Best of Friends Friends of the Durham Library Newsletter
Fall 2011
Durham County Library Patrons Benefit from Friends, Foundation and Staff Collaboration
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wice each year, the Friends solicit grant proposals from staff, and, after a rigorous vetting process, the organization funds selected projects. Over the past two proposal cycles, Durham Library Foundation has partnered with the Friends to fund some of the proposals as well. As a result, more than $56,000 was granted to the library to fund 16 exciting and inventive projects proposed by staff this past spring. Here is a sample of the programs and services that will be created, expanded or improved thanks to the Friends and Foundation. The library’s DVD and books on CDs for young listeners collections will be augmented. East Regional Library will receive funding for “Durham Voices,” a writing program for adults; a “Creative Art Park” for children; and an interactive, intergenerational acting program. Teens will be happy to learn that the library is upgrading its video game capabilities throughout the system. The Main Library will be getting an updated look on the first floor with displays for new books and CDs in a “Marketplace Makeover,” and teens at Main will be able to take part in a writing group. At Stanford L. Warren the Selena Warren Wheeler Collection received funding for an expert analysis, which will result in a report to the library that includes recommendations about conservation and long-term collection development. Continued on page 2. The Durham Civil Rights Heritage Project banners were displayed at GlaxoSmithKline this spring. The banners were paid for by the Friends. Their transport is funded by the Foundation.
L unch Director
with the
Registration is now open for a new and exciting quarterly series. Join Director Tammy Baggett for lunch, and hear the latest DCL news, discuss what’s on the horizon and get answers to your questions about the library. Visit durhamcountylibrary.org/lunch.php and sign up for one of the dates below. Wednesday, January 11 South Regional Study Room 1 Wednesday, April 11 Southwest Regional Study Room 1 Wednesday, July 25 North Regional Study Room 1 Lunch is from 12 noon to 1 p.m. There are only five spaces available for each lunch, so sign up early! (One lunch per person, per year, please.) You may also submit your questions and comments in advance online so that the director will be prepared with answers. Lunch is provided, so all you need to bring is your passion for the library. Bon Appétit!
Patrons Benefit
continued from cover
The Friends and Foundation funded additional laptops for programming; the purchase of a catalog app for smartphones, called Library Anywhere, which will allow patrons to access the collection on their Droids or iPhones; and companion reading software that will allow Spanish-speaking children to increase their literacy and English language skills. The Foundation also funded an ongoing community outreach program that provides personnel and covers the cost of moving the Durham Civil Rights Heritage Project Banners to sites throughout the county – reaching beyond the library to educate Durhamites about their history. This spring, the banners were displayed in Research Triangle Park for the first time. GlaxoSmithKline hosted the banners in their research facility, and Durham history librarian, Lynn Richardson, spoke to GSK employees in a program on the history of civil rights in Durham. But, saving the best for last, the largest and most highly anticipated project is the addition of ebooks to the library’s collection. At long last, the wait for ebooks is finally over. Thanks to a generous gift of $15,000 from the Friends, our patrons began enjoying the latest bestsellers in ebook format on November 2nd. The Friends funding was used for the opening day collection (approximately 700 items). Throughout the rest of the fiscal year, money from the operating
Library Anywhere Durham County Library Just Got Mobile Get the catalog app for iPhone • Android • Blackberry Funded by Durham Library Foundation 2 Best of Friends Fall 2011
Above and Right: East Regional Library’s Creative Art Park.
budget will be used to purchase new titles as they become popular. Ebooks are selected from those titles that are available from the vendor OverDrive. To begin the collection, the library purchased high demand titles such as those appearing on the DCL Top Ten List and the New York Times Best Seller Lists. The funds were divided between Adult Fiction, Juvenile, Adult Nonfiction and Young Adult titles, with percentages based on print circulation numbers. All ebooks and downloadable e-audio book titles appear in the online catalog, with a link out to OverDrive. And although patrons cannot reserve an ebook or an e-audio book from the catalog, we believe it is helpful to see all the formats currently available in one place. The readers of Durham have been asking about ebooks for almost a year now, and we are happy to be able to say that, thanks to the Friends, “Yes, we have ebooks!” Between the creative ideas of the library staff and the generosity of the Friends of the Durham Library and Durham Library Foundation, the library keeps getting better year after year. A big thanks to both of these fabulous supporting organizations!
Storytime Lays the Groundwork for Learning at Bragtown Family Literacy Center and Throughout the Library System
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arly in the morning, something special happens at Bragtown Library and Family Literacy Center. Even before it opens for the day, up to 40 children fill the cozy reading space in the one-room library. It’s storytime, which is anything but ordinary at Bragtown. Depending on the day, children might get to show off their moves at “Twist and Shout” or “Boogie-Woogie” storytimes, which combine movement, dance and stories into a fun-filled hour, or the bi-lingual storytimes, which are currently being offered in Spanish and French, with plans to start a Japanese storytime in the near future. In addition to their diverse scope, these early-morning storytimes are also unique in their audience: they serve local daycare facilities. Says Anita Hasty-Speed, manager at Bragtown, “The storytimes reinforce and complement what the children learn at daycare.” She often chooses a theme for storytime based on topics that the children are currently learning. Although most of the participating daycares are located near Bragtown, Hasty-Speed recalls one daycare provider who was so thrilled with the programs, she drove across the county to attend them.
Above: Sumayyah Muhammad reads to a child at the Main Library on Dr. Seuss Day. Right: County Commissioner Michael Page shares a book with children during the Read and Feed program.
As part of the “Get Set, Get Ready, Let’s Read!” literacy program, Bragtown is also one of several libraries in the Durham County Library system to provide storytimes on location at different daycare facilities county-wide. Above: Locket and Pocket Socket puppets entertain the children of Bragtown during a storytime. Below: Director Tammy Baggett reads to children at the GlaxoSmithKline daycare center.
Durham County Library is highly committed to children’s literacy. At any time during normal operating hours, on any day but Sunday, at least one storytime is taking place. These range from lapsit programs for infants, to evening bedtime stories, where participants can wear pajamas to the library and bring a stuffed animal friend to share in the fun. A full listing of events can be found in the library’s online calendar or in the latest edition of Branching Out. New and exciting programs are constantly being added to the schedule. As for Bragtown, plans are already in the works to take storytime inside the box, a raised box, that is. A fall garden is under construction, and with it, a spate of storytime programs introducing children to gardening and the natural world. Trowel, anyone?
Friends of the Durham Library Newsletter 3
Humanities Programs at Durham County Library
Presents
Brought to you with support from Durham Library Foundation. All programs are free and open to the public.
NORTH CAROLINA PIEDMONT WOMEN IN THE MILITARY Saturday, November 19, 3 p.m. Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St. Eastern North Carolina is well known for its military bases, but the Piedmont region also has its share of 20th century military history. Join Beth Ann Koelsch, the curator of the Betty H. Carter Women Veterans Historical Project at UNC-Greensboro, for a talk about women’s military history in the Piedmont since World War I. MEET THE AUTHOR: DIANE DANIEL Saturday, December 3, 3 p.m. Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St. Explore North Carolina through its family farms, produce stands, farmers’ markets and more with Farm Fresh North Carolina author Diane Daniel. The author invites you to join her on this photographic journey from mountains to coastlines. IN THE WINGS: PLAYMAKERS ON:WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? Monday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St. If love is a battlefield then these are two of the struggle’s consummate contenders in this knock-down, drag-out love story from the savagely wicked pen of an American master, Edward Albee. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play, and so sizzling that the Pulitzer Prize committee chose Virginia Woolf to receive its award for drama, then back-tracked and didn’t give an award that year. Join actors Ray Dooley, Julie Fishell and Wendy Goldberg in a discussion of this modern classic.
THE LIBERATED GARDENER: TIPS FOR EASY, SUSTAINABLE AND EDIBLE GARDENS – PART 1, GROWING DWARF CITRUS INDOORS FOR CHRISTMAS Thursday, December 8, 7 p.m. East Regional, 211 Lick Creek Ln. Join Frank Hyman, writer, artist and horticultural professional, for a workshop on growing dwarf citrus – oranges, lemons and limes – indoors for the holidays. Who needs boring houseplants when you can have dwarf evergreen trees with fragrant flowers and edible fruit? Learn the tricks to producing homegrown citrus. This is the first of a four-part gardening series. ART WITH THE EXPERTS: THE DECONSTRUCTIVE IMPULSE: WOMEN ARTISTS RECONFIGURE THE SIGNS OF POWER, 1973-1991 Sunday, Dec. 11, 3 p.m. Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St. Join Sarah Schroth, the Nancy Hanks Senior Curator, and Juline Chevalier, Education Curator, of the Nasher Museum of Art for a slide show and discussion of the current exhibition at the museum. This show is a survey of leading women artists that examines the crucial feminist contribution to the development of deconstructivism in the 1970s and 1980s. BLUE V. DURHAM Sunday, December 18, 3 p.m. Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville St. During the “separate but equal” era preceding the 1954 Brown decision, African Americans in Durham won a landmark lawsuit for the equalization of school funding. Eddie Davis will lead a discussion on the 1951 Blue v. Durham federal court case. A panel of the original plaintiffs will provide background for the 60th anniversary commemoration of this historic case.
For more information, call 560-0268 or visit www.durhamcountylibrary.org 4 Best of Friends Fall 2011
After the Book Sale The beautiful weekend is over, and the tents are empty. The shelves are messy; the books, CDs, DVDs and tapes are all living in new homes; and the Annual Fall Book Sale is over. Dozens of volunteers came out to assist the awardwinning, hardest working volunteers in Durham, our book sorters, to make this fall’s book sale a huge success. The annual spring and fall book sales, along with the satellite sales going on year-round, make so many
projects possible for the library. (See the cover story for details!) The figures do not lie. Total sales for the book sale were over $27,000, and the Friends added more than 90 new members. Thanks to all those who came out and supported the Friends and the library this fall by volunteering or buying books. See you in the spring!
HOW TO DONATE BOOKS: The Friends of the Durham Library welcomes donations of gently used books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs, except for: encyclopedias, magazines, cassettes and condensed books. You may take your donation to any Durham County Library location during regular hours. Please bring large donations (more than one bag) to the Main Library garage on Tuesday morning between 9 and noon, when the Friends of the Durham Library are present and can help unload. For more info, visit: durhamcountylibrary.org/friends.php. Friends of the Durham Library Newsletter 5
Endowments Make A Big Difference!
Humanities Society Tops 600!
The Foundation recognizes the invaluable and long-term support for Durham County Library from the many endowments established through the generosity of donors. Thank you all!
Since its establishment in the spring of 2010, the Humanities Society has grown to more than 650 members! Society members have not only been privy to excellent and thought-provoking programs, but they have also enjoyed very special, one-of-a-kind events. Members-only outings have included receptions at Dos Perros and Fullsteam Brewery, a harp concert at the Carolina Theatre, a private exhibit tour at the Nasher Museum, a tour of the historic Golden Belt warehouse district and a tour/reception at the century-old Hill House. Membership in the Humanities Society is free. For more information, please visit durhamlibraryfoundation.org.
Mary Louise Back Memorial Endowment Barada-Noell Family Endowment for Large Print Books and Audio Books Fox Family Foundation Endowment Friends of the Durham Library Endowment for EZ Readers and Picture Books Friends of the Durham Library Endowment for Children Dale Watson Gaddis Endowment Fund for Youth Services GlaxoSmithKline Literacy Endowment The Andrew Goodridge Memorial Endowment Fund Odile Alloin Gould Endowment for Children’s Literacy Jonathan Henderson Memorial Endowment The C.M. Herndon Endowment Kiwanis Club of Durham Endowment for Children’s Programs Humanities Endowment E.T. Rollins Jr. and Frances P. Rollins Humanities Endowment Semans Humanities Endowment Dr. and Mrs. Robert S. Timmins Summer Reading Endowment Merle D. Umstead Endowment for Outreach The Willis P. and Leona P. Whichard Endowment for the North Carolina Collection
In Memory
During the past year , the library lost two devoted supporters. Sally Spears and Je an Patee Eaves love d Durham County Library and supporte d Durham Library Foundation. Their friends have m ade significant gifts in their memory. These two ladies will be sorely missed but their legacy continue
s.
Funded by the Foundation Did you know… Over the past year, Durham Library Foundation granted the library $148,000 including… $20,000 for Library Youth Partners $40,000 for Humanities Programming $30,000 for Smart Investing $13,000 for Summer Reading and other children’s/teens programs $10,500 for inside/outside furnishings $6,000 for Collections and Bookmobile/OASIS Durham Library Foundation, truly providing “The Margin of Excellence” for Durham County Library! 6 Best of Friends Fall 2011
The Library Family Board of Trustees Allan Lang, Chair Henry Felder, Vice Chair Joe Hewitt Derrick Jordan Paolo Mangiafico Joyce Sykes Beck Tench Rob Rabb, Friends Liaison
Friends of the Durham Library Ann Wilder, President Elsa Woods, Vice President Betty Danielson, Treasurer Aviva Shira Starr, Secretary Jaime Danehey Kimberly Gilbert Elizabeth Hayes Victoria Hertz Janet W. Hessling Eve Marion Rob Rabb Ann Rebeck Martha Scotford Alan Teasley Andre Vann Angela Zoltners
Durham Library Foundation
Humanities Society members enjoy a tour of Hill House at a special, invitation-only event.
Naming Opportunities at Regional Libraries Approved In September, 2011, the Durham County Board of Commissioners approved the naming of three library spaces in recognition of gifts and bequests to Durham Library Foundation. Dorothy Gier, now living in St. Louis, MO, kindly donated her home in Durham to the Foundation. The meeting room at North Regional Library will be named in her honor. As a result of a significant bequest made by Mrs. Frances Brinkley, a long-time teacher in Durham, the children’s program room at Southwest Regional will be named in her memory. Drs. Anton and Valerie Schindler, former research scientists in Research Triangle Park, will have the meeting room at South Regional named in their memory. Dr. Schindler left a generous bequest to Durham Library Foundation, in honor of his wife, Valerie. Durham Library Foundation is grateful to these individuals for their generosity and foresight. If you would like to find out more about establishing a bequest to Durham Library Foundation, please contact Alice Sharpe, Development Officer, Durham County Library, 560-0193 or at asharpe@durhamcountync.gov.
Ann Craver, President Steve Pike, Vice President Ellen Cox, Treasurer Bessie Carrington, Secretary Placide Barada Dannette Daniels Frances Dyer Pierce Freelon Phil Hutchings Tom Keller Lois Oliver Bob Otterbourg* Bob Timmins Elizabeth Townsend Elisabeth Wiener Joyce Sykes, Board of Trustees Representative Ann Rebeck, Friends of the Library Representative
* The Durham Library Foundation welcomes back Bob Otterbourg after a serious illness and the loss of his beloved wife, Sue Otterbourg. Tammy Baggett, Library Director
Best of Friends is published in support of Durham County Library, with primary expenses for printing and distribution paid by the Friends of the Durham Library. The newsletter is produced by the library’s Marketing & Development Division.
Friends of the Durham Library Newsletter 7
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