A lot’s going on at Clarkston Independence District Library before Summer Reading starts in June.
“This is an exciting time to come in ? a whole new start,” said Lawrence Marble, the new head of Adult Services. “It’s nice come in here, see what is being done, and what we can do.”
Reestablished as a district library last year, they have reorganized the entire library.
“There’s lots going on ? Lawrence brings fresh new ideas to take a look at,” said Keegan Sulecki, head of technical services. “This is an opportunity to restructure things. We’re all really excited.”
Changes include new and reorganized book collections, better labeling ? including stickers saying “large print” instead of blue stickers ? online databases loaded with community profiles and statistics, and updated reference works.
“A lot of the reference books are extremely outdated ? it’s time to retire them,” Marble said.
At the front of the library is a new business section, with brochures, copiers, fax, and other resources.
“One-stop right up front to help business start ups and planning,” Marble said. “We want it to be ready for them in one section.”
New books, DVDs, CDs and other items were moved deeper into the library, and are now grouped together across from the reference desk. The new classic-novel section groups all the works typically used by teens in school together in one area, instead of scattered through the fiction section.
Readers ages 9-12 also get a section, with The Hundred Dresses, Ranger’s Apprentice, The 39 Clues and other book series.
“We have some really great series,” said Andrea Tietz, head of children and teen services. “We wanted to make them more visible, with room to grow.”
The new early literature section will include concept collections of books, CDs, and other materials on spelling, word recognition, counting, colors, shapes, and other themes to take home or work on in the library, Tietz said.
They plan to work on reorganization a section at a time until summer, then pick up again the summer program ends.
“The library board has been very supportive,” Marble said. “They’re looking for us to take the reins and make positive changes. I’m really excited ? this is an opportunity redefine ourselves.”
“I think it’s wonderful,” Tietz said.
Summer Reading is an annual program open to all ages, with literacy and community events throughout the season. This year’s theme is ‘Make a Discovery at Your Library.?
Kick-off is Monday, June 24, 6-8 p.m. at the library. Oakland County Parks will help launch the event with retro games, sponsored by’Clarkston Community Women’s Club.?
Summer Reading runs five weeks and ends with a final celebration on Monday, Aug. 5, from 7-8 p.m. for children, and Wednesday, Aug. 7, 3:30 p.m. for teens. Call 248-625-2212.