Joint Meeting with Uniondale Public Library

Uniondale Public Library via kwout

We held our annual joint meeting with the Uniondale Public Library librarians on December 21. We appreciate the librarians' gracious hospitality and the opportunity to share information about programs and initiatives. A sampling of these is listed below.

1. The public library is investigating the possibility of adding VMWare to two of its computer workstations--one for elementary students, and one for secondary--to allow student patrons who visit the library to log onto their files and access programs stored on the Uniondale School District network.

2. The winter reading club sponsored by the library is in full swing. With a theme of monster trucks, students who participate will have the chance to be part of a raffle that awards the lucky winner with a visit to the Monster Jam Truck Show.

3. The public librarians shared information about other reading programs including Together We Read for grades 1-5 and Bilingual Adventures for students in grades K-3.

4. Global Village will be held on January 22. California Avenue Chorus and the high school jazz band will be among the special groups featured.

5. Spanish-speaking parents are invited for conversation in English and Spanish a few times a month.

6. A book discussion group in Spanish is planned.

7. School librarians were asked to remind students and their parents/guardians of the museum pass program which allows reservations for free museum visits.

8. Library card registration can take place online. Once the process is complete, residents have to show identification with an address in person at the library. Work-in-district library registration also can take place online. Proof of employment and one additional identification item must be shown.

9. The Young Adult Services division is planning a LI Empowerment Academy--6 week program to motivate teens, expose them to the arts, provide practice in conflict resolution, offer a book discussion, boost self-esteem. Participants will share what they learn with their peers.

10. Outreach to the middle and high schools will be increased this year through visits to classes cooperatively arranged through the librarians and Gear Up.

11. The library is facilitating reading on mobile devices by implementing a "try before you buy" program. Residents can use varied devices in the library and have the support of a designated staff member who will assist.

The school librarians will continue to promote the use of the public library by publicizing programs with their students. The school librarians discussed how the introduction of common core standards is impacting collection development as well as teaching and research strategies. We all look forward to future collaboration as our partnership continues to flourish.