Tasman District Council - Te Kaunihera o te tai o Aorere’s Post

Employee Spotlight: Meet Our Assistant Library Director, Joe Saloom! As the Assistant Library Director for Flagler County, he oversees various responsibilities ensuring Flagler County's libraries are vibrant community hubs. From managing facilities and resources to coordinating innovative programs and teaching technology classes, his role bridges technology with community access to knowledge.   One of his proudest achievements is developing and implementing a technology education program for adults. He started in 2015 with ten computers, paid for by a grant, and has taught hundreds of classes to thousands of residents over the years.   When asked if any mentors have influenced his career, he said, “I’m celebrating 24 years in the library field this month. The most influential person in my career has been Holly Albanese, who taught me to always advocate for libraries and library staff.” When not immersed in library endeavors, Joe indulges in sci-fi literature and conventions, particularly reveling in the Star Trek universe.   Meanwhile, in this universe, Joe enjoys outdoorsy adventures, like exploring the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks.   Fun fact: He enjoys cars and car culture. He’s restored a car and enjoys racing it at tracks.   Favorite things: 📚Sherlock Holmes Mysteries 🎥Star Trek (All editions) 🍣Sushi   Favorite quote: "Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one." - Neil Gaiman   What do you have in common with Joe? Let us know in the comments #EmployeeSpotlight #FlaglerCounty #FlaglerFIRST #Librarian

📚✨ Why Library Advocacy Matters Today ✨📚 In a world where information is at our fingertips, it's easy to overlook the profound role that libraries play in our communities. Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books; they are vibrant centers of learning, innovation, and community engagement. Here's why advocating for our libraries is crucial: 1. Equal Access to Information: Libraries provide free access to books, internet, and educational resources, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has the opportunity to learn and grow. 2. Community Hubs: Libraries serve as safe spaces where people can gather, share ideas, and engage in community activities. They host events, workshops, and clubs that foster a sense of belonging and community spirit. 3. Lifelong Learning: From early literacy programs for children to technology training for seniors, libraries offer resources and programs that support lifelong learning and personal development. 4. Support for Students: Libraries provide essential resources for students of all ages, from homework help and study spaces to access to academic databases and research materials. 5. Cultural Preservation: Libraries preserve local history and culture, offering archives, special collections, and programs that celebrate and educate about our diverse heritage. 6. Bridging the Digital Divide: In an increasingly digital world, libraries help bridge the digital divide by offering access to computers, the internet, and digital literacy training. By supporting and advocating for our libraries, we ensure that these vital institutions continue to thrive and serve our communities. Let's stand together to protect and promote our libraries, for they are the heart of our communities and the gateways to a brighter future. #SaveSchoolLibraries #SchoolLibrariesMatter #YoungShallGrow #ReadersAreLeaders

#InTheNews: Penguin Random House and United for Libraries announced a new grant program serving rural and small libraries across the country. The initiative will serve rural and small libraries in need across the country through grant funds, education, and in-depth training. Click here to read more about this new initiative: https://lnkd.in/eDeaYcaZ #penguinrandomhouse #unitedforlibraries

📚 “When in doubt, go to the library!” — a motto we can all live by! I recently collaborated with Parkland County Libraries to design a fun, branded bookmark that doubles as an alternative to traditional business cards. On one side, you’ll find lighthearted bookish humor to make you smile, while the other side features all the branch contact info you need to connect with your local library. This project was all about making information accessible in a way that aligns with the library’s mission and personality. It also ties into a series of totes I created previously, highlighting how libraries go beyond books—they’re community hubs for learning, creating, and connecting. Here’s why this bookmark works: ✅ It’s functional and fun—ensuring people hold onto it longer than a typical business card. ✅ It reinforces the library’s brand and their role as a go-to community resource. ✅ It serves as a reminder that libraries are evolving to meet the needs of modern communities. Designing for organizations like Parkland County Libraries is always a rewarding experience because of the positive impact they have on local communities. What’s your favourite thing about libraries today? Share below! ⬇️

Today marks my one-year anniversary as Director of the Red Hook Public Library. It has been a year of growth, creativity, inspiration, and of course challenge. But it was also easily the most gratifying and fulfilling year of my professional life. Over the past year, my team - staff, board, and volunteers - developed innovative services, including a Naturalist-in-Residence program with the incomparable Susan Fox Rogers (you must read her books!), who led us on weekly bird walks and opened our minds to wonder of our natural surroundings; launched a Seed Library, lending out 100s of packets of seeds already in our first two months; grew our digital collection, which saw a 30% increase in circulation this year; secured close to $200,000 in grants for construction, collections, programs, and services; started a Kid Librarian program to inspire the next generation of librarians, passed our public budget vote by a 3:1 margin (and a 29% increase in yay votes compared to last year); and most importantly, spread Library joy to our community and beyond. And we’re just getting started. When I tell people that I’m a Library Director, they often respond along the lines of: “Oooh I wish I had your job. I would love to just read all day.” Now, you want to tell them that in between financial reporting, plunging toilets and taking out the garbage, hiring and training staff, writing policies, strategic planning, ordering materials, program planning, marketing, outreach, relationship building and applying for grants...so many grants (!!), there’s very little time to actually read. But instead, you smile and say something like, “The Library is a magical place.” And you know, it truly is!  

No space? No problem. Sure, many founders, especially those with small groups, meet in their homes. But many of our microschool founders take advantage of public gathering spots including libraries, community buildings, and churches. Yes, an understanding of applicable laws and regulations is necessary, but that is what the Microschool America community is here for. Don't let a lack of space be your reason not to move forward with your dream of operating a microschool. The opportunities are endless. #microschooling #microschools #churchschool

💥 New Resource: Community Conversation Guide 💥 The library's role in communities has become vastly different than originally conceived, but community stakeholders do not always know the extent of the work that libraries do. Hosting a community conversation at the library can be a powerful way to build awareness. ULC's new "Beyond Books: A Conversation Guide" resource for library professionals is intended to support hosting community conversations about the changing role of libraries, highlighting community impacts and building local support. This resource would be best suited for branch managers and library leaders who are new to hosting community conversations. Users will find recommendations such as developing a project plan, suggestions for inviting community stakeholders, and tips for staying connected with local community leaders after the event. Also available within the guide are brainstorming worksheets, a printable discussion guide and sample outreach materials to get you started. Get started now: https://lnkd.in/eZXj_FTC

How Libraries Help Anchor Moving Families https://lnkd.in/eW8mfiRr

Take it from a librarian: you can find so much more at your library than books on a shelf. For decades, libraries have become centers for community engagement, where you can find something new to learn, meet others through your interests and hobbies, and plug into resources you might not have seen otherwise. Librarians are at the heart of that work. It’s why supporting them is so important, and why libraries deserve our full support, each and every day. As a librarian shares here, libraries are at their best when they’re accessible for people of all ages, equipped to serve a wide variety of needs, and kept alive by engaged patrons! You can stop into your local branch today to find out the best ways to participate — and best of all, just showing up and registering for a library card is a powerful way to advocate for libraries and the librarians who keep them running. #Libraries #Library #Librarians #LibraryAdvocacy