Friday Follow-up – An Appreciation for Busy Member Libraries

This week I just want to thank every single member library within STLS. All our libraries are providing amazing services to our community. Most evenings, I take a moment to scroll through my Facebook account to see what is taking place throughout the region. The number and types of programs going on at each member library is astounding. And, the program diversity between libraries certainly strengthens the library system as a whole.

At times, my Facebook feeds feel more like a garden with new and exciting library programs popping up each day at Southern Tier libraries. This digital garden of library programs makes me realize how busy our libraries and librarians can be. It also gives me a sense of appreciation when I see member librarians take time out of their busy schedules to engage with the library system.

Last Friday, more than 100 member librarians attended the Spring CE hosted by STLS and our Central Library, Chemung County Library District. The event took place at Steele Memorial Library in Elmira, which I know can be quite the distance for some librarians. Exactly 12 programs were offered to help librarians gain a better understanding of the work we do each day.

Some of the workshop offerings included: Readers Advisory, Youth Programming, Intellectual Freedom & Privacy, Professional Productivity, Social Media Outreach, Library Space Utilization and Searching Digital Collections and the ILS. I realize not all programs were the right fit for all librarians, but there was certainly something for everyone.

Professional development is necessary to our field of work. We serve a wider community who has a general perception that librarians are all knowing. We certainly know their assumption is not correct, but we want to do everything in our power to live up to such an expectation. As the old saying goes, “we may not have all the answers; however, we certainly can find them for you.”

Advocacy is another type of library system engagement that is truly appreciated. Almost 30 advocates stepped-up this week to meet with state representatives to secure Bullet Aid for special library projects. Bullet Aid is allocated to our Senators in the State Budget to disperse to school districts, libraries and non-profit agencies as they see fit. This money is not a guarantee, so librarians have to ask for it.

Yesterday, 12 STLS superheroes representing libraries from Avoca, Bath, Branchport, Chemung County, Corning, Pulteney, Savona and Watkins Glen met with Senator Thomas O’Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano to discuss the importance of public library services. And this afternoon, 12 representatives from Canaseraga, Cuba, Fillmore, Wellsville and Whitesville will meet with Senator Young to talk about the great things taking place in Allegany County.

I know our time is limited. So, it gives me a great sense of pride when I see librarians, trustees and volunteers take time to make our library system so rich. Thank you, STLS for making the public library experience such a joy. Have a great weekend!