Best of 2022
Last year our library staff decided to review their best pandemic reads (we felt like the pandemic had really blurred into what felt like a year). But libraries are not just buildings of books; we provide countless educational opportunities with healthy amounts of thoughtfulness, creativity, and dedication. As such, we decided to reflect on the moments of community service that were the most meaningful to us. But also, as true bibliophiles, we included our favorite “Best of 2022” book lists as well.
Amanda, Genealogy & Local History Librarian: “My favorite thing was showing the kids all the prehistoric sea creatures during the summer reading program and having them make a line as long as a mosasaur (56ft)!”
“Also, I found a pretty neat book list: https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/top-astronomy-kit/best-astronomy-space-books/.
Elsie, Children’s Librarian and Citizenship Tutor: “The best thing that happened to me was helping a student prepare for her citizenship test. It is a good feeling to really know I have actually helped someone in need.”
Justice, Programming & Circulation Librarian: “My favorite community-building thing we did this year was developing the Woodland Queen Room. It’s always a joy to hear kids and parents having fun in there together, either playing, reading, or singing. I love seeing the kids run straight to the Woodland Queen Room and seeing them have so much fun in the library. It’s a good reminder that libraries are more than books; we are a community space and here for everyone.”
“My favorite 2022 book list: https://www.ala.org/yalsa/2022-best-fiction-young-adults”
Kim, Literacy Coordinator (Americorps Service Member): “I recently re-established my connection with Bristow Public Library after MANY years of not visiting the library very often. After coming at the beginning of 2022 to use the computers and check into doing some volunteer work, I met the staff and felt immediate satisfaction and fulfillment of my desire to share knowledge and time with like-minded souls that want to continue to grow, learn and improve their lives through reading and learning. I’ve had the opportunity to assist with various activities and meet numerous patrons, young and adult, who are excited about the joy of learning.
My favorite moment of community service may be when I participated in the Woodland Queen Fall Festival. I greatly enjoyed seeing the costumed kids and adults that participated in the festival, as well as some fun and creative craft tables, interesting exhibits, and wonderful connections made between the kids attending and the adults as well. I’ve connected with some of the teens and younger kids that participate in the library programs and am happy to find that the younger generations utilize the library to make connections with each other, as well as learn more knowledge.
As a volunteer in the literacy program, I’ve been extremely impressed with the abilities and drive of adult learners who are dedicated to furthering their reading skills in order to accomplish their life goals and who are discovering the pleasure and passion for reading and learning. My time at the library this year has provided new energy and lifeblood to my soul.”
Heather, Executive Director: “There are really three things that stand out for me. One of my favorite things we accomplished this year was to identify, find, and deliver a proprietary user manual for a rare reading-assistive technology for a local nursing home resident. The resident had been gifted the device but did not know how to set it up or use it. He is legally blind and could not otherwise read. We researched the device and had a user’s manual procured in minutes. The resident can now read books again (<3<3<3!)
Another remarkable community-building service is the growth of our literacy program. The program is managed by two outstanding Americorps Service Members and they have made HUGE differences in peoples’ lives. From textual literacy to ESL learners– many of these learners now have better communication skills, job opportunities, and overall improved quality of life Finally, we worked our tails off to (re)catalog an entire special collection of territorial and early state histories for our Choska Talfa Room, created the Fus Fixico Classification System for the collection, and worked with the College of Muscogee Nation to correctly name the room. By fostering equitable representation in our library we enrich and strengthen our community.”
“A few of the many book lists I appreciate: Lit Hub’s Favorite Books of 2022, The Must-Read Books of 2022 by Penguin Random House, Eight Business Books to Challenge Your Thinking by MIT Sloan Management Review, and WHAT THEY’D READ BOB’S BURGS EDITION by A Room of One’s Own Books (via IG).”
Patron and member of the local genealogical society: “Thank you so much for all that you do for our community!”
Patron: “You guys are always really helpful. Every time. And not just for me personally, but for the whole community. Thank you so much.”