Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Next Steps
It is no secret that our library photographs (both of St. Thomas Public Library and others) are here, there and everywhere on the T:\ drive so Katelyn will be working to gather them all together and to organize them so that they will be useful to us. We'll have "before" and "after" shots on record.
Well, that's all for today. Don't forget to keep stuffing those suggestion boxes with ideas!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Camera Happy
A big thank you to Sydnie who sent me this link: As she says, it's humorous and hopeful at the same time!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Relationships
On a completely separate topic, some of you, especially at the Circulation Desk, noted that you were unable to directly access the blog link from the emails that I send. I'm going to try sending you a tiny url instead to see if that works. Please let me know one way or the other.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Hiring our Architect.....Next Steps
I just want to reiterate that you are welcome to ask me questions anytime. Email me, phone me, catch me as I'm walking by....I want you to feel as informed about what is happening re revitalization as possible. Until next week....
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Staff Focus Groups and Functional Area Reports
Many of you may have noticed Rudi, Katelyn and I feverishly working on functional area reports the past few days. Our priority this week has been on determining the areas that we'd like to see in the revitalized library and writing a very brief synopsis on each that includes whether or not the space exists, how it will change if it does, the activities that are performed in the space, special requirements and occupancy at any one time. As you likely know, volunteer library school students and staff completed functional area reports for our present spaces last year.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Neglected Blog
I thought I'd begin this week with a report on the garage/bake sale. Approximately 6 teens and Alicia greeted potential buyers during the 4 hour sale which raised $448.30 for goods and $101.50 for books. A big thank you to Chris for all of his efforts in carrying off the leftovers and delivering them to "Keepers" and to each and every one of you who hauled in your wares and donated them to our cause.
I know that the smell of baking was cruel punishment especially to those in Administration but we found the baking part of the event to be very beneficial for a number of reasons. Some teens had never baked before and were unable to read a recipe. This gave them an opportunity to learn in a non-threatening environment. All of the teens felt a sense of ownership in the sale and were afforded the opportunity to actually work in the basement where their new lounge will be located.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Library Visitors
· Surprisingly, our research shows that the second largest population who visit the library currently is people aged 19 to 29. While not surprising, our research also demonstrates that people aged 70 and older consist of the largest population who visit the library currently.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Teen Focus Group
This is how they envision the overall look and feel of their revitalized lounge:
· Bright, warm colours
· Relaxing and comfortable atmosphere – created by a fireplace, food to eat, temperature control, ability to play music at the computers, spaces to be alone, curl up and read/work.
· Artwork and visual appeal – the youth liked the possibility of having their own artwork displayed.
· Do not like the idea of having bland colours, shapes and layout. They would prefer to see what one youth referred to as “personality” in the teen space. This personality would involve having odd shapes (i.e. the wave-like shape of picture number 6), a variety of colours and textures, different chairs and workspaces for different types of learners, and lastly more natural scenery (windows, and plants).
· A creative atmosphere – sparked by expression walls, artwork and flexible furnishings.
What struck me was the importance they placed on the visual appeal and creative look of the space....the lines, the colours, the textures.
Katelyn had also found photographs of teens spaces and showed them photographs of particular elements such as seating or group work space. They voted on which "look" they liked the best. You can read the whole report on the T:\ drive under "Children's", "Revitalization Data", "Library Revitalization Project", "Teen Advisory Board Focus Group"....or just ask me and I'll send it to you as an attachment.Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Libraries are Life-Changing
Question: Have you ever had a life-changing experience in a public library? Was it due to the world of books?
Monday, July 5, 2010
I'm Back!
In the meantime, check out this presentation:
http://www.slideshare.net/tlanders/trends-in-public-libraries-overview
Rudi found it and it made me feel as though we are definitely on the right track in our thinking about the revitalized library. There are also some terrific photos of libraries in the slides.
I hope that you are filling the boxes with ideas and suggestions that you have. It is important that you have a "say" in the planning process.
Until tomorrow.....