National Library Week 2016 @ Jefferson Davis Libraries –April Librarian’s Lines
For immediate release:
April 6, 2016
Contact: Dr. Linda LeBert-Corbello, Director of Jefferson Davis Parish Library, 337-824-1210
Transform your ideas about the library: Celebrate National Library Week April 10-16
Jennings, Louisiana –This week, the Jefferson Davis Parish Library joins libraries in schools, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating the dynamic changes that are happening in today’s libraries. April 10-16 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers.
Libraries today are more about what they do, for and with library users as opposed to what they have for patrons. Libraries aren’t only a place of quiet study, but are also creative and engaging community centers where agencies assist citizens, people can utilize new technologies, or just relax. Our library offers access to a variety of print and digital resources, including many online resources that students can access from home with a library card, including e-books, online homework help, online databases, etc. that can be accessed at the library or online on a home computer..
Libraries of all types are evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve. At Jefferson Davis Parish Library we are transforming by providing digital resources as well as print resources and offering educational and recreational materials and programming.
Dr. Linda LeBert-Corbello, Director stated, “The focus of service to the citizens of Jefferson Davis Parish has definitely changed during my tenure of thirteen years as Director of Libraries.” “Our libraries provide more than materials and technology. For instance, we have computers and have had them a number of years, but their use is entirely different. As state agencies close local offices, patrons access their offices via computers. Job applications for a number of local businesses can no longer be completed at the job site. Instead, computer generated applications must be accessed to apply for jobs. Another area of growth is OUTREACH to the undeserved. The Mobile Branch services provide ‘hand delivered’ books, audio tapes and DVDs to local nursing homes, the Veterans’ Home, the residents of Westminster and to home-bound patrons. Additionally, FYI classes are provided at Bayou Villa. These classes offer a variety of topics. Our days are immensely busy !”
Libraries are many things to many people. They collaborate with elected officials, small business owners, students and the public at large to discover and address the needs of their communities. Whether through offering e-books and technology classes, materials for English-language learners, programs for job seekers or offering a safe haven in times of crisis, libraries and librarians listen to the community they serve, and they respond in the most positive and productive manner possible.
The Jefferson Davis Parish Library Headquarters branch in Jennings is celebrating National Library Week with a focus of transforming lives of our patrons.
On Monday, April 11th, we will offer an opportunity for people to transform their health care with a short presentation on “Staying Young for 100 Years.” A light lunch will be provided free of charge for all attendees at 11 o’clock in the morning in the Jennings Headquarters Meeting Room.
On Tuesday, April 12th, patrons can pick up a brochure that will give pointers in transforming family finances. Library workers will be recognized for the jobs they do and the efforts to maintain professionalism in all areas of their work.
On Wednesday, April 13th, patrons can pick up a brochure containing job search websites and an explanation of our database entitled Cypress Resume. Thus, an effort to transform career opportunities. Wednesday is also National Bookmobile Day. As stated earlier, our own Mobile Branch services are outstanding.
On Thursday, April 14th, families are invited to visit the library for cupcakes and punch from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. during open house hours. Thursday is School Librarian’s Day and we want to publically thank our local school librarians for the opportunity to collaborate with them to help students and parents. We have continuous opportunities through books that travel to libraries, co-sponsoring the Young Reader’s Choice with the Registrar of Voters Lorraine Dees, participating in Louisiana Days by providing Louisiana storytimes, and providing research materials when requested.
Every visitor to Jennings Headquarters will receive a coupon for each visit during National Library Week to fill in and deposit into a drawing for a $50 gift card sponsored by Shoney’s & General Manager Sherwin Thomas & an anonymous donor to be given on Friday, April 15th to conclude our celebration.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.
For more information, visit the Jefferson Davis Parish Library at 118 W. Plaquemine, call 337-824-1210 or see the library’s Web site at http://www.jefferson-davis.lib.la.us . Library hours are 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday.
February Librarian’s Lines
Dr. Linda LeBert-Corbello
Jefferson Davis Parish Library
Finally, it is time for the renovation of the Administrative Offices on the second floor of the Jennings Headquarters Branch. Bids were read at the February 10, 2016 meeting of the Jefferson Davis Parish Police Jury. Ribbeck Construction was awarded the bid for the amount of $299,600. I am usually asked when a project is underway, “What will this mean for library service?” The offices on the second floor were initially set up as efficiently as possible. The original set-up has served the library and its employees well. However, as time has moved on we have witnessed different ways in which to accomplish and organize tasks. It is imperative to both update and protect the beauty and the historic value of our building. Planning was done keeping these ideas in mind.
The renovations will serve us now and for future generations. As with the first floor renovation, much time and study was spent in determining how to effectively utilize space with an updated plan while preserving the historic aspects of a treasured building.
The following projects will be included in the renovations:
- All paneling will be removed and the walls will be refinished.
- All carpets will be removed and the floors will receive new treatments.
- Ceilings will be refinished (it will be nice not to have parts of the ceiling falling periodically).
- The storage areas will be enlarged and will have doors to protect contents.
- Built-in workstations will be provided for employees who process and catalog books.
- The technology equipment will be housed in units that are appropriate for care, ventilation and maintenance.
- The bathroom facility will be re-organized and updated.
- The employee break room will be enlarged to include a small kitchenette to serve as a comfortable break & lunch area for employees.
All administrative staff will be relocated to the building’s basement for the approximate time period of four months. The employees that are moving to the basement are busy packing and planning our move.
This is one more process we must complete to secure the significance of our Historic Register building.
A selection of library employees will be attending the Louisiana Library Association meeting in March in Baton Rouge. The Board of Trustees understands the importance of keeping our employees abreast of innovative techniques, books and other related library news.
Just a reminder……do you know we have Auto Repair Reference Center available for patrons on our computers or accessible from home with the use of your library card. If you have a car or truck in need of repair, you have immediate access to both maintenance and repair information for most domestic and imported cars. Updates are added regularly for the latest in car or truck repair. Certified technicians created the content for this website. Over 37,000 vehicles from 1954 to present are covered with step-by-step- photographs. Wiring diagrams provide for ease viewing and printing. Diagnostic information and Quick Tip are available as well. Handouts are available at all library branches to assist you in utilization of the valuable database.
Thank you for supporting your libraries. Employees value the time they are able to assist you in finding answers to your questions. Encourage all family members who are searching for answers and tell them what we as librarians believe. “Yes, you can find a quick answer on the computer BUT you can find other sources that will enhance and increase your knowledge about most any subject.” Please ask for me, Linda LeBert-Corbello, Director, if you need any additional assistance.
