Sacramento library employees are going through training courses to be able to properly provide assistance to customers who are suffering from a mental illness. They took part in the system’s first “Mental Health First Aid” training, a national program geared toward detecting the signs of mental illness and substance abuse. The course was not trying to make staff experts in the field or give them the ability to diagnose cases but instead to help them recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness, defuse unpredictable situations, and guide people to counselors, first responders, and other professionals who can provide care in the future.

During the crash course, instructors advised library workers to gently ask questions to assess the risk of harm, to build trust by listening, and to gauge whether the person has anyone close that might be able to intervene. Each employee left with a list of local agencies and suicide hotlines to offer to people having trouble.  

This training was not specifically developed for the homeless population. In fact, almost 18 percent of Americans suffer from some type of mental illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. However, the agency also estimates 46 percent of people who live without shelter deal with some form of a mental condition.¹ According to a recent count released by  Sacramento Steps Forward, the organization that coordinates local efforts to aid the homeless, there are more than 3,600 people living without permanent shelter in Sacramento County. Homelessness has risen 30 percent since the last time the transient population was counted in 2015.²

Until now, librarians had to use the police or homeless outreach workers to respond to persons with mental illness in crisis. The additional training, which includes two more sessions, will give staff more options when a crisis occurs and help them be able to provide a friendly, welcoming environment to all who walk through the doors.

References

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2015). Mental Health by the Numbers. [Press Release]. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers

2. Chabria, A., Hubert, C., Lillis, R., and Garrison, E. (2017, July). Sacramento sees a startling surge in homeless people. Who they are might surprise you. The Sacramento Bee. Retrieved from http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article160423019.html

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The project kicked off in January of 2015 and beginning this March, Oconomowoc Public Library will join the Lake County group. Oconomowoc is a dementia friendly community meaning many of its businesses and organizations have undergone special training to identify someone who has dementia and how to provide proper customer service in the situation. The entire staff of the Oconomowoc Library have gone through the training. ¹

The Memory Cafe program is offered on the first Friday of the month from 10:30 a.m to noon and rotates throughout the different libraries. Each cafe ranges from 10 to 40 participants with an average of 18 people in attendance. This includes the people suffering from dementia or those who have questions about memory loss and their care partners.

The program typically includes introductions, ice breakers, a themed program, and a closing song. The themes are varied and offer participants lots of fun. Some of the past activities included Sharpie art, life in the Arctic, holiday music, heavenly herbs, 1950s sock hop, and essential oils.

The libraries partner with the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeast Wisconsin and the Waukesha County Aging and Disability Resource Center for additional support and resources. The Alzheimer’s Association also takes care of registration for new participants to ensure they are the right fit for the project.

Libraries in other Wisconsin communities including New Berlin, Muskego, Franklin, and Hales Corner have also started a Memory Cafe called the Four Points Library Memory Project and new this year is the Wild Plum Memory Project made up of the Brookfield, Elm Grove, Germantown, and Menomonee Public Libraries.  

In fact, Memory Cafes take place on a regular basis across the country. If you want to find a memory cafe close to you, take a look at memorycafedirectory.com.  

References

1. Oconomowoc Public Library to host first memory cafe in March. (2017, December 28). Retrieved from https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/news/oconomowoc/2017/12/28/oconomowoc-public-library-host-first-memory-cafe-march/987255001/

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The head of technical for Adam Matthew, Glyn Porritt, said “It continues to return really remarkable results on even poor quality handwriting. We have undertaken research on samples of material and our estimates are an equivalent of 90 percent accuracy.”[2]

Handwriting recognition software has been in use for a couple of decades now for signature verification at banks and mail sorting at post offices. However, the address system for sorting mail can validate results by relying on zip code databases. Modern note-taking apps use machine learning to adapt to the handwriting of the most frequent user.

The HTR doesn’t have either of these advantages because the system is working with manuscripts written in a variety of calligraphy styles without pre-existing databases to cross-check. Instead the HTR uses complex algorithms to determine possible character combinations in text. This allows the handwritten text to be identified at document level, allowing users to easily navigate search results. Search results are displayed as snippets from the manuscript. Users then select the wanted snippet which directs them to the desired page of the manuscript.  

Standard Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software can fail to decipher text in printed documents if they have uncommon scripts, unusual spacing, water damage, stains or fading. HTR has similar issues and sometimes can’t decipher manuscripts written in legible script.

The first collection available with this new search feature is Colonial America, Module III: The American Revolution. This collection was sourced from the the National Archives UK and offers thousands of documents on North America from 1606-1822 making HTR a vital tool for navigating this content. “Manuscript volumes rarely have indexes,” Porritt said. “Keywords and metadata have traditionally brought the researchers towards the relevant document but then they have to find pertinent area of that work themselves. With HTR technology, the user can be taken straight to a highlighted word or words.”

This game-changing technology will be released in both new and selected existing collections published by Adam Matthew including Medical Services and Warfare, East India Company, and Mass Observation Online.   

References

1. Adam Matthew, a Sage Company. (2017) Artificial intelligence transforms discoverability of 17th and 18th century manuscripts using handwritten text recognition. [Press release]. Retrieved from http://blog.apastyle.org/apastyle/2010/09/how-to-cite-a-press-release-in-apa-style.html
2. Enis, M. (2017, October). Adam Matthew Enables Full-Text Search of Handwritten Manuscripts. Library Journal. Retrieved from http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2017/10/technology/adam-matthew-enables-full-text-search-handwritten-manuscripts/#_

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Sitting for hours at a time can be hard on visitors’ bodies but standing all the time isn’t the answer either. Research supports the need for an active learning or working environments. By changing a person’s posture and helping them move throughout the day supports better wellness. In fact, a few minutes of activity at a time can be beneficial by increasing focus or improving mood, according to the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.  

Here are some ways to encourage staff and patrons to be more active:

• Awareness — Adding signage in key locations can help remind guests to move around more. Libraries can also provide posters or pamphlets that highlight America’s current state of health with tips to fight against chronic conditions, like heart disease and diabetes, which account for almost two-thirds of all United State’s deaths according to the American Diabetes Association. By making a short walking route through the library and creating a challenge to complete every visit, patrons may be more motivated to take a much-needed wellness break. With the wearable health sensor boom, some libraries are even loaning pedometers to patrons so they can keep track of their steps while searching for materials. Pedometers can keep guests more aware of their fitness and may even help them be more active during their visit. Another idea is for libraries to provide patrons with electronic devices that send pop-up messages after every hour to remind patrons that a few minutes of stretching or activity could help improve their health and productivity.
• Attractive Stairs —  Libraries that have multiple stories already have an easy way for people without mobility limitations to get needed activity. Taking the stairs rather than an elevator or escalator should be the default for patrons to use to gain more movement throughout their day. However, stairs need to be attractive to draw guests into using them. Stairs that feature daylight to brighten the area or highlight fun accents are likely to be used more often. Examples would be creating art on each step with different popular book titles or putting together an interactive display of authors that live in the state.
• Fitness Programs — Libraries across the United State and Canada are implementing and sustaining movement based programming for all ages. This includes fitness programs such as yoga, tai chi, Pilates and Zumba for adults including less strenuous sessions for seniors as well as story walks, dance parties and nerf wars for children.  For more ideas on how to get your patrons moving, Let’s Move in Libraries shares stories and experiences of how libraries across the United States are encouraging movement. There is also an interactive map of Canada and the United States that highlights movement-focused programs and services that can help you determine what other libraries in your area are sponsoring.

Movement is an important part of keeping patrons healthy which has become a main focus for public libraries. By creating an atmosphere that promotes well-being and motivates users to move their bodies, libraries are making a positive contribution to their communities welfare.

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The New Mexico State Library created activity trunks that contain books, lesson plans, and materials on a variety of STEM subjects including water play, measurements, reflections, and wind power. These trunks can be checked out for six to eight weeks by any public library.  Deanne Dekle, New Mexico State Library youth services and outreach consultant, said the library created 16 trunks that have been used by more than 3,000 people at 23 libraries in the state.  

Truchas Library

Library Director Julie Trujillo has the STEM to Read Program from 12:30-1:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday with the students of Truchas Preschool. The library already had a summer reading program and didn’t have to do much to include the extra STEM activities. Trujillo used the grant money to help fund field trips for the preschool students as well as a table full of magnets and other STEM based toys.

Virginia Padilla, head librarian at Truchas, said they focused on getting the children involved in hands-on activities. “It’s not just reading, but showing the kids manual skills too,” she said. [1]

Embudo Library

The Caterpillar Club, the library’s STEM to Read Program, is located at the community center next door to the Embudo Library on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The program has 10 to 12 toddlers every week for hands-on STEM labs and music sessions that help the children learn rhythm, recognize names, and take turns. Embudo Library has also added STEM lessons to its afterschool and summer reading programs.

Gaia Khan brought her two sons to the to the program every week until they were too old to participate. Her sons enjoyed making volcanoes and working on hands-on projects. “I really appreciate that the library continues to support the program,” she said. “It has really been valuable to a lot of kids in the community.” [2]  

El Rito Library

Attendance has been a problem for El Rito Library with weekly classes only averaging four children. To help increase patronage, Library Director Lynett Gillette began making monthly visits to the El Rito Elementary School. She was able to reach 15-20 more students each month through these visits. [4]

The STEM to Read program ended so kids could participate in the summer reading program, but STEM classes will resume on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon starting September 14.

The program gives children who typically grow up with only family interaction an opportunity to participate in peer group learning environments which will help these students when they reach elementary school.

Abiquiu Library

Librarians at Abiquiu also had problems getting children ages three to five to attend the STEM to Read program, so library officials decided to include visits to Canones Early Learning Center and the YDI Headstart. They were able to teach STEM lessons to 22 students every other week.

The library doesn’t have any specific plans to continue the STEM to Read program, but Librarian Rosalia Triana teaches STEM in the summer reading program which averages 30 kids ages six to 18.

Triana said she comes from an engineering family and tries to teach the children that engineering principles are not just for students who go to college, but it can be as simple as figuring out how to fix a bicycle.  

Although most of the rural libraries want to continue the STEM to Read program, it will hinge on the Rio Arriba County budget which will be voted on in September. The currently submitted copy includes a complete funding cut for the rural libraries. However, the programs are filled with experienced educators that will work hard to see the opportunity continue for more pre-literacy children.   

To check out a STEM trunk contact the New Mexico State Library’s Youth Services and Outreach Consultant, Deanne Dekle at deanne.dekle@state.nm.us or at (505) 476-9705.

References

1. Sisneros, J. (2017, July). Future Scientists Train at Rural Libraries. Rio Grande Sun. Retrieved from http://www.riograndesun.com/news/future-scientists-train-at-rural-libraries/article_f76f28d8-72e6-11e7-a4a2-63c592cd2b1b.html
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.

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City records revealed a sharp increase in 911 service calls from the Denver Library. Denver 911 received 18 calls for assaults and fights at the library in just the first four months of 2017.  911 had only received four calls from the library during the same time period the year before. Sexual assault calls from the library have also increased by 83 percent.  But the highest increase in calls was for drug overdoses. There were 44 calls for overdoses and there weren’t any calls in that category last year. Overall, 911 operators have received more than twice as many calls through April 2017 than they did in the same months last year at the Denver Public Library central branch. [1]

“We know that in this city and all over this country we have an opioid epidemic that’s taking place — there’s no need to hide from it,” Mayor Michael Hancock said. “We know for some reason — probably the uniqueness of the library – that these individuals are attracted to the library.” [2]

Since the first report, 911 operators received more calls from the library in May than it did in any other month in the last three years. While most of the calls were for medical problems including falling and trouble breathing, criminal offenses such as drug use and trespassing were still a problem.  

City officials including councilman Wayne New, believe one of the reasons for the increase in crime and overdoses is more people are being moved off the streets, because of Denver’s urban camping ban. While the library has provided services for the homeless by hiring two full-time social workers, the increase in crime and drug abuse has caused a shift in security protocols.  

Denver has recognized the issue and has increased police patrols in and around the library including 200 hours on-duty patrol and another 100 hours off-duty. Officers have made at least 19 arrests relating to trespassing and drug use since the change.

“I think it’s more of a deterrent than anything,” said City Librarian Michelle Jeske. “They’re very visible in the building. I think that makes staff feel comfortable and I think it has also pushed people out who were not partaking in the best the activities.”

According to a report after the undercover investigation, the city has allocated additional funds for more security cameras and are considering a plan to remodel the shelving to reduce the number of possible hiding places in the library. The Denver Public Library also plans to hire four more security guards as well as two more peer navigators who will help connect people suffering from addiction or need help finding housing. According to Jeske, sixty-two members of the staff have been trained on how to administer naloxone, an anti-overdose nasal spray. The staff have used the product nine times to prevent potentially fatal overdoses since the beginning of the year. [3]

Overall, the library staff believe they have seen improvements over the last month and the increased security, police presence, and public awareness has helped create a more welcoming and safe environment.  

References

1. Jojola, J., Wilcox, K., & Vap, N. (2017, May). Undercover Investigation: Overdoses and crime skyrocket at downtown library. Denver 9News. Retrieved from http://www.9news.com/news/local/investigations/undercover-investigation-overdoses-and-crime-skyrocket-at-downtown-library/440247035
2. Jojola, J. & Wilcox, K. (2017, May). Mayor acknowledges crime at Denver Public Library, as police increase patrols. Denver 9News. Retrieved from  http://www.9news.com/news/local/investigations/mayor-acknowledges-crime-at-denver-public-library-as-police-increase-patrols/441349001
3. Jojola, J. & Wilcox, K. (2017, June). Denver Public Library makes changes after 9News’ undercover report. Denver 9News. Retrieved from http://www.9news.com/news/local/investigations/denver-public-library-makes-changes-after-9news-undercover-report/453174736

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Epic! was founded in 2013 and launched its app in 2014. This on-demand digital library has grown to include approximately 25,000 books and educational videos appropriate for elementary students ages five through twelve. With publishing partners such as HarperCollins and National Geographic, Epic! brings a vast array of award-winning fiction and nonfiction to children’s fingertips, as well as audio books for them to read along with. Epic! also carries Spanish and Chinese books, along with bilingual versions of both languages.

In regards to his inspiration for the app, Donahue said, “We wanted to see if we could encourage kids to read more on digital devices even though videos and games are right there. We did that!”

Parents pay $4.99 per month for unlimited content with no ads or in-app purchases which will allow four different children’s profiles. The app must be connected to WiFi in order to stream connect, but books can be downloaded to be read offline which is great for family vacations. Epic! recommends books based on the child’s reading level and keeps a detailed log on which books they read and for how long. It also offers badges as a reward to keep children motivated to read and allows them to level up like they would in a video game the more they read. Epic! uses interest-driven focus to keep kids engaged allowing them to jump from a video into a book and other interactive content and back again. This allows children to surround themselves and read about things they are already interested in.

For educators, Epic! allows free access to the app and digital library. According to the company, 87 percent of K-5 schools in the U.S. are using Epic! for reading time in English language arts and other classes. Epic! allows educators to incorporate technology into their teachings as a way to engage students who have grown up in the digital age with mobile devices at their fingertips. Teachers can create profiles for all of their students and supplement their lessons with the books and videos provided. Epic! provides special book collections for a range of subjects including science, history, math, and government. They can also assign specific books to students and then create quizzes to test reading comprehension.

Many schools use Accelerated Reader (AR) or Lexile reading levels to determine what books a student should be reading. Students or parents can search for specific books using these parameters allowing Epic! to connect a child’s home education with the classroom. While Epic! does not have Accelerated Reader quizzes on its website, any book that has an AR number should have a corresponding quiz the student can take at school.

Reach Capital General Partner Jennifer Carolan said one of the reasons her firm invested in Epic! is the company’s ability to bridge the gap between home and school. “In classrooms all over, we saw Epic! spark children’s love for reading and inspire them to share their learning with others. We were impressed with Epic’s ability to capture the hearts of educators, children, and parents and create a seamless connection between school and home learning.”

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The original campaign called Books On The Underground started in London in 2012 by Hollie Fraser. She started out by leaving her personal copies of books behind for fellow readers, but soon found authors and publishers willing to give her duplicate titles for her movement. Just a year later, Rosy Kehdi reached out to Fraser to start a campaign in New York City called Books On The Subway. Since then Fraser and Kehdi have spread the movement to many other locations in Europe, Australia, Canada and  major cities in the U.S. like Washington, D.C. and Denver. Even celebrities like Emma Watson and Anna Kendrick have gotten involved in the initiative by hiding copies of their favorite books.

The newest campaign, Books On The T, started in Boston this spring on the area’s public commuter train and bus system. The movement will engage the community, encourage excitement about reading, and bring more literature into Bostonians’ lives. The founders Catherine Gaggioli, Judy Gelman, and Araceli Hintermeister plan to work with local publishers to highlight the Boston literary community by using books with local settings, authors, and topics of interest to local readers. They want to also include books by authors  in the Boston area on book tours.

Gaggioli said, “I think these projects are a celebration of the fact that people still love reading. These community projects are just like recommending a book to a friend, except the friend is the entire city.”

The program uses volunteers known as “book fairies” to deliver the reading material. They then hide the reading material in visible nook and crannies at various Boston stations. Each book has a distinctive sticker on the cover stating to take the book, read it, and then bring it back for others to enjoy. The book fairies use social media with the hashtag #BooksOnTheT to promote the location of the hidden treasures. The founders hope people who find the books will also post photos with the hashtag on social media to help increase awareness of the movement. These initiatives are combining digital and physical library elements together.

“Everyone is sharing what they’re reading, watching, and listening to all the time,” Gaggioli said. “Making the sharing physical again is exciting: instead of just reading someone’s tweet about a book they loved, you have the chance to actually encounter it unexpectedly in person.”    

The three organizers think the funnest part of the campaign will be deciding how to tie in a book’s theme with the secret location, for example, deciding which station to hide David Ortiz’s upcoming release. The hidden books will span all genres from picture books to fantasy and even poetry. Upcoming book titles include “Where’s Waldo,” “Patrick and the President,” and “On Turpentine Lane.” Check out the website’s calendar to find out dates when other titles are being delivered.

If your city has a large public transportation system and doesn’t already participate in the movement, you can check out the Books On The Move campaign website to learn how to get the initiative started. If you are located in areas that already have the program, you can get involved by becoming a book fairy. Spreading this movement and creating mobile libraries will grow a more literacy friendly environment in your city.

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“We must stand-up and voice our support for libraries to legislators and local, state and federal leaders,” said ALA President Julie Todaro. “Libraries and library workers transform lives every day through educational resources and expert guidance. The loss of crucial federal funding will have a profound impact on library services and the more than 1.5 billion who rely on them.”

President Trump’s proposed budget cuts for fiscal year 2018 includes elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) which serves as a critical funding resource for every state. More than $210 million could be cut from the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) programs. Services provided through LSTA grants vary depending on the creativity of the library that receives them. ALA hopes advocates will place at least five calls to legislators to ask for full support of the IMLS funding during Take Action for Libraries Day.

In Missouri, the IMLS helped expand collections of the Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library. They send informational and recreational materials in Braille and audio formats to Missourians with blindness, visual or physical impairment, or reading disabilities free of charge. The Pacific Library Partnership in California used funds to create Veteran Resource Centers. These centers helped veterans and their families connect with federal, state and local resources. For more information on what libraries in your state use IMLS funds for check out their website.

Take Action for Libraries Day is just the beginning of ALA’s plan for advocacy. National Library Legislative Day is May 1-2 in Washington, D.C. and it will bring together librarians, trustees, supporters, and patrons to meet with members of Congress to rally support for library issues and policies. If you can’t make the trip to D.C., ALA has a Virtual Library Legislative Day where you can watch a live broadcast of the advocacy webcast as well as contact Congress members by phone and email. The campaign is called Fight for Libraries and is providing ways for supporters to advocate for federal funding.  

Libraries house more than just books for our public communities, because they provide an atmosphere where social equality can flourish and numerous resources as well. Our nation’s libraries help students with research and sponsor reading programs while helping adults find employment, use the Internet, take computer and immigration classes, and have a quiet place to study. Libraries need federal funding in order to continue to service the local community, so during National Library Week teach patrons about advocacy and take action by contacting members of Congress.  

Reference:

http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2017/03/take-action-libraries-day-launch-during-national-library-week​

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The library started a free citizenship preparation class when they saw a need in their patron base. The classes teach basic U.S. history, offers a review of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) “100 Questions,” and lets participants practice the citizenship exam and interview.

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a long process and can cost thousands of dollars. Immigrants have to first become a permanent resident and get their Green Card and then wait three to five years before they can apply for citizenship. Once the application is processed and approved, the next step is an interview with a USCIS officer, who will test applicants’ basic understanding of English and ask ten of the 100 possible questions (six of the ten must be answered correctly).

Although people need advanced English skills to participate in the citizenship class, the library also provides free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, which teach basic English reading, writing, and conversation skills. ESL classes can be the first step to prepare for citizenship courses for immigrants with little English knowledge. “A lot of our students are either business owners themselves or hard workers,” said Daniel Russo with RISE. “These folks have a lot to offer the community and it only makes sense to integrate them farther.”

As of December 2014, the US labor force had absorbed 25.7 million immigrants. Some of these are highly skilled workers filling the talent shortage gap. An Abilene Christian University resource states that out of the 35.7 million immigrants living in the United States aged 25 and older, 28 percent have gained at least a bachelor’s degree. Modern businesses have discovered that diversity in the workplace can spur innovation, boost productivity, and cultivate loyalty among staff without compromising service delivery or revenue growth. According to a recent academic study, over 25 percent of U.S. businesses are owned by minorities. Additionally, 77 percent of CEOs stated that workplace diversity improved customer satisfaction, while 75 percent credit it with addressing emerging consumer needs effectively.

Without the help of public librarians, many of these immigrants may have never been able to pass the citizenship test or find permanent jobs. The United States is a melting pot of races and ethnicities, and the public library has become a sanctuary for these immigrants to access the Internet and  resources as well as connect with their new communities. 

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Santa Clarita Public Library (CA) started their Dial-A-Story program in January 2017. Stories are selected by staff librarians and recorded by staff and local storytellers. City Librarian Kelly Behle said, “Dial-A-Story is a creative way that librarians are able to extend the storytime experience at home.”

Dial-A-Story can also be a supplement to children’s reading lessons at school. Many libraries list the stories that will be played each week so parents can check out the book ahead of time, and children can read along with the taped version. According to a 2013 study, 65 percent of fourth graders were reading below the proficiency standard. Dial-A-Story can help students with their vocabulary, listening skills, and reading comprehension, all of which contribute to greater reading proficiency.

Dial-A-Story en Español encourages Spanish speaking families to read together in the language they are most comfortable with. More and more libraries are adding this option as their number of Spanish speaking patrons increase. Seattle Public Library also offers their stories in Chinese. The Denver Public Library offers a variety of recorded stories: bilingual preschool stories and songs (English and Spanish), stories for children from kindergarten through fifth grade, and some longer stories for older children.

Dial-A-Story is a great way for parents to spend time reading with their children outside of the library. The free program can help children escape digital media and learn to enjoy the simple act of reading. Dial-A-Story will also help young children get ready to read and help school-aged children progress better when taking standardized reading tests. Reading is an important aspect of everyday life and Dial-A-Story can help foster a love for reading early in childhood.

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