Day Four--Needlework in the Morning, NC Room

9:00 am - 2:00 pm
5 hours
Total hours to date: 21.5

Today, I started out helping Cassie, the Adult Program Coordinator, set up for "Needlework in the Morning." This is a small group of women who meet from 10 am to 12 noon on the 2nd and 4th Fridays each month and sit together to socialize and do needlework--crochet, knitting, crewel, etc. This meeting occurs when the library is closed to the public, so those participating enjoy a period of uninterrupted time and have more freedom to speak without worrying about noise. Light refreshments are provided, and the atmosphere is casual and friendly. I wish that I had known ahead of time that I would be in this group because I could have brought my own crochet supplies, but Cassie gave me some yarn and a needle. I haven't crocheted in about 3 years, and I only have a minimal, beginner's experience, so I was able to get some help and advice from the other ladies. By the end of the two hours, I felt as if I had made friends with the ladies as well as gotten a jumpstart on my crocheting skills. It really was fun and I felt a little guilty because it didn't feel like work to me to spend time with these ladies. Although the activity isn't directly tied to books or literacy, some of the discussion centered around books, travel, and an interesting conversation on the pros and cons of e-readers. This type of programming is designed to foster a sense of community, sharing, and learning, which is integral to a library's mission.

Aside from my time with the needlework group, I was able to help Jeannie pull books that had been requested by patrons and I helped Gail in the NC room with copying and dating newspaper clippings and excerpts from books. I was also able to help a patron/volunteer in the NC room with Microsoft Word and I spent a small amount of time working at the front desk. From my discussions with the director, Mr. Wilson, I have learned that programming is a very important component of the Burke County Public Library services. I feel like he has directed me toward access to these programs while I have been here because he wants me to get a feel for these types of library services. So far, I have enjoyed all of the work I've been involved with at the library, from the mundane clerical tasks to the special programs.