Drake Public Library

Seeking Excellence

JeNel Barth

|

Book Review of This Must Be My Brother

Tom Johnson is a member of the library’s Board of Trustees and an enthusiastic reader!  Please enjoy this review of “This Must Be My Brother” that he recently donated to our collection. This title is housed in our Iowa Section under IOWA 979.704 THI. 

Hello, this is Tom Johnson and I want to review a book called “This Must Be My Brother” by LeAnn Thieman and Carol Dey. This is an amazing story of two women from Iowa City who were volunteers to help in the adoption of orphans from the Vietnam War as our troops left in 1975. They went over to bring back six orphans to Iowa and one was going to be LeAnn’s new son which they ended up bringing back 200 babies. I recommend this book as an emotional story as these orphans were cared for before the country fell into communist hands. This is in the Iowa section of the library.

|

Using Bridges on Mac Computers

For your information:

Due to upcoming macOS changes, and to simplify the user experience, OverDrive will soon end support for OverDrive for Mac.

Effective September 4, 2019, OverDrive for Mac will no longer be available for download and Mac users will no longer see the option to download audiobook titles at your OverDrive website. Instead, Mac users can enjoy audiobooks using OverDrive Listen from the Bridges website, or try Libby on their smart phone or tablet.

Any users with audiobooks already downloaded to OverDrive for Mac will retain access to their downloads for the remainder of the lending period, provided they have not yet updated to macOS 10.15 (Catalina).

Though we anticipate minimal user impact, OverDrive Help will be updated to assist with user support.

Bridges is the ebook, audio, streaming service that the State Library of Iowa offers all Iowa Libraries. It is a very popular service provided to you, our library patrons, at no charge. The Friends of the Drake Public Library pay for this service. Thank you FDPL!  

|

Federal Funding Allows Bridges Offerings to Expand

A few months ago there was a discussion on the Library Talk conversation board about the need for more materials on personal issues on Bridges, with the hope that these might be always available for patrons in need. Well, the Bridges team listened and approached State Librarian Michael Scott with a proposal to allocate a portion of the State Library’s federal funding to make it happen. Michael accepted the proposal, and a small collection of simultaneous use eBooks and audiobooks covering several topics including mental health, addiction, abuse, and more has recently been added to Bridges. While there aren’t many titles available with the simultaneous use license, it’s a starting point that could be expanded upon in the future.

The funds have also been used to enhance the collection of graphic novels and comics. Marvel has recently partnered with OverDrive to offer 600 titles to public libraries worldwide, and the funding has made it possible to add all the Marvel titles as well as others from DC, Dark Horse & Archie. It’s exciting for us to see  this part of the Bridges collection expand!

In addition, the supplementary money has also gone to some new titles on librarianship for the library staff.  Finally, we’re excited to announce that the magazine pilot will be extended to a second year AND the State Library of Iowa has funneled a little extra money into holds list reduction and license renewals. This is wonderful for those of you who have been able to enjoy the magazine listings through Bridges!

All this would not have been possible without the State Library of Iowa’s allocation from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. It is a great reminder of the impact of this funding- not only on the State Library- but on Iowans who love accessing eBooks and audiobooks from their local library. Remember, if you need assistance with Bridges/Overdrive, give us a call and set a time to sit down with a librarian and your device to get started. 

|

Welcome Ragbrai!

On Wednesday, July 24th, thousands of Ragbrai riders will be visiting Centerville and if 2016 has taught us anything, many of them will be visiting Drake Public Library! Last time through, we met well over 600 riders. The library will see at least that many visitors throughout the day this year. We are so excited! 

Parking will be very limited and all drivers should use extreme caution on Drake Avenue and Maple, as they are both thoroughfares to and from the square, camping and showering facilities for the riders.

There will be no children’s programming available that day and we’d like to remind our local patrons that Ragbrai riders will be given priority on the public computer bays and there will be time limits set for use of the computers. While we welcome patrons wanting to “check things out”, this might not be the best day for meetings, research or longer more focused visits.

Please take this opportunity to be gracious hosts to our guests by greeting them and familiarizing yourself with where things are. The best directions are given by our hometown citizens!  Drake Public Library will have air conditioning, a water fountain to refill water bottles, free wifi, public computers, area maps and comfortable seating. 

Enjoy this Iowa tradition by helping out riders, volunteering and participating in the festivities on the square. Welcome Ragbrai!

|

Drake Public Library Receives State Accreditation from State Library of Iowa

The State Library of Iowa has announced that Drake Public Library has met the conditions for state accreditation as outlined in “In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards Sixth Edition.”

Achieving accreditation requires a significant, ongoing local commitment to high quality library services. Drake Public Library has been recognized for its efforts in all areas of library operations including governance and funding, staffing, library collection, services, public relations, access, and facilities. The accreditation is valid through June 30, 2022.

“The director, JeNel Allen Barth, the board of trustees of Drake Public Library and the city of Centerville are to be commended for this achievement and their commitment to excellence in public library services for their community,” said State Librarian Michael Scott.

Of Iowa’s 543 public libraries, 377 – including Drake Public Library– are accredited. Iowa’s accredited public libraries are recognized for being responsive to their communities and for exhibiting excellence in their provision of library services. More than two-thirds of all Iowans have active public library cards. Iowa libraries play key roles in workforce and economic development, lifelong learning and e-government activities. Iowans use their libraries to find jobs, do homework, locate a good book to read, research medical conditions, access government information, and more.

Accredited libraries receive a higher rate of compensation through the State Library’s Enrich Iowa program. They also receive a Certificate of Accreditation signed by Governor Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, State Librarian Michael Scott, and Iowa Commission of Libraries Chairperson Sarah Latcham.

For more information on the State Library’s accreditation program, and to view the Public Library Standards, go to www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/a-b/accr-and-standards.

About Drake Public Library

“The Drake Public Library strives to be a welcoming center for lifelong learning. We celebrate the freedom to read, discover and converse in a comfortable, inviting environment. We are proud to be your library!”  drakepubliclibrary.org

About the State Library of Iowa

The State Library of Iowa actively champions libraries. Our two roles are improving library services in Iowa and delivering specialized information services to state government and to Iowans. www.StateLibraryofIowa.org

|

Drake Public Library Programs

We’re back in the swing of things at Drake Public Library and we thought we’d highlight some of our programs for kids!  

Little Listeners is a family story time for babies, toddlers and their parent or guardian. They meet every Wednesday with Kristin at 10:30 am. It encourages participation, listening, movement, creativity and language. This group warms our hearts each week as they develop friendships between the children as well as between the families. 

The Children’s Library is a fun place to be after school.  Kristin leads fun activities on Monday and Thursday: crafts, games, Wii tournaments, movies, you name it!  Feel free to stop in on other days too. Staff is available after school to hang out, look for books, play games or help with homework. We also have public computers that kids can use for gaming, social media and homework. 

Are you a young artist? Do you enjoy creating and learning about art? If so, we would like to invite you to the Drake Public Library Art Club.   

The club will meet  Tuesday afternoons, running from 3:30 until 5:00 in our second floor Maker Space.  Students from Kindergarten through Middle School are encouraged to participate.  Katie will be leading this group in creating amazing works of art inspired by famous artists and illustrators! Learn about a new artist each week! 

This is the perfect opportunity for students who want a creative outlet in a supportive environment to make connections with others who share their artistic interests.  Please join  us Tuesday, November 13 in the Maker Space after school for our first session of the Drake Public Library Art Club!

All students, grades Kindergarten through 8th grade are welcome to participate in our after school children’s activities. We have a school bus stop in front of our building. Just check in with the Centerville Bus Barn to see if you can ride the bus here from school. (High Schoolers, stop by and talk to JeNel about helping out or check out our Young Adult section!)  

Come by the Drake Public Library today and see what we have to offer! 

|

Drake Public Library Renovation

The construction is complete and the shelves are filled.  The year long renovation of the Drake Public Library is now complete. This past year was a wonderful, and exhausting, experience for me. Overseeing the renovation of this beautiful, historic building was an honor. And, I am so proud of results! If you haven’t had a chance to come by, you really should. We started with the idea of adding a reading room in honor of Bill Swab.  Bill was a long time patron and left a considerable memorial donation to the library for this purpose. 

A top floor was added to the north end of our building that now houses the periodicals and non fiction collection. A beautiful glass floor inlay is an important part of the design. Comfortable furniture and a working fireplace adds warmth and ambiance to this beautiful space. Next door to this room, you will find the new Genealogy Room. Across the rotunda, we have created two separate spaces, a Maker Space and the Small Conference Room. Both of these rooms have unique historic touches and are available to the public to use for programs and meetings. 

The main floor has a beautiful raised ceiling that showcases the glass “floor” from the upper Reading Room. Our beautiful, historic desk has been refinished and a small study room is available for use by the public. Our young adult section is now located in it’s own area on the south end of the main floor, with cafe tables and seating now available.

Our children’s area got a much needed freshening up, with a new color scheme, layout and fun furniture.  Enjoy the new middle school area during our after school program or join our Little Listeners storytime group each Wednesday at 10:30am. Our Children’s Librarian, Krisitn Craver and her staff are available after school for crafts, games, homework help and other fun activities for children in first through sixth grade. 

Throughout the building, you will see a fresh new look with new paint, carpet and shelving.  Comfortable seating and improved lighting help Drake Public Library a wonderful spot to spend time reading, researching or getting together with friends.  We will be having a “Come-N-See” open house this Saturday, October 6th starting at 10am. Everyone is encouraged to stop by and visit the library! 

 

JeNel Barth

Drake Public Library Director

|

Help Wanted – PT Janitor

The Drake Public Library is seeking a part time janitor. 20 hours per week. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds, do small repairs, clean building interior daily. Exterior duties (landscaping, snow shoveling) as needed. Applications will be accepted until Monday, July 2nd. Applications available at the library’s temporary location.

|

Help Wanted – PT Circulation Aid

Drake Public Library is hiring!

We are looking for a PT Circulation Aide for the children’s department.

Specific shift availability required, includes Saturdays.

Required skills include shelving materials (alphabetically and with Dewey Decimal classification), basic math/handling money, excellent customer service, computer and database experience, knowledge of children’s literature, positive experience with children and families and the ability to work independently.

If this sounds like you, we invite you to fill out an application at the library’s temporary site at 1011 N. 18th Street.

|

Book Signing, Sarah Rupalo

On Saturday, November 11th we will be holding a book signing and author visit with Sarah Rupalo who is the author of A Shaken Leaf. Sarah’s newest book promises to be a very intriguing story.  The characters draw you into this important theme.  Her book, Keeper’s Choice, is a well read mystery here at Drake Public Library. Sarah will be available with copies of her newest book and her previous books from 10:00am until Noon.

Sarah has been a guest author at Drake Public Library before and we are very pleased that she is available to visit with our patrons and the fans of her writing again.  Her books are available for check out here at the library or you can find them on Amazon.com. Sarah will be also selling signed copies for patrons the day of the book signing. Please join us to celebrate the published works of this Seymour, Iowa author!

“In A Shaken Leaf, Lora Hobart, an ambitious preacher’s wife, manipulates the lives of her family to push her husband’s career to a higher level. Hiding her bigotry and greed, she forces her twins, Damaris and Deborah, to keep a terrible secret. Years later, Keisha Carter’s search for her biological mother reveals shocking truths that could destroy the family. Can a symbolic dried leaf bring two families back together again?”

The Friends of the Drake Public Library are proud to be hosting this wonderful event. Come and meet Sarah, hear a little more about her books and perhaps buy a signed copy for yourself.  Refreshments will be available.