Drake Public Library

Seeking Excellence

Drake Public Library

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The Lions of Fifth Avenue – A Book Review

If you didn’t catch my book review of The Lions of Fifth Avenue in this week’s issue of the Appanoose Weekly….

Some books just click with you from first sight.  I tend to be drawn to stories that involve libraries, book stores or book clubs. Books have been such a significant piece of my life for so long, it is comforting and exciting to read a story that gives “my life” a little twist. I’ve never had the honor of visiting the famous New York Public Library, but it is on my “list of places” and I always enjoy reading about it or seeing glimpses of this iconic structure on tv and in movies. The history of this building includes a historically famous apartment within the library, collections of rare manuscripts, notes from several authors and an enormous collection of books. It has stood the test of time throughout New York’s tumultuous growth, through both prosperity and tragedy.

Fiona Davis’s latest historical novel, The Lions of Fifth Avenue, explores the connection between two strong willed women with connections to the library and to each other through the great mystery involving the theft of valuable pieces of the collection in different time periods.

“It’s 1913, and on the surface, Laura Lyons couldn’t ask for more out of life–her husband is the superintendent of the New York Public Library, allowing their family to live in an apartment within the grand building, and they are blessed with two children. Headstrong and passionate, Laura wants more. When she takes a leap of faith and applies to the Columbia Journalism School, her world is cracked wide open. As her studies take her all over the city, she finds herself drawn to Greenwich Village’s new bohemia, where she discovers the Heterodoxy Club– Heterodoxy was the name adopted by a feminist debating group in Greenwich Village, New York City, in the early 20th century. It was notable for providing a forum for the development of more radical conceptions of feminism than the suffrage and women’s club movements of the time. Soon, Laura finds herself questioning her traditional role as wife and mother. When valuable books are stolen back at the library, threatening the home and institution she loves, she’s forced to confront her shifting priorities head on . . . and may just lose everything in the process. 

Eighty years later, in 1993, Sadie Donovan struggles with the legacy of her grandmother, the famous essayist Laura Lyons, especially after she’s wrangled her dream job as a curator at the New York Public Library. But the job quickly becomes a nightmare when rare manuscripts, notes, and books for the exhibit Sadie’s running begin disappearing from the library’s famous Berg Collection. Determined to save both the exhibit and her career, the typically risk-adverse Sadie teams up with a private security expert to uncover the culprit. However, things unexpectedly become personal when the investigation leads Sadie to some unwelcome truths about her own family heritage–truths that shed new light on the biggest tragedy in the library’s history.” (adapted from book jacket)

If you are a fan of historical fiction and enjoy stories involving libraries this is a great book for you. I personally enjoyed reading into both the Heterodoxy Club and the women’s rights movement during the early 20th century after I finished this interesting and compelling mystery. Reserve your copy of The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis today by calling 641-856-6676 or log into your library account through Follett at drakepubliclibrary.org. 

 

Submitted by: JeNel Allen Barth

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Current Library Services September 2020

“Is the library open again?”  Of course we are!  We have been for a while now.  We have updated the current services that are available as of September 2020 in relation to social distancing guidelines during COVID 19 and the Flu season. We are currently still providing Stage 2 services like curbside pickup and online or over the phone reference and we have been providing Stage 3 services since earlier this summer. There have been some updates and clarifications, so please review them and call or email us with questions. 

Appointments for curbside pickup, browsing, computers or other services can be done over the phone or through our email, drakepubliclibrary@gmail.com and the link on our website.  The last hour of our regular operational hours are spent cleaning, maintaining the collection and other duties, so setting a time before the end of the day is important. We try to be as flexible as we can and ask that you set a time so that we can schedule the day accordingly.

Computers are available by individual appointment only. One hour for computer use for up to three people (over the age of 15) at a time in the adult area. 

One hour for computer use for two people (a child, under the age of 18 but over the age of 9, per the library’s Unattended Child Policy) at a time in the children’s area. Ipads are currently unavailable.  

Browsing can be scheduled by individual appointment. 1 hour of browsing can be scheduled for up to three people (in both the adult area and the children’s area). 

Family units will be asked to send one person (see Unattended Child Policy) or come as a group to choose materials.

Masks are required in the library building and we will have hand sanitizer available. 

Bathrooms are not open to the public at this time. 

All materials need to be returned to the Bookdrop found on the south side of the front yard, next to the driveway to staff parking for 48 hour quarantine. Please do not bring it into the building.

Materials that are pulled from the shelves but not checked out, should be placed on the tables that are available and not reshelved by patrons.

Photocopies/Scan/Fax with little or no staff assistance through appointment only. Full service requires materials (with contact information and instructions included) be put in the Bookdrop for 48 hour quarantine for a future appointment for payment and pickup. Regular fees apply.

Stay home if you are sick.

The library limits up to and no more than 6 people for scheduled meetings in the Maker Space, 4 people in the Conference Room. The Study Room and public seating will be off limits. See library staff for more details regarding meetings. 

Again, contact us if you have questions regarding these services. We are constantly adapting guidelines in order to provide the best service to our community while keeping our staff safe and healthy. Thank you for supporting Drake Public Library!

 

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New Services at Drake Public Library

Drake Public Library is adding more services to their reopening plan starting Monday July 13. 

Current Services

In addition to Stage 2 services that included curbside pick up, we are continuing Stage 3 computer use by individual appointment. You can schedule one hour for computer use for up to three people (over the age of 15) at a time in the Adult Area.  One hour for computer use for one person (child, under the age of 18 but over the age of 9, per the library’s Unattended Child Policy) at a time in the Children’s Area.

Starting Monday July 13

Part B of Stage 3 includes browsing by individual appointment.  You can schedule one hour of browsing for up to three people (for both the adult area and the children’s area).  Family groups will be asked to send one person (see Unattended Child Policy) to choose materials or they  have to reserve more than one appointment slot during that hour.  You must ask for assistance before browsing the non-fiction section on the top floor and you must schedule browsing appointments for each department (adult collection and children’s collection) that you want to visit. 

Part C of Stage 3 includes limited availability of our Conference Room and Maker Space. There is a limit of up to and no more than 6 people for scheduled meetings in the Maker Space and 4 people in the Conference Room. The Study Room and public seating are off limits. 

General Guidelines

Masks are required in the library and we will have hand sanitizer available.  Bathrooms will not be open to the public.  All materials need to be returned through the Bookdrop and won’t be accepted at the circulation desks. The lower level entrance/exit and elevator will be used by all patrons with appointments. Cleaning will be done during the breaks between time slots.   FAX/Scan with in-library printed paper only or put your form(s) in the bookdrop (in an envelope with contact information) for a future appointment.   

We are working hard to provide services to our community while keeping our staff and our patrons as safe as possible and we appreciate your support. Please contact library staff at 641-856-6676  to schedule your appointment.  

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Help Wanted – PT Circulation/Programming Assistant

Circulation/Programming Assistant – Job Description

Definition: The Circulation/Programming Assistant is responsible for assisting in daily operations at the Circulation Desks and the Collection on all floors. They will work with the Children’s Librarian to plan and execute programming for children. Experience working with and being comfortable working with the public (particularly children) is required. Dependability, positive motivation and creativity are necessary for this position. This job is under the direct supervision of the Library Director and works directly with the Children’s Librarian.

The Circulation/Programming Assistant’s job duties will be as follows:

*Checking in and out materials for patrons

*Collecting and assessing fines

*Guiding patrons to appropriate materials and answering reference questions

*Assisting patrons on the computer, photocopier and microfilm reader

*Answering the telephone

*Re-shelving materials and alphabetizing shelves

*Issuing patron cards and making corrections and updates to patron files

*Repairing materials

*Other duties as they arise or are assigned by Library Director and/or Children’s  Librarian

**Planning, creating and implementing after school and special programming opportunities for children kindergarten through middle school under the guidance of the Children’s Librarian

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities shall include:

*Familiarity with authors, books, and genres as well as STEAM and general craft programs

*Strong communication skills with a variety of ages, both one on one and in a group setting

*Basic understanding of internet and various computer programs

*Understanding of the Dewey Decimal System and the ability to alphabetize materials and re-shelve materials accurately

*Position Specific Work Schedule: Approximately 20 hours a week including every other Saturday

*FY21 Starting Salary: $10.30 per hour; raises in hourly rates are increased according to the City of Centerville cost of living schedule

Call the library at 641-856-6676 or email drakepubliclibrary@gmail.com to receive application. 

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Stage Three of Reopening Starts Monday at Drake Public Library

Services are continuing to open up at Drake Public Library. Curbside Pickup has worked so well for the last month and we are ready to open the library for some limited services inside the building.  Thank you for your patience as we have navigated the requirements for making library services safe for both staff and the public.

Stage 3 – Starting Monday June 15 

In addition to Stage 2 services (Curbside Pickup): Computer use by Individual Appointment. One hour for computer use for up to three people (over the age of 15) at a time in the adult area.  One hour for computer use for one person (child, under the age of 18 but over the age of 9, per the library’s Unattended Child Policy) at a time in the children’s area.  Call the library at 641-856-6676 during regular business hours to set your appointment.

Things to Remember

Be on time and enter through the lower level entrance. Knock for entry.

You must wear a mask while in the library. If you don’t have a mask, you will be asked to reschedule. Libraries must still take measures to allow for social distancing and follow guidelines from the Iowa Department of Public Health,  including maintaining six-feet of social distancing, maintaining good hygiene and wearing a cloth mask.

Adults scheduled to use the main floor computers should use the elevator to go to 1 Main Floor. (Stairwell and Floor 2 are both closed to the public at this time)

Check in at the circulation desk for your assigned computer. (No switching computers during appointment)

Printing is allowed during appointment times. Please let staff now when and how many pages you will be printing.  (Regular prices apply)  Other services; Photocopying, Fax, Scan to email, ONLY for materials printed in house during appointment time and only with staff supervision. No outside paper at this time. (All materials coming into the building are currently quarantined for 72 hours before staff handling)

You will be given a 15 minute then a 5 minute “heads up” before the end of your time and then you will be required to leave.  The computers and the elevator will be cleaned between each set of appointment times. You may call to set up another appointment any time.

When you leave, you will leave through the Lower Level door using the elevator.

For the safety of our staff and patrons, if you are ill or have come in contact with someone with COVD-19 please cancel your appointment.

A two week observation period will determine adding Browsing by Individual Appointment,  determined upon adequate availability of public area sanitation supplies and a decline in positive cases in Appanoose County.

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PT Janitor Position Available

The Drake Public Library is seeking a part time janitor. 20 hours per week, 5 days a week. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds, do small repairs, clean building interior daily. Exterior duties (landscaping, snow shoveling) as needed. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required. Call the library at 856-6676 to inquire and arrange to pick up an application. 

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Services at Drake Public Library

Drake Public Library is taking steps toward restarting services for the public after being closed during the COVID 19 pandemic. We are approaching the process of reopening the library in stages to keep in line with guidelines set forth to protect our staff and patrons during this time. 

The next stage toward reopening Drake Public Library will start by offering Curb Side Pickup for requested materials beginning Tuesday, May 19.

Patrons can begin putting materials on hold by logging into their account through the Follett Destiny Circulation System found on the library’s website at https://www.drakepubliclibrary.org, over the phone at 856-6676 or by emailing the library at drakepubliclibrary@gmail.com. 

So, how do you log into Drake Public Library’s online card catalog system (Follett)?

Go to https://www.drakepubliclibrary.org 

  1. Click on Follett Destiny

Log In

  1. Select your site (Drake Public Library), and click Log In.
  2. Enter your User Name (Your last name plus the first three letters of your first name, all lowercase, one word) and Password (Your Library Card Number, no letters).
  3. Click Log In. Your site page appears.

How Do You Place an Item on Hold?

  1. Click on Catalog (top of page)
  2. Type in an author’s name, a book/movie title and click on the appropriate category (key word, title, author, subject, series)
  3. Options will come up. You should scroll down the right side of your screen. “1 of 1 available” means that this item is available to check out. “0 of 1” means that it isn’t available yet but you can still put it on hold. Call if you have questions about this.
  4. Click on the availability status
  5. Click available under status (either “available” or a date)
  6. Choose “Add Hold” (on the right side of your screen)
  7. Choose “Save”
  8. We will be checking the system for online holds every morning and will contact you as soon as your turn comes up for the item placed on hold.
  9. Items will be due two weeks from the pick up date scheduled.
  10. Items with several holds on them will need to be picked up within one week of contact.

You will be contacted by a DPL Librarian to set up a time for you to pick up your materials and you will be given further directions during this conversation.

 

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An Update on Reopening

Drake Public Library is working on our reopening plan in response to Governor Reynolds’ release of public libraries’ required closure.  Staff is diligently working on procedures and policies to ensure their safety as well as the safety of the public.

Additional services will be publicized as we are able to implement these plans within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, please call (leave a message so that we can call you back), email or message us through our Facebook page with your questions.   

Our priority will be continue to be providing services in the safest way possible.

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Drake Public Library Closed Temporarily

Greetings from the staff at Drake Public Library. In response to Governor Reynolds’ State of Emergency Mandates, the library will be closed to the public until further notice.  This is what that means:

Staff will be reporting in for the time being but no patrons will be allowed in the building.

We will be checking our voicemail system, facebook messages and emails.

We will be checking the bookdrop for returns BUT prefer that patrons keep their current checkouts until this crisis is over.

We will not be accepting book/magazine donations.

ALL FINES WILL BE FORGIVEN for late materials during the shut down. We will be happy to extend due dates when we get your request.

We encourage our patrons to utilize our online resources listed below:

*drakepubliclibrary.org 

     Follett, our online card catalog to check your own account. You will need your login name (last name plus first three letters of your first name) and password          (your individual patron number found on your library card or by contacting us)

     Bridges, our Ebook, Audiobook and Video Streaming service that also includes online magazines.  You log in with your patron number and your last name               with the first letter capitalized.

     BrainFuse Job Now & Vet Now that includes online learning, resume and interviewing coaching with added assistance to Veterans. 

Gale Resources is found at www.galepages.com/iadrake and our password is drakepl. This is a wonderful resource for full text documents for research purposes, especially helpful to students doing research papers and looking for articles that can be cited appropriately. We will be posting other online resources that are free to the public as we find them. 

We will try to answer as many of your questions that we can and help you through taking advantage of these resources. We will also be updating you on any changes in our situation as well as tutorials on utilizing some of these online resources.  You can contact us at 641-856-6676, through Facebook at Drake Public Library and Drake Public Library Kids and through the Contact Us link on our website. The Library Email link in red will connect you to our primary email. 

We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time and we wish you all well. 

 

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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.