Day in the Life via a reference librarian

So, we are doing the Day in a Life series visiting different librarians around the library. Well rather than catching me at the reference desk where many of you normally see me, you caught me on a day that I wasn't actually at the reference desk at all. Every three weeks those of us involved in outreach make visits to residential facilities around town to deliver books to those that have a hard time making it into the library. Friday morning I spent some time doing some behind the scenes tasks before heading out for deliveries.
What would those tasks be? Well, since I coordinate the Wednesday Movie Matinee series I was putting together, printing and posting our flyers for the October movies. You haven't come to join us for those yet? My oh my you are missing out on some great classic films. In October, in keeping with our Big Read theme of noir books and films, we will be showing two of the most famous early noir films (think Bogart). This series plays on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 2.
I followed up with a brief time in Web Alley giving the attendant there a break then pulled together some Big Read information and books for our senior book discussion groups coming up. These will be led by volunteers from the university (see we're getting everyone involved) who are associated with the UM MOLLI program. If you are over 55 and haven't heard about this program, give the U a call. They offer educational seminars for lifelong learners in the community and will be offering a class on the noir genre in conjunction with the Big Read.
The rest of my day was spent visiting Hillside Health Care, the Beehive Homes and Village Senior Residence. We bring between 100-200 books, including requests that people give me, to residents there every three weeks. We visit 15 facilities over the course of 4 days to provide for those that might otherwise not get to use library materials. We take books (large and regular print, fiction and non-fiction), audio books, music, magazines and DVDs. Pretty much a selection of materials that would meet the needs of anyone in Missoula. We serve people with vision, physical and developmental difficulties that make it hard to come in and choose their own materials. We bring materials for caregivers in the facilities to use for programming and activities. The best thing for me is that everyone is always so happy to see me! It's a great boost to my day.
After getting back to MPL I spent my last hour at the YA and kid's desks helping out there before closing at 6. And there you have it. Most days you will find me at the reference desk answering questions at the desk and over the phone about everything from when Missoula was started or how to find wiring diagrams to fix a car or how to find old articles in the Missoulian or what would be a good book to read on (fill in the blank) and on goes the list. Every day has something new and interesting in it. Thanks for joining me.

4x4s for the Library

Thanks to the Montana Back Roads 4x4 Club for inviting us to visit last night. It was a lot of fun to see everyone and hear what's going on in the club.

Seems like the 4x4 club wouldn't be an obvious match for the library, but we sure had a lot to talk about - like our Auto Repair online e-collection offering manuals for all sorts of makes and models from 1945 to the present, and our great collection of topo maps available by the Reference Desk.

We love to hear what's going on with your group, and sharing all the services the library provides. So give us a call at 721-2665 or email Joyce and we'll come visit with you, or we're happy to tour you around the building, too. See you at the library!

Have you seen us lately?

I love when someone comes into the library and says they haven't been here in ages. It's not that I'm happy they hadn't visited before, but I'm delighted they're back. The library isn't the same place they remember, in fact it has changed a lot in the past year alone. So much, that we want to show you around.

We're offering 1-hour tours to help find your way around and feel comfy in your library. Even if you're a regular visitor, we're pretty sure you'll discover something new. Have you ever been in the back room where all the library secrets are kept? Now's your chance. Uncover the "life of a book" from selection to shelves, learn how to use the library from anywhere with our latest online services, and discover the programs and clubs that are right up your alley.

Choose one of three convenient tour dates:
Sunday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.

If you're a member of a club or organization, bring your fellow members (we appreciate if you can give us a general head-count ahead of time by emailing Joyce). Or, drop in on your own.

Looking forward to seeing you, seeing us!

Ask and you shall receive

A couple weeks ago, I posted a blog asking you for ideas for my next blog entry. Ree requested that I give an overview of the community outreach that Missoula Public Library offers, so here goes!

Homebound Every three weeks, staff and volunteers from MPL visit homebound residents at four assisted living homes in the community, bringing them a selection of books and audio materials to choose from.

Home Delivery MPL is in the middle of a pilot project sponsored by OCLC that allows patrons the ability to have library items delivered straight to their mailbox. It's like NetFlix for books! This way, you can still enjoy much of what the library has to offer, even if you can't make it to the library!

School Presentations Our Young Adult librarian, Linette, visits local schools to let teens know about all the cool things the library has to offer them. She also does book talks, gives demonstrations of the databases MPL provides, and talks about media literacy.

Senior Outreach Marje, a reference librarian here at MPL does outreach programs for seniors to educate them about the programs available for their population through either our website or in our library. These include genealogical research, computer classes, movies, book discussion groups, and all the other adult programming offerings.

Looking Ahead
Some future outreach ideas we hope to implement are:

• Starting branch libraries in Lolo and Frenchtown in collaboration with the school libraries there.
• More services to the senior residences, including a possible virtual branch library, which will consists of an online catalog and a small rotating collection.
• In-services to Senior Companions about the services we have available.
• Programs in conjunction with the University of Montana's Gerontology program for the Alzheimer's facilities that would include movies and readings.