Shout Out to the Librarians

I want to give a shout out to all the librarians (and other library staff and volunteers) out there, both past and present. There are a lot of different types from church librarians, school librarians, public library librarians, and many more. I have friends and family members who either currently work at libraries or have in the past.

I wanted to take a little time right now to say Thank You specifically to the librarians (and other library staff and volunteers) at the Provo Library and Orem Library. I've mentioned before some of the adjustments that have been made at the libraries because of the pandemic. I appreciate the work those at the library have put into things so my family can continue to have good experiences through the public libraries.

 

We've done online events, 

I've had good communication through email when something wasn't working on a library website, librarians at the Orem Library have asked about us since I never got to bring my baby in to see them, so many things. I did text this picture to Jeremy when he was talking to one of the librarians one day so she could finally see my baby. 

Thank You, librarians!

 

In February, librarians at the Provo Library shared book recommendations twice a week on Facebook Live events. You know my kids are huge readers so they're always on the lookout for new books to try.

 

Also in February, Jr. Jr. and I participated in a virtual book club together through the Provo Library (I mentioned on my February 13 post about it). We got to read a book together, Jr. Jr. created a bridge out of craft sticks, got a treat, and we were able to chat with librarians about the book. Jr. Jr. had plenty to contribute at the meeting and we enjoyed it.

He and I are doing another one this month.

 

The Orem Library in February put together Literary Loot Boxes. The three oldest filled out an online questionnaire about what kinds of books/authors/genres they like and the librarians put together basically goodie bags (in box form) based on their answers. There were stickers, buttons, pens, treats, and the librarians included books the kids might be interested in that they could check out. On one of his trips to the library, Jeremy was told that while the librarians were putting together the loot boxes, they commented how one of the kids had read so many good authors, then they realized it was a Telford. It's nice to be recognized. Even the junior high and high school libraries recognize Jr. and Nichole as big readers since they go in there so often.

Since Lucky was too young for the Literary Loot Box activity, I had him fill out an online mad lib activity that the Orem Library also provided. Funny stuff. Jeremy put together a box for him with pens and treats and things and checked out a book that he would enjoy.

When the kids opened their loot boxes, this was the number one comment we heard from them. "They know me." The librarians (and Dad) had done a good job putting together these boxes and the kids wasted no time diving into the books (including some they actually hadn't read before) that were included.

 

Jeremy is involved with a writing group through the Provo Library. It's hosted by one of the librarians and meets monthly.

 

Jet and I have been participating in virtual Storytime through the Orem Library. Not only are there songs and books during the weekly broadcast but they've put together a Storytime page with other activities on the library website. We've had fun with tissue snowflakes falling on our heads and we did some drumming with chopsticks on a food storage can (and later on everything else the toddler could find).

 

I've already posted about the Summer Reading Program and the Winter Reading Program with the Provo Library. Now we're participating in the Spring Library Challenge. We don't have to log reading minutes but we do mark activities that we do (including some reading). 

 

The librarians (and other library staff and volunteers) put so much work into making things go smoothly, we often don't even think about how there is a real person behind that library blog, that Instagram or Facebook post, that library website that doesn't just come into being. So to all the current and past librarians (and other library staff and volunteers), I say a BIG THANK YOU!