Henry L. Aulds Library Branch

Henry L. Aulds Branch: Themes of Growth

When searching for the programs and services that the Aulds branch provides, I found that the library offers services such as Wi-Fi Hotspots, laptops, book club kits, launchpads, etc. Currently, however, the library is not offering any programs due to Covid restrictions, however the library is offering community town hall meeting events on Tuesday, November 17^th which will allow the library to take into account the communities ideas and wishes for any changes or upgrades in programs, services, and how the library is ran.

A few services that I wish this specific branch would provide consists of Duplication Services in which the library provides digital, microfilm & paper copies of their collection and makes replicas available to the general public. Another service that might be beneficial to the community would be one that I found while browsing examples of library services. I found ““Redbox”-style library kiosks and outreach services” on Pew Research Centers website and it went to state how in 2008 the Contra Costa County Library in California hosted a service called “Library-a-go-go” where an auto-dispense machine that contained up to 400 books successfully expanded the library’s presence into areas where they library “could not traditionally reach.” (Pew Research Center (2020)) One other service that caught my eye was something called Customized Reading Recommendations. Arizona’s Scottsdale Public Library created a website called “Gimme Engine” that helps patrons find a new book to read based on library staff recommendations/reviews. It’s a combination of many things that together provides an adventure that is very unique.

When thinking of programs that would suit the Aulds branch well would most likely be the NLS, which is a free braille/talking book library program that helps people with low vision, blindness, or any physical disability that prevents someone from seeing or holding a book. Another program that would benefit specifically families with young children is Back to School Jumpstart Camp, which is an educational camp that some libraries offer around August that offers fun activities that are based in math, science, literacy, etc. to help prepare children for the new school year. Continuing on the school path, a creative writing course for anyone who wants to join. This program might help those who join develop confidence in their creativity as well as learn necessary creative writing skills/techniques. This in turn might cause them to continue writing after the program ends and will help provide a wonderfully enlightening experience for all those involved.

These programs/services, I feel, would benefit many patrons within the community, or it might prompt those who do not utilize the library to visit it more often. Due to the library not offering any programs at the time, I feel any new program ideas might be taken into consideration and it might allow for newer experiences for those who visit the library often. If the library were to add the NLS program, I feel it would also be widening the library’s inclusivity of those with disabilities so that, they too, can find and use library resources.

The library’s mission is to open doors to new ideas and information by providing access to an array of materials, programs, and technologies that inform, educate, and entertain. The library maintains their mission through their goals, in which they value informed communities, educated communities, and entertained communities. The mission and the values tie in well with the services and programs stated above due to the branching out and adapting to new ideas and bringing in new streams of information to those who might not have been privy to it before. Inclusivity, outreach, creativity, growth all seem to be a common theme within libraries, and as times change I believe the Aulds branch could thrive with these new services and programs.

References

Innovative library services “in the wild”. (2020, May 30). Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech.