New Library Programs On Horizon
The Glenwood Public Library's basement renovation may be finished, but the excitement has just started.
The fall will bring several new programs to the library. Director Angela Campbell found out in mid-July that the Library Foundation has received a $35,000 grant for the creation of a living literacy lab.
“We want people to think of the library as not just a place to read but also tp live literacy,” Campbell said. “The grant is to pay for the hardware and software for the living literacy lab. It will be in the meeting room that we have carved out downstairs. It will include computers, iPads, video recorders, camera software and furnishings. All the equipment needed to provide interactive literacy.”
The literacy lab is tailored to people in different age groups. Young readers will be able to play educational games on the iPad which will encourage reading and technological literacy as well as help them with social skills.
Third through sixth grade students will be able to create a newsletter, using desktop publishing and a digital camera, along with learning writing and interviewing skills. This newsletter will be available in the library.
Teenage patrons will be focusing on video editing and video recording.
Adults can use the library for help with employment issues and resume writing. The library staff wants to encourage the adults to volunteer to assist younger classes to give them experience for their resumes.
“We’re creating a technology makerspace,” Campbell said. “Very few libraries have been able to do it because of the money and time commitment. We’re trying to pave the way to see that it can be done in a smaller library.”
Children's library director Ted Anderson, also known as “Mr. Ted,” is just as passionate about libraries. This is his first professional job out of college and he said working in Glenwood has been “phenomenally exciting.”
He’s started a teen program that he calls LURCH (Library-Using Really Cool Honchos). Through this program, kids can recommend books for the library to purchase and also advocate for volunteering. Anderson has already bought four to five dozen books based on recommendations. He has started summer movie nights based on the success of a movie night done as part of the summer reading programs, and “crafternoons.” He’s really pleased with the success of a teen lock-in, at which he created a murder mystery play that, he said, kids still talk about.
“There’s a really cool group of teenagers in this town,” Anderson said. “They just need somewhere to go between school and home.”
Anderson is creating more programs for the youth to start with the new school year.
Anderson plans to have a weekly gaming night. The library just purchased video games and consoles courtesy of funds from Pinnacle Construction and Friends of the Library. Video games can not be checked out, so those wishing to use the games will need to participate in gaming night, as the consoles will be locked away during other times. LURCH meetings will be held after gaming.
Anderson is also trying to look at a digital story time. There are creative and collaborative computer applications that will allow young readers to interact with stories and help keep them engaged.
Campbell and Anderson also spent time working with the schools last year, and they hope to be able to go into the schools again this year and advocate for the library.
“We’re trying to get on the bandwagon of being a maker space,” Campbell said. “We want to insure that students know we can help them with 99 percent of what they need to do in school.”
The librarians’ passion for their jobs has influenced others, especially youth wanting to volunteer. Courtney Caron, 15, volunteers at the library every day.
“It gives me somewhere to go where my mom knows I’m safe, and I can do what I love, which is help people and read.”
Courtney shelves books, helps fold mailers when needed, along with helping with the younger children.
With a dedicated staff and team of volunteers, the library is ready for new adventures.