HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09 Library Board UpdateColumbia Heights Public Library
Library Board Report – September 2024
BUILDING
• Repeated clogs in men’s room toilet required plumbing repair.
TECHNOLOGY
• TechLogic performed annual maintenance on the automated materials handler, replacing various worn
components of the conveyer belt.
COLLECTION
• New books were selected from reviews in the June issues of Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal and
School Library Journal. Recent adult nonfiction in the social sciences, science, math, and
decorating/handicrafts (300 – 700), September and October publications from bestselling fiction
authors, Vox and Wonderbooks with built-in audio players, and new readers were ordered.
Missing volumes in youth graphic novel and juvenile fiction series were replaced. DVDs for youth
and adults were ordered.
• Weeding was completed in adult nonfiction 940-999, fantasy and romance, and nonfiction
DVDs.
• Adult displays celebrated Historic Black Colleges and Universities week, Library Card Sign Up
month, Cat month, and Hispanic Heritage month. Art books were displayed to encourage
participation in the Tiny Art show. Youth displays celebrated libraries and highlighted the
library’s Spanish collection and books by Hispanic authors and illustrators.
PROGRAMS AND SELF-DIRECTED ACTIVITIES DATE INTENDED AUDIENCE ATTENDANCE
English Language Conversation Circle 9/4 Adult 5
EL Conversation Circle 9/5 Adult 2
Daycare Storytime 9/6 Children (0-5) 12
Storytime 9/9 Children (0-5) 34
EL Conversation Circle 9/9 Adult 5
Walk & Talk Book Club 9/10 Adult 0
Tinker Time: Mosaics 9/10 Children (6-11) 52
EL Conversation Circle 9/11 Adult 4
EL Conversation Circle 9/12 Adult 3
Saturday Scribes: David Housewright 9/14 Adult 11
Storytime 9/16 Children (0-5) 31
EL Conversation Circle 9/16 Adult 6
Book Club: “True Biz” 9/18 Adult 13
EL Conversation Circle 9/18 Adult 4
EL Conversation Circle 9/19 Adult 2
Active Agers Book Club (Murzyn Hall) 9/20 Adult 7
Jane Austen Tea 9/21 Adult 11
Storytime 9/23 Children (0-5) 32
EL Conversation Circle 9/23 Adult 6
DIY Teen: Diamond Painting 9/24 Young Adult
EL Conversation Circle 9/25 Adult 5
Master Gardener: Clean Up Your Yard 9/25 Adult 8
EL Conversation Circle 9/26 Adult 3
Carve a Stamp for Families 9/28 Children (6-11) 19
Storytime 9/30 Children (0-5) 34
EL Conversation Circle 9/30 Adult 5
STAFF
• Elizabeth Ripley, Adult Services Librarian
o Met with the Friends of the Library.
o Met with the youth services librarian and director about programming and volunteer
activities on Saturdays and utilizing supervisors to staff these events.
Columbia Heights Public Library 2. Library Board Monthly Update – September 2024
o Made four deliveries to At-Home patrons.
o Distributed Tiny Art kits to patrons who registered.
• Eliza Pope, Youth Services Librarian,
o Welcomed Missy Roko, Parent Educator from CHPS
Early Childhood and Family Education, to storytime to
share information about ECFE classes available in
English and Spanish.
o Taught Tinker Time: Seed Mosaics. Many parents said
they enjoy bringing their kids for seasonal activities
and were particularly inspired by the seed mosaics
after their recent visit to the State Fair to see the
stunning seed art exhibits.
o Hosted Erin Holt for a Carve a Stamp program.
Participants learned the basics of carving vinyl erasers
to create handmade stamps. Swords and other
armaments were very popular, as well as initials,
flowers, dragon eyes, and intricate skulls and pumpkins. Many asked how they could
continue carving stamps at home.
o DIY Teen: Diamond Painting was cancelled for low registration. This was the first year a
teen program was offered in September. Low registration may have resulted from teens
settling into school incorrect advertising, as there has been good attendance at teen
programs in the last few months.
o Toys and activities in the early learning play space were swapped. At the Farmer’s
Market children can sort vegetables and fruit, practice counting money, and pretend to
shop at the market.
• Renee Dougherty, Library Director,
o Participated in the monthly ACL public service team and weekly city division head
meetings.
o Met with Brenda Pliego-Geniz about an elementary Spanish course for library staff; Will
Rottler about the new website; and Colleen Haubner about Anoka County Library
activity.
o Facilitated the adult book club discussion of “True Biz.”
o Reviewed 57 applications for the Library Page position and conducted seven interviews
with Adult Services Librarian Elizabeth Ripley.
o Met with the Columbia Heights Library Foundation.
o Attended the social hour for city Boards and Commissions.
o Met with Library Supervisor Rin Gorman for a six-month review.
MISCELLANEOUS
• Hosted a signboard soliciting citizen input on the redesign of city streets enabled through a
federal “Safe Streets for All” grant.
• The Law Librarian consulted with two people this month.
• Eight adult volunteers donated 25 hours.