Drake Public Library

Seeking Excellence

LIbrary Services

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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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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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Using the Libby App for Bridges

The library building is closed to the public. But you can still keep reading through online resources. We are very lucky to have access to the State Library of Iowa’s resource for online Ebook, Audio, Live Stream Video and Magazine Consortium through Bridges. The Friends of the Drake Public Library sponsors our participation with the Bridges online resource. You can still go directly to Bridges through our website.  But the Libby App is the newest way to access Bridges.  Here are some easy to follow directions. 

The free Libby app is the easiest way to get started with digital books, audiobooks, and magazines from your public library. Libby is available for Android, iOS, Windows 10, some Chromebooks, and in your browser at libbyapp.com.

Notes:

  • If you have a device that’s not compatible with Libby, you can use the OverDrive app to borrow and enjoy digital titles instead.
  • If you belong to a school, you may be able to use our new Sora app to borrow ebooks and audiobooks instead.

STEP 1

Install the Libby app from your device’s app store.

Or, visit libbyapp.com in your Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge browser.

STEP 2

In Libby, follow the prompts to find your library (Drake Public Library) and sign in with a valid library card number. When prompted for a username, it will be your library card number (just numbers, no P). Your password or PIN will be your last name with the first letter capitalized. 

STEP 3

Browse your library’s collection and borrow a title.

STEP 4

Borrowed titles appear under Shelf > Loans and download to the app automatically when you’re connected to Wi-Fi, so you can read them when you’re offline.

From your Loans, you can:

  • Tap Read With…to choose where you’d like to read the book (Kindle or Libby), then finish sending to Kindle (U.S. libraries only) or start reading in Libby.
  • Tap Open Audiobook or Open Magazine to start reading or listening to that title.
  • Tap Manage Loan to see options like Renew and Return.

If you need more help with Libby, please visit Libby Help or contact Drake Public Library staff at 856-6676 (Leave a message. We will call you back), email us at drakepubliclibrary@gmail.com or through a our Facebook page messenger.

Happy reading!

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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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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. 

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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

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Drake Public Library Temporary Location

Drake Public Library is about to undergo a tremendous renovation. It is an exciting plan that directly relates to our mission of being a welcoming center for lifelong learning for our community.

During this renovation, the library will be relocating to a temporary location. That location is at 1101 North 18th Street, in the mall, next door to Cinema 4 Movie Theater.  We will be at this location for the duration of the renovation, which is slated to be complete by July 2018.

Our temporary home will house the vast majority of our book collection, DVDs, audio books, magazines, newspapers and some of our public computers. We request that you call or email the library for an appointment if you need to do genealogy research, as those materials will be at another location. Our book drop will be located at this sight and Library Hours will remain the same: Monday through Friday, 10am until 6pm and Saturdays, 10am until 2pm.  The Little Listeners story time group will still be meeting with Kristin on Wednesdays at 10:30.  Other programming will be advertised throughout the year as we get settled into our temporary site.

We will be moving into our temporary location September 11 through September 16.  During that week, we will be closed to the public.  You will still be able to call us at 867-6676 for assistance or log into your account through the Follett Destiny link on our website drakepubliclibrary.org to renew your materials online.  Any late fees that accrue during the week that we are closed will be forgiven.

We plan on being open to the public, in the temporary location, on Monday, September 18. We know that it won’t be perfect but we want this to be a smooth transition for our patrons and we are focusing on making sure we can still provide the best customer service to our patrons as possible. We hope that you will stop in to see us!

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Be Awesome!

I was asked to speak on behalf of the library for the first day of school teacher assembly for the Centerville Community School District this morning.  I wasn’t nervous at all! (Ha!) It went pretty well so I thought I would share my speech to the teachers and staff with you.

“Good morning everyone!  I’m JeNel Allen Barth and I am now the Director at Drake Public Library after being Children’s Librarian for the past 7 years.

I don’t want to keep you long because I know that you have many things to do in preparation for the upcoming school year.  But I do want to be sure to share a few things with you.

First of all, I hope that you had a relaxing, restful summer because you deserve it!  The more time I spend working with teachers, the more I realize how hard this job is and I don’t need to remind you how important your job is….but I will, time and time again.

Over the summer vacations, evenings and weekends, the Drake Public Library is the library available to school children; and for babies through preschoolers, it is the only library available.  Our library is a unique and valuable resource and we strive to be a lifeline to our community.

Our staff has worked very hard to update and mark the books that fall under the Accelerated Reading Program.  If you’re struggling to find titles that will inspire success in this area, send your students our way!

Our new Children’s Librarian, Kristin Craver, is planning for our after school programming.  Mondays at 4pm the “Rising Readers” will meet for story time, round robin reading, book chats, intros to new books and homework help.  Thursdays from 4-5pm, “After School Adventures” in puzzles, games and special crafts will provide students with social time and an opportunity to get to know the library and other kids better.  And, of course we will continue with our story time for Babies through Preschoolers with “Little Listeners” on Wednesdays at 10:30am.

Kristin is available for hosting classroom field trips and would love to visit classrooms for special guest story times and chats with your students.  And, by the way, I am still available for visits too.  You know I love spending time with students and visiting classrooms.

Junior High and High School teachers, don’t forget that Drake Public Library offers computers and free wifi access for students working on homework and research projects.  We host a free, online research data base, EBSCO Host, that offers a broad range of full text and bibliographic databases designed specifically for academic research.  The sign in is simple and our staff is happy to show anyone around the site.  Oh, and printing for school work is free for students.

So, go help kids learn, smile and belong.  Ask hard and interesting questions.  Try new things!  We’ll continue to work at providing services to help you and to inspire a love of reading in your students.  It’s time for a great year of learning…so go be awesome!”

 

JeNel Allen Barth

Library Director

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Why Should You Listen to Audio Books?

I’ve been getting to know our “audio patrons” lately. I’ve never been an audio book listener so I decided to look at some of the reasons why someone might start listening to audio books.

Readers can access a lot more books when they check out audio books.  You can take them in your car, while you’re exercising or walking.  You can even listen to them while doing household chores and when you’re just lounging.  Think about all of that time!

Audio books are great for auditory learners.  You are hearing how to pronounce words before seeing them in print.  The reader’s voices help you comprehend the story more when the narrator changes his or her inflections for the characters and doesn’t just read, but acts!  Its really fun to compare the American readers/books to British readers.  (Think about the word harassment…)

Audio books are wonderful for readers with visual impairments.  Its  not easy for an avid reader to give it up due to eye strain or poor eyesight.  They are also quite accessible.  Bridges has a large collection of audio books available for download. Check with the staff here for directions on how to utilize Bridges for audio books. Drake Public Library also has a relatively large audio book collection that we are working on to keep current and interesting for our audio patrons. We have a shelf on the main floor and we also have several audio versions of children’s books in the children’s department.

Like a good print book, audio books can be comforts reads and favorites that you listen to over and over again.  So, what are  you waiting for?

By JeNel Allen Barth