Strange Season

What a strange season this has been!  The coronavirus broke into our lives almost three months ago.  We closed our buildings, worked from home and anxiously watched the news.  As time went on, we learned more than we wanted to know about unemployment, layoffs, furloughs and maybe even retirement.  We felt cut off from each other as employees and especially cut off from our patrons.  The Zoom phenomenon blossomed along with the early spring flowers.  We learned new ways to do familiar things and soon found ourselves online, both with each other and with our patrons.  As I write, we will soon reopen our library with fewer staff members, shorter hours and a host of limitations.  Please don’t tell me this is to be “the new normal”.

What do I see looking back?  Our professional organizations immediately stepped up to connect us and to condense and share important information.  The coronavirus interlude was not a part of their plan but they have continued to provide cohesive guidance in a rapidly changing environment. They have facilitated virtual meetings where we could acknowledge our stress, share ideas and shape the best practices for each step of this journey.  To each organization and to each person who participated, I express my grateful appreciation.

What do I see now?  We have continued to serve in any way we could from wherever we were.  Some of us have weeded books, shifted shelves, or conducted an inventory.   Many of us have initiated new services that will continue after we reopen.  Many of us have made the leap to virtual programming, expanded our social media presence and found new ways to conduct our summer reading programs.  We as small or rural libraries have a greater chance of being in a relatively safe community.  We may have the opportunity to open our buildings sooner than the large metropolitan libraries.  If so, we will reopen ready to serve despite the entanglements of safety guidelines and social distancing.

What do I see looking ahead?  We will need to sort out our priorities as time goes on, especially with looming budget cuts. We’ll need to care for our employees and welcome back those who have had some time off.  We’ll have to evaluate our new services and examine our traditions to see what is worth keeping.  We may have to make better use of the library materials we already have.   Outside of our libraries, the digital divide has become much more obvious.  Our new virtual programs just don’t reach those community members who have no internet access. We do not have the opportunity this year to reach new patrons through a classroom, a parade, a street festival or a farmer’s market.

We are still in a season to be aware, to learn from others, to seek and refine the services that will address the new needs in our communities.  I hope your summer will be safe and satisfying.  Someday we will look back on this season and count the valuable lessons we have learned.

 

Kathy Webb

Marvin Memorial Library

Hello Libraries…are you there?

We are here, but we are not open… sound familiar? Yes, we are living in a new reality right now at our Libraries along with everyone else. We are definitely all trying to make it work within the safety guidelines we have been given to protect both our staff and our patrons. The good news is that no one is alone in this; we at Ohio’s small libraries are in it together.

One of my favorite metaphors that I’ve seen over the last few weeks is that we are all in the same storm, but not necessarily the same boat. Some of us have been able to keep our staff on the payroll because they are working remotely while others have had to make the difficult choice to furlough employees. Some facilities have been able to offer curbside services, and others are relying entirely upon digital resources for their patrons’ needs. None of these are inherently wrong or right. As always with small libraries, it comes down to what fits the needs, personality, and makeup of your communities you serve.

One of the most important things that my family, my staff, and I have learned from this is that you must stay connected. This might include Facetiming with a family member that you can’t visit, Zooming with members of a committee that you serve on, or simply picking up the phone and calling a friend. While much of what we are experiencing during this pandemic is designed to keep us separated, we must fight to keep connected with those we work with and those that we care about. For many of us this includes our patrons. They are also seeking connection with us. Regardless of where your Library is in this process, remember to provide multiple ways to connect with your people – patrons, staff, colleagues, and other stakeholders. Strengthening these connections now will make us stronger as we finish 2020 strong.

Angels Unawares

Angels Unawares

After 21 years in public libraries I thought I had seen it all.  In a matter of days I went from having a meeting with my Board of Trustees on the remote possibility of our library closing to planning a meeting with my staff to explain that a closure was indeed happening.  My fellow library directors can attest that a book could be written on the things you were never taught in library school.  You know what I mean—things like capturing a bat flying around the Children’s Room, or that vague thing called facilities maintenance. What do we really know about HVAC systems?  In 2008 we went through the collapse of the housing market and the subsequent recession.  You can add crisis management during a pandemic to that list. Today we are dealing with “that which should not be named,” ie, COVID-19, or better known as the coronavirus.  I will call it Voldemort.

To be honest, I thought that my colleagues who were sweating the coming of Voldemort were a bit extreme.  Turns out I was the one who was wrong. Today, not a library in my region is open to the public right now. Unbelievable. I have found myself over the last four days hunting for toilet paper, stocking up on bread and pasta and other foods, checking my supply of Tylenol, and preparing for the worst.  I am not a prepper.  I am not Chicken Little.  I will tell you that my concern began to deepen last week when my son Noah, who was home on spring break and who is a freshman at Bethany College in West Virginia, received word that he was not to report back to college.  And then the schools closed for three weeks, and they canceled the NBA season, and then Voldemort visited Tom Hanks. Seriously!  Yesterday my family and I drove down to Bethany to get Noah’s books and things from his room. The campus was deserted and it was sad and a bit haunting. If you have ever been to Bethany it DOES look a lot like Hogwarts. We stopped in Wellsburg at a Kroger to pick up some things and the place was a tad too busy for a Sunday morning. People had that look in their eye that made me uneasy.  They were stocking up—just like us at home and it was all unsettling.  So we made it home and I was of course glued to my phone.  Checking Facebook, CNN, and watching the Governor’s press conferences. I felt anxious and fearful.  Then, I heard my youngest son say, “Dad, we are going to go and play Wiffle Ball out back.” I said OK and pondered the next dreaded news update.  Then it hit me.  There is NOTHING I can do about this right now but go outside and play Wiffle Ball with my three boys.  So we did. For a few hours I kicked Voldemort to the curb and we ran and laughed and played ball.

So today was the day. This morning we had a mandatory staff meeting to explain that we were indeed closing.  Shock was evident but I also noticed a collective sigh of relief from many. Like many of you, I spent the last few days answering emails and phone calls from media outlets.  I had to explain to our staff, as well, why library leadership made the decision they did.  Looking into their eyes, hearing their concerns, and knowing their hearts I know we made the right decision.  I care for these people and want them to be safe.  I care for our patrons who give us purpose.  I care for our families and those who depend on us.  And then the magic happened.  We began to brainstorm together how we can change our services to meet the needs of our patrons during the closing. From keeping our Storytimes going using Facebook LIVE, to boosting our WIFI signal so people can use their laptops and phones in the rear parking lot, to using our Little Free Library to house the daily newspaper, to shifting materials purchasing to various digital platforms—we worked together to make our situation for the community a tad bit better.  That’s what librarians do!

I mentioned at the meeting that Denny, one of our longtime patrons, was in on Saturday and how he just got word from the doctor that he is cancer free.  He said, “You know, people ask me how I do it. How I deal with six straight years of cancer. Of getting bad news and good news and more bad news.  They ask how I just keep going.  They say, ‘Denny, I could never be that strong. I couldn’t do it.’ I tell them, yes you can. You never really know how strong you can be until you are in that situation-that you are stronger than you think.”  Seems fitting for dealing with Voldemort, wouldn’t you say?

Towards the end of  the meeting, Paula, our Adult Department Manager, shared how much it hurt to know that many of our regular patrons would not have a place to have fellowship, to read the daily paper, and to have someone to talk to.  She shared Hebrews 13:2, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”  And right there another staff member named Robyn-who just started the week before- offered to make calls to our elderly regulars to check on them and to reassure them that we WILL open again.  We work in libraries because we care for people—our patrons and each other.  We know that what we do is more than just a job; it is a chance to be an angel for someone.  And as long as we are doing that, Voledmort can never win.

Dover Public Staff, Fall 2019

Jim Gill

Director

Dover Public Library

Polling Locations in the Library

Did you know that some of the libraries around the state are designated polling locations for their communities?  Here in Orrville we have been a polling site for many years.  It is a great partnership with our local Board of Elections.  They like us hosting because we are a safe, clean public facility that is centrally located. We have ample parking and ease of accessibility makes our library a great location. We like hosting on election day as it creates a great opportunity to get new people into our building.  As people come in to vote they pass all our lovely displays, have the chance to check out books and view posters for upcoming programs. Staff also take time to greet new faces that come through the doors and welcome the opportunity to talk about all of our services and resources.

The work involved for us to be a polling location is minimal.  It starts with the Board of Elections sending us a “Polling Location Agreement” at the beginning of each year.  It states that OPL grants the Board permission to use our premises for the purpose of elections to be held therein under the laws of the State of Ohio.  Next we book our downstairs meeting rooms for the dates listed on the agreement. The night before election day the poll volunteers will usually come in to set up tables and get familiar with the room.

On election day we schedule two staff members to come in early to let the poll workers into the building. Here in Orrville they like to be setting up by 5:00am. Library staff spend their early hours directing people downstairs who come in to vote and re-directing others who are excited that the library is open at 6:30am.  We really don’t get many patrons coming in early for regular library services. If patrons do come early, we allow them to browse the shelves or hang out until computers are up and running at regular time.

I would encourage you to contact your local Board of Elections and let them know if they are ever looking for a new polling location that you would be interested in having that conversation. It has been a very positive experience for us here in Orrville and just one more reason why libraries are so valuable to their communities.

If you have any questions, I am just a phone call or email away,

Daphne Silchuk-Ashcraft

Orrville Public Library

(330) 683-1065

dsashcraft@orrville.lib.oh.us

State Library of Ohio is Available to Help

The State Library of Ohio provides a variety of services for Ohio libraries, state government, and Ohio residents. The Library Programs and Development department is charged with providing leadership and partnership in the development of library services throughout Ohio. Consultants travel all over the state to assist libraries with space planning, continuing education, strategic planning, digitization efforts, grant initiatives, programs for youth services, the Ohio Digital Library, and much more! Here’s more information on just a few of the services and resources for public libraries:

Strategic Planning
Strategic plans are helpful tools for libraries because they can focus the library’s programs and services and help with decisions on allocating resources based on community needs and how the library can meet those needs. For strategic planning services, the State Library has 3 consultants that facilitate the process at no charge to public libraries. The consultants provide their experience working with libraries around the state, their knowledge of library trends, and can be a neutral third party to facilitate community surveys and focus groups. At the end of the process the library director will receive a report with a summary of all the survey and focus group data and recommend service responses. The planning process and service responses are loosely based on Sandra Nelson’s 2009 “Strategic Planning for Results,” but have been updated frequently to stay current with library needs and trends. If you are interested in working with the State Library on your strategic plan, contact Evan Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development at estruble@library.ohio.gov.

Guiding Ohio Online
Guiding Ohio Online (GOO) is a State Library-administrated competitive LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) grant. The purpose of the grant is to allow libraries in rural Ohio to hire a dedicated technology trainer for their library. The LSTA funding covers 75% of the project costs; the remaining 25% must come from a local cash match. In the 2018-2019 grant cycle, 23 small and rural libraries participated in Guiding Ohio Online. The program is a great way for rural areas to get a technology trainer at the library to train library staff and help the community via one-on-one sessions and tech programs. Information sessions for the 2020-2021 grant cycle will be held around the state in Spring 2020 (usually at or near Regional Library System offices). The information session includes a presentation on GOO program details, and library consultants will be on hand to review draft applications and answer questions. Dates are forthcoming for the Spring 2020 information sessions, so stay tuned!

Census 2020
Census 2020 planning is well underway and there are numerous ways libraries can be involved in ensuring that all Ohio residents are counted. The State Library of Ohio wants to make sure all Ohio libraries and library staff have the resources they need to be prepared for Census programming, outreach, and patron questions. The Census Resource for Libraries web page provides a wealth of information and links including a Census timeline, dispelling Census myths, marketing and promotional tools, and potential partners. The page will be updated regularly as more information and resources come out. The Ohio Library Census Committee is working with the State Library of Ohio to disseminate up-to-date information about the Census to library staff all over Ohio. Contact a member of the committee in your region with questions or to share information.

Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness Training
In September, the State Library of Ohio purchased statewide access to The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness through Niche Academy. The online training, authored by Ryan Dowd, is now available for all Ohio public library staff. The four-part training is an empathy-driven approach that provides best practices for library staff on how to understand the homeless population and serve them better. There are also practical tips on how to deal with and de-escalate common situations and issues, and make staff feel empowered and safe. A former director of a Chicago homeless shelter, Ryan Dowd is the author of The Librarians Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone. To access the training, go to the State Library of Ohio’s Training and Professional Development page and click the homelessness training link. Once in Niche Academy, you will be prompted to create an account.

If there are any questions about the resources in this article, contact Erin Kelsey at ekelsey@library.ohio.gov or at 614-644-6889.

Stretch Armstrong and Elastigirl

Can you relate to these two characters? Can you see how these identities can totally relate to being a librarian, especially a director in a small library?

I still consider myself new to the public library world since I switched from academic library life after 29 years on that wheel.

As a small public library director, I have observed my office become a non-stop never know who’s going to show up at my door, who’s going to be on the phone or what will my staff need help with on any given day. Or what I’m never prepared for, what will break, fail, or need immediate repair and change the entire direction of my day.

The pull is immense and how far we stretch ourselves can be overwhelming.

Small library does not mean it’s not big on problems, issues, and stress.

Sometimes, I’m not completely sure what I am doing from one day to the next. From helping a family locate funds for help with school fees, sending a fax (how is this still a thing?), getting a picture printed from someone’s phone, determining “what’s that smell? Do you smell that?”, to the worse issue when you see that the library is running out of money and its only September.

The one thing that holds a comfort for me is that I feel immediately connected to other directors of small libraries. We can relate and support each other. I have leaned on other directors from the start of my position. I have asked for advice and help and in minutes they offer and are there for me. I never knew it would be like this.

Pressure is an everyday part of leading a small library. I have found the best way to release the strain, pull and big stretches we can feel is the very short reach to another small library director.

 

Lisa Santucci
Director
Tipp City Public Library

 

Making the Holiday Season Extra Special for Our Sensory Sensitive Patrons

 

With the holiday season fast approaching we will begin to make our libraries come alive with the spirit of the season.  Sometimes that spirit can be too much for some of our patrons to process.  When making our preparations it is a good idea to give a bit of extra thought to our patrons with sensory sensitivities.  We can make our libraries a special place to be for everyone by following a few simple steps:

Limit Décor

Too many twinkling lights combined with smells and other holiday distractions, while enjoyable to most, can be too much for patrons with Asperger Syndrome, ADHD, or sensory disorders. When too many changes take place in a comfortable environment, patrons will feel agitated and hesitant to return in the future.

Be Sound Sensitive

Provide ear plugs for louder activities.  Play soft soothing music during activities or on busy days for patrons to feel comforted.

Be Space Sensitive

If you are expecting a busy day or crowded program, offer space to patrons that might feel over-stimulated to enjoy the same program but with less people.  Indicate the location at the start of the event and encourage your patrons to use the space.  Having a library employee with a calm, soothing manner in charge of the area will help the patrons feel more at ease.

Be Movement Sensitive

It is difficult for some patrons to sit quietly for long periods of time.  Encourage programs that allow for free movement and understanding if a patron is not able to sit still for long periods of time.  Allow for adequate breaks if the program might last for a duration.

Be Touch Sensitive

During programs, offer a few different options for crafts to allow for patrons that have touch sensitivity. Also, keep in mind there are those that don’t like to hug or be touched in any manner.  Keep games and other opportunities free of physical contact in order for all to feel welcome to join.

Nicci Rush

Director

St. Paris Public Library

A Day in the Life of a Small Library

A small library has to do many different things with few resources. Staff are most important to making a small library succeed. One Saturday morning this winter, 67% of the staff were out sick, the city’s power was off, and a gas leak resulted in us evacuating the library. Exciting days – every library has them! What I’m grateful for is staff who covered for their absent colleagues, knew how to get systems running when power was restored, and were quick to report the gas leak and then evacuate. One employee called the parent of a child who needed to be picked up and we waited for the parent to arrive.  Good morale, commitment, a spirit of teamwork, and training.

I believe that there’s always at least one special thing that my library offers each person who steps through the door. Creative staff can find a few special things. A recent visitor asked for a book on hiking. He left with a book of course, but the employee also placed a hold on another book, discussed an upcoming program related to his interest, and registered him to receive the library newsletter so he would always know about upcoming events. Creative staff discover what the library offers that’s the best match for each visitor and enrich the experience as much as possible.

…and I return to finish this post after being called about a bat flying around the lobby. Exciting days – every library has them! The children’s librarian had a broom, the reference librarian had a container and lid, the circ desk staff opened the door and turned off lights and, when the bat finally came to a rest, I grabbed it in a cloth and carried it out of the library. Good morale, commitment, a spirit of teamwork, and training. I’m grateful to staff, who are essential to providing the unique services of a small library.

-Doug Walsh, Director

 St. Clairsville Public Library

Small Libraries of Ohio

Ohio Library Council Small Libraries Division is working to connect small libraries around Ohio.  We would like to ask your library to share some information with us.  All libraries that respond before August 1, with a short informational piece about their library and a picture, will be entered into a drawing for one OLC member registration fee paid to the OLC Convention in September.  Library information will be posted on our blog as well as added to the OLC Small Libraries Division website.

Convention information:  http://olc.org/convention-expo/

Small Libraries Division information:  http://olc.org/about-us/divisions/small-libraries-division/

Libraries have started to share with us!  Let us show your library off by sending your information to nrush@stparislibrary.org.

Leetonia Community Public Library

The Leetonia Community Public Library was first established as a school district library in April of 1935. The library’s primary service area covers the Leetonia Exempted Village School District, which includes Leetonia, OH and Washingtonville, OH, and the surrounding rural areas. For years the library was situated in downtown Leetonia, until the library built its current building in 2009 on the site of the old high school at 181 Walnut St in Leetonia, where staff currently work to meet the needs of patrons and community.

St. Clairsville Public Library

St. Clairsville Public Library is a school district library serving a rural population of  6,400. The library home is a re-purposed 1930s-era bank situated across from the Belmont county courthouse.

Wornstaff Memorial Public Library

Ashley, Ohio

The Wornstaff Memorial Public Library opened to the public in August 1928. Chelsley and Elsa Wornstaff were inspired by a memorial library they had visited in Florida, and made provisions in their will for a similar memorial in Ashley in honor of their son, Albertus.  The Will provided $10,000 with $7000 towards the building and land for the erection of “a building of stone and brick”.  The remaining funds were used for books and supplies. Additions in 1980 and 1990, doubled the size of the original building. Their forethought and generosity in creating this legacy has been a gift to the Village of Ashley for 90 years.

Furniture and other equipment were obtained from the Mansfield Reformatory. Inmates built, delivered, and installed shelving. Foundation bricks bear the legend Ohio State Brick 1927 convict made. The circulation desk and library tables are still in use today. The library was also given a few antique pieces of furniture from the Wornstaff home.

​ The Wornstaff is an association library with its trustees established by the will. It is funded through the Public Library Fund as well as levies from the Village of Ashley and Oxford Township.  The funds are administered and the library is governed by a five-member Board of Trustees comprised of residents from the Village of Ashley and Oxford Township.  In 2012, the library joined the Consortium of Ohio Libraries (COOL).

Nicci Rush

Director

St. Paris Public Library

 

 

Balancing Your Workload

One of my goals this year was to find the best way to balance my workload. I hoped to find this illusive “balance” and set an example for my staff on how to successfully juggle multiple tasks.   In small libraries I believe it’s typical for staff to wear many hats and have a very full workload. At my library the staff need to creatively balance their job responsibilities within the time constraints of their regular work week.  While this makes for a job that is never boring, it can sometimes be overwhelming.

Over the years I have attended time management trainings and read various books on the topic of being productive. Recently I looked for resources to help write this blog post, always looking for that one specific tip or trick that would work for me! There are lots of articles out there on best practices for balancing your job responsibilities.  Some information identified the importance of maintaining a list, clarifying your priorities, focusing on one task at a time, managing distractions and delegating effectively.

As for lists, I do have one and at the beginning of every month it is updated.   Right now my March, soon to be April list has 63 tasks on it! What I have found about myself is that focusing on the whole list is very overwhelming.  My new trick is to break down the monthly list into smaller chunks. Once a week I pick ten specific things to focus on.  Each task goes on a different multi-colored sticky note which is placed on my computer. (Remember to buy good ones, or they don’t stick!)  To recognize what I have accomplished, and motivate myself, completed sticky notes go in an envelope and are taken out at the end of each month as a visual reminder of completed tasks.

So in conclusion, balance is not something you find– it is something you create. For me balance is not better time management, but rather it has to do with better boundary management. Being realistic with what I can juggle at one time, and not being so hard on myself when things don’t get done. I do also need to be intentional with taking breaks, learn to occasionally say no, effectively delegate, continually manage distractions and most importantly, ask for help if I need it. I will always have to be deliberate when it comes to juggling my workload and as this blog has taken me well over a month to submit, it would be fair to say I am still working on it!

 “We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own to-do list!”   ~Michelle Obama

Daphne Silchuk-Ashcraft

Orrville Public Library Director