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Summer Edition- 2022

• A message from the Library Director • Special Events Current & Upcoming • Summer Reading Information • A closer look at our Summer Events • Adult Programming

HOURS OF OPERATION Mon.- 9:30am-8pm Tues.- 9:30am-8pm Wed. - 9:30am-8pm Thurs. - 9:30am-8pm Fri. - 9:30am-5:30pm Sat. - 9:30am-5:30pm Sun. - CLOSED

@hewittpubliclibrary

@hewittlibrary

A message from the Library Director

I believe libraries play a critical role in boosting summer learning and supporting the health of their entire community over the summer. By offering programs, space, and outreach throughout the summer, libraries help their communities grow and thrive. Public library summer reading programs are one possible solution to summer learning loss or summer reading setback. According to a three-year study conducted by the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Dominican University, students who participate in public library summer reading programs scored higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the next school year than their peers who did not participate in public library summer reading programming. Students who participated in public library summer reading programs also demonstrated higher reading achievement than those who did not (Roman, Carran & Fiore, 2010). Students can significantly benefit from “hybrid” programs that combine youth development principles and academic enrichment elements. Summer reading programs in public libraries exemplify this kind of hybrid program. Additionally, public library summer programming plays an important community role. Each March/April, we send out information to local businesses and supporters asking for donations to help fund summer. I started this in 2010 and have continued to gain the community’s support. The Hewitt Public Library is currently seeking sponsorships for Summer 2022: Oceans of Possibilities. 2

The HPL is the best SUMMER program in Texas! Our summer program is a fun way to keep kids learning and their minds growing! Kids of all ages are encouraged to participate. SRP was the first official task of the community 40 years ago, and it has grown into a city and local sponsored activity that serves well over 10,000 in a few short months. So, what does being an HPL SRP sponsor mean? Sponsorship provides children who participate the chance to earn fun reading incentives and prizes at the library while having the resources to stay on track for school during the summertime. Your sponsorship will make a difference for many children our your community! Summer performances will be held in Hewitt and Warren Parks on Wednesday mornings. We have a great lineup of performers that will inspire and educate. This year’s slate of performers is top-notched and will bring an extra level of enthusiasm to our patrons! Head to the Hewitt Public Library for in-person fun this summer. Win prizes with the summer reading program from June 1 through July 31, with the kick-off celebration on June 1 in Hewitt Park, June 8, the library hosts Magician Gus Davis at Warren Park. Mr. Mark Twisty Art at Warren Park on June 15, on June 22, Join us at the Cameron Park Zoo for a special Storytime. The fun continues on June 29 with The Accidental Acrobats at Warren Park at 10 AM, Creature Teacher at Warren Park on July 6, and Hero Day at Hewitt Park on July 13. You don’t want to miss the Library Fest at the HPL on July 20, and then join us in Hewitt Park for SPLASH DAY on July 27. Drop by the library for weekly kits and photo opportunities. I appreciate your continued support and look forward to Summer 2022: Oceans of Possibilities. Waynette Ditto Library Director

The oldest and most respected professional library publication, Library Journal, has named Hewitt Public Library an American Star Library in 2021. Among the more than 5,846 public libraries assessed for 2021, the top performers — “Star Libraries” — are assigned three, four, or five stars, much like Michelin Guide ratings. The result is a shortlist of public libraries nationwide that demonstrate the highest level of engagement with their communities. The 2021 Star Libraries are scattered across 40 states. 2021 Star Library status was awarded to 261 libraries nationwide. The LJ Index of Public Library Service reviews data on all public libraries across the country and narrows their selection down to the top libraries that are delivering exceptional service. America’s Star Libraries offers an overall indication of how a library’s performance stacks up to peer libraries, taking into account such measures as computer usage, circulation, program attendance, and library visits. The three-star distinction places the Hewitt Public Library among the top 4.6 percent of all public libraries in the United States. The 2021 scores and ratings are based on the fiscal year 2019 data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Public Library Survey. Receiving a star rating is a testament ing Hewitt such a vibrant communiing staff who bring a wide array of to the citizens. The Hewitt Public we are very proud to be recognized receptive to our community’s needs, doing things right. We pride ourselves

to the critical role HPL plays in makty and to the innovative, hard-workprograms, materials, and services Library is an outstanding library, and by Library Journal. We are incredibly and this award highlights that we are on leading in community engagement.

Mayor of Hewitt, Steve Fortenberry, said, “Congratulations Waynette Ditto and Hewitt Library Staff in earning the Top Performers’ Americas Star Libraries’ for 2021. Laura Bush, in her famous quote, said, ‘I have found that the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card.’” Fortenberry said, “The Hewitt Library plays so many important roles for the local and surrounding communities. We can’t say enough for the continued dedication shown by Waynette and staff.” The Texas Municipal Library Directors Association has announced the HPL has been awarded the TMLDA Award for excellence for 2021. Of the 565 public library systems in Texas, the HPL is one of only 59 that have earned this year’s award. With this honor, the HPL is now in the top 10% of all public libraries in the State. A list of the award winners will be posted on the TMLDA website at https://tmlda.org/2021-award-recipients. Texas Municipal Library Directors Association (TMLDA) confers awards for outstanding contributions to public libraries. Beginning in 1966 to promote the public library profession, improve the methods of providing library service, and maintain high standards of professional ethics, TMLDA remains an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League. The Achievement of Library Excellence Award is open to Texas Public Library Directors and the library they represent. To successfully receive the Achievement of Library Excellence Award, the applicant must provide documentation of excellence in ten categories: 1. Services to underserved populations either through outreach, special programs, collaborations with other libraries or organizations, special classes, special collections, etc. 2. Enhanced service to the public during the past year either through an increase in service or a change in the type of services 4

3. Innovative and effective current marketing materials highlighting basic services and publicity about specific programs the library offer 4. Cultural, topical, and educational programming for adults and families 5. Literacy support for all ages 6. Summer reading program 7. Collaborative efforts with community organizations 8. Workforce development support 9. Digital inclusion support by providing public internet access, digital literacy training, and offering library services online 10. Professional staff training to include training opportunities for staff at all levels TMLDA recognizes that two of the many strengths of Texas libraries are individuality and the ability to meet the specific needs of the communities served. Community Conversations is another area recognition for our Community Conversaprogram. Over a year, we have been caregivers, and families on zoom to the HPL. Last week, Caitlin Miller and library to prepare for the fall programcommunity professionals, including people with disabilities, Waco PD comBeaus Coffee Shop, Kim Johnson SpeKaren Oakley, Director of Elite Therapy While the parents met with the profesMrs. Villa, worked on crafts, and enjoyed

where the HPL has received national tions for Young Adults with Disabilities working with community partners, learn how to support them through Traci Villa held a small event in the ming. Participants met with local the Waco Mayors Committee for munity resource officer, Bitty and cial Education Midway ISD, and Center. sionals, the young adults went with social interactions.

American Library Association posted an article on the Knology blog for program librarians on the HPL. The article, Reducing the Stigma Around Mental Health at the Library will be shared around the country. https://programminglibrarian.org/articles/reducing-stigma-around-mental-health-library We are also highlighted as a case study for our program in the magazine and their website. The American Library Association (ALA), the voice of America’s libraries, is the oldest, largest, and most influential library association in the world. Its more than 55,000 members are primarily librarians and trustees, publishers, and other library supporters. The State and national recognition is the result of the continued care and investment in the Hewitt Public Library by the Hewitt City Council, city leaders, the Friends of the Hewitt Public Library, as well as the work of the library board and the contributions of many donors, volunteers, and the talented staff. Recognition for the accomplishments is important, but we will continue to look forward and strive for excellence in everything that we provide to the patrons. 5

Ryan Davis Lead Library Clerk Interlibrary Loan

Greg Davis Library Clerk Simon Dulock Library Manager

Elisa Dunman Library Clerk

Rochelle Fidler Children’s Services

Christine Jang Library Clerk

James Karney Cataloger Caitlin Miller Teen Services Programming Planner

Linda O’Neil Adult Services Circulation Supervisor

Jamie Parker Library Clerk

Kayla Pecina Youth Services Volunteer Coordinator

Traci Villa Administrative Assistant Programming Coordinator

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Ann Schiltz FHPL President

Sally Goldman President

Eddie Sincereny FHPL Vice President

Lydia Dashner Vice President

Delores Sincereny FHPL Treasurer

Ryan Erck Secretary

Laura Beaty FHPL Secretary

Jerry Snider

Jean Anne Plemons FHPL Member at Large Margie Kinney FHPL Member at Large Sally Goldman FHPL Member at Large Kathy O’Neil FHPL Member at Large

Julie Holcomb Betty J. Smith Jennifer Hunt