Helping out with posters ...

 I do enjoy creating posters to market library events and have realized how much work it is afterward.  That is, you're not only making the posters, but a few flyers to display around the library and handouts.  Now, about the handouts.... there is simply no need to make them half-sheet.  Goodness gracious, let's not kill a tree already.  An eighth sheet will suffice and can easily be sized up on MS Publisher in page format.  Try it.

 I've done a storytime or two as one of those acts you do to participate in the employer's incentive programs (PIP).  It was fun and energetic, and just plain wore me out.  Storytelling is in my blood, so I'm told.  I just haven't tapped into it yet.

Due to staff shortages, asking the community to take part in storytelling reaps rewards to both sides.  This storytime poster has a librarian doing her storytime and the rest are volunteers!  Of course, they love to tell stories, the problem is, we're not "proactive" in organizing volunteers to do this.

Outreaching ...

Outreach.  As an Adult Services Librarian, it's not a typical activity take on an outreach project.  Because the library is currently lacking a full fledged Children's Librarian, I decided to accept a few pre-summer outreach opportunities just to get the experience:  2 at elementary schools, and 1 at a shopping center mall in collaboraton with the Tustin Police Night Out event.

Rule 1.  Never go at it alone.
Rule 2.  Never be quiet.
Rule 3.  Take lots of toy looking freebies for kids and parents.
Rule 4.  Take bubbles, bubbles, bubbles.
Rule 5.  You better make some great posters with lost of bright colors and add the word "FREE", prominently.

Did I enjoy it?  Most certainly.  I was able to take a volunteer with me when other staff were not able to come.  Lots of talking, talking, and talking.  If you're quiet and shy, this is not for you, in fact, it may dent the library's reputation.

2011 Calligraphy workshops

Carolyn approached me and asked about doing a calligraphy program.  She attended the handwriting analysis program and called me a week later about the suggestion.  She brought in her portfolio and work done at a sister library.  I was quite impressed and new she'd do a professional job for $450 (4 classes).  Yep, our Friends were happy to pay, and as I hear it, the Friends are quite happy with the programs.  So far, it's about one week after I've posted the poster and already the class is half full with 20. 


6/13/11:  Ok.  We've had the first class and it's FULL!  We were able to squeeze in some on the waiting list.  Luckily I posted the registration requirement and called everyone reminding them to arrive on time or lose their seats.  I have to say, Ms. Carolyn is phenomenal.  She is very organized, detailed, and requires lots of energy.  She is a great presenters and everyone enjoyed the class.  The class was a mix of ages and styles:  seniors and young adults, mother-daughter teams, ethnic mixes, quiet and gangster looking ones, too.   

Nancy Pe'a Adult Services Librarian  OC Public Libraries Tustin Library 345 East Main Street Tustin, CA  92780 714-544-7725 

2011 Local History Series

 

An idea to see if the community has an interest in this.  First 2 brought in 10 each:( and others are still in progress.  I found the lecturers through a local museum speakers bureau, a local author through the local historical society, and another local author who dropped off his book a year ago.  Wonderful information, wish the community would be just as excited.


6/13/11 - Overall, the program executed well.  The attendees were the same group every week and they appreciated the program.  About 10-30 count.  The last program I was able to get a possible contact for a Tuskeegee Airman in his 90s who might be able to come out and speak for a Veterans program.  Hmmmm????

Nancy Pe'a Adult Services Librarian  OC Public Libraries Tustin Library 345 East Main Street Tustin, CA  92780 714-544-7725 

2011 BookBite

BookBite continues.  About 25+ in attendance.  Just recently, I was told a few of the attendees are dropping out because it's too big and they can not hear each other.  I may need to make amends but either splitting the group or providing a microphone.  Hmmmm....???
At any rate, as we are feeling the short staff pinch in this economy, I've been leaving the group on their own.  Sometimes it works and other times I get the feeling the group would appreciates a Librarian there.  Hate to say it, guess I have to read the book and stay for the meetings and let staff suck it up while working the desk alone (it's not that bad, is it?).

Nancy Pe'a Adult Services Librarian  OC Public Libraries Tustin Library 345 East Main Street Tustin, CA  92780 714-544-7725 

2011 Chan Living / Family Meditation

These guys are great!  An emerging non-profit, proactive in their goals.  They came in one day for permission to post flyer on the community board.  I was curious, attended one of their meetings and found it beneficial for the community.  These guys promote health through simple daily exercises and meditiation.  We've partnered with them to meet at Tustin Library once a week for the rest of the year.  Self managed.

Nancy Pe'a Adult Services Librarian  OC Public Libraries Tustin Library 345 East Main Street Tustin, CA  92780 714-544-7725 

2011 Lunar New Year Celebration

OMG!  This was a huge celebration bringing 300+ to the library.  How did I do it.  After a Chan Living (chinese health) program one evening, a lady approached me and asked if she could do a program.  I explained to her library protocol and county rules and didn't hear from her until late January.  She had organized new year celebrations before and it went quite easily.  I helped redesign the flyers and the celebration brought in asians from all over the county.  Although small in comparison with other celebrations, it was great publicity for Tustin Library.  It pays to introduce yourself in every program and let listeners know how programs are brought about.

Nancy Pe'a Adult Services Librarian  OC Public Libraries Tustin Library 345 East Main Street Tustin, CA  92780 714-544-7725