Adult Services Minutes for May 2009

Date:  May 13, 2009

Attendance: Dana Morrow (OUT), Lindsay Egle (DC), Phyllis Davidson (DN), Harry Hoang (DN), Darlene Bowers (DN), Ronna Davis (ED), Kelley Riha (OUT), Sharon Nolan (BE), Glenn Webb (CH), Darrie Breathwit (SO), Suzette Felton (MC), Marilyn Backus (MSL), Jerod Gerfen (OUT), Suzie Beasley (CT)

WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS

Watt’s Green Issues: Dana acknowledged the district-wide issues (i.e. no-shows) concerning the Watt’s Green Seminar series. The president of OK Green has been notified of the problems and is attempting to rectify the situation.

Winter Readfest 2009: Dana initiated an informal discussion about the Winter Readfest program. Dana suggested that everyone in attendance should start thinking about potential gifts for the 2010 Winter Readfest program. Possible prizes discussed were ipods, Flip cameras, or other products in the $200 range. Due to a tepid response to the MLS tumblers, Phyllis suggested that fewer, more expensive items be purchased in lieu of the tumblers. Harry requested any leftover Winter Readfest bags for giveaways at the 2010 Asian Festival.

Performing Artist Index: Kelly encouraged all programmers to send her their personal impressions of artists in the Performing Artist Index. The Performing Artist Index is accessible under “resources” on the Intranet. Sharon voiced her concerns over the presenter Luiz Munoz who was found to be very disorganized and unprofessional in a recent BE program. Dana suggested that Kelley remove the performer from the database and any other performers who fall below a professional standard.

SHARING OF PROGRAMS

Outreach: Dana announced that there will be an Oklahoma Fancy Dancer’s tour in October. Iraqi oud player, Rahim Ahlaj, will be touring the system in November. Dana also encouraged everyone to attend the Children’s Music Festival being held this summer.

Del City: Lindsay discussed the activities of the DC library book club. A blog for the book club’s activities has been proposed. Upcoming programs at DC include a quilting class on May 26th and additional events offered through the OK County Health Department.

Downtown: Phyllis announced that a genealogical presentation on how to discover your family’s military service history will be held at DN on May 30th in commemoration of Memorial Day. Additional genealogical programming will be offered in August.

Harry has applied for a grant to fund the Native American Festival. Hopefully, there will be ample funding available to offer the Asian Festival in January 2010.

Darlene spoke about the Western Writer’s of America program being held at the DN library on June 15th. Since this event was not published in Info, any word of mouth promotion would be greatly appreciated. Darlene also mentioned that the lavender farm E. of Norman is willing to contribute to additional programming.

Bethany: Sharon mentioned that the dates/times of the Yoga classes in June have been changed from Saturdays to Mondays (attendees must bring their own mats). Tai Chi instructional courses are currently being considered for addition to the programming schedule. On the previous Mother’s Day, members of the OKC Philharmonic performed. A Father’s Day social will be held (including “manly” refreshments and Buffalo Fitz). On August 1st, BE will also be hosting an ice cream social.

Midwest City: Suzette reported that many patrons have requested the inclusion of an “Autumn Readfest” for future programming. The “Make and Take” program proved to be a big success. Summer programming activities at MC include gardening, candle and soap making, dance instruction, classic movie presentations and a self-defense seminar through the Midwest City Police Dept. Suzette is also trying to get an adult gaming program in the works. A financial planning program will be provided by a local bank, with a free lunch included! MC has also applied for a grant for the Native American Festival.

Capitol Hill: Glen mentioned that additional Spanish classes and lotion and lip gloss making courses will be offered over the summer.
Materials Selection: Marilyn discussed numerous issues concerning DVD collection acquisitions. The collection development criterion which impedes the acquisition of feature films is a reoccurring complaint. Currently, no amendments to the movie collection policy are under consideration. However, Marilyn stressed the importance of receiving patron suggestions/feedback and encourages everyone to forward these concerns to her at MSL. Marilyn also distributed a paper copy of section AM 310.2 of the MLS collection development policy. It is recommended that everyone be familiar with the content of this policy to address patron questions regarding our DVD collection.

Edmond: Ronna informed everyone that Chiaki Troutman had offered a free Japanese language class at ED, but future instructional sessions will likely be fee-based. ED has experienced considerable success with numerous book clubs (the book club for seniors has reached its member limit!). A new book club has been created which focuses on “very challenging” books. Ronna mentioned that book club ideas may be facilitated by accessing the website http://www.readinggroupguides.com. The Woody Guthrie program and GED classes offered through OCCC have also been a success. Upcoming programming at ED include candle making instruction, a flute concert, additional language classes (i.e. Farsi), and the possible resurrection of the movie program.

Southern Oaks: Darrie provided a number of anecdotal accounts on the numerous “serendipitous” book giveaways for the Winter Readfest program. Sharon (BE) added that a “first come first serve” system has worked well for Bethany giveaways. Darrie also gave kudos to AARP and the tax assistance they provide at our local libraries during tax season. Suzette (MC) mentioned that a copy of the comprehensive tax packet was obtained from the OK Tax Commission and patrons were allowed to copy pages from the publication.

Choctaw: Suzie reported that the Heartland Singers Spring Concert was a success. After some initial challenges with CT book clubs, other area clubs were invited to participate in and provide additional support to the CT groups. The book clubs are now enjoying greater success. One person suggested that future book club selections be based on MLS author tours as a way to increase the attendance statistics for both programs. The GED program offered by OCCC at the CT library was also a success.

PERFOMER PRESENTATIONS

John Fullbright: Folk singer/songwriter John Fullbright performed three songs. Vocals were accompanied with an acoustic guitar and harmonica. We were wowed! He won’t be around Oklahoma for long. Recommended.

Donna Hilton: This presenter provided a weaving demonstration on the Cricket Loom. The proposed program will instruct users on how to weave using this mobile loom. Weaving instruction can be offered in three sessions at two hours each with the goal of creating a specific article (i.e. scarf). Looms can be checked out through the Outreach office; the Cricket Loom is $128 for those who wish to purchase one. Recommended.

Kay Bishop: This author and comedienne outlined six program proposals: how to create a stand-up comedy routine; mothers and storytelling; fathers and storytelling; “happy days” memoir (what I did in the 60s); how to write dialog, and the short story slam. Recommended.
Rosemary Hatcher: Rosemary performed an act which included narration accompanied by accordion and singing. Not recommended.

Harold Dugger: This folk/country artist performed a selection of songs with guitar, harmonica and vocals. Recommended.