Page 130 - Watauga FY21 Budget

GENERAL FUND

DEPARTMENT: LIBRARY
DIVISION / ACTIVITY: LIBRARY SERVICES – FUND 01-060
LOCATION: HOURS OF OPERATION:
7109 Whitley Road Monday & Thursday 12:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Watauga, Texas 76148 Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Phone Number: 817-514-5855 Saturday 12:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
MISSION / PROGRAMS / SERVICES:

The Watauga Public Library is committed to enriching the community through access to informational,
educational, cultural, recreational, and lifelong learning materials in a variety of formats. The Library
anticipates and responds to the library needs of the community and offers a variety of classes, lectures,
workshops, and services in a professional, efficient, caring, and friendly manner. The four core
purposes of public libraries are: 1) Learning, 2) Literacy, 3) Information, and 4) Community Spaces.
FY2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS / ACHEIVEMENTS:

x New & Noteworthy Events at the Library related to Civic / Community Engagement /
Cultivating Community / Job Skills / Digital Inclusion / Economic Issues / Early Childhood
Literacy / Family Development & Enrichment / Education / Lifelong Learning Issues
1. Art Events - Due to the Coronavirus our annual “Wake up the Walls” art event was a bit
different. The art had been turned in before we were instructed to close. So instead of
the usual gathering of young artists & proud parents, a video walk through of the art
entrees were posted to social media. After judging the winners were announced online
(March ‘20).
2. Author Appearances - We were thrilled to host Mark R. Ellenbarger (Drawing Fire:
A Pawnee Artist & Thunderbird in World War II) (Oct. ’19)
3. Web/Mobil App - The Library used a new online tool called “BeanStack” to bring an
entirely online summer reading experience. Adult and Youth participants transitioned
from paper based reading logs to a new online reading tracker. This summer using
online and hosting virtual events the best way to offer library services without putting the
community at risk (June ’20).
4. Curbside service - As the first step in reopening the library services curbside pickup was
developed (May ’20).
5. Gardening – Caring for Houseplants (Jan. ’20), Vegetable gardening (Feb. ‘20)
6. Health Events - Community Fitness Chat (Feb. ’20), Yoga Class (Monthly until March
‘20), 10 Ways to Optimize your Health (Jan. ’20),
7. Historical Presentation - Union Soldier Presentation (Feb. ’20)
8. Library Mystery - “Cruising for Murder” (Jan. ’20)
9. Library Needs Assessment completed (Sept. ’20)
10.Music Events - Sarah Copus (Jan. ’20),
11.Online presence – To reach out to Watauga Citizens the Library staff began creating
multiple informational videos to inform folks of online resources and continue literacy
content. Some of the videos were: “Explore RB Digital for access to e-audio books, e-
graphic novels & e-magazines,” “Pronunciator Database Tour,” “Universal Class,”
“Consumer Reports,” “Chilton Online Manuals,” “Mother Goose Storytime with Miss
Barbara,” “Spanish Storytime with Miss Rosa,” “What does the Library Mean to You?”
and more; Using social media (Slides on the City Library web page, Facebook, Twitter &
Instagram) to promote digital resources (March ’20).
12.Partnership – The library and Goodwill were on the verge of beginning a new partnership
this spring which would have brought both computer classes & job fairs to the library.
Unfortunately, our plans were derailed by the Coronavirus or COVID-19 crisis. We look
forward to the day when we can bring these excellent resources in the library building
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