Drake Public Library

Seeking Excellence

DVDs Library services

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‘Tis the Season for giving

Lit Christmas tree in library

Drake Public Library Christmas tree on main floor courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

The holidays are a time for giving. This year why don’t you consider giving a gift to Drake Public Library. After all, giving has always been an integral part of the library’s history.  Its very creation was made possible by a gift from Gov. Francis M. Drake in 1901.

Our library has a reputation for excellence. Its reputation has been earned … through the hard work of the library staff, the support of government agencies, and the support of individuals within the community. But excellence doesn’t just happen. It takes the right materials and personnel to make the library successful. In order to maintain the quality of the services the library currently provides, additional funds are needed.

Throughout the years the operating expenses of the library have been generously cared for via public funds. However, more recently, public funds no longer even cover day-to-day expenses. So the library needs our donations just to remain open. All donations to help our library are tax-deductible and 100% of all donations go to support the library. There are several ways to give to Drake Public Library.

First, you can give directly to the library by purchasing books or other materials in your name or in honor or in memory of a loved one. Contact our Library Director, Jami Livingston for details. Book plates can be placed in the books to indicate your donation if you desire.

You can also give by becoming a member of the Friends of Drake Public Library. Memberships are just $5 for an individual or $10 for a family. Giving a membership to another person would be a super gift. Consider giving a little more and become a Friends’ Sponsor. The Friends do so much for the library. Please click on the “Friends” tab on the menu bar above for more information about this organization and how you can help.

Finally, the Library Board is excited to announce the establishment of the Drake Public Library Foundation in January 2015. This private, tax-exempt, charitable organization has the support of our library as its sole purpose. Its board is made up of local volunteers and all donations are tax-deductible. The foundation is set up to receive any bequests and other planned gifts. The most rewarding part of making a planned gift is the knowledge that generations of children and adults will be transformed by the library thanks to the resources you have accumulated during your lifetime. For the new year please resolve to name Drake Public Library as a beneficiary of your will.

So, for the holidays, why don’t you relax, put your feet up and enjoy a good book – from the Drake Public Library, of course.

 

 

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In Defense of DVDs

DVD's on the shelf in the Children's Section of the library

Children’s DVDs

The Drake Public Library has a DVD collection that is heavily used by the patrons. Some people question this and think it is unnecessary. We circulate DVDs for a number of reasons, entertainment, familiarity, and necessity.

I recently attended a community function and was in an audience of approximately 125 people. The emcee brought up the Drake Library, commented on how long it had been open and then jokingly mentioned that the library has an extensive collection of DVDs. Several people laughed. What is so funny about that?

Libraries serve the public, much of what we do is based on the public’s needs, perceived and real. We feature board books for tiny toddlers, we also have a large print collection for failing and elderly eyes. We want to provide useful materials for everyone!

Movies are fun, they are an escape from reality. Special effects, compelling story lines, and talented actors draw viewers in and keep them captivated, for 90 minutes or so. Movies are big business and are as popular as ever. Movies made from successful books are really successful. Teachers often assign students to watch a movie after the class has read the book. Book clubs like to watch movies based on books.

If a patron comes to the library just to get DVDs that is fine! We don’t care! A librarian hopes that someday a DVD patron will feel comfortable enough to branch out into books, magazines, or audiobooks, but if not, no big deal!

DVDs - Black Swan, Breaking Bad, The girl with the dragon tattoo (European Version)

Several of the DVDs available for checkout on the main floor. We have lots of current television series available.

We want the public to feel comfortable here, if children use the library with their parents, then they may use the library as adults. We really like to build a relationship with our patrons.  There is a group of regular patrons that visit often, daily or every other day. My former boss often joked that librarians are bartenders without liquor. We know our patrons, we get involved in their lives.

Why do people still check out DVDs from the library in the age of ROKU, Redbox, Netflix, and Hulu? I think it all boils down to cost. Being on the cutting edge of technology is expensive. Not everyone can afford cable television. Lots of patrons that use our DVD service don’t have cable. Cable is a luxury.

Going to the movie theatre with a family of four can easily cost $60.00 on a Friday night. Library DVDs are free, available for two weeks at a time and can be renewed. Why spend money on purchasing a DVD when you will more than likely watch it one time and then it will clutter up your front room?

Come to the library, check out a DVD, or check out a book, we don’t care! We are just happy to see you!