We hope you miss us, because we miss you too! Over the last few weeks, the Southlake Public Library made adjustments to accommodate their happy readers while observing social distancing.
“We were heartbroken when our doors had to close, but as soon as the bolt turned, we began conversations about what we could do,” Public Library Deputy Director Cynthia Pfledderer said.
In recent weeks, the Southlake Public Library team brought customers book reviews, comforting recipes, science experiments, online Story Time and now curbside service.
“All programs were canceled and Story Time was our primary concern. Lots of little ones were displaced from their regular routine and we wanted to put some normalcy back into that.”
The Library team got creative and shortened their Story Time sessions for online viewing and then expanded online programming to help entertain everyone while they were staying at home. They sent out all of their weekly videos on social media and as part of their email newsletter.
“Our ideas come from our history of working with the interests of our customers. We always start by thinking of the demands on our Southlake families. How can we help them? How can we encourage and uplift them? How can we make them laugh? Ideas also pop up from things our team members discover – like the Getty Museum challenge,” said Pfledderer, “What fun that was!”
Pfledderer said the Library team has learned over the years that joy comes from focusing on and building up others.
“We have the opportunity to do that every day and our customers are so generous with kind words in return. We are often choked up over sweet words or a hand drawn picture from a child to their librarian,” Pfledderer said. “Don’t tell anyone – but we have the best jobs in the world.”
During this time of stress and uncertainty, the Library wants to be a place of comfort, resiliency and growth, where customers can find a friendly face.
The Library’s new curbside delivery now offers readers the chance to once again experience the magic of an actual paper book, like Southlake author Connie Cooley’s new book, Goodnight, Southlake, which will be available soon.
“We have tried to make your Library a welcoming space filled with fun, education and connection,” Pfledderer said. “We are determined to offer you as much of your Library as we can during this period of distance.”
Whether it’s picking up a book through curbside service, reading an online magazine or watching online Story Time, the Library has something for everyone!
For more information, please contact the Southlake Public Library at 817-748-8243, follow us on Facebook or visit www.SouthlakePublicLibrary.com
Are you a fan and frequent visitor to the Southlake Public Library? You’re in good company.
In 2019 alone, the library received more than 135,000 visitors.
According to a recent Gallup poll, Southlake isn’t the only city across the country receiving attention from visitors. The survey, taken from December 2-15, 2019, revealed that Americans visit their local public library an average of 10.5 times per year. That’s nearly twice as much as attending a movie at a movie theater, which occurs at a rate of 5.3 times per year.
A quick stroll through Southlake’s Public Library, and you’ll understand its popularity and draw. From free coffee or tea to reading nooks for children and adults alike, the library has a cozy, quiet atmosphere. It also has a host of resources for all ages, including computers, meeting rooms and, of course, stacks of books.
If the book stacks are intimidating, you might ask the library staff for help locating a book or even reading suggestions. If there’s a younger reader with you, the team might suggest checking out their most popular book, Barbie: A fairy secret, which has been checked out 1,093 times!
While books may line the walls, the library offers much more than just reading material.
“Our goal is to make the library a fun place for discovery and a welcoming place to spend time,” Cynthia Pfledderer said. “We look at every aspect of the Library and ask – how do we make this the best it can be with our available resources?”
For staff members, improvement at the library is always a moving target because the needs and interests of the community are continually evolving.
“Fortunately, our staff is energized by the challenge. We love finding new ways to delight our patrons,” Cynthia said. “There’s just no substitute for knowing your community, and the trick is to stay connected to them so the ideas come organically.”
Items available for check out at the Southlake Public Library include audiobooks on CD, eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, DVDs, music CDs, magazines, business journals, online research databases, and online children’s books. Library cards are available to Southlake residents with a proof of residence address or property ownership. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to obtain a library card.
The Southlake Library is located on the first floor of Town Hall in Southlake Town Square at 1400 Main Street, Suite 130, Southlake, TX 76092. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and closed on Sunday.
For more information on the Library, visit https://www.cityofsouthlake.com/93/Library.
