LIED SCOTTSBLUFF PUBLIC LIBRARY
Lied Scottsbluff Public Library delivers high quality public education for all ages
More About Us
The Library's mission is focused on delivering high quality public education for all ages. Education is a key economic driver. The freedom to pursue education is a must for any community to thrive. Through library print and digital resources, as well as multiple continuing education workshops, the Library is ensuring equitable educational opportunities to all in the community regardless of age, race or socio-economic status. Through early literacy programs and resources, the library reduces the negative effect poverty can have on school performance for all children.
The Lied Scottsbluff Public Library's current need is funding for programming, especially outreach. The pandemic has created a barrier where there previously was none, and that barrier is being in our space physically. While we have reopened our doors to our patrons, there are many who are still not comfortable being in public spaces. The library provides services such as technology assistance, materials checkout, guest speakers, reading programs, and much more that are no longer available to these patrons. We are focusing on bringing the library to the community, whether it be in an outdoor venue, a care facility, or their personal home.
TESTIMONIALS
"Our public library is a wonderful resource for our community. The staff continues to come up with fresh ideas and activities to gain interest and participation among old and new library patrons. In particular I would like to highlight the non reading services our library offers, which includes but is not limited to quilting machines, photocopies, notary, internet, and decal machines; just to name a few. These services are a unique and essential aspect of our library to help support small businesses, hobby crafters or individuals with legal or personal needs that may require resources they are otherwise unable to obtain. Our library truly is a welcoming and inclusive place where people of all ages and backgrounds can find something to enjoy. " - Stephanie Gochoel
"We moved to town when my kids were very young. I didn't know many people, and the library was a welcoming and wonderful place to spend a morning. In the children's section, the shelves are lower for the kids, and they loved being able to reach all the books. The books meant for babies are on the floor in bins, so they can reach them too. It really made me realize, they want the kids to touch and interact with these books!
"The 100 best book wall was one of the kids' favorite shelves, because every book is extra special and they are displayed facing out so the kids can see the front cover. Our pile of books was always tall heading home from the library. Plus they didn't limit how many books we checked out. They wanted us to take them home!
The librarians have picked out those 100 best books for the wall. They are books that kids really enjoy and can relate to, and the ones that my kids want to check out again and again. After reading all 100 the library gave us a Champion Reader yard sign to celebrate the kids and their love of reading. The librarians took time that day they gave us the sign to talk to the kids and learn about their favorite books, and even took a picture with them. The 100 books can be checked out in English or Spanish and there are multiple copies of each book so you can almost always find one to check out.
Sometimes the children's librarian will read one of the 100 best wall books during story hour. The story hour is much more than just reading books. It is an inclusive experience where everyone is welcome. Kids interact with songs and movement while they further their enjoyment and wonder of books and stories. We went to story time most weeks. Sometimes my baby was crying, sometimes my two year old wouldn't sit down and sometimes my older kids wanted to come too. I was always welcome, and I was always glad I came.
Story hour works hand in hand with the 100 best books on the wall because they both give kids a way to enjoy the books. The story hours have themes and the librarians pick out books for those themes so all the kids need to do is pick that book up from the back table to check out. Story hour happens both during the day and again in the evening once a week. There is usually a schedule sitting out at the library of the exact dates." - Beth Merrigan
TESTIMONIALS
"Of course, we all expect a library to have books, periodicals, and other written materials! There are some of us who love to be among them; to pull one from a shelf and feel its heft, the weight of its words. Our library provides us this opportunity. But access to information is much more than this. Our library offers access to search engines tor specialized information sources like language learning, journal articles, legal information, genealogy, and much more. Can't get to the library? Check out an e-book on overdrive with your library card. Can't find a book you want? Ask for interlibrary loan." - Anne Radford
"I will never forget my first year as a parent, throwing two toddlers (who are now 15 and 13) into the summer reading program. What sounded 'like a good idea' to participate in, became an invaluable asset that summer. Every week, my son looked forward to the special summer reading Story-Time with Miss Deb, who made every single book fun and exciting with her enthusiasm. Then, afterwards, he would be able to bounce around the children's section with several other kids who also came from storytime, and check out alllllll the books. Kids who want to read books and earn prizes know how to wipe out some shelves! During that time, I was able to browse the shelves with my daughter and spend quality time with her, reading and looking at pictures together. Various other program activities throughout the summer weeks and months, such as live shows put on by comedians and artists, became special outings that we looked forward to. As my kids have grown up and their interests have changed, they have been able to transition into the teen summer reading program and maintain their love of reading, even with the crazy busy summer schedules of camps and sports and friends that older kids tend to have. And, rather than just wanting to earn prizes now, they also look forward to trying out different books that they otherwise do not have time to get to, during the busy school year. Our summer reading program is a Rockstar resource in the community that fosters a true sense of accomplishment with every book that is read and encourages a lifelong routine of literacy." - Josie Olenick
