Christmas is almost here

2011 is coming to a close and Christmas is almost here.  This time of year, we often reflect on how the past year went and look forward into the new year with dreams and plans.
This past year has been a good one for the Camden Twp. Library.  We received a grant that gave us 3 new computers and desks.  We did some “creative” redecorating to attempt to give us more space in our small building.  Our biggest achievement, by far, was receiving the Reinhardt grant for almost $25000.00.
With this grant, we will be doing some major remodeling work.  We can’t do anything about the size of our building, but we hope to create a new friendlier look.  We will be replacing ceilings, lighting, carpeting, and front windows.  We are also going to be repainting our walls and redesigning our back handicap-accessible entrance.  Our back staff work area will be remodeled to make it better for us to process books and store supplies.  We will also be running new internet cabling so that our computer stations will run more efficiently.  We are hoping to have the majority of the work completed in January/February, with as minimal interruption of service for our patrons.  There will be a few days that we will have to close, but we hope not too many.

Also happening in the new year: we will begin one-on-one computer training sessions.  The topics can be as basic as learning how turn on a computer to how to set up an email to learning how to use Microsoft Word or Publisher.  We will have a schedule set up where patrons can sign-up for 1/2 hour time slots.

We are also working on our next American Girl party - featuring Molly, the World War II era girl.  This party will be held on May 5th, 2012.

As you can see, we are going to be very busy in the coming months.  Thank you for your continued support of the Camden Twp. Library. 
-Laura

Time Flies as Fast as the Leaves

Wow!  I can’t believe we are half-way through October already!

Inventory is nearing completion, then its on to weeding.  I’ll be setting up the C-F school visits soon, too.  I’ve been very slow to get the new computers set up - partly because we are waiting to hear about a grant.  If we are granted, we will be rewiring our computers along with replacing ceiling structure, lighting and carpeting.  We have our fingers crossed - won’t hear until December.

If you haven’t stopped in lately, first - shame on you.  We are the best deal in town and you are missing out!  Its MICHIGAN READS right now - we are featuring a book called “Memoirs of a Goldfish”.  Anyone who reads our copy before Oct. 31 will be put into a drawing to win a copy of this cute book.

In November, we are kicking off a Fine Forgiveness Program and a Reading Incentive for all ages.  Be sure to check for details on these two programs.

We are also looking into making some changes in our A/V collections - we’ll keep you informed!

Thanks for your continued support of the Camden Twp. Library!
-Laura

September at the Camden Twp. Library

Time sure does fly - it seems like we just barely started Summer and here it is almost Autumn.  We had a wonderful summer reading program this year.  Lots of kids, teens and adults participated. 

While we don’t have major programming scheduled for fall, we are still very busy here at Camden Twp. Library.  I am knee-deep in our annual inventory.  This process takes about 6 weeks to complete.  If my timing is good, I will finish this just in time to start my Camden-Frontier School Visit Program.  I am also in the process of setting up our 3 new computers.  When that set-up is complete, we will then have 8 filtered computers and 2 unfiltered computers for our patrons to use.  We are also making plans to offer free computer instruction classes.  Watch for details soon.

Thanks for supporting the Camden Twp. Library!
-Laura