Progress is sometimes hard to
measure, especially for an institution, but Shaker Heights Public Library has
taken some significant steps forward this summer.
In June, to help create a safe and
welcoming entrance to the Main Library we designated and marked a student
drop-off/pick-up area away from the front steps. Then we installed signs spelling out “Expectations for People
Using the Library” (including one at the Bertram Woods Branch). In addition, we posted “Library Hours” signs
in key locations so that drivers approaching from either direction would be
able to read the opening and closing hours for each day of the week without
having to leave their cars.
In July, we hired a full-time
Security Supervisor, Matt Tompkins, a retired Shaker policeman, who has also
had experience with youth through work with the Cleveland Heights, Warrensville
Heights, and Shaker Heights schools. In
the short time that he has been on staff, Mr. Tompkins has already made some
valuable contributions by helping us to tighten our security procedures, making
improvements in our surveillance camera system, and identifying troublesome
individuals.
Since we now have security staff
at the Main Library for all hours that we are open, we can be more proactive in
dealing with youth who visit our facility when school is in session. We have
made arrangements with both the Shaker Heights City Schools and the Shaker
Heights Police Department to deliver those students who should be in attendance
back to the school where they belong.
We also have a contact with the Cleveland Municipal Schools so that they
can pick up their students. For their part, the Shaker Schools will no longer
have an “open campus” for freshman and sophomores; a dress code will prohibit
head coverings and saggy pants; and cell phones will have to be locked away
during the school day.
Shaker Heights Public Library was
fortunate to have been able to expand its Teen Center activities during the
summer through a $16,433 grant from Cuyahoga County. With this funding, we were
able to provide more hours and additional programs related to art, music, and
computers. A significant and lasting benefit is addition of gaming equipment,
including the Nintendo Wii, SONY PlayStation, and Microsoft Xbox 360, along
with widescreen LCD TVs for each.
Library staff has held “gaming afternoons “ for teens and plans are
underway to expand the use of this new equipment.
The Library was also an important
component of a successful planning grant application to the Cleveland
Foundation, which will bring $175,000 to the community through the Youth
Development Initiative. The South Shaker Neighborhood (including the Ludlow,
Moreland, Lomond, and Sussex areas) will be the focal point of our collaborative
efforts to develop constructive methods for engaging local youth during
out-of-school-time periods. It is
expected that work on this project will begin in October.
September is National Library Card
Sign-up Month. A library card is free and provides access to a wealth of
information. Do you have your card? September is also Be Kind to Writers and
Editors Month. We have collaborated with The Lit (formerly the Poets’ and
Writers’ League of Greater Cleveland) on three programs by writers for writers.
Authors Mary Doria Russell, Scott Lax, and Paula McLain will speak to aspiring
authors on a variety of interesting topics. In September we will also hold our
5th Annual Constitution Read Aloud in collaboration with the Moses Cleaveland
Branch of the DAR. Members of the Shaker Heights League of Women Voters will be
on hand to help people register to vote and to encourage civic engagement.
Yet again Friends of Shaker
Library has been generous with us by approving $38,000 toward library programs
and purchases for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. That brings the Friends total
contributions to well over $100,000 during my tenure as Director. As Ralph
Waldo Emerson said, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” We can never
have too many friends. I hope that all of you will consider joining me as a
Friend of the Shaker Library.
Luren E. Dickinson, Director
dickinson@shakerlibrary.org