Contacting federal government leadership about support, ideas here!

Cathy Krull is our freshest set of eyes on staff. Thanks so much to her for compiling this lovely list of what she witnesses when working. We hope these ideas can be a springboard for your thoughts when you are contacting federal officials to thank them for their support of public libraries! 

In Cathy’s own words: I have only worked at the Muehl Public Library for almost 2 years, but I am amazed at how many ways we are needed in the Seymour community! I hope this opens your eyes to what is available at the library and how important it is. 

The things people do not realize about libraries:

1. We are a safe place for families that have supervised visits with social workers. They meet at the library and the social worker can keep an eye on the interactions between the child and the parent/grandparent.
2. We provide computers, printers, faxes and scanning to those that can’t afford those technology items or internet access. Most come inside but if we are closed they can still use the Internet from outside the building.
3. Story time is a hit!! I have seen how the kids learn to play and interact with other children, but I also see how it benefits the parents, grandparents, or childcare individuals to bond and build friendships with each other. Elizabeth brings such joy and enthusiasm to the children that they remember their experience here at the library their whole life! I love seeing how the kids run to her or each other and give hugs, smiles, and cheers!
4. All ages love to see what’s new at the library, whether it’s our popular guinea pigs, Oreo and Miss Maple, the fish tank, or our new addition–Gary the snail!
5. Our library also provides an escape for those going through difficult times. They can stop in and forget their troubles by doing a jigsaw puzzle, read the newspaper, or grab a book. To some of our “regulars” we are the only family they have and they can always count on us to give them a friendly “Hi! How’s it going?” and a smile!
6. The elderly–we are a helping hand when they are supposed to complete something on the computer/Internet and have no idea where or how to start. We assist people of all ages with things like writing a resume, filling out a job application, watching their required/mandatory work videos, or something like a McDonald’s survey.
7.  Can’t afford a newspaper or online subscription? We provide it at the LIBRARY!
8. Your child is in need of help with their homework? We have mentors that come into the library to assist.
9. Do you know someone that homeschools or teachers that need materials? We help them get materials together from our LIBRARY and Infosoup!
10. We display various activities that are happening in our area for all to see. We also display the talents of our community in the LIBRARY, whether it is artwork from the schools, quilts that our patrons made, or books that students have written, we show it off with PRIDE!