Summer Edition- 2023
• A message from the Library Director
• Special Events
Current & Upcoming
• Summer Reading
Information
• A closer look at our Summer Events
• Adult Programming
• Teen 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
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 setbacks. 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 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.
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. Summer performances will be held on Wednesday mornings in the library, Mammoth National Monument (U.S. National Park Service), Hewitt, and Warren Parks. We have a great lineup of performers that will inspire and educate. This year’s slate of performers is top-notched and will bring extra enthusiasm to our community!
Head to the Hewitt Public Library for an exciting summer. Win prizes with the summer reading program from May 31 through July 31, with the kick-off celebration on June 7 at Hewitt Park. On June 14, the library hosts Creature Teacher in Warren Park, and on the 21st, Gus Davis, a magician, will entertain us in Warren Park. Join us on June 28 to celebrate Hero Day in Hewitt Park at 10 am. On July 5, catch Ramblin Rita at the library. Don’t miss Storytime at the Waco Zoo on July 12. On July 19, join in with a Bubble Show at the library. Meet us on July 26h at the Mammoth National Monument site, but you must reserve your space in advance.
There will be a large world map, and the community can mark it on their summer travels, either in person or through books!
For specific times or more information, visit cityofhewitt.com, the Hewitt Public Library Facebook page, or call 254-666-2442. Don’t forget to visit the library for weekly craft kits and photo opportunities.
Waynette Ditto Library DirectorThe Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) recently awarded funding to the Hewitt Public Library under its Special Projects Grant program. Hewitt Public Library will provide mobile outreach programs beginning in the Summer of 2023. The award of $51,288.00 will fund HPL on the GO trailer to be used throughout the community. Direct-delivery outreach services are and continue to be an integral, vital part of libraries around the country.
For over 100 years, mobile outreach has served rural, urban, suburban and tribal areas, bringing access to information and life-long learning resources to all classes and communities. This project is just one of 42 made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. “TSLAC is proud to support public libraries throughout the state as they deliver critical information services to their communities that support education, access to technology, and workforce development,” said TSLAC Director and Librarian Gloria Meraz.
TSLAC awards competitive grants annually, as funding allows. For the 2022 fiscal year, which runs from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023, TSLAC has awarded approximately $1.18 million in competitive grants, including 17 Special Projects grants. The Special Projects Grant supports programs seeking to expand library services to include all members of a library’s community, including those populations with special needs.
“The funds provided by our federal partners allow libraries to respond to local needs and bring a wide array of resources and services to Texans,” said Meraz. “Funding for the trailer- Hewitt Public Library on the Go- will allow staff to deploy programs and services directly to Hewitt businesses, schools, nursing facilities, and parks,” said Waynette Ditto, Library Director.
Bookmobiles, and their variations, such as trailers, passenger vans, and book bikes, are an important and perhaps the truest form of library outreach, as their role is to bring the library to the people. From the outreach vehicles, staff can create library cards, circulate materials, do small crafts, distribute library and partner publications, give away free books and library swag, and many other engaging activities. We will be able to go to school-sponsored events, community events, as well as local block parties. Through donated books, we can go into the community and deliver books to the areas that need them the most. HPL on the go will be loaded with tents, tables, chairs, books, and computers. And in years to come will be a full-service mobile branch of the library that provides programming and all types of materials for patrons of all ages. It will be equipped with a TV and display monitor to allow patrons to enjoy programming and other media outside the trailer.
Please check the City of Hewitt’s calendar for the ribbon cutting ceremony in the next few months. I believe the statement “It is, after all, not the few great libraries, but the thousand small ones, that may do most for the people.” describes the HPL, and I can’t wait to move forward with HPL on the GO.
Best,
Waynette Ditto Library Director HPL
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 73 that have earned this year’s award. With this honor, the HPL is now in the top 15% of all public libraries in the State.
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
3. Innovative and effective current marketing materials highlighting basic services and publicity about specific programs the library offers
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.
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.
Waynette Ditto Library Director
