Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library

Who's ready to putt-putt and have a party in the library? 🙋 ⛳ 📚 The SMFPL Foundation's annual Library Mini Golf event on Sat., Oct 19, and Sun., Oct 20, feature both kid-friendly family hours and family-friendly prices. PLUS, there are evening hours for the 21 and over crowd after the library closes on Sat., Oct. 19! For more details, please visit smfpl.org/golf or pick up a reminder bookmark during your next visit to the library. All tickets can be purchased at the door of the event. If you're interested in the Library Foundation and want to find out how to join, visit smfpl.org/foundation for more information.

🤩 #SeptemberIsLibraryCardSignUpMonth

One Librarian. 251 libraries. One goal. Our teen librarian, Christina, has been collecting library cards since the beginning of her career. Her goal is to visit and obtain a library card from all 251 of Ohio's public libraries. So far, she's visited 181 of them! Her library card collection also spans 30 U.S. states and six countries. We asked Christina what inspired her to start collecting library cards: "I've always loved everything about library cards. They are a window to a world of possibilities; they bring back the happy memories of being in libraries all my life, and they now come in so many different colorful designs and images! It also fascinates me to see the differences in library management, especially in Ohio. In Zanesfield, a tiny Ohio town, I applied for a card by filling out a form, and then the staff member helping me just said, 'Okay, your borrower number is 174.' That was it. I asked if they had physical library cards, and she said, 'No, we pretty much know our patrons on sight, or they tell us their number.' As sweet and folksy as it was, I couldn't help but be disappointed. So she grabbed an old-fashioned date-due card with the library's stamp and wrote my name and number for me. I felt like I had time-traveled back to 1905." What a journey! In honor of Library Card Signup Month, we are displaying some of Christina's favorite cards in our lobby. Stop in and see!

Get your writing and publishing questions ready for our Fall for the Book Local Author Fair. On Sat., Oct. 26 at 1 PM, visit with our featured authors during a panel discussion, followed by a chance to purchase their books and even get them signed! Stop by our Information Desk and pick up a Fall for the Book reminder bookmark. While you're here, check out our local author collection. We are proud to feature the work of writers and illustrators who reside in Summit County. Get inspired and support local authors! For more information on the Fall for the Book Local Author Fair, including how to register, visit https://bit.ly/4e9Szjd For more information on the Local Author Collection, visit https://bit.ly/4dN468h

Join the Library Squad! 🤝 We're hiring for a part-time Public Service Assistant position. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4cTMmXw

If you've been waiting for the right time to get an SMFPL library card, the time is NOW! September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and we are giving out some serious library swag to anyone who signs up for a card this month. Visit smfpl.org/borrow/cards for more information on getting a library card (it's easy!) Stay tuned this month as we celebrate and share tips to getting the most bang for your buck (just kidding, it's free) from your library card.

Huge shoutout to our awesome patrons and supporters! Thanks to you, Ohio is basically the cool kid on the block when it comes to library usage. Keep being amazing, and we'll keep our bookshelves stocked and our doors open. See you at the library! #smfpl #LibraryLife #Community #LibraryLove #WeAreGrateful

Wondering what it's like to work in a library? Here's a look behind the scenes. Kristin, our Head of Collection Development, and a team of staff members reorganized and reshelved 12,223 books in one day! Kristin created a color-coded diagram and a detailed plan for rearranging our children's nonfiction books for better patron accessibility. The books had to be removed from the shelves, reordered on carts, and moved to a different room until their new shelf space was cleared. We asked Kristin to explain the data analysis behind collection development: "It's like a jigsaw puzzle with room for creativity: you select the items for the collection and organize them so patrons can find them, but you also have to figure out how best to utilize your space to fit everything together. It's definitely a brain workout." Collection development is a critical part of library management as we try to house infinite ideas and possibilities in one building! Thank you to Kristin and the rest of our library squad. #behindthedesk

It’s time to start saving your Acme receipts again! Donating your receipts to the library makes a substantial impact by helping us distribute books to the community. A collection box is located near the Checkout Desk, or you can drop receipts into our Book Drop. Receipts must be received by February 23, 2025. Here's how it works: The bottom of your Acme receipt lists a Community Cash Back amount. For every receipt you submit, we receive 5% of that total as a donation.

Now that our remodel is complete, you might wonder how to pick up your holds and check out your materials. We've got you covered! To help you get started, we've created a demonstration video that walks you through the simple steps of our new, seamless library experience. 📽️✨ But don’t worry, we still have full-service options available! The self-serve option is perfect for patrons who prefer a quick, private, and contactless experience. Check out the video and see how easy it is to use our new system. Happy reading! 📚😊 #LibraryLife #SelfCheckout #BookLovers #CommunityLibrary #EfficientService