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November 2013 Library Insiders
By Fran Miller
Once upon a time, libraries were quiet retreats for reading and research. But as times have changed, so have libraries. Computers have replaced card catalogues, and paper books are being swapped in favor of e-books. But technology cannot replicate a library’s essential role in a community – that of a social and intellectual gathering place where doors are open to all. But not everyone has the confidence to utilize all that the library offers. Many feel that they are on the outside looking in – especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In an effort to welcome these specific library patrons, the Library Insiders program was created by the Contra Costa County Library system. Originated in 2007 as the result of astute librarians noticing that those with developmental disabilities were not getting the most out of their library visits, the Insiders program helps to ensure that all library patrons feel valued and welcome. Insider programs were implemented in Antioch, Hercules, Concord, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, and most recently in Lafayette. Lafayette Library and Learning Center Adult Services Librarian Emily Koster oversees Lafayette’s Insiders program, which takes place the second Monday of each month from 1pm to 2pm. Her first planned activity included a pictorial scavenger hunt that helped to orient participants to all aspects of the library building and introduce them to staff. The following month, she brought the Animal Rescue Foundation’s Pet Hug Pack to the library’s homework center where Insider participants were invited to practice their reading skills by reading to trained service dogs. For December, Koster is planning holiday card making and cookie decorating. She hopes to add music and exercise classes to the calendar. Kathy Middleton, Acting Deputy County Librarian, created the Library Insiders program and the blueprint that can be used by others to create successful local programs. “By demonstrating that we welcome Insiders to be part of everything the library has to offer, participants feel comfortable accessing computers, asking reference questions; checking out DVDs, books, CDs, and magazines; exploring the entire library, and so forth,” says Middleton. “They are high-fiving staff and talking about their Facebook pages and joining Wii or other gaming sessions. This is because CCC Library staff work to break any attitudinal barriers to access.” The program has garnered awards and recognition from the American Library Association and the California Library Association. Last year, Contra Costa County library staff provided Library Insider training to San Francisco Public Library staff. “We hope the Library Insiders model will be adopted by other public libraries,” says Middleton. “All public libraries share similarities, and knowing how to navigate one public library is all that is needed to access another.” In order to provide relevant experiences for her Lafayette Insider participants,
See Insiders continued on page 24 Local Postal Customer
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Serving the Lafayette Community The Medical Clown Project: Reaching the Person Inside the Patient By Jody Morgan
The seven professional clowns of the Medical Clown Project (MCP) bring skills honed with Cirque de Soleil, the Big Apple Circus, and other world-renowned companies to medical facilities throughout the Bay Area. Laughter, proven by recent scientific studies to be excellent medicine, is only one part of the therapy they provide. Whether relaxing pediatric patients by stimulating their inherent desire to play or temporarily reconnecting dementia patients with their ability to respond to others who care, the clowns engage the person inside the patient. In 1986, the Big Apple Circus started Clown Care, the first program in the United States utilizing professional clowns to provide therapy in medical facilities. Today the group visits 225,000 pediatric patients a year. In 2002, Dream Doctors, also targeting pediatric patients, introduced therapeutic clowning in Israel. In the past decade, scientists have proven that laughter promotes better blood circulation, relieves stress by regulating the secretion of the anxiety-response hormone cortisol, promotes the release of en- Mahsa Matin finds the key to connecting with the person inside dorphins (natural the patient. (Photo by Lenny Gonzales) painkillers), and even reduces blood sugar levels in diabetics.
See Clown continued on page 8
Community Thanksgiving Breakfast
The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce invites you to join city leaders, residents, and the business community for breakfast as we have done for 34 years. The 35th Annual Community Thanksgiving Breakfast will be held on Friday, November 22, from 7AM – 8:30AM, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church at 1035 Carol Lane in Lafayette. Breakfast will be graciously provided by Dave’s Cuisine. This event is our way of bringing the community together before we all get too busy with the holidays. Tom Franier, co-founder and owner of SemiFreddi’s Bakery, is this year’s featured guest speaker, and our Chamber President Leila Douglah will take care of the MC duties. This event is held each year in the Volume VII - Number 11 loving memory of Barbara Bupp, who 3000F Danville Blvd #117 organized the first breakfast 34 years Alamo, CA 94507 ago. Telephone (925) 405-6397 Begin the holiday season in a Fax (925) 406-0547 significant and meaningful way. editor@yourmonthlypaper.com Reservations can be made by calling Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce The opinions expressed herein belong to the and do not necessarily reflect that of Laat (925) 284-7404 or by visiting our writers, fayette Today. Lafayette Today is not responsible website at www.lafayettechamber.org. for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement. Cost is $20 per person.