We all know that the RPL staff are awesome, so let’s shout it out. Complete this form (it is also saved on the Forms page on the intranet) to share patron praise, recognize a colleague/department’s hard work, or to say thanks to a staff member or department for doing something exceptional.
No praise is too big or too small, we want to hear it all! Ally or Michelle will post these bi-weekly on the staff intranet.
Help us with our February holds pickup display! Get a paper heart at the Borrowers’ Services desk and write on it what you love about the library. Thanks!
Here is a brief list of locations in the area that are currently taking book donations! If a patron asks about donating books, feel free to direct them to the following:
Goodwill – Drop off at HomeGoods, Main Street, Reading
More Than Words – Drop Off 48 Stevens Street Stoneham, MA
Used Book Super Store – 149 South Main Street, Route 114, Middleton MA, 978-304-0345
*They are only taking books that are in excellent condition, and donations are limited to two boxes or bags*
Used Book Super Store – 256 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA, 781.272.6650
*They are not accepting encyclopedias, magazines or VHS tapes*
In the past, the Research and Reader Services staff kept a print log of any behavior issues in order to address any ongoing issues. We’ve moved the log online. Now any staff member may use the new Disruptive Behavior Form to record a disruptive behavior issue including mask wearing problems.
The form is on the Intranet under Forms. All information goes to a log which we can review.
In order to maintain patron privacy, Michelle will periodically delete old issues from the log.
Were you unable to attend the 9/3/2020 Staff Update? No worries! We have uploaded the notes, video recording, and slides from the meeting to the staff Google Drive. Thank you to Jamie for taking the notes.
Women’s Equality Day is Wednesday August 26
RPL is celebrating Women’s Equality Day! On August 26, 1920, the 19th amendment, which had been ratified by 3/4 of the states, was certified with the signature of U.S. Secretary of State, Benjamin Colby, and the seal of the United States.
On August 26, as part of The Vote grant, we have several displays and events to celebrate Women’s Equality Day
RPL commissioned a poem, titled Mothers of my Mother, by Nancy Genevieve Kohl to celebrate the day, you can read the poster-sized poem and click on a QR code to see and hear it read by the author.
We have two fantastic art installation pieces inspired by Representative Shirley Chisholm quote “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair”. The first is a community created chair garden in front of the studio. It’s comprised of many vote-decorated doll-sized chairs handed out as part of the Children’s Room Weekend Wonder Bags program
Second, there is a staff created chair display representing voting rights issues for selected populations. Come admire the creativity of your colleagues.
We’ve also got historical displays, filling out the details on the suffrage movement and a fantastic Pop-up Library Spot from 3:30pm – 5:30pm dedicated to materials related to voting rights.
Wednesday evening wraps up with a virtual author visit from Jen Deaderick. With her book, She the People: A Graphic History of Uprisings, Breakdowns, Setbacks, Revolts, and Enduring Hope on the Unfinished Road to Women’s Equality, Jen takes us through a lively history of the U.S. through the lens of women’s equality – register for this Zoom event now, books available here and ebooks here.
These programs are funded by Mass Humanities’ “The Vote” grant initiative, a statewide conversation about voting rights.
We are still looking for a few library stories for our Humans of RPL social media series. They are getting an incredible response from the public. Also, Meghan is getting a little too big for her britches because her post got 44 likes. You know that you have a library story that could beat that, so talk to Olivia today about yours.
Here is a wonderful example of the Humans of RPL campaign. Remember, we don’t need to use a picture of you, it can be anything that reflects your library story.
We are going to try an experiment and have an envelope of money labeled GBL Vending Refund available at the Borrower Services desk to provide change for those who have lost money in the vending machine. This does not mean that we will be contacting Carmen about any vending issues and if this becomes time consuming, we will stop providing the refunds and revert back to having people contact Carmen directly. Please let me know if you have any questions.
