1:00 Lisa called the meeting to order, introductions were made, and the service principle of the day was discussed. She passed out links to the ODL Children and Young Adult websites (http://cya.oklibshare.org).
Author Tim Tingle is visiting our libraries and schools from May 6-8. Copies of his book Crossing Bok Chitto will be given away.
Child abuse prevention day is April 8th. Several librarians and other children’s advocates will be visiting the Capitol and talking to local legislators for this event.
Lisa showed the group the $5 off summer camps coupon provided by Science Museum Oklahoma. This is a new sign-up coupon for both children and teens during Summer @ the Library.
Announcements, Handouts, ReadAloud:
Halloween—stock up on stringy spiderwebs at Halloween stores for next year’s Summer Reading (Catch the Reading Bug).
Diecuts—please send paper for diecuts, as there is not a supply readily available. Lisa is creating an order form, so you can send in the order form with the paper. You can view diecuts online at Accucut.
Lisa Bradley wanted inspiration for her story times, so Lisa created a handout with websites, magazines to check out, etc.
The staff introduced themselves to guests Stacy Dykstra, Julie Mulford and Leslie Garrison. Kelley Riha read Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems.
Handouts:
The Public Library Association recently published a booklet entitled Nursery Rhymes, Songs and Fingerplays and these were distributed to each person in attendance.
Sequoyah Book Award Children’s Masterlist posters were handed out, along with copies of the Masterlists and the NotQuiteSequoyah
lists. Emily informed everyone of the voting days for the current Sequoyah list.
Additional handouts that were distributed were: Oklahoma Voices, Legislative Day and goals, free prescriptions pamphlets from Pfizer, Step It Up 2007, and Smart Start Oklahoma posters.
Welcome:
Lisa read Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Exist by Mo Willems. The staff introduced themselves to guest Adrienne Butler, the new youth coordinator at the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
Handouts:
CV of Maria Elena Escribano de Ruffin (bilingual children’s artist), “Learning through Play at the Public Library” by Sandra Feinberg, “Lack of Creative Playtime Plagues Children” by Karen Uhlenhuth, a children’s literature quiz, “Fun Learning Games” from the August 2006 Parents, children and teen 2006 summer reading sign-up/goal statistics
Welcome:
Staff introduced themselves and Kristin read Bark, George by Jules Fiefer. The book was used to introduce librarians to new children’s literature, demonstrate reading aloud techniques, and start the meeting off with some fun.
General Announcements:
Kristin discussed the new Donna Norvell Oklahoma Book Award and introduced the first winning book, Wild About Books by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Marc Brown.
LaVetta Dent welcomed everyone and passed out a handout from Jeanne Devlin in MAC. Jeanne advised that MAC has a number of free things (stickers, disposable watches, and other movie-oriented trinkets) that can be used as giveaways at children’s programs. Just contact MAC if you would like some items for giveaways.
LaVetta also announced that we should be receiving the Sam Noble Museum tickets for the Summer Book Program this week. She also informed us that the museum has some interesting traveling exhibits. Their website lists them and provides details about the cost of hosting these exhibits.
Heidi Port cannot be here today for the meeting. She believes she covered everything about volunteers for the Summer Book Program at the retreat. If anyone has questions, please email Heidi or contact LaVetta.
The Director’s Message:
LaVetta Dent welcomed everyone and introduced Donna Morris, Director of MLS. Donna Morris reported that the system is doing well. Usage is up across the board. She believes that this is due to the excellent service and materials we provide. Administration is gearing up for the new budget year. It is believed that funds for next year will be fairly flat. There are no new major projects slated for the next fiscal year.
There are still projects remaining to be completed pursuant to the earlier OKC bond package, but it is unclear when those will be finished. The CH project was supposed to begin this year, however problems have been encountered. These problems have to do with the value of the building, the cost of the work, and code issues that will result if renovations are undertaken. The projected costs are greater than available money so this is still being evaluated.
Volunteer procedure changes - Heidi Port, DVS (handout – packet)
Heidi Port passed out handouts and summarized the procedural changes for MLS volunteers. Forms will be available on Intranet and Internet (when appropriate). A request to have the Teen forms online in January. There are three types of volunteers: 1) Teen; 2) Adult; 3) Court appointed. The volunteer time sheets will now be due quarterly.
Background Checks and Badges: Adult volunteers have background checks and photo ID badges. Teen and court appointed volunteers do not have background checks and will use volunteer badges kept at the library. The background check form will automatically print with the adult volunteer application form. Send the background check form to Volunteer Services in a sealed white envelop. Do not keep the background check form or a copy of it in your office or library. Because background checks cost money, let Heidi know if you want one performed or if you do not need this individual for volunteer work.
Summer Reading Report – Dana, LaVetta
The library system showed an increase of 440 participants. Discussion: concerns of the medals; publicity of the drawings; need for drawings at libraries; confusion about the drawings and winners at the ballgame, and library presentation at the ballpark. Lisa Wood recommended that libraries have teen volunteers individually bag the medal and tickets together for ease of presenting the awards to the children. (Dana Morrow stressed our program would improve with better communications next year.)
Please send in the sign up cards to Outreach for research on the schools that participated.
New Program Ideas, Cynthia Daniel Wolf, Program Presenter
Cynthia gave handouts and demonstrations of “History Told Through Music: The Cattle Drive Area” and Sing out for children and families emphasizing her audience participation. Cynthia lives in OKC, and her Paseo studio number is: 525-4039 or home 525-4365. (Cynthia is in the system’s performer database.)
Summer at the Library – Dana Morrow and Scott Carter
Neighborhood Arts, etc. – Dana asked for comments about 2003 performers; response was good. The list of 2004 performers will come later. LaVetta will be arranging Michael Corley for the last week performer for those who want and will pay for his presentation; she will arrange and handle the paper work. Next summer Lucky Penny Players are having their 20th Anniversary.
