Popular Library Programs Begin Again
All the library programs supported by the Library Foundation that were suspended when the libraries closed on April 6 began again shortly after all branches re-opened.
Babies In The Library - This program began last year and is the only literacy enhancing program in Jackson County for new parents and pre-walking children. Over a hundred babies enrolled in the first 6 months on a grant from the Oregon Community Foundation. Babies iin the Library started again in the Ashland Library and will soon hold classes in the Medford and Eagle Point Libraries.
Jackson County Reads - Jackson County Reads is our countywide Community Reads where everyone is encouraged to read and discuss the same work of fiction. The next Jackson County Reads will be held in early spring 2008.
Storyteller at Your Library - During the past three years, professional storytellers have been brought to the library to tell tall tales and encourage reading for children ages 4-10. Storyteller has begun in all branches of the library system. Contact your local library for times and days.
Outreach to the Homebound - This much needed program brings books to people who are homebound, because of age or disability, and can't get to the library. The Outreach program has begun again.
Summer Reading - This is one of the most popular library programs and each year up to 6,000 children and teens read books when they are out of school. Many studies have shown that when kids are out of school for the summer, unless they do some reading, they return to school behind academically. Summer Reading will be ready for Summer 2008.
Teen Job Finder - For the past 17 years, the library has been the first place for teens to go looking for help in finding summer jobs and volunteer opportunities. The Teen Job Finder will be ready for 2008.
Community Rooms - Each of our 15 branch libraries have community rooms where local groups can use for meetings and discussions. All Community and Meeting Rooms will be available when the libraries re-open.
Computer Access - Using computers at the library is one of the most sought after library service, with 325 computers available in all 15 branch libraries.
Jackson County Uses its Libraries
How can we measure the impact of our libraries in our communities? One way is to count how many people use the libraries and for what purpose. Here are just a few of the highlights:
Jackson County Library patrons checked out 1,444,895 items last year. That’s seven and a half items for every person (man, woman or child) in Jackson County.
The Library maintains 325 computer stations in our 15 branch libraries for public use and library visitors reserved 245,000 sessions on the computers.
Parents brought 13,000 preschoolers and young children into the libraries for story times presented by guest storytellers and the Storytelling Guild.
There were 3,775 public meetings held in the library community meeting rooms in all 15 branches.
Library Outreach to the Homebound delivered and picked-up 29,500 books and audio/visual items for those unable to come to the library because of illness or disability.
Over 6,200 children and teenagers signed up for Summer Reading, reading 57,693 books.
Library Book-Talkers led 6th grade readings at 26 schools, reaching 81 classes and a total of 2,253 6th Graders in Jackson County. Each 6th grader was given their own copy of the book at the reading, a gift from the Library Foundation.
Reference Staff answered 517,300 reference and reader’s questions from the public.
Attendance at all the free library events held in the 15 branch libraries totaled 8,125 Jackson County residents.
You can help us maintain the learning opportunities and support Jackson County Library Services with a donation to the Jackson County Library Foundation.
Jackson County Library Services offers so much to so many people in our community. Patrons and students can access a wide variety of information technologies including the Internet, online periodical research, electronic book catalogues, and a variety of audio/visual materials.
To visit the Jackson County Library Services web site, click here.
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