Thursday, April 1, 2010

Directly to You

Spring – as we are constantly reminded, is the time of rebirth, sunshine and showers, newness and flowers. At the library we continually strive to bring ‘new’ to our patrons – in the ever-changing collection of books, DVDs, programs, and services we offer.

Did you know that we added over 750 new books to the collection in 2009? Acquired more than 630 DVDs, Recorded Books, and CDs? We also installed a new front door, a new color printer/copier for public use, and substantially increased our Internet bandwidth. The library also sponsored almost 250 programs, attracting about 4000 adults and children to the library. 65,000 people visited the library to use the Internet, ask reference questions, borrow books, magazines, movies and games, study and take language and computer literacy programs.

2010 promises to be another active year at Orangeburg Library. We have already added over 200 new digital items to the physical collection, and make thousands of more digital books and music accessible from home via OverDrive.

We are experimenting with increased digital communications with our patrons – via our website, Facebook page and various blogs. Watch your email for a chance to ‘opt-in’ to many of these new ways to use our collection and services.

Please visit; the staff is eager to help you find what you need and introduce some of our new services.

Top of the Stairs Gallery

Throughout April and May- The Orangeburg Library is very pleased to display the works of eighteen artists of the Jawonio PACE program, part of the day habilitation program. The exhibit entitled “From Imagination to Destination” reflects a place, either real or imaginary, that is meaningful to the individual artist.

Contemporary Library Use

How Libraries Stack-up 2010

This new report from OCLC examines the economic, social and cultural impact of libraries in the United States. As the current economic environment is impacting library budgets and library usage is increasing, particular attention is paid to the role that libraries play in providing assistance to job-seekers and support for small businesses. Information includes statistics on:

  • Americans receiving job-seeking help and career assistance at public libraries

  • Libraries as a resource for small businesses

  • The prevalence and scope of library activity in the United States

  • Libraries as providers of free services to the community such as Wi-Fi access, technology training and meeting rooms

  • Comparisons of library activities to various retail and entertainment businesses.