Institutional Knowledge and Library Snapshot Day

This upcoming week, the California Library Association is sponsoring Library Snapshot Day. California Libraries are being asked to take a "snapshot", basically show a day in the life of a library. We will be gathering statistics and taking pictures, and if you come into the Huntington Beach Public Library on Tuesday, October 5, you may be asked a couple of questions about the library. We hope to give a good picture about what goes on during a regular day here at the Huntington Beach Public Library. It should be fun, and by involving all the libraries in the State, I think we will create a fascinating picture of what modern libraries are like.

All of this is happening while the HB Library is undergoing a lot of changes - today, we are losing 8 full time staff members to retirement. I am very happy for all our retirees (and all the others in the rest of the City of HB), but I got to thinking the other day about what this represents. We will be changing a lot of things, because we have to and it is a good time to look at how we do things, focusing on what our community wants and needs. But we are also losing a lot of amazing talent, skill and energy from the organization. In all, our 8 retirees represent 165 years of institutional memory and knowledge. That is pretty amazing.

Each of our retirees has made a lasting impression on the Library and the services we provide. I honor their dedication and thank them for their years of service.

Things will definitely look different starting tomorrow - the Library Adventure continues, but we will miss our outgoing colleagues.

September is National Library Card Sign-up month - why everyone needs a library card

September is National Library Card Sign-up month. An important part of the start of any school year is coming into the Library and getting your library card.

Why a library card? Your library card is a passport to all kinds of adventures. You can read the latest bestseller, catch up with a favorite author, learn a new language (both in the library, by book or our online Mango Languages program), find online job resources, learn about new cultures, get help with homework, and the list just keeps on going.

Studies have shown that students do better when they use the library - libraries provide resources for homework, introduce children to new ideas and concepts and make learning fun. A library card is your gateway into this expanded world of knowledge.

Libraries provide high speed Internet access, so if you need to look for information, keep up with friends on Facebook or look for a job, we can help you. We have computer coaches available and trained professional staff that can help you find out about new careers, new places, new hobbies. We have what you need.


All of this is available with your Library Card. Come on and in and start your adventure.

Celebrate International Literacy Day!

Today is International Literacy Day -

Literacy is something so many of us take for granted. Honestly, I cannot remember when I couldn't read. I have memories of my mom reading to me from the earliest age, and reading all kinds of things too. There are family pictures showing how she would tape large word signs on and above things, like the light switch on the wall. Obviously this early instruction paid off - though I wish I had more TIME to read all the great things out there.

The Unesco site has a great statement about Literacy that crystalized my thoughts on the importance of this essential life skill -

Literacy is a basic human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development. Educational opportunities depend on literacy.

Here in Huntington Beach, our Literacy and Families for Literacy programs are making a difference every day, helping people develop and improve their literacy skills. The many staff and volunteers who dedicate themselves to help others through our literacy programs and activities really make a difference.

Imagine what you life would be like without the ability to read.

I'm glad that there are people and programs that are working to ensure that this basic human right is open to all.