OFPL Managing Transitions Tammi Moe

OFPL Managing Transitions

Tammi Moe, Director Octavia Fellin Public Library & Historic Rex Museum

March 11th 2020 ushered in the SARSCoV-2 pandemic and marked the beginning of drastic change for public libraries across the country.

Historically, libraries have symbolized the connection of knowledge with power. Libraries have also taken on different social structures that reflect community needs, and the space within the library walls has transformed as formats for transmission have changed.

Colonial libraries first emerged on Turtle Island in 1731 when the Library Company of Philadelphia was founded by the entrepreneur Benjamin Franklin. The Library Company of Philadelphia was the first model of a subscription based, lending library, supported entirely by membership fees. The first public library funded by a municipality was established in 1833 in New Hampshire; a free library open to all community members regardless of social status. The spread of public libraries accompanied the philosophy of free public education with waves of immigrants during westward expansion.

Public libraries are the intersection of information and social structures and reflect the many faces and varied interests of their communities. The Octavia Fellin Public Library is no different. The creation of a public library in Gallup was driven entirely from community interest and community support; by the people, of the people, and for the people. Growing from a seed collection of 50 books donated by members of the P.E.O. Sorority in 1920, to a line item in the City Council budget in 1926. Three years later the Council appropriated $1,500.00 towards a library building and $1000 was donated by local residents. The formal opening of the new building was held on April 27, 1927. On May 29, 1936, the City Council voted to assume responsibility for the library.

The transformation and continual growth spanning the last 100-Years of our library’s history, are grounded in the development of knowledge, interconnecting networks, and community needs. The Octavia Fellin Public Library (OFPL) team will maintain our commitment to these values as we navigate this pandemic together. “No other institution, public or private, does a better job of reaching people who have been left behind in today’s economy, have failed to reach their potential in the city’s public school system or who simply need help navigating an increasingly complex world.”1OFPL is fueled by a vision to foster the pursuit of knowledge for all ages and cultures through innovative services, outstanding collections, and strategic partnerships.

Public libraries are the manifestation of American democratic ideals. The pursuit of life, liberty, happiness, the common good, equality, diversity, and truth. Ideals that have the power to unite people. We have seen incredible transformation of our culture and shifts in our

social structures during the last Four months. Together we must re-imagine the library’s role in serving our community while maintaining these principles. This transformation of culture means re-working the library’s vision and mission and our policies and procedures. There are huge implications with regard to the social role of the library in our community. Heeding the challenge requires innovative thinking. The OFPL team has stepped up to the plate, immediately pivoting in a new direction to deliver our core services and public education in a different way.

OFPL offers virtual classes, workshops, and public education through our social media platforms on Facebook and Youtube @galluplibrary. Dates and times for library events can be found on our Classes and Workshop Calendar accessible through our website ofpl.online. Curbside checkout is available. To search Collections and complete the Online Request Form visit our website. Alternatively you can place Holds directly through the catalog. All items will be due September 1st. The OFPL team is on- site Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and will assist with curbside checkout. Call 505-863-1291 for all inquiries including reference and research services.

Beyond regular library services the OFPL team is supporting the community and we need your participation:

The Octavia Fellin Public Library was the recipient of a 2020 Census grant to help New Mexico achieve a complete count. The current pandemic has eliminated our ability to travel to the sites where we planned to collect the data. Very important data that will be used to determine federal funding allocations here in McKinley County. Census results have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics, highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start, college tuition assistance, Title-1 lunch programs, and so much more. The census deadline was extended until August 31st and we are available by phone to help you respond. All you need is your 12 digit household ID # that was sent to you in the mail. If you do not have your ID # you can still participate.

It’s now August -- have you received your payment?

In March, the U.S. Congress passed, and the President signed, the CARES Act, legislation designed to provide economic help for Americans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the law, most households would receive an “Economic Impact Payment” (a “stimulus check”) of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child under 17 years old, or up to $3,400 for a family of four.

Please take a moment to share your experience with us so that we can better serve the needs of the community. Fill out the survey at ofpl. online/2020/07/09/ofpl-economic-impact-survey/ *To check your eligibility text STIMULUS to 797979

SESSIONS BY INTERNET OR PHONE

Dr. Vicki Handfield

Clinical psychologist

Practicing for over 30 years. Treating anxiety, depression, and life issues.

In Gallup 609-841-9159 drvickihandfield.com

GET OUT AND DISCOVER OUR LOCAL HISTORICAL MARKERS

Follow the map and the photos to get your own fun experience. Bring your camera along!

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Stagecoach Stop Established

HISTORICAL MARKERS

CULTURAL CENTER

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1 Atlantic and Pacific Railroad 2 Navajo Code Talkers Departure 3 Stagecoach Stop Established 4 Police Detective Killed 5 Presidential Visit 6 Gallup Mayor

Emmitt Garcia Abducted 7 Future Mayor Witnesses Murder 8 First NM Governor Visits Gallup 9 Old Trails Hwy Route 66 10 Oldest Trading Post Established 11 Navajo Chief Honored by Trader 12 National Guard Honored by Trader 13 Chihuahuita Coal Miners Riot 14 Japanese Internment Refusal 15 The March of Hope 16 Courthouse Square Sundial

DOWNTOWN GALLUP ROUTE 66

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CITY HALL 14 15

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S. 3RD STREET. COURTHOUSE SQUARE W. COAL AVE.

AZTEC AVE.

16 S. 2ND STREET.

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MILES 0.12

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