Q1 Patron Comments (a selection)
FROM FACEBOOK
"The Library and its programs are one of the best things about this city, so happy they are here! Yay for 100 years!!" - Emilia Brasier

"Thanks so much for all your hard work organizing and putting on yesterday's event. I think it was great!" - Nan Henriksen

"It is one of the most beautiful public buildings I've ever seen. People brag about other libraries, but, the clean lines and functionality and 'warmth' it exudes is amazing! This library just invites you to pick out a book and snuggle up with it! (The librarians are great, too!)." -Barb Rider

"How do we vote or start a petition for ongoing/perpetual/forever kid librarians? I think it is FABULOUS!" - Kris Henriksen

REPORTS FROM THE SERVICE DESK
A patron wanted to thank us for moving the printer closer to the computers! She said that it also helps to not crowd the people who are looking at book sale books.

Two young brothers were beyond excited about the "Creeper" special dragon card. "This is the best!"

A mom with two young kids was in here getting Dragon cards just now, and I asked if they were going to Storytime. They said they were, so I said something like "Mr. Elliot is really fun, isn't he?" and the mom said, "Yes, he does a great job! We talk about him at home all the time!"

A patron from Storytime just shared with me how amazing and wonderful Vanessa (described as the young girl) was in her Storytime. "I would give her 10 stars" she exclaimed, all the while gesticulating excitedly! Way to go, Vanessa!

A family just came in to pick up a library card and are SO excited that they can check out 150 books. They shared that at their last library in Australia they were only allowed 15 books per card, and they would all max out every time.

VIA EMAIL or SNAIL MAIL
"The event today [Women Who Shaped Camas] was absolutely wonderful. I wanted to let you and your team know how proud you made Camas today and I look forward to more celebratory events throughout this year. Well done!" - Bonnie Carter

"I wanted to let you know we have a wonderful first day at Camas. We were thrilled to see the number of clients – 17 in total! That is excellent for a first day, especially after having been gone for a few years. Clients seemed truly thrilled to have us back at the library. Thank you for hosting us this year." - Sue with AARP Tax Aide

"Thank you, Camas! I really appreciate your excellent ILL [Interlibrary Loan] Service!" - Port Townsend Public Library

Gallery-Adjacent: Pop-Up Museum

For kids in grades 1-5, March 14 is a chance to show off their latest creation for a moment-in-time gallery exhibit. They bring in their latest creation to the Library: it could be art, a LEGO sculpture, food, you name it.  Then they'll fill out a label for their creation and display it for others to see as the meeting rooms transform into a pop-up museum for just one hour from 4-5 p.m.  

This one has the potential to be repeated with different themes, age groups, even during First Fridays. I'm really excited about it!

Program Highlight: Teen Finance Fridays

In March, we partnered with iQ Credit Union to provide financial literacy to Teens. Over the course of four weeks, we held classes on Banking, Budgeting, and Credit, and ended with a Reality Fair. The Fair put the teens in real-life financial situations, inspiring them to think about money management, budgeting, and other financial responsibilities. 

Each week we had around 15 teens participating, asking impressive questions and leaving with lifelong skills to be successful with their money.

By the Numbers

Keeping count of all things centennial!

• Entries into our bookmark contest: 81
• Number of 100-Word Stories submitted: 43
• Commemorative Library cards selected thus far: 350
• Grant awards to celebrate the centennial: $5,000 (Thank you Camas-Washougal Community Chest and Rotary Club of Camas-Washougal!)
• Art pieces donated to be auctioned off: 1
• Confetti cannons ready to be detonated on Tuesday: 18