Pages of Pendleton

This is not an article about COVID-19. This IS an article about how we celebrate the creativity of the people around us. Our Adult Programming & Outreach Specialist, Ashley Grounds, had a great idea. She wanted to help local residents feel connected with each other, and their community, and so she created the Pages of Pendleton

When you check out a book that is a part of the Pages of Pendleton series, you will find these words inside:

The book you are holding is filled (or soon will be) with the thoughts and energy of our community. Get comfy and take your time reading through the completed pages. When you’re ready, begin your story on the first blank page. You can write, draw, or collage your entry.

 Each journal has a theme. We ask that you please stick to the theme. Some are serious, some light-hearted, and others are more informational. Once the book is filled, it will be added to our collection for others to view for years to come.

I happened to pick up one of these journals up the other day, and I was immediately taken. I learned about Wangari Maathai who somebody wrote about in the I’d Love to Meet…(this historical person) volume. In the When I grow up… volume, I read about the career goals of a young person who wanted to join the military, then the CIA, before retiring at the age of 40. I even got a few good recommendations for what to watch next on Netflix when I peeked inside the volume entitled What I Recommend on Netflix.

The entries are touching and heartfelt. They are funny. They are helpful. They are creative. And best of all, they belong to you. Share your thoughts, your stories, and your recommendations. Let’s stay connected.

Curious to learn more? Explore the Pages of Pendleton.

Lynn Hobbs, Library Director

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Getting Greener

Our New Year's Resolution is to make improvements that are kind to our environment.  Our facility is pretty green to start with.  We have carpet made out of recycled fibers, and the flooring in our teen area is made out of old tires.  We recycle paper, ink cartridges, and broken cell phones.  We utilize a geothermal system, and converted all of our lighting to LED.  And when we discard old IT equipment or dead batteries, I schlep them to the appropriate recycling place in Indy.  But still, our work is not done.

In early 2019, we started talked about a bottle-filling station in our main lobby.  They aren't cheap, and so we hemmed and hawed about it, and put it off for a later time.  We've had patrons recommend that we get one, and we would tell them that we were thinking about it. Then, like a Christmas miracle, an anonymous donor came forward and gifted a check so that we could install a bottle filler.  Once it was installed, staff lined up to fill their reusable bottles and giggled with glee as the counter went up, tracking every bottle saved.

We have plans for 2020 too. We thought it might be fun to sell cute little bottles at the front desk to encourage our patrons to reuse and recycle.  Beginning in March, we will use a new trash vendor who is able to provide an affordable solution for recycling cans, bottles, plastics, and cardboard.  We don't figure the Pendleton Library will save the world.  But we are making a concerted effort to be greener because we know that every little bit helps, and together we can make a difference.  That seems like a good resolution to me.

Lynn Hobbs, Director

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Free Fun, Compliments of the Pendleton Library

Our home was built in 1982, and a model train track was part of the original design. Apparently, the first homeowner was so passionate about model railroading that he made it a part of his home. And now it's a part of our home. The train goes from the bar, through a tunnel behind the mantel, and outside around a bay window before turning around to do it all over again.

Although the train is fun to have, my husband and I have not become train enthusiasts. But, we will admit that our train has piqued some interest in model railroading, particularly the Eiteljorg Museum's annual Jingle Rails exhibit. Jingle Rails is a massive model railroad display that transports you to a mini downtown Indianapolis before chugging out to the Great American West. We hope to visit the museum during this exhibit every year, but never seem to get around to it. The season is busy, and excuses come easily. Plus, it costs $15 to get in! Of course, it's free for members, but we aren't members.

This year will be different. This year, your Pendleton Community Public Library became a member of the Eiteljorg Museum, and we like to share. That means that you can check out the library's pass to visit exhibits, including Jingle Rails! Museum passes are the newest addition to our Library of Things collection. Stop in to check out a pass to Minnetrista, The Indiana Historical Society, The Indiana State Museum, and the Rhythm Discovery Center, to name a few. We hope to acquire even more passes so that we can offer a variety of fun, educational, FREE outings for local residents to enjoy throughout the year.

Lynn Hobbs, Library Director

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It's Good Work.

Over the past two weeks, I was scheduled to cover some shifts at the front desk.  Granted, I am often seen at the front desk, and I am well familiar with how to register patrons for library cards and get their materials checked out to them.  I know how to send faxes and help people with the printer.  I was doing it all, and feeling pretty competent in my front desk duties.

But, my feeling of competence quickly dissipated when I realized that I don't have any good suggestions for chapter books for 2nd grade readers.  I have no idea how to look up who lived in your house before you did.  And, I'm totally clueless when it comes to Android.  Luckily, there are other library staff members who are great at all of these things!

My time at the front desk made me realize how nimble public library staff has to be.  When we answer the phone or see a patron approach the desk, we really have no idea what comes next.  Perhaps a young patron just wants to hand us a drawing of a red turtle.  Maybe somebody needs help formatting a resume.  Or somebody wants a recommendation for a scary movie. Library staff is constantly shifting from one role to another to serve our patrons in the best way we can. 

When I got home after working the front desk, I felt a sense of accomplishment.  I felt like I actually made a difference.  Because you see, at the library we make people smile, every day.  We provide a sense of relief for patrons, every day.  We teach patrons a new skill, every day.  And, at the end of every day, library work is good work. 

Lynn Hobbs
PCL Director

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Curbside Convenience

At the library, we are always trying to update our services to meet the needs of our patrons. Not too long ago, one of our favorite patrons called because he wanted to purchase a statewide library card as a gift for his wife.  He was using an oxygen tank, and it was not easy for him to get out of the car and enter the library, and I said that I could meet him out in the parking lot.  We'd get it figured out.  And, we did.  It just took a little more effort, but it was totally worth it because a statewide library card is great gift idea, and I wanted to make it happen!

This got us thinking about several of our patrons who struggle to get out of their cars and enter the library to pick up a book or DVD.  So, we decided to launch curbside service to make their lives a little easier.  Patrons wishing to utilize curbside pickup may select "Curbside" as the pickup location when placing items on hold online.  In the notes field of the request, you may indicate your preferred pickup date and time.  For same day pickup, please call the library by 10:00 a.m.  Pickup services are available Monday and Wednesday, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

When you arrive at the library to get your items, please park in the front lot, by the children’s patio and call 778-7527 to let us know you are here.  At that time, we will check out your items and walk them out to your car.  Please have your library card or ID ready when we hand you the items so we can verify the account.  And, that's all there is to it.

Lynn Hobbs
PCL Director

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