Impact

We found out last Friday that one of our beloved patrons passed away from the c-word...cancer. I think we were all a little surprised by this because although we hadn't seen him in awhile, we didn't know that he was sick either. Whether or not you realize it, we do notice you. We notice when we haven't seen someone in awhile or placed a hold on a book for them.We notice if you're having a bad day. We notice.

But maybe the thing that we as librarians don't always realize or notice, is the impact that we have on your lives. Some days it's easy to forget in the hustle and bustle of the library that we are playing a part in your lives too. That this job impacts so many lives in so many ways. Never does this become more apparent than when we lose one of our patrons. I have been in the library field for 12 years now and have lost some very beloved patrons over the course of that time. Each time, I am reminded of the daily impact that I can have on someone's life. The role that I play, each day, in helping someone or sometimes just being a friendly smile. It is important. Sometimes more than I could ever know.

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." -Jackie Robinson

Knitters

I can't help but be a bit entertained by some of the books coming out for knitters. And here I thought they were a sweet, quiet bunch! Guess I was wrong! A few personal favorites I've seen lately:

Banned Books Week is almost done...

As we're nearing the end of Banned Books Week, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on some things I've learned over the past few years...

1. Yellow crime scene tape will always make people look twice at what you're doing.
2. The FBI has the best design format for wanted posters.
3. Inevitably someone will always think we're the ones trying to ban books.
4. When someone declares "I can't believe ...they would try to get rid of [insert title here]" it still brings a smile to my face.
5. Yes, they really did try to ban Harry Potter. Several times. No lie.
6. I'm lucky that our own Hiawatha Police don't even think twice when I ask for crime scene tape, especially considering my questionable background. (Just kidding...)
7. The majority of what are considered literary classics have been challenged or banned. Seriously.
8. Coralville Public Library did the coolest Banned Books Display ever. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150386345222288&set=pu.8412382287&type=1&theater See. Coolest. Ever. Totally jealous.
9. This still remains my favoritest week of the year.
10. Freedom of speech and expression is probably one of the most important freedoms we have. So read irresponsibly. :)

We're turning 50...

...but we certainly don't look a day over 30! :-)

The Hiawatha Public Library is turning 50 this year! Can you believe it?! In honor of this momentous occasion, we are taking some time to celebrate (read: party hardy) with an open house on Tuesday, September 20th from 4-6pm. Of course there will be cake (did you really think I'd plan a party without food). As well as some fun giveaways (which shall remain a secret until a later undisclosed date). We hope you can make it! And if not, just send us flowers...or balloons...but preferably flowers! :-)

I have to say that it's been fun and a bit humbling to plan this party. For one, it's been amazing to see just how much we've changed in grown in just 50 short years. We started out so very, very small and we've grown (although we're still pretty small) exponentially since then. I've posted questions on our adult Facebook page asking our fans on there to tell us what the Hiawatha Library means to them. The responses have been overwhelmingly positive and heartfelt! We really do love our patrons and it's nice to know that they love us right back! I really do hope to see everyone at our celebration on the 20th!

Well, that was quick!

Well, it's June 6th and we are officially in full Summer Reading Program swing! I still cannot believe how quickly it came up this year! As it stands we already have 153 adults signed up for this year's program, and we're barely 5 days in. Awesome! Unfortunately, I don't have time to write much more, but I promise I will update again soon!

It's right around the corner...

Summer reading program, that is...and to honor all of my faithful followers, I'm giving you all a sneak peak at some of the grand prizes we have in store...check it out! I'm super excited, and you should be too!

Bragging Rights

Hello faithful non-followers! I'm going to do some seriously obnoxious bragging (and possibly a small victory dance) for my library today. You see, on Tuesday was National Library Workers Day, and the American Library Association put up a website where people could go and nominate their favorite "library stars." Well, our little library garnered 3 nominations! How cool is that?! Check it out:

Alicia, from a(n) public library in Hiawatha, Iowa, is a Star because She is the most friendly and helpful librarian ever – helped us set up new accounts when we relocated to Iowa from Alabama. Always brightens my day and is always willing to help. Thanks to Amanda for this nomination.


The Entire Staff, from a(n) public library in Cedar Rapids, IA, is a Star because They are so helpful and courteous. They have an awesome reading program and even have special programs such as an actor acting out what Edgar Allen Poe was like and reading his stories. Ever since I came to Iowa I have been going to the Hiawatha Public Library. Nominee is the Entire Staff. Thanks to Mark for this nomination.


The entire staff from a(n) public library in Hiawatha, Iowa, is a Star because The entire staff of the Hiawatha Public Library is stellar. We are a small town with a large service area and we circulate over 280,000 items yearly with only 7.3 FTEs. We are cramped in an 8,500 square foot building and we are always busy. The entire staff does an excellent job of making patrons feel welcome and taken care of. Our patrons continually tell me that my staff is the friendliest and most helpful around. Nominee is the Entire Staff. Thanks to Jeaneal for this nomination.