Where ARE we going?

It's funny how ideas seem to coalesce. A member of the reference department brought me an article today about the evolution of the book. Specifically, this article was about the upcoming fight some are predicting between Amazon and their Kindle book reader, Apple computers and a rumored "device" they may be planning, and the publishing industry, which seems to be caught in the middle.

Shortly after reading the article, I received an email from SCKLS announcing a new teen-oriented website being launched by a book publisher, Simon & Schuster called Pulse It.  It seems that this publisher, at least, is trying to build a rapport with younger readers by appealing to the familiarity social networking websites and offering a carrot of 2 new S&S books per month available to read free online.  Obviously, the goal is to have these readers share their impressions with their peers on other websites and help to increase sales of S&S titles.  This publisher seems to be trying new things (better late than never) to sell more books.  I can't imagine that other publishers will be far behind.

Getting back to the title of the post - what is happening here?  The bottom line is that publishing and the "printed" word is in the throes of a revolution.  There is little doubt about this fact.  Nevermind that "ebooks" and their various readers have yet to reach critical mass; the way we will get the latest novel or the newest "book" on gardening is changing.  I personally do not believe the paper book is on its way out though.  Publishers can move to print-on-demand systems for paper books.  Amazon does huge volume in printed material.  Apple does not, as the article above states, have a history of trying to usurp the role of publisher or control content like Amazon does.  Rather Apple is known for creating elegant "things" people want to buy.  Any clash of these titans will have some fall-out but I think that publishing companies, if they are shrewd, could come out in a better position in the aftermath.

What does this have to do with libraries?  As usual, I'm not exactly sure.  One thing is clear though, and that is HPL and all libraries will need to continue their awakening to the benefits of evolving technologically and otherwise.  After a thirty-odd year slumber, the past decade has seen libraries embracing new technologies as quickly as they arrive.  Some libraries are better at it than others, but none can afford not to try.  Will we be reduced to a kiosk holding a bank of Kindle-like devices?  I doubt it.  Will we circulate books on some sort of kindle-like devices?  Probably.  Will we still have paper books?  I imagine for a long time to come.  Should libraries be test-beds for new gadgets in the future?  I sure hope so!  Are you listening Jeff?  Where's my "beta" Kindle DX?

The Art of Playing Catch-up

My topic today is the Summer Celebration and the fun that was had by over 500 children and adults on June 5th.  This update is a week late, I know, but I have a good excuse - I was taking a bit of much-needed R&R.  Our Summer Reading theme this year is "Be Creative @ HPL" and there was some real creativity on display.  If you come in to the Children's Department, you can see the mural that was painted by the kids during the celebration.  The Art Car is very nicely decorated as well and you will see that if you come down town for the 4th of July parade.

Now storytimes are in full-swing, we have reading programs going for all ages, and everyone is busy with the Summer rush.  Tomorrow is staff day for adding their decorations to the art car too!  I finally cleared my inbox this afternoon, got the tree trimmer scheduled to remove the fallen tree in my backyard, but thankfully, the library sustained no damage from Monday evening's storm.  So all-in-all, life is good for me. And do you see what I did there?  With the title and the post topic?  "Art" - we're doing art.  I'm playing "catch-up" after a vacation...  OK,  I know, lame.

The Return of the Self -Check!

I know I have been using a lot of exclamation points lately, so I apologize for my reckless enthusiasm. In my defense, there has been an avalanche of things to be excited about. Not least is today's arrival of our new self-check machines. Here are a couple of pictures of the new machine over in the adult area:

We will install the second unit in the Children's Department after our big summer reading program kick-off celebration this Friday.

These machines are very easy to use with simple, touch-screen instructions. Besides checking out items, you can log in to view your account status using your PIN. Next time you are in, give them a try. Please do not hesitate to ask for help should you need it!

Be Creative! Summer Fun

School is out, the days are warm - Summer Reading and Summer Celebration at the library are upon us!  One of the biggest, most time-consuming, and most rewarding and fun activities that the library does is happening next Friday, June 5th.  Hutchinson Public Library's Summer Celebration happens from 9am to 11:30am on that day.  We use this big launch party each year to get kids excited about reading during the summer.  Our goal is to keep children interested in reading during summer vacation.  Our theme this year is "Be Creative" at  the Hutchinson Public Library.  We're going to feature a wide variety of arts at the Celebration and throughout the summer programming.  We are even creating an art car for the library to enter into the Hutchfest parade!

The Summer Reading programs are recommended for children ages 3-8.  In July we will also have Family Times twice each week with fun for the whole family.  Please check out what is available - and it is all free!

We also have a program set up for young adults - May 26th through July 30th.  Prizes and fun for tweens and teens when they come in and sign up.

Did you know that there is also a summer reading program for adults?  This summer we will be encouraging grown-ups to "Master the Art of Reading".  Adults can sign up to read and become eligible for fun prizes.

I feel tired just reading back over this list of activity!  But it is a good tired because I know that what we are trying to do here is emphasize the fun of reading, even if you might accidentally learn something new or improve your skills in the process!