Friends Newsletter, September 2012

September 2012 Friends’ Matters Historic Meeting of FOCPL with Carrboro Friends By Janet L. Flowers, FOCPL Co-Chair

Inside this issue:

On Monday, July 23, 2012, the Boards of the FOCPL and Carrboro Friends met for the first time. FOCPL was formed in 1982, and the Carrboro Friends came together in 1992. Each organization has a common mission—to support the libraries in their local communities. As Lucinda Munger, Library Director, said at the meeting, we each support one another, library staff, and the public. She also expressed sincere thanks to both groups for their individual work to further the mission of the Orange County Public Library, which is to serve our communities. Looking head, she said that she looks forward to the day when the boards of the Friends groups will be able to meet in the new Southwest Library, which is still in the planning stages.

Adult Programs Children’s News Teens’ News Meet the Board Book Club Circulation Staff New Library Hours Janet Flowers, Co-Chair, FOCPL, welcomed the group and noted that, while we had not previously met, the Board has been watching the development related to the Southwest Library Branch. The Board expressed its 9 Tips for an Effective Board By Erin Hils Shepherd and Janet L. Flowers, FOCPL Co-Chairs These tips were shared at the Friends of North Carolina Public Libraries (FONCPL) workshop in Mebane in April 2012. The FOCPL Board is committed to the practices outlined below because we want our members to have a pleasant and productive experience on our Board. We will be seeking nominees for our Board this fall and look forward to talking with some of you about the mission of the Friends and the ways the Board seeks to meet them.

Organize a Good Nominating Committee Per the FOCPL bylaws, our Nominating Committee is composed of members of the Board who know our practices, issues, and needs.

Outline Responsibilities Our Board has spent much of the past two years adopting best practices and preparing manuals to facilitate the Meet the members of the 2012 Friends of the Orange County Public Library Board on page 3.

See “Tips,” page 5 Volume 2, Issue 3 appreciation for the dedication, resourcefulness, and persistence of the Carrboro Friends as they have patiently fought for resources for their part of the county.

The meeting began with a round of introductions. Some Board members came to the Friends through work experience. All came through an active interest in books and libraries.

Their passion for Friends work was quite apparent.

The group divided into the following groups:

Communication and Advocacy, Book Sales, Programs and Events, and Membership. The lively conversations made it clear that there was much to discuss. FOCPL was delighted to host this event and to meet our colleagues in the Carrboro Friends. It was stimulating to hear perspectives from another organization dedicated to providing library resources within our own county.

Teens’ News Friends’ Matters A Publication of the It’s been a busy summer for teens at the library, with a calendar full of great programs. June’s Teen Game Day and four-day Altered Books workshops were very successful, and the fun continued through July with visits from the Ackland Art Museum, Piedmont Wildlife, and local author Natania Barron. The Teen Summer Reading events wrapped up with an improvisational comedy workshop, presented by area comedy writer Juliana Brecher.

Friends of the Orange County Public Library Volume 2, Issue 3 September 2012 FOCPL Newsletter Committee Janet L. Flowers, Chair Bridget Booher, Editor Chris Holaday More than 60 teens registered and participated in Summer Reading this year.

Once that program concluded, we sponsored two great events in August, including teen-favorite Game Day and the highly anticipated Hunger Games DVD Viewing Party.

Sara Levinson Lisa Wolfe, Design Children’s Services By Louise Bendall, Children’s Services It was a busy summer in Children’s Services, with more than 20 programs just for kids throughout the summer and more than 800 kids ages 0-11 who signed up for the “Dream Big – Read” Summer Reading Program! There was plenty of summer fun with live owls, puppets, dragons, art, Legos, music, magic, and more, but the real emphasis was on reading. Kids were encouraged to read and enjoy reading, and Summer Reading helped to keep them motivated.

There were plenty of prizes for kids who read during the summer months, or opted to “read to give” with a Book Buck in lieu of a prize.

This Book Buck allowed them to choose a book to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House or Orange Congregation in Mission Samaritan Relief program, and have their name posted on a special scroll in the library. More than 150 books were donated with Book Bucks by kids who read to give!

Adult Summer Reading 2012 (“Read Your Dreams @ the Library”) has come to an end – but what a fun eight weeks! We experienced our Gourmet Dreams with a cooking class, lived our Celebrity Dreams with local author and Andy Griffith lookalike Art Fettig, and learned timely information at special events such as the Alzheimer’s Workshop “Know the 10 Signs.” We also presented a hands-on eBook workshop with Dani Brecher, the library’s Adult Services summer intern, and had great attendance at our family-friendly events, including Family Karaoke Night and two Family Movie Matinees in conjunction with Hillsborough’s Family Fun Days.

This summer, there were also special prize contests for things like free pretzels from Auntie Anne’s in Mebane, a gift certificate to Ali Cat Toy Store in Carrboro, and museum passes to Morehead Planetarium and Kidzu. We were truly grateful to all our Summer Reading sponsors who helped to ensure our prizes were stellar.

OCML Children’s Services is gearing up for more literacy-based fun this fall with story times, game days, Legos @ the Library, craft programs, animal programs, and more.

As summer wound down, we welcomed author Daniel Wallace (Big Fish, Mr.

Sebastian and the Negro Magician), who presented “From Short Story to Short Film” on Saturday, August 18th. The following Saturday, August 25th, local interior We look forward to seeing you soon at the library!

By Jessica Arnold, Teen and Adult Programming Coordinator September will bring the start of Teen Advisory Board meetings for the current school year, so that teens and tweens can get involved in planning library programs and services that meet their needs, starting with a Halloween Party and a Poster Contest. The Poster Contest will be informed by a Poster Art workshop presented after school by the Ackland Art Museum on Wednesday, October 17th, judged by the Teen Advisory Board, and used to publicize International Game Day – a worldwide library event happening on November 3rd. Find details for all these events on the library’s online events calendar, or get the latest scoop on what’s going on for teens at the library at http:// www.facebook.com/OCPLTeens.

Teen program participants get creative during “Making Dreams Real,” presented in July by the Ackland Art Museum.

Adult Programming By Jessica Arnold, Teen and Adult Programming Coordinator decorator Vickie McDaniel gave a free home decorating workshop – also at 2:00pm.

The knitting group “Darn Good Yarn” will continue to meet the first Wednesday of each month, and the Evening Book Club continues to gather on the second Tuesday of each month, as well. We are looking forward to a fall schedule that includes an October 10th reading by author Barbara Claypole White (The Unfinished Garden), and visits from local “Road Scholars” sponsored by the North Carolina Humanities Council. The latter presentations will touch on different parts of our American and North Carolinian musical heritage, with presenters John Santa and Billy Stevens appearing at the Main Library on Saturday September 15th and October 13th, respectively. As always, details for these and other events at the library can be found on our events calendar at www.bit.ly/ocplevents.

of volunteers and it’s one of the top three fundraisers for the Friends.

FOCPL 2012 Board Janet L. Flowers—Co-Chair Erin Hils Shepherd—Co-Chair In May 2009, the Friends was looking for someone to tak over the Treasurer position and I volunteered. I thoroughly enjoy what I do; it keeps my mind active and new things are always coming up that I must research to keep things straight. I am proud and honored to serve the FOCPL as treasurer.

Bill Barrows—Ongoing Book Sale Robin Bedingfield-Brown— Membership Sandy Gerstner—Treasurer Lori Graham, Secretary Chris Holaday—Book Sale Kate Tozzolina—Book Sale Penny Van De Water—Ongoing Book Sale Lucinda Munger—Director, Orange County Public Library–ex officio Andrea Tullos—Assistant Director, Orange County Public Library — ex officio Most members also serve on at least one committee.

Board Members Books have always been central to my life. Serving on the Friends’ Board allows me to share in the important work of supporting our library

and its dedicated staff:

As Membership Committee Chair, I meet new people and hear their stories. To me, being a Friend means doing your part to build community, and that’s what we’re all about.

Janet L. Flowers, Co-Chair of

FOCPL

I firmly believe that public libraries are essential institutions for a free society and should be defended and enhanced by those who share this belief. I have appreciated the opportunity to advocate for and support our fine library. I also have really enjoyed getting to know the members of the Friends and the members of the library staff as we share many values. FOCPL is a vital and dynamic organization with many exciting opportunities for service and for fun. We would love to have YOU join us when we solicit nominees in the fall.

I am the person who boxes the books that are received for our biannual book sales. I enjoy reading but I really appreciate associating with librarians. They are good people.

Erin Hils Shepherd, Co-Chair of FOCPL Being involved with the Friends is gratifying because the work we do and the money we raise directly support our vibrant and wonderful library. I particularly enjoy working the Ongoing Book Sale since we have a great group Technical Services at the Orange County Library here in Hillsborough. I was on the Friends Board for a short period of time before I got sick. I am getting better every day and am looking forward to resuming my place on the Board. It is wonderful to be able to work behind the scenes to make the Library a place for everyone.

Sandy Gerstner, Treasurer Chris Holaday, Book Sale Coordinator I have been a lover of books and reading for as long as I can remember. As a member of the Friends, I help organize the book sale. I enjoying watching people discover new books to read while also helping them save money –while at the same time raising funds to support our library.

Lori Graham, Secretary In my capacity as secretary for the Friends, I bring my joy of reading and books, organizational skills, leadership abilities, and eagerness to serve the needs of the citizens of Orange County.

Library Value Calculator Robin Bedingfield- Brown, Membership Committee Chair By Janet L. Flowers, FOCPL Co-Chair What is your library worth to you?

How much would you pay out of pocket per month for the benefits you receive from your local library?

Go to http://www.co.orange.nc.us/ library/friends.asp (scroll down the page) to calculate your monthly and annual savings.

This resource will give you a good idea of the multiple benefits provid- Bill Barrows, Member, Ongoing Book Sale Committee ed by your public library, from powerful research databases to adult and children’s programming to the expertise of professional reference librarians. I did the calculations and came up with a whopping $39,000! Mine was on the high end because I regularly check out dozens of books to use as a volunteer at the Soltys Adult Day Health Penny Van De Water, Member, Ongoing Book Sale Committee Program. Once you have this figure for your own use, you can use it when convincing others to support As a lifelong reader I have always used the local public library. I worked for sixteen years at the Ramsey Public Library in Ramsey, New Jersey. I am now volunteering in the Library and the Friends.

By Theresa Quiner, Former Circulation Supervisor Letter from Art Fettig The Circulation Department includes the supervisor and library assistants. All Circulation Department staff work at the desk checking materials in and out, emptying the book drop, registering new patrons for library cards, and answering material and patron account inquiries.

They also shelve materials and promote library policies and programs.

Introduction to the Circulation Staff desk. She also schedules the meeting room. Assistant supervisor Steve serves as backup and assists with supervising, scheduling the staff and meeting room, and promoting library policies. Library assistants Kevin and Denise keep the desk filled with circulation flyers, verify patron registration information, and complete monthly statistics and notices.

Library aides Helen, Zack, Jenn, April, Karen and Marguerite work part time shelving books and filling in on the desk.

The Circulation staff has other duties in addition to working the desk. The Circulation Supervisor is in charge of hiring, training, supervising, and scheduling the staff, and assists with difficult circulation transactions at the Note: Theresa left the Library in August.

The Library hopes to hire a replacement by the end of September.

Book Club Selections By Sara Levinson, Member, FOCPL Newsletter Committee Coordinator, Tuesday Evening Book Club The Book Club of the Orange County Public Library has chosen the following books to read during the next six months.

October 9 In the Garden of Beasts Erik Larson This non-fiction story deals with the naive American family of William E. Dodd a low-key history professor who becomes the first U.S.

ambassador to Nazi Germany in 1933. Dodd and his family— including his flamboyant and sexually charged daughter, Martha– are thrust into the dangerous and strangely glamorous world of the “New Germany” and succumb to its eerie charm. Janet Maslin in The New York Times says “In the Garden of Beasts has the clarity of purpose to see the Germany of 1933 through the eyes of this uniquely well-positioned American family. There are hindsightladen books that see the rise of Hitler as a parade of telltale signs. There are individual accounts that personalize the atmosphere of mounting oppression and terror. But there has been nothing quite like Mr. Larson’s story of the four Dodds, characters straight out of a 1930s family drama, transporting their shortcomings to a new world full of nasty surprises.”

November 13: Readers’ Choice Each Book Club member shares a book or two with the rest of us.

December 11: A Rumpole Christmas / John Mortimer Released shortly after the author’s death, A Rumpole Christmas is a collection of five holiday stories never before published in book form that depict the Old Bailey Hack at his lovable best. In “Rumpole and Father Christmas,” the English barrister encounters a September 11 Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare Stephen Greenblatt Professor Stephen Greenblatt has been at the forefront of a movement called the New Historicism, which has suggested, sometimes with subtlety and scholarship, but sometimes with far-fetched absurdity, that with Shakespeare the context is the thing, rather than, say, the text itself. In this work, he attempts to write a biography that places us in Stratford circa 1564, when the poet was born. Against the old notion of an expansive Elizabethan culture connected by the open English road, he draws a portrait of a society nearly Soviet, or perhaps South American, in its paranoias, public persecutions, and sudden, murderous changes of ideology. The underlying crisis was religious. In half a century—within the lifetime of Shakespeare’s father, John—England had gone through a very conservative regime of Catholicism, to an uneasy form of improvised state Catholicism under Henry VIII, through a period of radical Protestantism under King Edward VI, back to Roman Catholicism under Queen Mary, and then on to the staunchly Protestant monarchy of Elizabeth. As each sect seized power, it set about burning and disembowelling those who had been ascendant moments before. [Synopsis culled from book reviews by Colm Tolbin, NY Times October 3, 2004; and Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, September 13, 2004.] See “Book Club,” page 5 We all need more friends.

Just like people, libraries are not much without friends. That is why being a friend to your local library is so important, When Benjamin Franklin started the first lending library in the United States he turned a key to open the minds of this whole nation. That old quote, “Readers are Leaders” is still so very true today and quite possibly truer than ever before. Many years ago when I would have the honor to talk for students at Notre Dame University in the classroom of my mentor, Herb True, Ph.D. I would say, “Most everything you learn in your university experience will be obsolete in ten years.” Then later I dropped that to five years. And today I would say, “Everything you have learned is already obsolete.

That is how fast change occurs today…But the tools for learning are out there so that you might keep on learning every day.

Today’s library is like a magnificent tool shop. Now you might access it online too and the potential input that you might discover in your library keeps growing.

In my early writing days I had a wonderful, friendly librarian who was very patient with me and she guided me through the challenge of finding answers for the articles I was writing. This was, of course, before the computers were even being used by the general public.

Whenever I visit Battle Creek, Michigan one of my first stops is the Battle Creek Public Library.

First I check to see how many of my books they still have listed and when most of them are still there I am overjoyed.

We all need more friends today than ever before and that is true of our libraries too. Why not invite your good friends to become friends of the library too?

Art Fettig Local Author Friends Member Tips from p. 1 transfer of duties from one Board to the next.

Hold Orientations For several years now, our Co-Chairs have met with new Board members to review the purpose, organization, and operating procedures of our Board. New members have found this very helpful.

Practice Planned Rotation Our Bylaws allow for Board members to serve 3 two-year terms. We, however, recognize that some turnover is good and encourage it when members are ready.

Commit to Long-Term Financial Planning Utilize Planned Retirements In 2011, the Board appointed a Finance Committee to review our financial situation and to make recommendations to our Board on a quarterly basis. We believe that this extra attention to our finances is very beneficial. Also in 2011, the Board established a relationship and fund with the Triangle Community Foundation to increase our return on investments.

Term limits in the Bylaws create mandatory retirements for Board members after 6 consecutive years of service. At this time, our Board does not have any members who have served more than 3 years.

Identify the Correct Board Size for the Organization’s Needs We expanded our membership from 7 to 9 in 2012. Our experience is showing us that there is enough work for this size group but we are not so large that we cannot deliberate and decide matters effectively.

Conduct Self-Evaluations The Board subscribes to an ongoing review of all of our services and policies to find ways to improve. For example, we critique all events, programs, and book sales immediately after to identify what went well and what is not working as well. We also will be looking again at the structure of the Board and re-visiting our Bylaws in 2012 to make our work as transparent and efficient as possible.

Have Active Committees Our Board is working hard to encourage more active participation in our organization and we are finding that there are new members who are willing to engage in Friends work.

Book Club from p. 1 familiar-looking Santa who he thinks is a thief. In “Rumpole’s Slimmed Down Christmas,” he goes to a new-age spa when She who must be obeyed insists that he lose a few pounds. In “Rumpole and the Christmas Break,” he protects Hilda as a shady judge flirts with her while on a holiday that turns out to be anything but relaxing.

[Synopsis from Amazon.com]

The Book Club meets at 6:30 on the second Tuesday of each month. All are welcome to join this group at any time.

Visit our Web site at: www.co.orange.nc.us/library/friends.asp or pick up a membership brochure at the Library Become a Friend of the Orange County Public Library and you will make an important contribution to one of our county’s most vital educational and cultural assets. In return, you’ll also get:  The satisfaction of working with other like -annual book sales.  Email updates regarding library events, issues and news from our secure Friends listserv. Dues: Individual-$15; Family-$25; Donor-$50; Sustaining-$100 FOCLP is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax deductible. Questions? Contact us at: FOCPL2012@gmail.com Public Libraries vs. McDonald’s By Barb Web, Editor, Comic Book Mom Originally posted May 6, 2012 at http:// www.comicbookmom.com/2012/05/publiclibraries-versus-mcdonalds.html?spref=tw While it seems that you can’t go two miles without bumping into a McDonalds, whoop, libraries win the battle for public space. There are more public libraries.

Yes, you read that right… there are more public libraries than McDonald’s in the U.S.

—over 16.6K. Take that Big Mac!

(For the smarty-pants who are now asking how many McDonald restaurants there are in the U.S., there’s a little over 12.8K.

Satisfied?)

Point is, we’re glad to hear that there’s more access to brain candy than to McFlurries (though don’t get me wrong you little fluffy white candy-infused cups of joy, we still appreciate you. But until research shows a direct connection between ice cream and students’ high achievement scores, well, we’re siding with the libraries.)

Chances are you’ve spent more time in a fast food line recently, though, than at

your local library and if so, you’re missing:

 a palooza of opportunity to hang out with some of the geekiest-cool people on the planet  access to technology from free Wi-Fi to ebooks and BluRay movies  the chance to expose your kiddos to the love of reading, research, and Manga comic books.

Schedule an after-school or weekend visit, sign up for some creative summer reading programs, connect with your local book club or writer’s group, and so on… a.k.a.

get your bum to the library and stop missing out on all the hoopla. Library To Expand Hours of Operation The Library will begin new operating hours on Monday, Sept 10th, 2012.

Thanks to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners who voted to increase the Library budget for 2012- 13, the Main Branch will be open 4 additional hours each week. The new hours of operation are Mon – Thursday 9am – 8pm; Friday and Saturday 10am – 6pm and Sunday 1-5 pm.

http://www.ilovelibraries.org/publiclibraries-versus-mcdonalds -minded book and library lovers.  Early access to the bi  Ongoing or occasional volunteer opportunitie