Indoor Plant Care

Starting April 9, the large indoor planters will be receiving some TLC from Environgreenery.  In addition to sprucing up these planters (2 entry, 2 Borrower Services, 3 Reading Room, 1 Children’s Room), Envirogreenery will be in monthly to maintain the plants.

If you receive questions: We are excited to work with this company (Envirogreenery) to maintain our indoor plantings. These plants help the indoor air quality and are great for mental health. Additionally, we are fortunate to have some interesting specimens to help inspire visitors to add to their own indoor gardens.

Maintenance costs are paid through gifts and donations. No taxpayer funds are used.

Regarding IMLS Funding Cuts

Thank you to those who were able to attend the April 3 all-staff meeting. As I mentioned, the recent cuts to the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is deeply concerning and there are still a lot of unknowns.

This is a demoralizing issue. And RPL will continue to offer high quality and professional service to our community as we navigate this situation.

To that end, please read/print this memo. It’s important that we acknowledge these difficult times and also maintain a healthy work environment. The memo also includes information on how to respond to public inquiries on this issue.

As always, please feel free to speak to any member of the Leadership Team if you have more questions or concerns.

RPL Swag

Just a reminder:  I have swag available in my office. These could be used for outreach, welcome bags,  programs, etc. 

Turtle stress balls

Calm strips

Notebooks

Colored Pencils

RPL mugs

Blue lanyards

If you want to come grab some for programs or events, please do!

Library Lounge Collection

Check out RPL’s new Library Lounge collection in the staff lounge. These books and materials are meant to enhance your learning and professional development.

When you get a chance, please take a look around your workspace and at home to see if you have any materials marked “Workroom” or any other relevant items from your personal collection that you are willing to share. Suggestions are welcome!

Please drop off any materials to Meaghan C. and Andrea H.

Patron being inappropriate on phone

A male patron called today and asked for a number of book titles. The patron became inappropriate and staff hung up on them. This is okay. Do not feel that you need to stay on the line for this at all. This patron has called here and other libraries in the past for the same reason. They are being inappropriate.

Do not give your name. Forward to a supervisor if needed.  Hanging up IS an option.

Two new online resources

We have two new online resources just starting:  FamilySearch and Craft & Hobby.  We’ll be promoting them in January, and we’d love some testimonials from staff, so if you get a chance, check them out!  They will only work in the library at the moment, but the craft one will eventually work from home. FamilySearch is a very large collection of genealogical resources–you make a free account and then start searching for your family members. Jocelyn is very knowledgeable if you’re interested!

Craft & Hobby 

FamilySearch

Local Reading partners list

Hi everyone,

I am working on a list of our local partner organizations and the RPL staff liaisons. I thought we’d already had one, but I can’t find it it lives on the S drive under:  Library Files\02 Working Groups and Teams\Outreach Working Group

While this is a living document, I’d like to have any current liaisons listed by Thursday, December 19th.

Thanks!

Michelle