Patty's Palaver

Snowflake Carnival

2010-01-26T18:23:00.003-07:00

Who knew it would be so much fun!!!! A Saturday afternoon in cold old January, and the library was filled with warmth and laughter. The Children's department sponsored a Snowflake Carnival for little ones and grade school students, and the Wyoming Room was filled with parents, grandparents and kids galore. What were they doing? Why, carnivaling, of course. Ring toss, fishing pond, cup cake walk, bingo, and a clever pail of sand filled with creepy crawlies for kids to find. A craft table, bowling for pop, and several other silly games were manned by volunteers -- a wonderful group of 4H kids came to help,library workers, student volunteers, and adult volunteers were all there smiling too.

So let me talk about magic. The library magic. The magic of children's laughter. The pure shining delight of toddlers. The "big" kid happiness of winning a prize. It was all here at your library. I felt lucky to be here too.

It was a lot of work. A day of set up and making space work. There was a lunch room with hot dogs and hot chocolate. There was the bingo room. And everything else was organized in the big room. It took a day to clean up -- putting equipment away, returning things borrowed.

It was a fund raiser. The youth service librarians wanted to sponsor an event to help the Library Endowment Challenge. Selling tickets at 25 cents apiece and a small lunch, they managed to raise $1,300. How many tickets did they sell? Wow.

So thank you. Thank you for letting us enjoy Saturday with you. Thank you, librarians, for one more extra at your library. This was a volunteer effort and more that greatly appreciated. The Snowflake Carnival might be my highlight of the
month.

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T18:04:00.006-07:00

Greetings to you all, and happy New Year. Several interesting things have occurred at your library recently. A News-Record reporter came in and talked to us about technology changes in the last 10 years, which led to other changes in the last 10 years, and even to current changes with the relationship with the County Commissioners and Library Board. Only ten years and so many changes.

Then I opened my e-mail to find rather caustic comment from a library customer (?)-- I hope it is from a newcomer in the community. But there is no name nor email address attached for me to make a private reply. And I do have replies.

"Your list of services should not be two clicks deep into your website. The linking you have to outside resources is great, but (in) this day (and) age, everybody knows how to use Google. Your list of services/products/catalogs/ should be specific."

Hmmmmm. The Library has a committee which is making constant changes in the website, so it does change fairly often depending on what is being featured and what library products we are promoting. We depend on one library computer trouble-shooter and bright young staff members to help us -- above and beyond their regular jobs. The card catalog itself IS NOT Google, but it is a professional library service used by the entire state of Wyoming. Frankly, we are rather proud of our progress in this area.

"Why are all your events centered around kids & teens? Why make your library a destination for teenagers that just need a place to hangout in the vague hope that eventually they will become regular patrons?"

One third of the county's population is under the age of 18. The average age of county residents is 33.5 years, so the average citizen is probably a parent of one of those annoying kids or teens. We provide lots of activities and events for them because it is better to keep them busy than just roaming around the building. We love our children users, and traditionally libraries have been considered a safe place for kids. That does not make us a full time babysitter, and we do retain the right to expel a child for misbehavior, and we do. For you, it is probably wiser to stay away from the building during morning story times (another one of those pesky library traditions that encourages literacy) and during the after school rush when older kids come in to wait for parents, do homework and socialize. And yes, I hope they all grow up to love their library, just like you do.

"Why don't you have a book club for groups of people (teachers, seniors, etc?)"

We have a small group who attend a fall book discussion with me or without me. There are three other book clubs who use the library for their organizations or friends. Would you like to start a club for your interest group? We can help you.

"Why not add a podcast to your website? Employees or those who frequent your library can get together and record a discussion of the new releases or the new events going on at the library."

Again this comes down to manpower and the internet committee --who have discussed the possibility of pod casts. Frankly, we are just too busy helping library users to be creating podcasts.

"There is a growing minority population in Gillette. How are you catering to their needs?"

There is a Spanish collection in both the children's area and in the adult area. In addition library staff members are active participants in groups like ESL (English as a Second Language), Even Start, and we have actively helped and supported other literacy organizations and efforts in our community. Staff members have taken a Spanish for libraries class, and several members work to maintain those skills.

"Why not an event about rare book collecting? Make brochures from your events so those that can't attend are able to download the information shared at the event."

We have cut back on adult program because of poor turn out. However, if you would like to sponsor or teach a rare book class, we could help with a meeting room space, information, and even some expertise. The Library does make many brochures and book marks in house about events, collections, programs. I hope you are seeing some of them.

"How about an annual horror story contest for Halloween that will be read on the local radio network the night of Halloween?"

Have you attended our Halloween events yet? I think you would be pleased with the activities around the scariest night of the year.

"Do you have someone who knows about all the databases and goes to the local high school & college academic clubs and classes to explain why using the library's resources will make their lives easier?"

WE DO. Reference department librarians are booked at schools and the college. Wright Branch librarians go to the Wright schools. We have distributed brochures to home-schooled families and developed informational sheets for junior high notebooks. This we do extremely well. I'm sorry you did not know.

"Runescape? Really? How about an event for parents on what is a MMORPG and what game ratings symbols mean?"

First you should know that Runescape was carefully researched and on the approved lists for students. We have sponsored a parent and child workshop on computers -- no one came.

"What about an event for those just entering the workforce on how to keep your private life private, while using Myspace/Facebook?"

Just this fall the library used a Walmart grant to sponsor a series of classes for entering the workforce with the WY Workforce Center. It was well attended. I don't believe that MySpace/Facebook privacy issues were addressed. Another good idea. Thank you.

"Or just stick to being an overstaffed miniature convention center, either way."

Now this was a low blow. We have three meeting rooms with no services to speak of, and I'm sure Cam-plex does not consider us competition. Overstaffed? I think not. We have only 35 FTE, full-time equivalents, 3 shifts a day with part-time people. We are saving your tax dollars and providing bright, efficient, effective workers who believe in public service right down to the tips of their toes.

Well, I feel better. Now that I've answered the questions, I have to wonder about the writer. Did someone deliberately jerk my chain? It worked. Currently the library is seeing a consistent 25% increase in usage, checkout, questions asked and answered. We like the idea that we are heavily used by a growing community that is seeking ways to get answers, read books and newspapers, watch movies and listen to music without cost. We like being a tax supported entity that does not charge its users. We like helping library patrons, newcomers and old-timers.

Stop by and visit sometime. I'd like to put a face and name to the questions.

Snow and Cold

2009-12-15T18:40:00.002-07:00

It's just not normal. All this cold, cold, cold, and snow. I remember the day when my Mom and Grandpa said "It's too cold to snow." Well, it is. And still it snows, and swirls, and generally makes life miserable. And I have leather car seats. And I'm tired of wearing wool socks. Already. How will I get through a long winter?

Normally I love the January, February, March snows. I'm used to no snow at Christmas and heavy snow for Easter. So what is the deal. Is it like everything else -- life changes?

Today I took my Mom to the doctor for an annual check up. Me too. They called it a well-woman check up. I felt excellent going in, but I came out with a long list of things to follow up on -- calcium, vitamin D, blood tests, and more. Her too. So now I'm saying I went in a well woman and came out blah. How can that be?

So am I grumpy? Is it the snow and cold? Perhaps. Or perhaps it is the Christmas season -- a time of too much indulgence. Or perhaps life is not the kind and gentle proposition I assumed it should be and never has been. Perhaps it is the books I've been reading -- I'm on my third young adult novel, and all three have been depressing in a rather goofy way. Perhaps I need lighter fiction! Or perhaps I just need to STOP WRITING !!!!

Board loss ?

2009-11-23T15:55:00.003-07:00

On Nov. 10 the County Commissioners used GASB 54 audit changes to declare the end of boards for six county agencies which have been traditionally and legally run by county appointed boards. Deciding that changing fiscal responsibility from the hands of the boards to direct control by the Commissioners would eliminate the need for the boards.

Not so, says most of the sage members of the voting community. What about the voice of the people? What about the training for political leadership? How else do citizens become well acquainted with the calendar, budget, and responsibilities of the county agencies?

Not so, say I. What about Wyoming Statutes 18-7-101 to 106? What about the clearly defined membership of a board with term limits and no compensation? What about the clear definition of taxation and the library fund? How do you ignore these laws?

Is there another way to attain the perfection of GASB 54? I think so. Is there
a better way to attain the perfection of library organization? I think not.

Will the difference of opinions be solved? Of course it will. And the library will continue operation and services to a huge public clientele as usual.

Flu Season

2009-11-06T15:19:00.002-07:00

Just when I thought all was right with the world, it became flu season. The whole
sense of pandemic and the world coming to an end is pretty overwhelming. And I had a first had view of the whole mess.

Hunting Season. Our family gathers in a cabin in the Big Horns, and I had a great 24 hours with my grown sons and five grandsons -- and others. There was a lovely day of
snow, and the hunters were elated. I cooked, and that night I thought I had poisoned the whole bunch of us as three of us vomited -- and other stuff -- all night. It was
horrific, and a daughter in law, one grandson, and I were all hauled out of the cabin
the next day. From Sunday night to Thursday, 11 of the 12 people at the cabin had the
flu in a wide variety of symptoms.

You have to laugh at life. It just throws all these things at you. The hunters hunted; they saw a lot of things, but missed their shots. They took turns cooking, cleaning and hunting, and they tell me it was a great week. Okay.

It's now week two, and I have a head cold. Do I believe in the power of the flu bug, virus survival and epidemics? I do now.

Young Women

2009-10-20T14:02:00.002-06:00

Last weekend my husband and I attended a great birthday party for one of his brothers, who triumphantly celebrated his 8oth, at Leiterville Country Club. The room was filled with a gaggle of aging siblings and spouses, and Don's children and grandchildren. It was a happy, noisy time.

But the best part for me was when two of the nieces, one at a time, came to tell me their good news. Both of them were bright-eyed, blonde, preschoolers when I married into the family. I barely knew them, but both of them (and their sisters and brother) have been a joy to watch grow into working professionals and fine parents. One of them told me she and a sister had been accepted into the National Boards program for educators. She shared her application process and plans for the next three years, and I am just as tickled as she is! What an opportunity -- and how courageous she is to tackle this new venture. I am so proud of her.

Then the other one stopped in front me to share her good news. I don't know if they planned this one-up-manship or not. But this young woman has been appointed as an assistant to the National Special Olympics which will be heading to Greece in 2011. Holy Smokes !!!! What an honor! And it puts her on a whole new playing field -- at both the national and international level. That is just outstanding. I am so proud of her.

Four years ago I attended a library leadership class in New Mexico, where I trained with a group of young librarians, both male and female. It was the first time I felt proud of the direction we are going as a whole in the library world. It made me feel like libraries are in good hands because of the knowledge, passion and skills these young workers possess.

My nieces gave me that same feeling of confidence in the future. And when I think of it in a broader sense, it makes me feel confident in the generations to come. Young women today have been raised differently than I -- or you. They are way more secure in their options and the skills they have attained. Maybe because you and I broke that glass ceiling and worked hard to be super-women. But I truly think they are aging into their roles as the "leaders" way more gracefully than I did.

Generational differences are funny things, but library work has always had that humbling factor -- it is the institution, not you, that is great. My replacement is out there, or maybe already in here. The Library continues whether I do or not. I think that has made it easier to appreciate the changing of the guard. I grew into "my turn" and now I need to prepare the next generation -- and maybe the one after that. It's called "mentoring' and it's a lot like parenting and grand-parenting. You watch -- a lot. You watch the mistakes as well as the good things. You remind them to get up and dust off their britches and try it again. You give them opportunities to try things -- talking, running, traveling, speaking, explaining, writing -- and for us in the library world, reading and researching.

My nieces have given me great news this week. They have unique goals and opportunities, and they shared them with me. In addition they allowed me some special reflection time and a sense that all is right with the world. I hope you too have the same opportunity.

September's gone

2009-10-09T08:30:00.002-06:00

Thank heavens.

In 1916, Mabel Wilkinson responded to an advertisement looking for a librarian who could "pack a horse...and shoot straight." In this fine tradition, three Gillette librarians took a pistol safety class. And we were shocked at how poorly our book knowledge translated to shooting skills. But we gamely attended our classes, and we
did pass. This is especially surprising for me, considering the fact that I managed to black both my eyes from the recoil of a small derringer. Of course it was a 410
derringer.

Nevertheless, I have recovered. Seems like my year has been too much about recovery.
And today, watching this second October blizzard, when my yard and broken trees have not been cleaned up from the first blizzard, is a little discouraging. Then I think about all the positives of challenges. I drove across town without a wreck. The library is warm. I do not yet have flu symptoms.

Like Mabel, I can celebrate this month.

Monday mornings

2009-09-19T15:22:00.004-06:00

For a couple of weeks now I've been thinking about the simple pleasure of walking through "my" library first thing on Monday mornings. Often the housekeepers and I are the only ones in the building, and I hear the whir of the vacuums as they early morning workers arrive before staff and customers to clean floors and restrooms. The day long effort to fight dust and finger prints does not end when the doors open, but the early morning visits are when the three of us can exchange concerns and worries about faulty locks, dirty furniture, floor stains. As the morning sun shines through the atrium windows I smell their cleaning solutions and take comfort in the knowledge that the building caretakers are doing their jobs very well.

Shortly before 8:00 a.m. staff members begin arriving -- bright eyed and cheerful, because we all love to come to work. They chatter about their weekends and start the daily routines of checking in the overnight book drops, turning on the computer equipment, making sure chairs are in place and children's toys are picked up. It usually is -- because the evening crews pick up as they leave the building too. Still, it is that sense of morning pride and purpose that tickles me. Every county employee in the library buildings (Wright and Gillette)come to work, no matter what shift, prepared to meet their day with that same pride and purpose. How lucky am I to be working with such a crew of dedicated professionals! How lucky are you to have tax-paid employees who like to work and take pleasure in their jobs well done!
By the time I settle into my desk in the administration area, the other desks are occupied and the paper work begins the daily shuffle. Sometimes it seems we hide in the background, but I think we like to think that we make life easier for those librarians in the front of the building by doing many of the onerous tasks for them. I just know that my morning walk-through reminds me of the pure joy of being in a building filled with books and good will. What more could I ask -- on Monday morning or any other.

Wahoo!!!!!

2009-08-21T10:57:00.003-06:00

I just walked down the basement steps, then couldn't remember how I got down there -- steps or elevator. It was the steps!!!! Wahoo !!!!! You may think that is memory loss, but I think my knee is healed enough that my mind did not have to concentrate on taking those steps, very carefully, one at time. I was thinking about my work mission. Am I healed? Well, not truly, not yet. But I am well enough to be thining about things other than pain and therapy and the healing process.

I am thinking about my messy desk; the amount of paperwork I have managed to avoid; the things undone that need to be done, and how long will it take me to catch up. All week my goal has been to clear my desk, complete my obligation to WYLD, Historical Society, Pearls of the Prairie and Halls of Art.

Already I am being bombarded by ALA documents for my new role as ALA Councilor. I am waffling about my obligation to spread the ALA word on Health Care. Do I really want to be involved in the debate? Why is the American Library
Assoc. in the debate at all? Yes, we all know health care needs help. Yes, we all support the need for health care, but at what point is it my library job? Hmmmm.

This is an interesting avenue I have started walking -- and evidently talking. I can and do talk easily about the library world. I live and breath library values of access, confidentiality, freedom of information, literacy, democracy, etc. I may be of less value supporting freedom for Cuban librarians and a single approach to health care.

Currently I'm thinking a lot about The Library Foundation, Inc. Their efforts to raise funds for the Public Library Endowment Challenge has been awesome -- but there is so much more to do. Library staff members have been awesome in their support of the Endowment Challenge -- but there is so much more to do. We need ideas, volunteers, donors -- so don't hesitate to contact me.

And I have been thinking about a new magazine, well, new to me, "Men's Journal,"
which I read at an auto shop this week while I was waiting on my car. There was an excellent article on deaths in extreme sports.

And I have been thinking about "America's Got Talent," and totally enjoying the variety and levels of skills among amateur singers, dancers, acrobats, magicians, well, you know the tv show. My gosh, there is so much out there.

And now I'm thinking, at last, I'm clicking on too many cylinders which may be as good an indication as walking down the stairs that I am healing. Thank heavens.

8 Weeks

2009-07-31T15:37:00.005-06:00

Well, 8 weeks plus 2. Evidently I am a slow healer. Not from lack of trying. But somewhere, hiding inside my knee, is that cantankerous something, probably scar tissue that just does not want to let go of that new joint. So my life is still all about me and physical therapy -- and frankly, I'm pretty sick of Patty.

In the meantime, the library continues it's tradition of excellent service. Summer reading is winding down -- no more programs, but lots of prizes for kids who bring in their reading lists. Wright Branch Library had road work isolating them from their community, so they have lots of prizes left to give to their summer readers.

And the Endowment Challenge completed it's first year with the Foundation and staff raising over $60,000. With the match from the State grant, there is now $120,000 in the endowment fund. How great is that for the future well being of your library! The Rummage Sale planned for August 7th and 8th is the next big event.

The county budget has gone into effect for 2009-2010, so we'll be able to buy new books for the continuous book-appetite of our community of readers. Did you see the article about "Where does your property tax go?" in the July 30th "News-Record"? Did you notice the bargains you get at the Library, Museum and County Fair?

I have completed my term as WYLD president for a Wyoming library association, and have only one committee commitment left for them. I do have a stack of thank you notes to complete and mail.

I have been keeping up with the e-mails, signatures for vouchers, professional documents and magazines. I have sold my mother's house in Arizona. I am now hosting family visitors with more coming next week.

Well, thanks. I needed this reminder. I am lucky to work at a library, to have
outstanding staff,and I am lucky to have the support of friends and co-workers. Now if this darn knee would just bend a little more ......

Patty

One Month

2009-06-23T14:20:00.003-06:00

It was right after the May board meeting that I had knee surgery, and just before the June meeting when I came back. That does not mean I am a healed bionic woman, but I am on the mend. And I am still in the phase of daily amazement about how well -- or not so well -- my body heals, or does not heal.

Of course, being off work is always a humbling experience in library land. The library does operate -- and it operates very well -- with or without me. I don't have to be here to check out a book for you. There are plenty of well trained people in the building who can help you with books and research.

It was a curious three weeks for me, staying home, sleeping a lot, finally getting bored enough to wash windows and woodwork. That is really bored. And I had curiously good care from my husband who kept my knee ice packed whenever he saw me sitting or reclining.

I have met an interesting group of professional physical therapists, who despite their reputation have not made me cry. They have made me laugh, and we share goofy stories as they distract me from the monotony and discomfort of knee repair work.

It is only a month. I do have to remind myself as some mornings I hobble to work.
It is only a month. And I do still groan when I roll over in my sleep.
It is only a month. I am gaining, and I will conquer.
It is only a month......

May already!!!

2009-05-01T12:30:00.002-06:00

How did this happen! How did I miss a whole month of blogging! I definitely have plenty of things to say -- so why didn't I? We finished up on the budget work at the library; now we wait. We've had some good training days for GIS and downloading eaudio and dvds. We've been bemused by the fluctuating spring weather. And I moved my mother from Arizona to Buffalo, WY.

Yep. I have become my mother's keeper. I have resisted -- and so has she -- but the time has come to bring her home to her birthplace. She has insisted that she would never leave Arizona -- she loves that summer heat. But last week she and I drove from Casper to Buffalo in on-and-off snow storms. I'm sure she must have been questioning her sanity. I was heaving a big sigh of relief -- we made it.

I think this is going to work. I think she is in a good place, and ready to be here. I think I can manage my work life and her retirement home life and my home life. I think I can because I have support from my family and my workplace.

May Day has long been my favorite holiday. It is usually a sane time of the year, but this year I forgot May Day. So I am already starting the month behind myself. As I leave work today, I will pick up flowers for my in-laws and good friends and deliver them en route. I started this tradition 20 years ago -- longer if I think about the years my little boys delivered baskets for me.

I like the soothing delivery of a little gift outside the norm. The "hi-how are ya" thinking of an unexpected greeting -- not Christmas, not Easter, not wedding. My sisters-in-law would miss my delivery -- they do call if I forget. So I will finish my day with a visit to them this year. Just as I have finished my visit with you.

"We're tough girls!"

2009-03-27T12:54:00.005-06:00

"We're tough girls" chortled one of my lady-like librarians as she faced her evening shift after a two day blizzard. And indeed we are. In spite a day of shoveling out driveways. In spite of roads still covered in 15-20 inches of snow. In spite of a yearning to cover our heads in our quilts and pillows. A full staff opened the libraries of Campbell County on Day 3 of the blizzard of 2009. Now the city and county tell us that it will be another week before all the roads are cleared, but we "tough girls" showed up with smiles and welcomed library visitors with good cheer.

And there were plenty of visitors -- lots of men snowed out of their construction and mining jobs, lots of small group meetings who had missed their Monday - Tuesday gatherings. Everyone trying to catch-up. And that's one of the reasons the "tough girls" made the effort to get to work. We are needed.

The Post Office has nothing over us. Through rain, sleet and snow, library workers know that we are a necessary service when other organizations are closed -- evenings and weekends we still have a notary service, FAX, copy machines, internet access.

We have free books, magazines, newspapers, videos. We have meeting space, study space, reading space. All the amenities of your office, when you can't get to your office. Those are all reasons the "tough girls" get to work.

We are grateful every day for road workers who clear the main arteries of our community -- and our parking lots. If they were not working all night, we could not open the building to rescue the other stranded residents and visitors.

Spring blizzards are not unusual for us. It a challenge of wit and wills, and the tough girls came through with flying colors -- again.

Essential vs Nonessential

2009-02-24T07:35:00.007-07:00

It's budget time. The necessary evil process that prepares us for next year. This year there are real challenges real threats, real fears. Not so much as other states and other libraries, because Wyoming economy is still fairly healthy. But we expect the downturn that has hit the national and international markets. How do you prepare for that? Our County Commissioners, our primary source of funding, are taking a serious look at all county agencies and the core functions of those agencies. That is their job.

My job is to protect the library, the building, the employees, and the service provided to library users. But the charge is essential versus nonessential services. Do we do anything at the library that is nonessential? We don't think so -- or we would not be doing them. Detractors point to the teen room, as a new service. But teen literature has been designated for nearly 20 years, and teen programs have been part of library services for more than ten years. The remodeled teen space improved access to the book collection so much that circulation of teen books immediately increased by 30%, and it has remained that high. Teens are reading. And the teens have an advisory board to help supervise events and a volunteer group learning about public service. Is that nonessential?

The library extension service may be nonessential; it is unusual. But it has been part of the library for close to 20 years. We make home deliveries to shut-ins of all ages -- non drivers, handicaps, injury and surgery patients who are recovering at home. We service mini-libraries in senior centers. We coordinate volunteers for library projects and for one on one computer classes. Our adult and teen volunteers donate more than 1500 hours a year, saving the county $24,000 in salary. Are these things nonessential?

Are adult programs, collections, reading challenges nonessential? Are story times nonessential? Where do we draw the line for developing literacy, creating a passion for reading, encompassing the pure joy of learning, sharing, exploring that the library offers?

Historically, the State of Wyoming has accepted public libraries as a core service. The first WY library laws built the library into the county system of 12 mil funding as an essential county agency. Why? Because like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, Wyoming legislators recognized the need for informational services to maintain a public strong enough and knowledgeable enough to run the government. Voters need information. Reading skills and access to information are requirements for a strong democracy. In 1916 a horseback librarian, Mabel Wilkinson, rode across a couple of WY counties surveying residents for their interest in opening a public library in their county seats. Andrew Carnegie included WY libraries in his building program. Recently WY legislators have continued to support the public library systems by funding the on-line systems for the card catalog, circulation, and acquistion of library materials. Wyoming continues to support their libraries.

Now you may argue that the only essential services are police, fire, roads. Really? Is that enough to keep your community healthy? No need for childcare, education, cultural opportunities. No, siree. You don't need reading for pleasure or to find answers. You don't need information to help with decisions on car buying or elections. But national statistics show that is exactly what we need especially in times of recession. Library use increases steadily as book and magazine buying declines. That makes sense. Right?

This is a tough year at your library. It looks like we may have several tough years and tough decisions to make. So you'll probably be hearing more from me on essential versus nonessential. Let me hear from you too. I'll be needing your advice.
Patty

Lucky Week

2009-02-12T12:37:00.005-07:00

The first week of February was incredibly good to me. I attended the American Library Association, which is a true perk of my job. Going to a national conference allows me to grow as a librarian, and this meeting gave me an opportunity to become acquainted with Denver. I usually drive through the city enroute to other places. Not only did I attend wonderful workshops and programs -- I won an iPod, an iTouch iPod. And I'm still trying to figure out what to do with it. Yes, the children are helping me.

When I got home I attended the AVA annual fund raising event and totally enjoyed the festivities with a Russian theme, music, and food as well as the art auction. And I won a bright red, curvaceous teapot made by Ariane Jimison. I have been coveting that teapot for several months, ever since I saw it first at her exhibit. I thought maybe they knew it, and the drawing was rigged, but they assure me that it was not. It's just good luck.

Now all this good luck has made me nervous, because after winning a car last summer, a pick up drove into my basement. So I'm counting by threes now. If I count all the nice spoiling that I received for my early February birthday, it's time for my luck to change. Uh, oh. Does this mean my next blog will reflect the change in luck and I will only have my happy memories of the first week of February????? I can only hope not. I'm still repairing my house.

Denver ALA

2009-01-30T10:41:00.003-07:00

Last night I heard on the Denver news about the two librarians who died in a car accident enroute to the airport after their American Library Association meetings. Tuesday that could have been me and another librarian as we returned from the weekend of meetings in Denver. It was my first extended visit to Denver, and the meetings were held in hotels and the Convention Center. We were shuttled through the streets of tall new buildings and the great old ones. But best of all were the meetings and the opportunities to visit with the wide variety of visitors. I was appalled and sympathetic to the number of people from low altitude who were truly suffering in the mile-high climate. Most of them were not uncomfortable, but some were truly stricken.

Still it is the programs and training that are of the greatest value to librarians. Hearing a Nobel Peace Prize winner describe the beginning of his bank as a small town rescue effort when he learned of a village of 44 people who were in debt to the money lenders for $27. He loaned them the money in order to remove the threatening presence of the loan sharks from the village, and he was paid back every cent. His philosophy of loaning to the poor and to women was new to India, and new to most banking institutions. However, he now has a branch in New York City that is proving equally successful. Dr. Muhammad Yunus has two books about his social business concept, the Grameen Banks and microloans.

There was a morning speaker series that included Leigh Rubin, a cartoonist who uses his family situations to create "animal" cartoons; science fiction writers Kevin J. Anderson and Dom Testa interviewed each other and shared writing habits and stories about their stories; Richard North Patterson talked about his new title ECLIPSE which combines his knowledge of North African history and modern day events.

In addition to the program this winter meeting is focused on the business of American Library Association. For many years I have worked with committees on "intellectual freedom." Recently I have become fascinated with the sound of these combined words. INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM intellectual freedom intellectual freedom
In the Library world, the term embodies the first amendment rights of freedom of speech which translates to patron privacy, collection development that provides both sides of every argument, meeting rooms and gathering places without prejudice, and much more. But as I age and mull over those words, I love the challenge of them -- intellectual freedom. I have the freedom to be intellectual --- or not. I can think -- or not. I have a place where I can find information on everything. I have the source -- the font of all knowledge -- at my library. AND SO DO YOU.

Now I have an extended to-do list and not enough hours this week, but I also have a new balance and a reminder of why I love being a librarian, and the special gifts of my current job.

Clearing the Library desk

2009-01-17T12:50:00.005-07:00

It has been a ridiculous week at my library office, and the desk top proves the total chaosof the week. So I came to work this Saturday morning with the intentions of being prepared for next week -- which is a short week already, which means I will be behind again. The first thing I did was review minutes of the Library Board meeting, and of course spent time with the thesaurus and dictionary until I found the perfect word -- acquiesce. It fit perfectly, but even to write this sentence, I had to go back and verify the spelling.

The week began with a domino effect of maintenance issues: no heat in the building; the gas meter froze; no hot water, which we thought was the gas issue, but it turns out there was a broken part on the new water heater, only a $1.50 part, but a second day for repairs. Then the City Water guys came to discuss changing out the meter, and that took some time. And there was time spent on a housekeeping walk through for immediate and long term fix-its. Thank heavens for maintenance workers and housekeepers. They are truly the ones who maintain your public buildings, and they do it well.

Above and beyond these issues I've been working on WLA (WY Library Assoc) meeting plans, WYLD (WY Library Database)issues, ALA (American Library) issues and meeting plans. It's not very often that all the organizations fall into the same week, but for some reason, January became the planning month and I've been tied into email and phone conversations with everyone this month.

Local meetings have included planning for staff training, Library board, Red Hat Society and a spring event, courthouse Halls of Art, and several meetings I just could not attend. I do work at the Library and take turns with lunch coverage and space supervision. So now it actually makes sense. My desk is a mess. Today's goal
is to get it under control. Is is possible or is a monster of behemoth appetite that just will not let go of me? The sun is shining, and I'd really like to be outside -- and I will be. Soon. Ho hum.

Year End

2008-12-30T12:25:00.004-07:00

It was almost too much this morning. Another windy, snowy day in Wyoming. It seems like we are getting punished this month, and bad weather did interfere with our Christmas week plans. But now it's noon -- there is still lots of wind, but the sky is blue and the sun is shining. Yes, I know, I need to write more than a weather report -- and that is my intention.

I met today with the Library Foundation Board. It is a group of volunteers who have worked hard on the Endowment Challenge fund raising effort for six months. I am proud of them, and I am proud of the library staff who have diligently volunteered hours of planning, promoting, baking, donating to library efforts for this matching fund. We have raised close to $45,000 thus far. And it seems to me that is huge for a group of amateur fundraisers.

Of course, I then have to moderate my praise, because we can raise as much as $295,000 for an equal amount of matching fund. So how do I sustain that effort? How do we maintain a nice momentum over the next five years?

Never say Never. Praise, praise, praise. Thank, thank, thank. Are you bored and tired of me yet? I'm sorry. But I can't stop. It's my job. And I have been blessed to be placed among hard working, giving people. Both volunteers and co-workers. So what is the motivation? The LIBRARY of course. We see the LIBRARY
as the source of all that a community can be -- a people center, a resource center, an information center, a recreation center, an internet access, a literacy resource, and reading, reading, reading. We understand the skills and talents of the people who work here who will help the people who use the LIBRARY, not just today, but tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. We appreciate and understand that endowment building is not for us, the people of the present, but for tomorrow's people. If you want a library tomorrow, then you take care of it today and plan for tomorrow. That is what endowment building incorporates.

As 2008 ends, we have barely begun the Endowment Challenge. I look forward to the coming year with special events, raffles, sales, programs. I look forward to working with volunteers and staff who share the LIBRARY enthusiasm and energy. And I hope you will join us in the endeavor that will help sustain your
library far beyond us.

Happy New Year -- Patty

Weekend -- blues or good news !

2008-11-23T14:37:00.003-07:00

I have spent Saturday and Sunday clearing my desk of fall paperwork. Why is this so hard for me? I seem to have been born with a gene that collects paper. It is a true curse. I use the paper as my reminder to do something. So every piece of paper I handled this weekend required me to do something. That's fairly rare -- because usually when I have this paper clearing freezy I've completed most of the tasks that they have reminded me to do. But the last couple of weeks have been a terror of meetings, and meetings, of course, create labor. Now I am feeling totally satisfied that I am caught up -- until next time.

I love my job. It offers huge opportunities to try new things, meet new people. But this fall has been a true whirlwind of activities. I'm looking forward to the holidays in November and December where I can walk away for a few days. Besides I do have grand-babies in my life, and it's time to smell the roses -- or least the smell of baby powder, junior high sweat, and the silliness of being a grandma.

My husband cleared the garage of boxes last week -- bringing me a stack of 8-10 boxes
of -- you guessed it -- paper work. Some of it is serious to keep stuff -- history research, documents, family papers. Most of it I will be able to cheerfully pitch out because I am no longer interested in the topics. I do have a box of material, scraps from my quilting and embroidery phase, which I'll need to keep for those
retirement years -- I wonder if it is mildewed yet. Oh, my. I guess I'll have to open that box too.

So it's time to go home. Yesterday I struggled with my computer problem and had a helper find my word processing. And tried to watch a DVD but the new television box wouldn't let me in -- my helper says I need to check the plug-ins. Who knew? I thought Bresnan had me all attached.

Is this a good weekend? I think so. I feel fairly satisfied, energized, ready to go -- literally. We are driving to Lincoln, NE for Thanksgiving. I'll talk to you later.
Patty

It's dark outside...

2008-11-07T17:43:00.005-07:00

and it has been a long week for most of the library staff. We had a wonderful event at the library on Sunday. It was a Tea Party -- or a Tea Pot Extravaganza. The party was one of those examples of a plan coming together for the good of the community -- or the library in this case. Campbell County is blessed with long-term employees who really have a lot of expertise about a lot of things. So in the midst of reorganizing our staff structure, in the middle of a series of author visits, in a continuation of heavy duty events from rummage sale, to book sale, to fright nights, to regular working hours and expectations, we hosted a tea party.

And it was beautifully done with staff donating hours of planning and work, decorating tables, borrowing teapots galore, and cooking and creating tea-foods. How lucky is this institution! How lucky is this community that you have employees who go the extra mile.

Now it's Friday night. It's dark, and it's cold. We have had our second attack of winter, and everyone was ready to go home tonight.

At home I have an interesting challenge. I've had an unused computer in my house for two years. I bought it for my mom as a bribe to get her to return to WY. She did not. Now I have a series of her manuscripts to type up for family. And I have a series of oral history tapes from a Buffalo pioneer to transcribe. I have no word processing on my computer. How did that happen? I don't know. But I am determined to get a new program installed tonight. So I can't be tired, or hungry, or cranky tonight. I still have work to do. You do know the old adage "no rest for the wicked." Somewhere along the line I must have been very naughty. Yeah. Right.

Domino Effect

2008-10-26T18:25:00.006-06:00

Or do you prefer "when it rains it pours"? I am normally an upbeat sort of person but the last couple of months have not been particularly kind to me. You may have heard a teenager drove his pickup into my basement wall, so I have been pursuing the holy grail of contractors and insurance adjusters -- with minimal success. I am worried, not so much about the corner of my upstairs collapsing over the shattered concrete wall, but about the whole concept of insurance that would accept a bid that I don't think will do more than patch the problem -- not restore the building to it's intended stability. And I have finally gotten mad at the driver who has put me through two months of angst -- I really am slow to anger, aren't I.

Work remains a salvation in a time of stress at home, but even work has been trying because like so many others in Gillette, we work hard responding to the increasing use of our facility. There are a lot of people visiting the library -- with good cause. There are outstanding people working here who understand the concepts of public service. These past weeks have involved multiple programs, fund raising and evaluations. What can I tell you -- work has been work and stress.

Two weeks ago I went to see my Mom in Arizona. She is in a nursing home there.
Should she be? I don't know. But she won't move closer to her children, and she has five options. So I go down to visit her, follow up on her finances and other needs.
On my way home, I jumped out of my car in Casper and twisted my knee, involving a week of crutches and a shot of cortisone while I recovered. No good deed goes unpunished.

So finally, today, I am feeling healthier. I am feeling a little more level headed, ambitions, ready to go. It's almost spooky -- will the shoe drop again. Or
have the dominoes fallen altogether now. I should now list some good things for you:
the drive was beautiful; hunting season is almost over; my husband bought a used car for me on the internet; my Mom seems healthy and content. Tomorrow will be a good day.

Patty

October daze

2008-10-08T18:30:00.003-06:00

Last weekend I drove in the Big Horns, and I was horrified to see the colors were nearly gone on the higher altitudes. Clear Creek canyon was still stunning, but how fleeting is this season when we move from too hot summer to too cold winter. This weekend I'm driving to Arizona to visit my Mom, and I'm worried about leaving in a snowstorm on Friday. AccuWeather assures me I'll be fine coming home on the following weekend.

I'm sneaking this break as it is -- between a vastly busy fall library season. We have authors, book discussions, film, and Fright Night in the final weeks of October. And November begins with a bang with a Teapot Extravaganza, a classical guitarist, Poetry Alive and another author. It's mostly Fate that brings us to this pinnacle of programing -- artists are traveling and offer to appear at our library. Who could say no to them? And we have author funding from the Recreation District to bring in these creative programs for all ages.

In between all this we are raffling a Honda scooter for the Endowment Challenge. Evidently we just don't know any better. It's a syndrome I see a lot in Campbell County. That drive to work well, steadily, consistently, graciously, and intelligently. If we have activities, we should combine them with our fund raising effort for the Endowment. But holy smokes, sometime I need to sneak in that trip
to see my Mom. I just hope it is a leisurely visit and an beautiful drive so I can
return home jazzed for the coming weeks.

I hope your Indian summer is more tranquil than mine.

Stress - less

2008-09-16T17:09:00.004-06:00

September already. It has been another too-busy month. And I've had problems at home -- a pickup drove through my basement wall. Yes, that was me--or at least my house on the front page of the paper. I was not in the house, and frankly I was relieved that the house was not burning down when I had the telephone call from the fire department. But now, a week later, I am in the throes of angst while I try to find a fix for the damage. I keep thinking about the good ole days when the insurance man showed up with the repairman to fix things that were broken. Hmmm.
And it's evaluation time at work. I rather like evaluations. I like the opportunity to look back over the year and see what has been accomplished. I have outstanding library workers, people who give that extra hour when needed without complaint. Librarians are natural care givers, and they want everyone who comes to the library to leave feeling successful -- with a book in hand or finding the information they sought. Still evaluations are time consuming with three steps of time consumption, documents following the chain of command, and a fiduciary responsibility tied to the merit raise system. So evaluations become a stress.
My free time, if you want to call it free, has been interesting too. I worked with the Historical Society to host the statewide annual meeting here in Gillette. I worked with Pearls of the Prairie to submit nominations for the Governor's Arts Awards. I worked with the state library organizations for a directors' retreat and program. STOP. That's enough. No wonder I'm tired this month.
I read where Sarah Palin had asked her local librarian about censorship and banning books. Banned Books Week is the end of September. The librarian was not offended nor worried. It is a frequently asked question, and she accepted the question as inquisitive, not judgmental. It is such a common question that most librarians have a standard answer which includes an explanation of procedures for filing a complaint. Still in this election year, where everything is being scrutinized to death, it is way more interesting to think about than a pitbull with lipstick.
Ah, yes. It has been an interesting month -- and I really am not stressed at all.

Raspberry picking

2008-08-16T09:59:00.006-06:00

Yesterday morning I went outside in the morning cool The grass was wet and the air smelled of that wonderful combination of soil, plants, and a touch of summer heat. The raspberry bushes were beckoning. This is my third summer in my Gillette home, and these bushes have been an unexpected summer treasure. I've had multiple picking crops this summer, and this morning picking was near perfect -- fruit just the right size and color, cooled by the night, and rinsed clean by the rain. I don't know if the pleasure was all in the moment or in the memories picking fruit brings to me.
I recall the misery of childhood picking gooseberries and chokecherries with grandma. The silent drudgery of working in the hot sun. Still I took my own children on lots of chokecherry picking trips, because by then I was making my own jelly, and they loved that sweet treat. I don't remember those trips as being a punishment, but more of a raucous competition to see who can pick the most cherries. I do remember that August heat, hot kitchen cooking, lots of flies, and the steadfast determination that I would make jelly, can corn, beans and peas, peel and freeze apples. It sounds almost pioneer like, but you and I know it was nothing like the pioneer effort. If I ran out of homemade, I could always go to the store and buy a can.

So what is the lesson of raspberry picking? Honest labor. Success with a tough task. Preparation for winter.
Are these the traits that carry into my library world? Where is public service? Technology? Well, they could be there too. Isn't public service a form of care taking? Looking out for the future. Isn't technology a form of improving methods, changing methods? Are these traits I bring from learning and changing from childhood? Maybe. Or maybe those darn raspberries have carried me into a world of nostalgia, and I best escape and get back to work.

July in Library Land

2008-07-25T13:31:00.001-06:00

Sue Knesel and I attended the American Library Association conference a couple of weeks ago. It's one of those mind boggling events that puts 14,000 librarians under one roof -- well, one convention center and adjacent hotels for additional meeting space. Plus 1,000 or more vendors who are selling books, furniture and equipment for libraries. It's like a gigantic carnival -- with special events and booths, a gazillion things to do. Now you know I have three adult sons who cannot visualize 14,000 librarians altogether --"Are they all like you?" the smart alecks ask. "What do you do all day?" "What do you talk about?" "Well, never mind, we really don't want to know."

Nevertheless, librarians never run out of things to talk about, to compare, to seek answers and solutions. It is a surprisingly congenial crowd, and yes, there are men in every meeting. Sue concentrated on training and information for young adult users and children's programs. I focused on management tools and enjoyed a series of keynote speakers and authors. Both of us learned about and attended the celebration for the Library of the Year award which honored Laramie County Library, Cheyenne, as the outstanding library in the nation this year. Both of us were thrilled to hear the authors who won the Newbery and Caldecott children's books awards give their acceptance speeches. Wow. They were articulate, funny, original, and touching.

How does this trip affect our work in Campbell County? What do we as taxpayers get out of library travels?
Sue has, over the years, made exceptional contacts nationwide with writers who make commitments to visit Gillette and spend time in the public schools and at the library. For instance, Greg Mortenson, best selling author of THREE CUPS OF TEA, said he would come to Gillette. She has worked with librarian-writers who include Gillette as an example of excellence in youth services. I watched a program with astronaut Sally Ride who is writing a series of children's books about Earth using photographs from space flights. Wow. We have got to have them. And we are working on a staff development plan for library staff with information garnered at workshops.

Conferences are a combination of education, contacts and camaraderie. Every library worker who attends a workshop or conference brings something back to our working community by sharing with me, other staff members, and the library board. This month we have trained notaries, paper rescue for disasters, and one leadership class. All of them will improve services at your library. Aren't we lucky to be living in Campbell
County where we have the opportunites for growth and improvements!

Patty