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Library Director's Report
David Berry

In contrast to past months, July has been fairly quiet at HPL. (Whew!) The Summer Reading Program is still chugging along, and increasing numbers of people are signing up for reservations to browse through the stacks, work on the computers or just sit and study. Curbside pickup is also in full swing. While it still feels unusually empty in the library, it’s a lot less desolate than it was in April.

In a sign that normal life is picking up again, of our long-time substitutes, Jerri Nagaruk, has come back on the job. Jerri delivered library materials to homebound patrons for years, and we’re glad to see her once more. Homebound deliveries resumed on July 13 and will be done every Monday, at least for now.

For some years there has been a global trend toward eliminating fines at public libraries. There are many reasons: to boost literacy rates, to assist poor patrons and reduce economic inequality, to eliminate a time-consuming chore that eats up a lot of staff effort, and on and on. At the meeting of the Library Advisory Board on July 7, staff introduced a proposal to abolish fines. The Board voted unanimously to recommend adopting the proposal, and forwarded it to the City Council for consideration.

As always, the library is extremely grateful to the Friends. FHL has taken the lead on clearing out brush in the western lot and keeping the plants outside the library watered, not to mention programs like Second Sunday Shakespeare and the book club. Thanks to all of you, for helping to keep the library in fine form. We couldn’t manage without your assistance.

Best wishes!
Dave Berry
Director, Homer Public Library
907-435-3151
dberry@ci.homer.ak.us

For Troilus and Cressida, which is set during the Trojan war, Shakespeare drew from the works of Homer, who had influenced much of Greek and Latin literature with the Illiad and the Odyssey, as well as from Jeffrey Chaucer, who along with Canterbury Tales, wrote the great romance of the Trojan War, Troilus and Criseyde. However, in Shakespeare's version, which is noted as one of his "problem plays," no exemplars of heroism are to be found as they are in Homer or Chaucer. Rather, they might be seen today as diminished by the action and words of this play. Could this be an attack on the ideals of war that might cover for ones of greed, violence, and a thirst for conquest?

Come and decide for yourself this month!

VOTE!

Friends of Homer Library proudly announces a writing contest to promote the idea of why voting is important to you.

In 300 words or less, express your ideas of why you feel that your vote matters. How would you convince others that voting is important? This essay is strictly non-partisan. Papers that have a particular politicization are not allowed.

You must be a resident of Alaska and be at least 12 years of age.

We have prizes:

Adult prizes (ages 18-infinity)
1^st place-$50.00
2^nd place-$30.00
3^rd place-20.00

Young people ( ages 12-17)
1^st place-$30.00
2^nd place-$20.00
3^rd place -$10.00

Submissions can be either sent electronically to info@friendshomerlibrary.org or mailed to Friends of the Library, 500 Hazel Ave., Homer, AK. 99603

All entries must be submitted no later than Friday, August 7^th.
The winners will be contacted on Monday, August 10^th.

There will be a possibility of your paper being printed or read to the public.

If you have questions, you could send them to info@friendshomerlibrary.org

Friends of the library volunteers hard at work on the west lot...possible home of a future amphitheater.

Love Homer? Love your library?

Put that love into action by joining the Library Advisory Board (LAB). If you are a Homer resident, you could fill an open seat on the LAB to work with the Library Director on operational policies, budget, and recommendations to the City Council concerning top-quality library services in our area. You also will be an advocate to the community to ensure strong support for the library, the most public of public services. Homer has an award-winning first-class library. Join us to keep it that way and to help it grow into the future. For a modest commitment of one meeting nine times a year, you can make a big difference in our quality of life. Full details are available at https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/lab. Apply at https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/bc/commissions-boards.

BOB the Bookmobile will be open on Monday and Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will be parked in the Library Parking Lot. During these trying times, masks are required.

While we focus on distributing free books for children and young adults, we also have lots of lovely free books for adults as well. Stop by and see what we have.

Have a small child or a baby on the way? We have free copies of Ann Keffer and Lyn Naden's beautiful Homer ABC books to hand out to every patron (get a jump on that upcoming baby shower gift basket!)

Come by the library and take a stroll through the newly renovated Story Walk. The Story Walk was funded through a grant from the KLEP Fund of the Homer Foundation.

COME WALK A STORY! Bring your whole family to the library’s trail, read and interact with a new, fun picture book posted along our storywalk each month. Here are this summer’s titles, which people of all ages will enjoy:

August: Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World by Steve Jenkins
This nonfiction picture book explains how animals use their eyes to take in information about their world. Steve Jenkin’s beautiful illustrations accompany a text explaining how animals over the last billion years have evolved a wide variety of eyes as well as a wide variety of how to use them. The illustrations alone are worth viewing. I learned a lot of new, surprising information from this book, which will appeal to all ages.

September: TBA

Youth Voice & HPL Kids Write

What inspires a story? Is it a hero, a drawing, an object on a shelf? HPL Kids Write connects young teens with each other while they respond to fun storytelling prompts created by Jason Reynolds, author and the current National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. HPL Kids Write is an opportunity for kids & teens to craft stories in a fun, casual experience; helping them become stronger writers, using their unique voice, and appreciate the writing of others.

The Write.Right.Rite prompts Jason has created are short, but intimate, reflecting Jason's charm, humor and intelligence. The prompts include everything from designing a new tattoo or medal to writing the first line of a story. Teens ages 10-13 respond to a specific response, which changes every two weeks, and then meet up with other writers at a Zoom session every other week (hosted by librarian Claudia Haines).

Projects will also be uploaded to Padlet, an online community gallery. Program is free and registration is necessary for the Zoom meetups. Find information here: https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/library/hpl-kids-write.

September
Book Sale!

The Friends of the Library are offering a one-day sidewalk book sale from 12-4 pm, Sat., Sept. 12 with a rain date Sat., Sept. 19. Look for details in the September FHL newsletter!