National Library Week: Support YOUR library

Did you hear? It’s National Library Week! For far too long the stereotype that libraries are dusty old buildings filled with books has prevailed. So, we wanted to take just a moment to defy the myths and let you, our patrons, know what sorts of things we actually do, and the value we bring to the greater Bristow area community.

1. We DON’T just sit around and “beep” books all day. Most know this, but we still interact with some folks who seriously think we merely sit around and wait to check out books. Checking items out for patrons is definitely part of the job, but less than five percent of our work involves checking out books. Other things we do: help people with technology, help others learn how to read, create library programs, work with community stakeholders, answer approximately 100 phone calls per day, research (we do a lot of research around here), troubleshoot IT issues, compile data, organize data, create reports, create graphics, provide resume and job search training, provide tutoring, provide exam proctoring, provide assistance to veterans, request ILLs, mail ILLs, compile overdue lists, call patrons on the overdues list, make updates to our website, work on library policy changes, strategically plan social media posts, create professional social media posts, work with partnering organizations to meet shared goals, troubleshoot accessibility, provide curbside service to those with mobility issues, configure online apps for the Summer Reading Program, design and implement a Summer Reading Program, facilitate Adult High School Completion (an actual diploma, not a GED), plan story times and other youth events, plan all-ages family events, make shopping lists, purchase supplies, attend webinar trainings, facilitate special groups, senior and disabled outreach, autism outreach, grant writing, compile reports for grants we’ve won, provide readers advisory… the list truly goes on and on! Here at the library, we also speak with patrons about a multitude of things that aren’t related to books: things such as services, or reference queries, or troubleshooting who to contact for various community resources. There isn’t a question that surprises us actually.
2. We are currently understaffed.

Did you know that the Bristow Public Library serves far more people than just the town of Bristow? That’s right! We serve patrons from Creek, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Lincoln, Pawnee, Payne, and Tulsa counties! Currently, the library is crucially understaffed for this volume. This means we will not be able to provide high quality programming, extend hours, or sustain our accomplishments without suitable staffing levels. One way constituents can help is to let their local government representatives know about the value we add to the Bristow area community and that the library needs adequate staffing levels to sustain our programs and services.

3. We save the greater Bristow area approximately $500,000.00 a year. For over two years we’ve saved the greater Bristow community over $250,000.00 each year in tangible resources – books, DVDs, games, etc. We’ve also saved our patrons approximately the same amount in high-speed internet access every year. Did you know that one in two Bristow area residents lacks access to high speed internet? As an anchor institution we dutifully provide this access to those in our community who lack it.

4. We don’t really need book donations. While we appreciate it when folks think about us (insert smile and hug here), libraries have collections development criteria, standards, and protocol. Simply put, your auntie might really like James Patterson novels, but not everyone else does, and if we already have 50 titles by a single author on the shelf, then we need to keep the rest of our shelf space available for other authors and topics. We also get a generous annual Book Budget donation from our charitable trust, Bristow Library Board, Inc. Sadly, when well-meaning people donate (or dump) books we have to spend precious tax-payer funded time transporting the books somewhere else (usually Goodwill). What we really need instead? An increased budget for personnel so we can sustain quality of services.

5. We are picky, snobby, and shush people. We always laugh at this one because it couldn’t be farther from the truth! We are here to serve YOU! We do not select books, programming, or other resources based on our preferences; rather, we base everything we do on community data. Our circulation and attendance statistics have nearly tripled over the years, so we’re going to keep on delivering the things YOU keep asking for. It’s our honor to do so! We also won’t shush you. We may ask you to go to a speaking area, reserve a family-friendly conference room, or try our new pocket park instead. Fun fact: our director has actually been shushed by a patron before for speaking too loudly in a quiet zone before. (whoops..)

We hope these five facts about the Bristow Public Library help set the record straight, and encourage you to support YOUR library. Try us. You can do just about anything with a library card.

<3 The BPL Team