Date:  April 18th, 2008

Attending: Ruby Soutiere MSL, Phyllis Davidson, DN, Dana Morrow, OUT, Emily Williams, OUT, Kelley Riha, OUT, Ann Meeks, BI, Sharon Nolan, BE, Rosemary Czarski, CT, Jacquie Taylor ED, Sam Weehunt. DC, Darrie Breathwit, SO,  Susie Beasley, CT, Rich Antonisse, MC,  Ronna Davis, ED

Welcome and Introductions

Winter Read-Fest Wrap-Up
Numbers very high, final tally was 2619 . Everybody worked extremely hard to make this the most successful year ever. Anita said maximum capacity for program next year is 3,000. This has been a wonderful year, exceeding last year for system by a fantastic 23%.

Outreach is open to suggestions about gifts next year. Anita wrote a grant to the Friends to share in the cost of program. Will definitely have books and gift cards next year.

Discussion of gift cards. Ok to buy items with gift cards, pay for them partially with money if item to be purchased exceeds value of what is on the gift card.

Some ways to make everyone feel included: Jacquie gave circ.clerks invitation flyers to give to customers at circ desk, Clerks initial, the customer takes this to reference

In addition, reference staff initials forms when they sign up a customer, Jacquie kept a tally and gave small handmade prizes to staff who signed up the most customers

Discussion: What if people register at more than one library? Some branches count these as well? Will we be standardizing this next year with everyone treating these the same way? Sharon suggested calling the other libraries to see where they originally registered. Possibly a ballot card was used to enroll. Consensus “we are not out there to police” program should be fun says Dana

Performing Artist Developments

Kelley mentioned that there will be very useful enhancements to the performing artist database. Will use wiki. There will be a wiki training manual.
Ruby said that librarians should be aware of VHS tapes on same subjects as current DVD’s, and pull those VHS tapes

*Terrorism – Ruby brought information about videos and DVD’s on the fifth floor of the Journal-Record Building. This is currently underutilized by the MLS. Can refer customers there

Janet Brooks has developed and Asian-American Pathfinder

Discussion of increasing programs about Medicare and Alzheimers. [email protected] does program on Alzheimer’s

SHICP—Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program for the Medicare Info programs number is 521-6628, Anita spoke with Andrea Huston whose office is 522-0008.

If you have questions on reaching any of these customers, contact Anita.

SHARING
The day of this meeting Darlene sponsored an outstanding Sue Grafton Program. The mystery author spoke both at the DN library for the Endowment Trust Dinner, and at the Downtown library. Darlene reports that Sue Grafton is a fascinating and dynamic speaker, who was very gracious with her approximately 170 fans that showed up at the library.

Dana mentioned that when the Café opens Downtown, there will be a special program called “Eat with the Author” to celebrate the opening of the café.

Rich Antoinisse-has sponsored German Language classes which even included some Cultural field trips. Rich has also had extensive computer instruction classes, including Cybermars. Some other classes he has sponsored – “Getting into Gear for Writing” also How to write a novel in 30 days. He sponsored a “Sustainability” program showed Al Gore’s “Inconvenient Truth” got $75 one day performance license.

Jacquie-has greatly developed coffee break, there is a core of about 15 who come regularly plus a lot of people who may have come once or twice, forming a larger group.

A good place to tell seniors about upcoming programs as well. She is planning on contacting various dignitaries to mingle with the group informal

Sam offered 10 steps to a federal job. Had program with the Oklahoma Climatologically survey on Oklahoma’s changing weather.

Kelley from WA said that they had a great crowd for Boru’s Ghost; also Drive Alive programs have been especially well-attended.

Sharon at BE had Jean Hill with her troupe of young Irish Dancers. –big crowds

Had the Japanese big drums—highly successful program

Other programs mentioned by various programmers: Poet Laureate Poets,

Ann at BI mentioned Connie Schillenberg as Queen Victoria

Phyllis Davidson has set up 5 Oklahoma Voices interviews already

Darlene mentioned that in June the DN library will be hosting Echoes and Reflections which is provided by the Greater Jewish Federation of Oklahoma City.

Those enrolled will be taught how to use the Holocaust curriculum that is taught in the public schools.

Susie Beasley of Choctaw told us of the re-enactment of the Land Run that was scheduled for Choctaw Creek Park this weekend. Rosemary was going to be there the whole time at tents and tables representing the library.

Members of the Choctaw Library Guild sponsored “My Favorite Book Quilt Project,” in which members of the Choctaw Community were invited to create an original quilt. This book-themed quilt will be the prize in a drawing that will be held at Choctaw. The proceeds of this drawing go to an individual who in currently enrolled in library school for at least six hours and is presented to the winner as a substantial scholarship.

You may purchase tickets from Susie Beasley by contacting her at Choctaw.