Drake Public Library

Seeking Excellence

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Dial a Story at Drake Public Library!

Dial a Story is a new service at Drake Public Library. This fun service provides story time over the phone for children, families, and groups of all ages.  We provide quality stories read by library staff and special guests from the community. Special guests have included Kathy Criddlebaugh (Library Board Member), Centerville Mayor Mike O’Connor and Pancake Day Queen Haddie Hurley. Our first set of children’s stories went over very well and we are excited to add chapters from longer books starting with chapter one from Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

This is a free service provided by memorial funds given in memory of Dorothy O’Connor, former resident of Centerville. It was her wish that children and families be able to enjoy the library as she did when she was a child.  This service adds more accessibility to our patrons because it doesn’t require internet or a computer. You can simply call the number and hear a variety of great stories. This service can provide individual or group story time for a family, congregate living situation or nursing home.  Or, let kids call the number during a “snow day” to keep them engaged at home.  Play the stories through your speaker phone option for groups. It really is a lot of fun!  We are proud to provide such a fun program during such difficult times when many are home bound due to COVID restrictions and the weather.  

So, give Dial a Story a call at 641-898-4800 the next time you are in the mood to hear a good story! 

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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!  

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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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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

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New Books at Drake Public Library

When I opened the packages of books that came in this week, I was thrilled to see a few titles that I had been waiting for.  I thought that I’d share them with you today.  The first two are adult non fiction and were recommended subjects from some patrons.

The Beginner’s Guide to Writing Knitting Patterns by Kate Atherley teaches the reader how to write patterns that others can knit.  “It addresses the details of how to create complete, clear and easy to use knitting patterns, for any type of design and for any level of knitter.”  All you knitters out there, I’m excited to find out how your creative designs develop and I hope that this books helps you share them!

The Farmers Market Cookbook by Julia Shanks shows “detailed produce descriptions, storage tips and preparation techniques and features over 200 simple and delicious recipes ranging from traditional favorites to innovative creations.”  YUM!  As we get closer to Farmers Market season and are planting those gardens, I’m sure that this beautifully illustrated book will come in handy.

My third suggestion is a work of fiction that I am very excited to have in our collection.  The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee by Talya Tate Boerner is the story of ten year old Gracie Lee,  “who knows a few things.  She knows which trees are best for climbing.  She knows how to walk through the hallway without making a sound on the hard wood floor.  She knows if Daddy’s crop gets one more drop of rain, the whole family will pay the price.  There are plenty of things Gracie doesn’t know.  These things keep her up at night.”  The author started out her journey as a published author writing her facebook blog, “Grace, Grits and Gardening” and several of our patrons of fans of her work.

 

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Book Review: Finding Me, A Decade of Darkness, a Life Reclaimed

“The day I disappeared in 2002, not many people even seemed to notice.  I was twenty-one, a young mom who stopped at a Family Dollar Store one afternoon to ask for directions.  For the next eleven years I was locked away in Hell.  That’s the part of my story you may already know.  There’s a whole lot more that you don’t.”  I read this section of the preface of Finding Me and I was intrigued.  I love a good biography, artists, celebrities, historic figures.  I’ve read a few.  I steered toward a more dark story with this autobiography about Michelle Knight, one of 3 kidnapping victims of Ariel Castro, a school bus driving in Cleveland, Ohio.  Her life was far from a fairytale to begin with; poverty, abuse, homelessness and single parenthood.  The majority of this book will shock with graphic descriptions of this young woman’s life and her struggle to keep hope alive during such unimaginable circumstances.  But, as you continue on through her story, you realize the strength and courage that it took for her to build her life back up in order to live her life.  She would not be broken…and now she is a beacon of hope for victims of abuse.

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Fun Fundraising! Pi Day and the Book Fair

March 14, 2016 is better known as Pi Day (think 3.14159) and the Friends of the Drake Public Library will be holding their own Pie Day.  Help us celebrate this never ending day…and Einstein’s birthday, by stopping by the library and purchasing a fresh, homemade pie!  All pies are graciously baked and donated by many of our dedicated patrons and FDPL members.  All pie bakers should drop their pies off at the library Monday morning after we open at 10:00am.  The official start time to purchase pies is 1:59pm, but we will not turn away early birds.  🙂  All proceeds from the sale of these yummy pies will benefit Drake Public Library.

This week, March 7 through March 12, is our annual Scholastic Book Fair.  Patrons are having fun browsing the many children’s book titles on display at our book fair.  This is a great opportunity to purchase books for yourself or a young person in your life.  You can also purchase a book from our Wish List and donate it directly to the Children’s Library.  Our online book fair is also set up and running through March 18 at bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/drakepubliclibrary .

There are so many ways to support your Drake Public Library and now you can show your support through shopping!

 

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Its Scholastic Book Fair time!

From Monday, March 7 through Saturday, March 12, we will be hosting our annual Scholastic Book Fair in our meeting room.  This event is a fundraiser for the children’s library programming.  For every dollar spent on books and merchandise at the book fair, a percentage comes back to our library’s account with Scholastic to purchase books, audio books, posters, bookmarks, and summer reading program prizes.  We are considered a “success story” with Scholastic because we have increased our sales and utilized our “Scholastic Dollars” in so many ways.  This year our reward for this is a free basket of books worth $100!  We will also be holding an online fair this year so that you can still purchase from our event, even if you are unable to attend in person.  The website is bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/drakepubliclibrary  If you are interested in volunteering to help us run our book fair, please call us at 856-6676.  Volunteers must be over the age of 18 and able to make change and run a cash register.  Thank you in advance for your continued support of our annual Scholastic Book Fair and the children’s programming at Drake Public Library!

JeNel

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Drake Public Library Position announcement for Library Director

Drake Public Library

Library Director

Position Announcement

 

The Drake Public Library, Centerville, IA seeks qualified, innovative, and community-minded applicants for the position of Library Director.  The Library Director manages the daily and administrative activities of the Library, promotes the Library in the community, serves as the contact with vendors, oversees Library facilities maintenance, and writes and administers grants.  The Director implements policies of the Board of Trustees but is expected to work with considerable initiative and independence.

 

The Library serves a city population of 5500 but also serves the needs of many Appanoose County residents.  The Drake Public Library, dedicated in 1903, was a gift from Centerville native, Governor Francis M. Drake. The three story neoclassical building features a restored stained-glass dome.

 

Centerville is a county seat and the hub of county commerce. The downtown historic square, Indian Hills Community College, Mercy Medical Center Hospital and Appanoose County Historical Museum are a few of the attractive features of this friendly town. Lake Rathbun, located north of Centerville, is a Mecca for fishermen, hunters, campers and boaters.

 

The Library staff includes four part-time positions, one of whom is the Children’s Librarian. The annual budget is approximately $184,000, and recently a Foundation was established. An active Friends of Drake Library supports programs and projects.

 

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree and a State Library of Iowa Public Librarian’s Certification at a level IV or a willingness to become certified within two years of hire

Ability in supervising and managing staff and library programs

Ability to prepare and manage a balanced budget

Knowledge of current library technology and services

Ability to interact professionally with community leaders and the public

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to direct strategic and financial long-range planning

Residence in Appanoose County

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Accredited MLS degree

Prior experience as Library Director

 

Working Conditions:

Ability to lift 25 pounds

Standing, walking, sitting, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling

Using close and distance vision

 

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is competitive based on education and experience. Benefits include health insurance, retirement with IPERS, vacation, holidays, personal day, and sick leave.

 

 

 

 

Additional Information:

The City of Centerville retains the authority to change the job duties included in this job announcement at any time.  The list of duties is not exhaustive and various requirements are subject to possible modification as a reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual.

 

The City of Centerville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.  Position is subject to pre-employment drug testing and physical exam.

 

Application Process:

Email a cover letter, resume, and three professional letters of reference that include reference contact information to dmoritz@mchsi.com.  Application review will begin March 1, 2016.  The position will remain open until filled.

 

 

 

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Scholastic Book Fair – Hard Work Pays Off!

Our Scholastic Book Fair was held Monday, March 9th through Saturday, March 14th.  After weeks of planning, scheduling volunteers and publicity, we can now say that it was a great success.

This year, our Book Fair was “manned” through a combination of volunteers and employees.  I couldn’t have done it without all of these wonderful people!  Hailey Harbour, Tori Brown, Mindi Blizek, Mike Barth, Julianna Barth, Miles Starr, Jeff Livingston, Shawn Dekker, Dana Moritz, Nicole Cox, Lottie Wilson, Mary Beth Thomas, Lois Hays, Deanna Allen and Winona Whitaker all volunteered their time to set up, work and tear down the fair.  Library Employees Jami Livingston, Beth Burgin, Theresa Liford and Pam Reed also put in time to help the project run smoothly.  Theresa and Pam were especially important in keeping the fair room supervised and assisting volunteers as they came in to work throughout the week.  I am so grateful for all of their help.  Thank you so much!

Now to the results of our efforts!  When you purchase items through the Scholastic Book Fair, the Drake Public Library receives 40% of each purchase in Scholastic Dollars.  At the conclusion of this year’s book fair, we totaled $1,717.41 in sales.  After purchasing what was left from our wish list book selections, this brought our Scholastic Dollars earnings to $579.57!  Speaking of our “wish list selections”, patrons were especially generous this year in purchasing books that I had selected for our wish list and donating them back to us.  31 books were purchased as a donation to us!  More might come back to us through our online book fair that will continue through March 24th. The link is on our website as well as the Drake Public Library and Drake Public Library Kids Facebook pages.   These books came directly to us and they still counted toward our Scholastic Dollars earnings.  Pretty neat!

 

Storytime toddlers

Storytime featuring books from the Scholastic Book Fair.

This year, Scholastic also sent a “gift basket” of free books, valued at $100, for us to use as prizes for our summer reading program.  They also let us pick out any of the leftover posters from the fair display to keep for our library, at no cost.  This is a pretty nice gift from our Scholastic friends.

Scholastic Dollars allow me to purchase books, bookmarks, posters and program supplies through the online resource catalog, at no cost to the library.  Even shipping is free. I have used our Scholastic Dollars to replace damaged books, update Children’s Library decorations and even provide interactive items (like our new hand held white boards and our book character plush dolls) for our program activities.  I also purchased books for our very popular Toddler Time group participants.  Every child that attended Toddler Time during the Book Fair was able to choose a book from the fair display to take home with them for free.  It’s a gift that makes them smile with pride, as they hold their brand new book.  And really, isn’t that what this is all about?  It was a joy to see the excitement that our kids and families have for reading and for supporting the Drake Public Library!

Table full of books

Books donated to the Drake Library by shoppers at the Scholastic Book Fair