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Library programs offer something for everyone
The lazy days of summer are here - except at the Dripping Springs Community Library (DSCL), which is buzzing with a variety of free programs for all ages, including beekeeping, mycology, coding, ukelele, crafts and theatrical productions. This packed lineup of programs is transforming the space into one of the town’s busiest summer hubs.
“If you ever wondered if libraries are still relevant, it's a resounding yes,” Mindy Laird, DSCL Executive Director said. “People need a place to come and connect. They need a place to feel belonging, and families need places where they can bring their children for free activities and to engage in their community for free. And that's what we aim to do.”
The survey says they are succeeding. The library was just named Nonprofit of the Year and Best in Children’s Entertainment in the Best of Dripping Springs contest (see other results in this issue).
There are 219 readers actively participating in the library’s summer reading program, so far collecting 148,168 minutes of reading in all age ranges as of press time. And in the month of June alone, more than 1,000 people have attended children’s programs at the library.
“The turnout at these events is incredible,” Jessica Segur, the library’s new Programs Manager, said. “We have to limit it per registration, and they're filled with wait lists.”
Sigur’s role is oversee all programs and make sure the library has robust offerings that meet the needs of all ages, and that focus on innovation in multiple areas. She said her vision is to have programs addressing the whole person, such as wellness, technology, creativity, book events and literacy. They are also looking for innovative ways to serve the community.
“The Friends of the Library just helped us to buy podcasting equipment,” Sigur said. “Patrons will be able to check it out, so it could help support small businesses or anyone trying to get started with a podcast.”
The library also offers Stay Sharp kits, which are designed for aging adults and seniors. They are made by Penworthy. Each bag has a theme, and contains activities that promote memory and engagement. In addition, the library has partnered with the local Wildbirds Unlimited to create birding bags.
“People can check out these bags and they've got guides, they've got books, they have binoculars. They have logs and activities for kids,” Laird said. “You could check out this bag and take your family to go birdwatching in our community.”
Laird said that there’s a growing trend for libraries to offer more experiences, and she feels that is an important responsibility of libraries. One way DSCL is doing that is by offering passes to other area attractions that patrons can check out.
“We've purchased community passes to the Thinkery Museum where people can bring up to six people for free on one pass to the Thinkery,” Laird said. “We just purchased, again with support from the Friends of the Library, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center passes. So now we're able to offer that to our community for them to experience these places for free.”
Laird said that Friends of the Dripping Springs Library regularly supports the library’s summer programming, which gives them a needed boost during their busiest time of the year. This year, the group dedicated $30,000 for that purpose.
“We try to take those funds from the Friends and we really just make the most of them when we have the opportunity to capture as many people as possible,” Laird said.
Laird said they are constantly looking for ways to build upon the topics that grab the community’s interest. One such area is gardening, which led to the creation of a seed library, where people can donate seeds or take seeds.
“We've had a great response to the seed library, and people being able to just grab a few seeds on the way out to plant at home,” Laird said.
The Hays County Master Gardeners held a class where they showed people how to give back their seeds as well, to keep the collection going. They’ve also assisted the library with its own gardens.
“They've been really helpful - the Master Naturalists and the Master Gardeners - with helping us replant native friendly plants outside that can tolerate heat,” Laird said. “Whenever they come out here, I'm always learning something from them about the plants that we have outside.”
Another improvement the library made recently was to the courtyard right outside the children’s library. The fence needed to be replaced, and it didn’t have many activities. They invested in new outdoor furniture and toys, so kids can learn, build and explore. The area is being used by patrons much more frequently now.
“Even when it's really hot outside, that courtyard is so well shaded,” Sigur said.”It's a perfect little courtyard.”
Wonder Books are another new addition for children at the library. They are physical books that include an audio book. They are available in Spanish and in English.
“They've just been a hit. People love to check these out,” Laird said. “It can give the child a little bit of independence when reading, and they're really engaging. It's not just a robotic voice, it’s a cast. It's like a performance, sometimes with music.”
Wonder Books are just part of the efforts the library has been making to update and revolutionize its collections.
“With our whole acquisitions team, whether it's children's or adults or young adults, we've been very intentional about making sure that we have the tools to analyze data and really respond to what our community wants,” Laird said.
Laird, who served as Library Director before moving into her new position as Executive Director, said part of her new responsibilities will be to connect more with small businesses and supporters in the community, to listen to what their needs are and try to meet those needs.
“We're in the plans for building a new library, and so we've really got to make sure that we are always stepping up our programming to continue to support our growing community and our growing number of patrons,” Laird said.
