Now that school has started, summer has officially ended it's time to switch gears and start all up again in the fall--which is now. It was definitely a wild ride this summer with unofficial reports indicating that summer participation and registration were off the charts. But didn't we know that that would happen? As seasoned librarians we always see the numbers go up in a fluctuating economy. And veteran librarians attempt to prepare for the influx of new and the 'haven't been at the library since grade school' user. Whatever side of the information highway track they reside, we as usual, embrace our prodigal sons and daughters with open arms. *smile* Sometimes our visitors leave with renewed love for their town library by returning or either telling their friends about the experience they had. Others we won't physically see again until another distressed economy.
If your visitors left words or demonstrated their show of support of their library this past summer, record that moment in your summer reading evaluations. Believe it not such stories are passed along to House Committee Chairs, Senators and even the Governor during Budget Hearings. Its very rare for citizens to physically join us across the state to help speak out in order to protect our state budgets each year but your pictures, emails or letters demonstrate that librarians are not the only voice crying out in the wilderness.
So as we move into the fall, let's not forget to tie up loose ends of summer by completing those summer evaluations if you haven't already. Remember it's not just your voice but those of your patrons that count.
P.S. You're invited to 'lift your voice' about your summer reading program experience or festivities in our Summer Reading Wrap-Up Roundtable on Tuesday, October 21st. To register, click here.
