Programs, programs, and programs!

We held a staff brainstorming session to discuss programs, new, old, things we heard about, ideas we have, what we would like to see, etc.

More than 150 new program ideas came forth.  That is simply amazing! 
Now the hard work begins to create: teams, project managers, timelines, and what can be accomplished.

This is an exciting time with lots of work ahead.  We are up to the challenge.... and new program initiatives will be brought forward, along with some tried and true favorites!

Sheets of program ideas, posted in our lunchroom!

 

Homer Township Public Library is here for you!

I love our library. 

We do tons of innovative programs. 

We have many visitors each day.

We also seek out partnership opportunities with local businesses and institutions.  This allows us to bring in something new, add more of the materials that our customers want, and anchors the library as an exciting community social center with the "best of
the best, especially our staff!"

So where has the library of old...the "shush, quiet!" institution gone?  They are out there still, sometimes in an academic setting, or other.  Our library is an exciting place of experimentation, hands on activities, with quality programming, great collections and an amazing staff.  It can be busy and loud as people use it as their social place.

Homer Township Library has changed with our dynamic communities' growth.  With 600 visitors daily we are busy, active, bustling, with a diverse client base.  And yes, some want quiet.  With the expansion there are established quieter zones throughout the library.  We welcome everyone who visits and want your experience to be a positive and productive one at the library.

• The window zone along 151st street is a great opportunity to be bathed in the window light away from the hustle and bustle.
• The Michael C. Olivieri Quiet Reading Room is a lovely quiet zone to study or sit by the fireplace.
• Six designated study areas offer glass enclosed rooms for private or small group study.
• The library "living room" where the magazines and newspapers are housed brings many together.
• The curved teen room is heavily used for study or socializing at varying times.
• Youth diner-type booths are popular, too.

Wherever your perfect space is, I hope you find it here. 

Arts & Craft Fair - a Join Hands Day partnership with Gleaners Oak Arbor on May 2 - Please join us!

Our second Art & Craft Fair will be held at Homer Library on Saturday, May 2nd.

This event is also a Gleaners Join Hands Day event.  Gleaners is a life insurance company that has a philanthropic community giving program that is very generous.  Gleaner endorses community established "arbors" that work in the community to give back.  A group of community minded folk established the Homer Township Oak Arbor two years ago, where I serve as reporter and past treasurer.  We do many wonderful things for the community!

Join Hands Day is a national day of service projects that provide opportunities to teens for leadership and community service.  The Gleaner Life Insurance Society contributes funding support for events such as these and other charitable efforts.  Arbor members work with library teens in support of this Art & Craft Fair.

We have planned a great day of crafters, with teens selling plants for Mother's Day and the popular bake sale will be back.

Timing is 10-2 on Saturday, May 2nd.

We need you, come and join the fun!

Chick #6 arrived on Monday, April 20th

A small dark brown chick has hatched!  Geronimo made his entrance at 5:15am.  He has been joined by four more chicks named: Pee Wee, Cluck Norris, Elsa, and Chicken Little - all named from visitor suggestions.  A total of five chick eggs hatched out of twelve.  A hen will typically have 50% of their eggs hatch, so we feel happy that our five are here and thriving.

Chicks are in a tank and will be onsite for viewing until Thursday, April 30th.  Stop in and see them soon!

We thank Dr. Ed O'Brien of Animal Care Clinic for his sponsorship of the incubator.  Other sponsors we thank for their support include Homer Township Vision Center, Barbara Bainbridge, Ludwig Feed Store, Tiffany's Kennel, and patron donations.  Thank you one and all!

Creating Savvy Shoppers... and teaching Kids to save!

We brought together Junior Girl Scouts to help define how to be a savvy shopper and examine the age-old want vs. need scenario that youth face.  These scouts will explore spending, saving, shopping, and lots of financial fun packed into a great learning hands-on activity to earn their Savvy Shopper badge.

We thank the folks at State Bank of Countryside who were on hand to lead a part of the program.

Programs were held on Tuesday, April 21 during Money Smart Week.  For details call the library @708-301-7908 and ask to speak with a Youth Services member.