On January 16th, the library will be closed for our staff development day. We'll start the day with an all-staff breakfast, where we will enjoy Jenny's Famous Cinnamon Rolls. That's a great start to what I hope will be a great day. Our first order of business is to gather for an all-staff meeting where we will take some time to reflect on 2016. As I prepare my notes for this meeting, I see that we did a whole heck of a lot!
This past year, we have been responding to the needs of our patrons who have been requesting quiet work space. The library now has a dedicated quiet area where you can use a computer, enjoy a cozy fireplace, and finally get some work done. With the help of the newly-formed Tween Advisory Board, we have introduced a new tween space with fun furniture and programming designed for 9-12 year olds. In January, we will start work on a nursing nook which will provide a private, comfortable space for new mothers visiting the library.
We've also made great strides in our technology offerings. The library has fifteen wi-fi hotspots to check out and take home. We are also in the process of upgrading the library's wi-fi network to guarantee the widest coverage and the fastest speeds. And, Chromebooks are available for in-house checkout, especially for students who may need quick access.
But, perhaps the biggest effort over the past twelve months has been the redesign of our new website. We're librarians. We're fussy. We want things to be just right. We've been working with Solutions4ebiz here in Pendleton on a much-improved website. Our plan is to launch our new site on January 3rd. Visit www.pendleton.lib.in.us to see improvements such as a streamlined calendar that includes online registration for events and quick access to searching the library's catalog and digital content. We also have a fun staff page where staff members answer the question, "What is your hidden talent?" Find out on January 3rd!
