The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library has been recognized as a high-performing library in a time of need. This week, the library was given four out of five stars by Library Journal, by the oldest and most respected publication covering the library field.
Libraries across the nation are playing a key role in their communities in this current economic crisis, and your library is no exception. Libraries were judged on number of visits, circulation, program attendance and public Internet computer use.
“Each month since the economic downturn, we’ve broken circulation records. More customers are coming in looking for job search tips or looking for free entertainment. We’re happy to fulfill their need and be recognized as a library of distinction,” Paul Brennan, collections manager, said.
Each day more than 3,000 visitors walk through the doors of the library. The library has experienced a 19.3 percent increase in the number of people coming into the library this year compared to last. In 2008, we checked out 2,453,453 items. This year, checkout is up 7 percent.
The library provides free computer and Internet access and training. We offer about 500 computer-training classes each year. Our instructors say attendance at computer training programs has increased as the unemployment rate has increased.
258 libraries from across the United States earned a star ranking. To find out what other Kansas libraries were awarded stars, visit http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6705870.html#KS.
Showing posts with label Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Show all posts
Friday, November 20, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Public Involvement Sought for Education in Heartland Visioning
Come participate in the public forum held by the Education Foundation Team of Heartland Visioning from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, at the Marvin Auditorium 101BC, Topeka Shawnee County Public Library.
The purpose of the meeting is to update the public on what the Education Foundation Team and its Alliances have been working on and then ask for feedback. You will hear about:
1. How Washburn Institute of Technology will benefit our community,
2. What is being done to prepare students for work at local companies,
3. What is being done to encourage graduating college students to stay in the Greater Topeka Area,
4. Other ideas on how education can become a part of a better Topeka.
“The spirit of having a community-wide vision is that the community is involved throughout,” said Patrick Woods, member of Topeka Public Schools Board of Education and co-chair of the Education Foundation Team of Heartland Visioning. “The Strategic Alliances have been working hard and now it is time to reflect for a moment.”
As indicated in the Heartland Visioning Strategic Plan, the vision for education in our community is to “promote development of broad based skills to prepare students for lifelong learning that is globally competitive: intellectually, socially, economically, culturally and personally.” The Education Foundation Team has been working on the strategies in the Heartland Visioning Strategic Plan since November of 2008.
“The community created the plan and it has to be the community that makes the vision happen,” said Bill Moore, co-chair of Heartland Visioning. “We encourage all foundation teams and alliances to go back to the community regularly. By doing so, we just might find another solution not yet identified.”
Heartland Visioning is working to make the Greater Topeka Area a growing, dynamic and trusting community that maintains a superior quality of life.
Heartland Visioning is a community-wide initiative to develop and implement a shared strategic vision for what we want our community to be in 5, 10 or 20 years. Our community is defined as Shawnee County which includes: Auburn, Rossville, Topeka, Silver Lake, Willard, and unincorporated Shawnee County.
A copy of the plan is available online at www.heartlandvisionoing.com or by contacting the Heartland Visioning office at (785) 231-6006.
The purpose of the meeting is to update the public on what the Education Foundation Team and its Alliances have been working on and then ask for feedback. You will hear about:
1. How Washburn Institute of Technology will benefit our community,
2. What is being done to prepare students for work at local companies,
3. What is being done to encourage graduating college students to stay in the Greater Topeka Area,
4. Other ideas on how education can become a part of a better Topeka.
“The spirit of having a community-wide vision is that the community is involved throughout,” said Patrick Woods, member of Topeka Public Schools Board of Education and co-chair of the Education Foundation Team of Heartland Visioning. “The Strategic Alliances have been working hard and now it is time to reflect for a moment.”
As indicated in the Heartland Visioning Strategic Plan, the vision for education in our community is to “promote development of broad based skills to prepare students for lifelong learning that is globally competitive: intellectually, socially, economically, culturally and personally.” The Education Foundation Team has been working on the strategies in the Heartland Visioning Strategic Plan since November of 2008.
“The community created the plan and it has to be the community that makes the vision happen,” said Bill Moore, co-chair of Heartland Visioning. “We encourage all foundation teams and alliances to go back to the community regularly. By doing so, we just might find another solution not yet identified.”
Heartland Visioning is working to make the Greater Topeka Area a growing, dynamic and trusting community that maintains a superior quality of life.
Heartland Visioning is a community-wide initiative to develop and implement a shared strategic vision for what we want our community to be in 5, 10 or 20 years. Our community is defined as Shawnee County which includes: Auburn, Rossville, Topeka, Silver Lake, Willard, and unincorporated Shawnee County.
A copy of the plan is available online at www.heartlandvisionoing.com or by contacting the Heartland Visioning office at (785) 231-6006.
Monday, September 14, 2009
PodCamp Topeka Provides How-to Guide for New Media
Think tweeting is just for the birds? If your answer is yes, you may be missing out on a free venue to market yourself or your company.
Twitter – where one can post tweets – will be one of the many social networks and new media outlets discussed at PodCamp Topeka, a free unconference scheduled for Sept. 19 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. The event is scheduled from 9am to 3:30pm.
PodCamp Topeka will bring techies and non-techies together to learn about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to new media. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register online at http://www.tscpl.org/podcamp. Free food and a t-shirt will be provided to the first 150 registrants.
International Web 2.0 speaker David Lee King, the library’s digital branch manager, will lead a session on connecting to communities through commenting on web pages. Commentors are not just geeks who stay up all night hanging out in front of their computers, and therefore people shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss what they say, King said.
“Comments create an open forum and usually interesting insight as to what customers want or think about you. Are you in on the conversation or are you out of the loop? I urge people to open their minds to this forum as a valuable social networking tool,” he said. “PodCamp will help you figure out how to use it to your advantage.”
Other topics at PodCamp may include RSS feeds, marketing with Facebook and producing a vlog, or video blog. PodCamp’s schedule won’t be determined until the day of the event – hence the unconference label – so expect some surprises at this casual event.
People interested in leading a session, can add their names to the list at the following site, http://podcamptopeka.pbworks.com.
Twitter – where one can post tweets – will be one of the many social networks and new media outlets discussed at PodCamp Topeka, a free unconference scheduled for Sept. 19 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. The event is scheduled from 9am to 3:30pm.
PodCamp Topeka will bring techies and non-techies together to learn about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to new media. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register online at http://www.tscpl.org/podcamp. Free food and a t-shirt will be provided to the first 150 registrants.
International Web 2.0 speaker David Lee King, the library’s digital branch manager, will lead a session on connecting to communities through commenting on web pages. Commentors are not just geeks who stay up all night hanging out in front of their computers, and therefore people shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss what they say, King said.
“Comments create an open forum and usually interesting insight as to what customers want or think about you. Are you in on the conversation or are you out of the loop? I urge people to open their minds to this forum as a valuable social networking tool,” he said. “PodCamp will help you figure out how to use it to your advantage.”
Other topics at PodCamp may include RSS feeds, marketing with Facebook and producing a vlog, or video blog. PodCamp’s schedule won’t be determined until the day of the event – hence the unconference label – so expect some surprises at this casual event.
People interested in leading a session, can add their names to the list at the following site, http://podcamptopeka.pbworks.com.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Library, community partners build Toolkit 4 Life
Whether you are out of work or simply wanting to learn about proven, money-management techniques, nine classes beginning in September will provide you with tools needed to enhance your life.
“It is no secret to all individuals from every walk of life to attain quality in their lives requires knowledge and education so they will be able to succeed and reach their goals,” said Nancy Johnson, Community Resources Council executive director and coordinator of the Toolkit 4 Life series.
Toolkit 4 Life classes are scheduled on the first Wednesday of each month. Topics range from credit cards and payday loans to how to spend leisure time with your family on the cheap. Parents will share their money-saving secrets at the final workshop, Money Strategies that Work, in May.
Housing and Credit Counseling Inc. representatives provide resources for many of the sessions, including “Grow Your Dough” and “Is Debt a 4 Letter Word?”
In December, David Lee King, the library’s digital branch manager and international Web 2.0 speaker, presents a beginner’s class on social networking and how to use social media outlets to market yourself or your business.
“Your customers are already talking about you – about your business, about your products, about you. Do you know what they’re saying, and more importantly, do you know how to join in the conversation?” King said. “This session shows you how to do this, by using social networking tools like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.”
The Toolkit 4 Life series is the “second semester” follow-up to the popular Financial Guide to Planning and Security.
“We had a number of people ask us if we were going to offer it next year,” Johnson said. “People are struggling out there. They are wondering what’s out there for them.”
Toolkit 4 Life schedule
(All sessions are 7-8:45 pm)
2009
Sept. 2 Stop Squeaking By HCCI
Oct. 7 Grow Your Dough HCCI
Nov. 4 Is Debt a 4 Letter Word HCCI
Dec. 2 Social Networking Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library 2010 Jan. 6 Taxes HCCI/Shawnee County Extension Office Feb. 3 Getting By on a Dime HCCI/TSCPL March 3 Fun 4 Less HCCI/TSCPL April 7 Go Green to Keep Green Topeka Water Dept./Kansas Gas/Westar Energy May 5 Money Strategies that Work HCCI/Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
The library is open from 9am to 9pm Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm Saturday and noon to 9pm Sunday.
“It is no secret to all individuals from every walk of life to attain quality in their lives requires knowledge and education so they will be able to succeed and reach their goals,” said Nancy Johnson, Community Resources Council executive director and coordinator of the Toolkit 4 Life series.
Toolkit 4 Life classes are scheduled on the first Wednesday of each month. Topics range from credit cards and payday loans to how to spend leisure time with your family on the cheap. Parents will share their money-saving secrets at the final workshop, Money Strategies that Work, in May.
Housing and Credit Counseling Inc. representatives provide resources for many of the sessions, including “Grow Your Dough” and “Is Debt a 4 Letter Word?”
In December, David Lee King, the library’s digital branch manager and international Web 2.0 speaker, presents a beginner’s class on social networking and how to use social media outlets to market yourself or your business.
“Your customers are already talking about you – about your business, about your products, about you. Do you know what they’re saying, and more importantly, do you know how to join in the conversation?” King said. “This session shows you how to do this, by using social networking tools like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.”
The Toolkit 4 Life series is the “second semester” follow-up to the popular Financial Guide to Planning and Security.
“We had a number of people ask us if we were going to offer it next year,” Johnson said. “People are struggling out there. They are wondering what’s out there for them.”
Toolkit 4 Life schedule
(All sessions are 7-8:45 pm)
2009
Sept. 2 Stop Squeaking By HCCI
Oct. 7 Grow Your Dough HCCI
Nov. 4 Is Debt a 4 Letter Word HCCI
Dec. 2 Social Networking Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library 2010 Jan. 6 Taxes HCCI/Shawnee County Extension Office Feb. 3 Getting By on a Dime HCCI/TSCPL March 3 Fun 4 Less HCCI/TSCPL April 7 Go Green to Keep Green Topeka Water Dept./Kansas Gas/Westar Energy May 5 Money Strategies that Work HCCI/Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
The library is open from 9am to 9pm Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm Saturday and noon to 9pm Sunday.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
KU grads spark creativity in young library customers Library to debut kids’ movie
From filmmakers to engineers, professionals of all types often struggle before their creative ideas come to fruition. But for several local children that sense of accomplishment arrives August 30.
Children spent part of their summer becoming mini-moviemakers during Project Littlefoot at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. The children and their families will watch their movies for the first time at 6:30pm, Sunday, Aug. 30 in Marvin Auditorium.
The premiere of “The Sunken City” and “The Green Ball Trilogies” is free and open to the public and will include a short presentation on the story behind Project Littlefoot.
"Working with the library has given us a chance to put all of our design research to use. We hope that our program can serve as a model for a new way of thinking about education,” Meredith Tack, University of Kansas alumna, said. “We are proud of all the hard work the children put into their project, and would love for the community to support these kids by attending the event.”
Tack and two other recent industrial design graduates, Patrick Guy and Carey Spesard, developed Project Littlefoot. Participants, ranging in age from 5 to 8, learned about story development, teamwork and problem solving during the eight-week program. Then, the design grads took the kids’ work and created the two short films.
The library is open from 9am to 9pm Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm Saturday and noon to 9pm Sunday. For information on other movies showing at the library, pick up a copy of connectnow magazine or log on to www.tscpl.org/programs and click the connectnow magazine link.
Children spent part of their summer becoming mini-moviemakers during Project Littlefoot at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. The children and their families will watch their movies for the first time at 6:30pm, Sunday, Aug. 30 in Marvin Auditorium.
The premiere of “The Sunken City” and “The Green Ball Trilogies” is free and open to the public and will include a short presentation on the story behind Project Littlefoot.
"Working with the library has given us a chance to put all of our design research to use. We hope that our program can serve as a model for a new way of thinking about education,” Meredith Tack, University of Kansas alumna, said. “We are proud of all the hard work the children put into their project, and would love for the community to support these kids by attending the event.”
Tack and two other recent industrial design graduates, Patrick Guy and Carey Spesard, developed Project Littlefoot. Participants, ranging in age from 5 to 8, learned about story development, teamwork and problem solving during the eight-week program. Then, the design grads took the kids’ work and created the two short films.
The library is open from 9am to 9pm Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm Saturday and noon to 9pm Sunday. For information on other movies showing at the library, pick up a copy of connectnow magazine or log on to www.tscpl.org/programs and click the connectnow magazine link.
Monday, July 06, 2009
You Never Have To Stop Reading
The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (TSCPL) announces its plan to merge Red Carpet Services and Talking Books on October 1, 2009. Dedicated to serving the lifelong needs of library users, the staff will work as one unit to reflect its mission to give those with special adaptive needs, “red carpet service.” Red Carpet and Talking Books customers will benefit from the combined staff expertise, and increased awareness of the wide-range of services available.
Improved benefits to Talking Books customers include easier and expanded access in the Red Carpet Service area, which is located close to the front entrance of the library. The hours of operation have also increased to the same hours as the rest of the library, Monday-Friday, 9 am-9pm; Saturday 9 am-6pm, and Sunday 12-9 pm.
The merger prepares TSCPL for the August 2009 introduction of the new digital talking book machines for the blind and physically limited, which replace the cassette books and players that have been used since 1931. Talking Books operates on the funds provided by the Library of Congress, State of Kansas and the Northeast Kansas Library System, but it has experienced decreases in usage of the Talking Books tape format. Over the past two years, Talking Books material use experienced a 10 % reduction of use in 2007-2008, and 18% decrease to date in 2008 - 2009.
“Given the current budget situation and the need to decrease expenses, it is essential that the Talking Books program operate on the funds provided by the Library of Congress, State of Kansas and the Northeast Kansas Library System,” says Gina Millsap, TSCPL executive director.
Because of changes in technology and decreased usage in current Talking Books materials, staffing needs have also decreased. Changes include the transfer of two public service specialists to Red Carpet services October 1, and the elimination of three fulltime and two part-time positions September 30.
Improved benefits to Talking Books customers include easier and expanded access in the Red Carpet Service area, which is located close to the front entrance of the library. The hours of operation have also increased to the same hours as the rest of the library, Monday-Friday, 9 am-9pm; Saturday 9 am-6pm, and Sunday 12-9 pm.
The merger prepares TSCPL for the August 2009 introduction of the new digital talking book machines for the blind and physically limited, which replace the cassette books and players that have been used since 1931. Talking Books operates on the funds provided by the Library of Congress, State of Kansas and the Northeast Kansas Library System, but it has experienced decreases in usage of the Talking Books tape format. Over the past two years, Talking Books material use experienced a 10 % reduction of use in 2007-2008, and 18% decrease to date in 2008 - 2009.
“Given the current budget situation and the need to decrease expenses, it is essential that the Talking Books program operate on the funds provided by the Library of Congress, State of Kansas and the Northeast Kansas Library System,” says Gina Millsap, TSCPL executive director.
Because of changes in technology and decreased usage in current Talking Books materials, staffing needs have also decreased. Changes include the transfer of two public service specialists to Red Carpet services October 1, and the elimination of three fulltime and two part-time positions September 30.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Farmer’s market crops up at your library
The recipe for a healthy diet can be found at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, and now the ingredients can be too! The library, in partnership with the Capital City Wellness Initiative, announces the launch of Monday Market @ your library•.
Licensed vendors will set up in our parking lot (10th and Garfield) from 7:30am–11:30am each Monday morning from July 6 to October 12.
The main goal of Monday Market is to increase access to fresh, locally grown, high-quality fruits, vegetables, herbs, whole grain products and honey.
Carol Mongold, library representative to the Capital City Wellness program, said the primary goal of the Monday Market is to encourage the estimated 35,000 employees who work within a 2-mile radius of the State Capitol to walk to the market and include fresh produce in their diets.
“Once again, we are looking at ways to better serve the community. A farmer’s market is a perfect extension of our library services. It has a natural tie in to our popular cookbook and health and wellness collections,” Mongold said. “Working in partnership, we are able to foster a healthier Topeka.
To our knowledge, we know of no other libraries that have offered that to their customers and neighbors, and we are so grateful we can.”
Monday Market @ your library• is part of Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Capital City Wellness program.
In response to the health-conscious environment we live in, the library offers a consumer health collection housed in the west wing. Our massive selection of cookbooks can be found in the library’s west wing in the 641.5s. The library also offers one-on-one appointments to discuss health and wellness with a consumer health librarian. Call 785-580-4555.
Licensed vendors will set up in our parking lot (10th and Garfield) from 7:30am–11:30am each Monday morning from July 6 to October 12.
The main goal of Monday Market is to increase access to fresh, locally grown, high-quality fruits, vegetables, herbs, whole grain products and honey.
Carol Mongold, library representative to the Capital City Wellness program, said the primary goal of the Monday Market is to encourage the estimated 35,000 employees who work within a 2-mile radius of the State Capitol to walk to the market and include fresh produce in their diets.
“Once again, we are looking at ways to better serve the community. A farmer’s market is a perfect extension of our library services. It has a natural tie in to our popular cookbook and health and wellness collections,” Mongold said. “Working in partnership, we are able to foster a healthier Topeka.
To our knowledge, we know of no other libraries that have offered that to their customers and neighbors, and we are so grateful we can.”
Monday Market @ your library• is part of Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Capital City Wellness program.
In response to the health-conscious environment we live in, the library offers a consumer health collection housed in the west wing. Our massive selection of cookbooks can be found in the library’s west wing in the 641.5s. The library also offers one-on-one appointments to discuss health and wellness with a consumer health librarian. Call 785-580-4555.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Library Board of Trustees votes in new officers, welcomes new member
The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library announces the addition of Topekan Bob Harder to the library’s Board of Trustees. Harder was appointed by the mayor and approved by the Topeka City Council. He will serve the unexpired term of a previous board member, which expires in 2011.
The board has also recently elected new officers. Michele Henry replaces Kerry Onstott Storey as the board’s new chairwoman. Dan Guenther will serve as the new vice-chair. Elizabeth Ross was elected secretary and Terry Kimes treasurer.
Onstott Storey was recently reappointed to the board by the mayor. Her new term will expire 2013.
Regular board meetings convene the third Thursday of each month at 4 pm.
The current Board of Trustees are Michele Henry, Dan Guenther, Terry Kimes, Elizabeth Ross, Karen Nicolay, Kerry Onstott Storey, Jim Rankin, Suzanne Robb, Melissa Masoner and Bob Harder.
The board has also recently elected new officers. Michele Henry replaces Kerry Onstott Storey as the board’s new chairwoman. Dan Guenther will serve as the new vice-chair. Elizabeth Ross was elected secretary and Terry Kimes treasurer.
Onstott Storey was recently reappointed to the board by the mayor. Her new term will expire 2013.
Regular board meetings convene the third Thursday of each month at 4 pm.
The current Board of Trustees are Michele Henry, Dan Guenther, Terry Kimes, Elizabeth Ross, Karen Nicolay, Kerry Onstott Storey, Jim Rankin, Suzanne Robb, Melissa Masoner and Bob Harder.
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