adult 4
Science in the Summer with the Bakken Museum: Be a Space Scientist 7/18 Children (6-11) 30
EL Conversation Circle 7/18 Adult 4
Active Agers Book Club: “The Hundred Foot Journey” 7/19 Adult 8
Family Storytime 7/22 Children (0-5) 34
EL Conversation Circle 7/22 Adult 6
Youth Services Librarian visits Valley View Summer School (4 classes) 7/23 Children (6-11) 48
DIY Teen: Trivia 7/23 Youth (12-18) 8
EL Conversation Circle 7/24 Adult 6
Summer Luminaries 7/24 Adult 9
Radical Reptile Adventure 7/25 Children (6-11) 48
EL Conversation Circle 7/25 Adult 5
Family Storytime 7/29 Children (0-5) 37
EL Conversation Circle 7/29 Adult 6
Youth Services Librarian visit to CHPS Adventure Club (2 classes) 7/30 Children 6-11) 43
Youth Services Librarian visit to CHPS Mini-Adventure Club 7/30 Children (0-5) 18
EL Conversation Circle 7/31 Adult 5
Columbia Heights Public Library 2. Library Board Monthly Update – July 2024
STAFF
• Elizabeth Ripley, Adult Services Librarian
o Met with the MELSA Jobs and Small Business Task Force.
o Met with staff from MetroNorth ABE to promote the “Computers 101” class.
o Made five deliveries to At-Home patrons.
• Eliza Pope, Youth Services Librarian,
o Received a handwritten thank you note from a long-time storytime attendee and his
grandma. He’ll be moving on to kindergarten in the Fall.
o Helped kids learn the physical qualities of slime at a very popular Tinker Time. For
example, too much food coloring liquifies the slime mixture.
o Invited Caitlin from the Bakken Museum for Science in the Summer. Caitlin guided
young scientists through the scientific method while encouraging independent thought.
From predicting chemical reactions to innovating space retrieval tools, participants
showcased critical thinking and creativity, impressing Caitlin with their unique
approaches and experimental spirit.
o Hosted seven enthusiastic teens for DIY Teen: Trivia Night. They enjoyed a mix of snacks,
challenging questions, and guaranteed prizes. Attendees requested another round and
suggested potential themes like movies or Stanley trivia (the thermos/cup brand, not
hockey!)
o Hired RADZoo to present
Radical Reptile Adventure.
Forty-eight attendees saw
various types of turtles,
lizards, and an alligator. Peter
shared lots of facts and
information about each of the
reptiles and everyone got to
touch the alligator.
o Welcomed teachers from
Bultum Academy who
brought 35 students to the
library to learn what is
offered, to explore the kid’s area, and to sign up for the Summer Reading Program.
o Visited Valley View Elementary’s English Language summer program twice in July to talk
to kids about the library, read books, and do activities. Originally, the plan was to see
two different groups of kids, but due to demand, many kids attended the program for 4
days instead of 2 each week. This meant Eliza got to see many of the same kids twice,
which helped reinforce the library information and allowed more time for reading
together.
o Visited the Mini-Adventures and Adventure Club programs at the Columbia Heights
Public School Family Center during their summer session. To complement afternoon
activities, which included gardening at the Blooming Heights Garden with the CHPS
agriculturalist specialist, she read gardening and nature-themed books to the kids.
o Continued to help teen volunteers build competency and comfort with their tasks.
• Renee Dougherty, Library Director,
o Met with the City Manager and Finance Director to present the proposed department
budget for 2025.
Columbia Heights Public Library 3. Library Board Monthly Update – July 2024
o Participated in the quarterly city communication committee, monthly ACL public service
team, and weekly city division head meetings.
o Met with Library Associate Nick Olberding for his annual performance evaluation.
o Attended a yearend summary meeting about the DNR/Library State Park Pass program
o Connected with Anoka County Library Director Colleen Haubner.
o Met with Eliza and Elizabeth about volunteer recognition.
o Staffed a table with Library Associate Farrah Briest at the Police Eat and Greet event in
McKenna Park
MISCELLANEOUS
o Starting in July, the $2 fee for replacement library cards was discontinued.
o The Anoka County Law Librarian met with two people.
o The Minnesota Artists Penny Press Project installed a penny press in the library. The press
features the artwork of four Twin Cities artists that can be imprinted onto crushed copper coins.
For just two quarters plus one penny, a curious buyer can turn the crank that turns the gears,
churning out their own itty-bitty piece of collectible local art. All proceeds go towards
supporting future experimental public art projects. The press will remain in the library through
mid-August.
VOLUNTEERS
o Nine adult volunteers donated 30 hours.