Happy New Year

So many wonderful things have taken place in 2012 through Library Outreach Services. We recognized the diverse cultures in our community by promoting our collection and hosting cultural programs and activities such as Dia de los Ninos, Dia de los Libros, Hispanic Heritage month, Native American Heritage month, Asian Pacific Heritage month, African American History and Older Americans month. We collaborated with the Latin American Coalition and Child Support Enforcement to bring job seeking opportunities into the community. We have continued to increase the number of homebound customers served through our Library by Mail program. We are  delighted to see the change in children's and parents behavior and attitude when they realize the joy of learning and reading through our early literacy programs and workshops.

Our two newest staff members, Ursula Jacobs-Guidry and Pamela McCarter have hit the ground running fast! Ursula is quickly establishing her role as the family literacy coordinator with successful programs and activities at the YWCA Central Carolinas and other community organizations such as the Department of Social Services, Carolina Healthcare System and Presbyterian Hospital. Pamela is getting a reputation for being a technology "Guru" as she lends technology support and other job searching resources to non-custodial parents at Child Support Enforcement.

In addition to working directly with customers and community members, the Outreach Team can also be found actively working on local and national committees such  Mecklenburg County Aging and Advisory Committee, United Way of the Central Carolinas, Smart Start, Bilingual Preschool and the McCory YMCA Senior Advisory Committee. Two staff members are also actively involved in several ALA (American Library Association) boards and committees including the grants and scholarship rewards committee, Special Populations and YALSA.



What is next for Outreach; where do we go from here? Well quoting Timothy from my new favorite movie, "The Odd Life of Timothy Green" I (we) can only get better. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is in the process of developing its strategic plan. The plan will provide the library with priorities that support the communities need, vision and Mecklenburg County priorities. Outreach will use this plan as a blue print as we continue to serve and work in the community. We are also working strategically with internal divisions (Adults, Teens and Children's) to provide efficient and effective customer service.

New Book Shelf at the Latin American Coalition with Veronica Corral and Ursula Jacobs' Guidry

All this means is we welcome 2013! We are honored to continue to serve our customers and communities. Look for opportunities to complete surveys to give  feedback that will help us improve serving you and others. Feel free to forward immediate feedback on outreach services and this post to Meryle A. Leonard; Outreach Manager.