The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library Saint Paul Public Library 2010 Annual Report
INDIVIDUAL BRANCH HIGHLIGHTS Arlington Hills • The Branch added four new Internet computers. • The HotSpot continued to be a hub of activity in the neighborhood, also hosting a voting workshop, flu shot clinic and job seekers seminar. • Storytimes were well attended, with more than 20 participants at some of the sessions. Storytimes in Spanish are in the works for 2011. • Hosted MacPhail Center for Music’s Sing • Play • Learn! programs.
Bookmobile • In celebration of National Bookmobile Day, Mayor Coleman and the City Council proclaimed Bookmobile Day in Saint Paul, Wednesday, April 14. • For more than 90 years, the Bookmobile has played a vital role in fulfilling the mission of the Library, bringing the resources and expertise of library staff directly to those in our community who face barriers in using a neighborhood library. • The Saint Paul Public Library’s Bookmobile works in collaboration with 50 community partners every two weeks, ranging from education providers to senior residential communities. • The number of users the Bookmobile served increased from 110,000 in 2006 to more than 145,000 in 2010.
Central Library • SPPL’s Library Beacon newsletter was scanned and added to the “Minnesota Reflections” database. • The biography index was scanned and added to Saint Paul Public Library web site. • Several memorable programs occurred in 2010, including the Clyde Butcher monumental photo exhibit, “America the Beautiful”; a Black History Month jazz concert featuring T. Mychal Rambo; participation in the Glacier Park Centennial Festival; and two Friends of the Library “Book It: The Party!” events. • A magnetic “learn and play” activity unit for toddlers was installed in the Circulation Center.
Dayton’s Bluff • Tuesday Computer Technology classes continued. A soft launch of ACT and SAT Prep Week for students also took place.
• Outreach efforts with East Side Community Baby Shower, Dayton’s Bluff Elementary, St. John’s Lutheran School, Joy Academy, American Indian Magnet School, Camp Read-along, and HIRED.
• Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota provided semimonthly visits by a job and career counselor.
• Collaborations with Dayton’s Bluff Book Club, Flu Clinic, TC Rise!, Opportunity Tuesday.
• Staff provided class tours for Hazel Park’s ESL summer school program, participated in several local school fairs, and maintained two formal Green Bookshelves as well as two other Bookshelves just outside the city limits.
Hamline Midway
Highland Park
• Added new or replaced computers for public Internet use, bringing total to nine.
• Youth area was re-decorated, and new and renewed community contacts made.
• Launched two Maud Hart Lovelace book clubs.
• New school contacts with Highland Elementary and Horace Mann Elementary Schools resulted in an increase in school visits.
• In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater presented “On the Day You Were Born,” based on the award-winning children’s book by Debra Frasier. • Paw Pals continued to connect dog lovers and reading. • A free legal clinic helped patrons develop a healthcare directive (living will).
Hayden Heights • The conference room became a study area for individuals, while October saw the auditorium converted to the Bear Den – a staffed, multipurpose Learning Center. • Six additional public Internet stations were installed, boosting totals to twelve regular and two express stations. In addition, five laptops for patrons needing longer online time for job searching, school studies, and other professional uses are now available in the Bear Den Learning Center.
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• Materials were distributed to the Jewish Community Center (JCC) through the Saint Paul Literacy Consortium. Green Bookshelves at Cooper’s Supervalu are well maintained and regularly visited. • Children’s materials and programs continue to be regarded highly in the community. Storytimes are on Friday mornings and the program had a strong following.
Merriam Park • Collaborated with Avalon Magnet School to display writing projects supported by a Minnesota State’s Arts Board grant • Partnered with Scheffer Recreation Center on the Summer Reading Program, serving more than 100 children in a five-week period, and hosting a second Green Bookshelf.