We’re Number One…Again!

According to the authoritative rating system for American public libraries (HAPLR), Lake Oswego Public Library is the best library in Oregon (in our population category) for the sixth year in a row!  Our score of 884 even beat Multnomah County Public Library’s rating of 839.  We also remain one of the top ten Libraries in the United States for the sixth time.  HAPLR ratings are based on 15 different measurements, including library collections, items checked out by the public, reference questions answered, and programs offered.  Our staff is bursting with pride about this impressive achievement.  Let’s hear it for Lake Oswego Public Library, we really rock!

Library in Fourth of July Parade

Library Director Bill Baars and several other Library staff (and their kids) had fun representing the Library at the Fourth of July parade.  This was also a great chance to publicize our summer reading programs for all ages.  Many enthusiastic parade onlookers communicated their love for the Library as the group passed by. 

First Tuesday Concert

Our July concert featured Millennium Winds.  The quintet includes Georganne Wicklund, Steve Gance, Dale Cleland, Gloria Benci-Handy, and Susan Friesen playing flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, and French horn.  For information about upcoming concerts, go to http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/AdultCalendar.htm

Harry Potter Program for Teens

This recent teen movie night featured Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and the turnout was great.  Some teens came in costume, as pictured above.  Attendees played team trivia, enjoyed snacks, and had lots of fun.  For information on other teen programs go to http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/teen/default.htm

Children’s Book Discussion Group

The fabulous local children’s author Roland Smith presented a well-attended parent/child book discussion group about his new novel, IQ Book 1:  Independence Hall.  The edge-of-your-seat suspense story features stepsiblings who are thrust into the world of the U.S. Secret Service.  For information on other upcoming children’s programs, go to http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/calendar/ChildrensPrograms.htm

Children’s Puppet Show

An enthusiastic crowd enjoyed Penny’s Puppet Productions original show, “The Magic Book” last week.  To see the weekly summer specials for kids, go to   http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/calendar/ChildrensPrograms.htm

Grant Received

Reference Librarian Claire Kellogg oversees our Library’s renowned local history collection.  She recently applied for and received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  The Library will receive a collection of books, valued at $800, that contain information about how to care for special collections such as our local history collection.

What Are They Checking Out?

The public checked out a total of 126,739 items during June, resulting in a 1.8% increase in Library check-outs over June 2008.  Especially popular items for adults included new books (up 2.9%), fiction (8.2%), mysteries (13.5%), science fiction (10.4%), large print books (1.9%), audiobooks (3.9%), and DVDs (1.9%).  Popular items for teens included graphic novels (12.9%) and audiobooks (24.4%).  Children's items checked out a whopping 8.3% more than during June 2008.  Way to go, Lake Oswego kids!  Popular items included easy nonfiction (31.6%), picture books (6.4%), readers (1.4%), music CDs (12.4%), chapter books (7.2%), nonfiction (17.4%), audiobooks (51.3%), and DVDs (13.1%).