Book Babies

I thought I would share a picture of some very cute babies whose parents are getting them off to a great start. These little ones attend the very popular Baby Storytimes at the Evergreen Branch (there's one at the Main Library, too), and they just signed up for their very first library cards. They all received a free book worm bookbag to help tote their books home.

This happy event was made possible by a recent change in library policy that allows children of any age to get a library card. Previously you couldn't get a card until you were 4 years old. The change was made in response to a patron request, and we hope to see many more baby cardholders in the future.

Count Your Blessings

For my monthly podcast I reviewed the library's accomplishments in 2008. I'm a project person, and sometimes prone to being impatient. If I have an idea, I'd like to see it happen sooner rather than later. So I think I have a tendency to focus on what hasn't happened yet rather than just how much has been done.

Writing the podcast proved to be a good exercise because it forced me to remember all the good things that the library has accomplished since January. I won't repeat them here--you can listen to the podcast if you're interested--but I do want to focus on an end-of-the-year highlight that didn't make the podcast. That's our library giving tree. Instead of traditional decorations, the staff has donated mittens, hats, gloves, and scarves--all of which will be donated to area shelters to help keep people warm this winter. If you'd like to contribute to this effort, drop off your donations of new items in our Circulation Office. We'll add them to our tree, for distribution just before Christmas.

I know I'm counting as a blessing the fact that I can give to others in this way, and that library staff members have embraced this project so enthusiastically.