News, Stories and More
Geek State of Mind
At Downtown School in Des Moines, Iowa, learning about the library is serious business. After spending time discussing how libraries work, visiting a local library, creating individual presentations and designing their own classroom library, students in a combined second and third grade class were asked to draw a picture about the library.
What made the biggest impression on these young minds? Was it the microfiche machine, Dewey Decimal or free public computers? Without any prompting, many of the children—including seven-year-old James Konfrst pictured above—created unique ‘I geek’ pictures! A new generation of young people who understand that whatever you geek, the public library supports it all … we geek it!
March 26, 2010
Scouts Geek the Library in Iowa
If you run into helpful Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in central Iowa this year, you may notice them wearing customized Geek the Library gear. Thanks to Stephanie Fournier, Troop 79 Brownie Leader for the Roland-Story Service Unit of the Girl Scouts, the ‘I geek scouting’ sweatshirt is now an apparel option for many Story City, Iowa, scouts when their official uniform isn’t necessary.
The public awareness campaign resonates with kids and adults, and the sweatshirt is a fantastic alternative for participants, noted Fournier. “We are wearing the sweatshirts when we do troop or pack activities that don’t require formal dress uniforms or Class A uniforms, such as community service, some troop or den meetings, and other lower key get-togethers.”
What’s more, the young Geek the Library fans are also helping spread the word when they wear the sweatshirts. According to Fournier, they are all able to explain what they geek and how to find out more about the awareness campaign at local libraries.
March 09, 2010
Des Moines Family Geeks Christmas
Since launching the campaign in June, the Geek the Library team has crunched numbers, visited pilot libraries and wondered if our efforts are really making an impact. But no statistic could match our excitement to see the Geek the Library-themed Christmas card created by the Wills-Cross family in Des Moines, Iowa. They saw the campaign, understood it, got excited about it and wanted to continue to spread the word.
It is tradition, says Harold Cross, that the family creates an eclectic card for the holidays. This year’s card, which features all six members of the family and what they geek, was inspired by the look and feel of Geek the Library’s ad campaign in Des Moines. Lou Reed’s ‘I geek art’ first caught the attention of this creative family—who were then pleasantly surprised by the full awareness campaign and important public library funding message.
“As I’ve grown and matured,” notes Harold, “I keep gaining more appreciation for passion and how it can impact one’s life. Life is too short and precious to toil away at something without passion. To be successful, to be happy, to be responsible, to achieve something, you have to care, you have to have passion for it.”
While the card is light-hearted and fun, the Cross family is serious about the critical value of public libraries and understands their role in making sure adequate funding is available. Harold believes the public library is an important cultural cornerstone in any community and supporting it is critical—even if you are not a regular library user. “It is a very valuable resource for those who need it,” he says, “and, at some point, we all need it.”
Harold and his wife Kim both remember going to the library as children. “We both took our own children to libraries here in Des Moines when they were younger. Someday we’ll take our grandchildren. Libraries have a long-lasting impact on children. There is something special about a library—the peacefulness, the helpfulness, the structure and organization, the sheer vast amount of knowledge it contains.”
The Geek the Library team would like to thank the entire Wills-Cross family for their efforts and for supporting the campaign. We geek creative families!
Have you seen the card? Take a look.
December 18, 2009
Localizing Geek the Library in Iowa
Kirkendall Public Library in Ankeny, Iowa, is localizing the awareness campaign with Geek the Library posters featuring patrons! Take a look.
December 08, 2009
Talented Iowa Teens Geek Anime
We geek anime! And so do some very talented teens at Central Library, a branch of Des Moines Public Library in Des Moines, Iowa. The teens, along with Brenda Hall, a teen specialist, created an entire 'zine' with anime characters and what they geek. See more!
December 04, 2009
Libraries Cope With Shrinking Budgets
As record numbers of people head to public libraries this winter, library budgets are being cut all across the country. The dilemma isn’t a new one—public libraries set trends for thrifty, yet productive, institutions—but it is being compounded by a lackluster economy and more people looking for job-searching support. To cope, many libraries are taking unprecedented steps to maintain core services. Libraries, such as Geek the Library participant Des Moines Public Library in Des Moines, Iowa, are temporarily closing their doors and furloughing staff to ensure patrons can count on key services in the months ahead.
Public libraries are a vital part of our communities. Your voice can help. There has never been a more important time to get engaged and do your part in making sure our libraries are adequately funded.
December 03, 2009
Iowa Governor Geeks the Library
Look who is holding a Geek the Library t-shirt … public library supporter Iowa Governor Chet Culver!
November 11, 2009
Good Eats and Geek the Library
Geek the Library and the Des Moines Public Library, along with hundreds of hungry Iowans, braved unseasonably cool temperatures to do some tasting at the World Food Festival in Des Moines, Iowa. Even without any international fare, the Geek the Library booth saw plenty of action. The event was held on October 9 - 11, 2009.
October 14, 2009
More Libraries Get Their Geek On
We are now going into the second phase of the pilot awareness campaign and recently added four new participating libraries and library systems: Milwaukee Public Library in Wisconsin; Piedmont Regional Library System in Georgia (covering Banks, Barrow and Jackson Counties); Shelbyville-Shelby County Public Library in Shelbyville, Indiana; and Zion-Benton Public Library in Zion, Illinois. This enthusiastic group joins our central Iowa and southern Georgia participating libraries and library systems that have been promoting the campaign since June.
October 08, 2009
maryellengeeksflying
October 01, 2009
Crazy Dave Geeks the Library
Here is Dan Wardell (AKA Crazy Dave), a well-known children’s public television and radio personality, during a visit to Kirkendall Public Library in Ankeny, Iowa. Joining him in this photo are Kelly Munter and Sherry Schlundt.
September 25, 2009
thigeeksliondance
September 21, 2009
Geek the Library on Parade
The Bondurant Community Library added Geek the Library’s ‘I geek superheroes’ banner to their float for the August 29, 2009 'Fables and Stables' parade in Altoona, Iowa. Library staff and volunteers dressed as characters from famous books, and they won second place for their efforts. “The parade was sponsored by Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, which is managed by Polk County,” notes Library Director Karen Pederson. “Prairie Meadows has a long history of providing community grants to many organizations throughout Iowa, in fact, the Bondurant Community Library has received $28,000 from them in the last four years.”
September 09, 2009
johngeeksculture
September 08, 2009
carolgeekslibraries
As a child, I spent most Saturdays in our local library. As the author of a memoir about growing up in rural Iowa, I love all the libraries who invite me to share my stories with their patrons.
September 01, 2009
Participating Libraries Looking Good
Many of our participating public libraries—such as Bertha Bartlett Public Library in Story City, Iowa—are making a splash with large Geek the Library outdoor banners.
August 31, 2009
Geek the Library on the Cover
The campaign has gained significant media attention since launch, but this is a first. We are thrilled to grace the September cover of The Iowa County magazine, a monthly publication that provides state-wide information for county officials in Iowa.
August 30, 2009
maryanngeeksbaroque
August 23, 2009
Unique Billboard in Iowa
You may have seen many of the Geek the Library billboards around southern Georgia and central Iowa. All of the billboards are based on the corresponding advertising campaign, but we decided to create something unique for the Iowa State Fair. And what says fair more than “food-on-a-stick?” The billboard is located at the intersection of University Avenue and Hubbell Avenue in Des Moines, and will remain up for the duration of the fair.
August 20, 2009
Geek Goes to the Fair
Geek the Library helped launch opening day at the Iowa State Fair on August 13, 2009 with a full house of volunteers in the kiosk and a nearby tent. Fairgoers were enthusiastic about the campaign and thousands of people came through to pick up a free bookmark and sign the Geek Wall. Were you there? Take a look at our photos.
August 14, 2009
chrisgeeksmuaythai
August 12, 2009
jacquiegeeksdogparks
August 06, 2009
Job Searching Resources in Demand
The economy and online job application procedures are driving people to public libraries. Did you know that over 70 percent of public libraries—over 80 percent of rural community libraries—report that they are the only source of free public access to computers and the Internet. In central Iowa, a Geek the Library pilot market, usage for resources such as job searching and support may soon outpace demand for leisure reading.
July 21, 2009
On the Road with Geek the Library
If you’ve been traveling in southern Georgia or central Iowa, you may have noticed Geek the Library infiltrating the roadways. Look for more Geek the Library billboards throughout the campaign.
July 15, 2009
Sweet Music for Geek the Library
Geek the Library joined thousands of central Iowans at the Yankee Doodle Pops event featuring the Des Moines Symphony on July 2, 2009. Event participants enjoyed a pleasant evening on the Des Moines state house grounds and learned more about this important pilot awareness campaign. See the photos.
July 08, 2009
giselageekskidsandteens
I am energized by spending time with kids and teens. The young people at the Mitchellville Public Library keep me going and make my job more fun. My grandkids range from eight months to 19 years, how lucky can I get! And, if at times, I do get a little stressed nothing tastes better than some wonderful European chocolate.
Gisela is a librarian from Iowa.
July 06, 2009
Central Iowa Geeks the Campaign
The Geek the Library pilot campaign is in full swing in central Iowa. Many libraries in Dallas, Polk, Story and Warren counties are taking part. Read what central Iowa's Cityview magazine had to say about the campaign.
July 06, 2009
kaygeeksgoldfinches
I love watching these bright little birds gather at my bird feeder outside my living room window.
Kay is a librarian from Iowa.
June 30, 2009
Iowa Cubs Welcome Geek the Library
Iowa Cubs fans enjoyed a visit from the Geek the Library team and local library leaders on June 25, 2009. This festive evening at Principal Park in Des Moines gave central Iowans a chance to learn more about the awareness campaign, win free t-shirts and sign up for e-mail updates. Even Cubbie bear got his geek on with his “I geek baseball” t-shirt.
carolyngeeksweather
My name is Carolyn and I geek weather. Growing up in Iowa, home of more F5 tornadoes than anywhere else in the U.S., I was naturally drawn to the skyline. On the farm, I loved nothing more than watching the approaching storms while my favorite dog went in search of a place to hide. At night, I would watch the lightning and listen for the accompanying thunder.
As an adult, I have driven around the Midwest in search of bad weather. My car is a testament to the impact of hailstones. When I see people standing on the side of the road looking off into the distance, I don’t think accident; I check the horizon for the funnel cloud. The rush I feel could be the wind, but it’s definitely the adrenaline.
Storm chasing saves lives and expands what little scientists know about tornadoes, and it makes for a great ice breaker at parties—especially after they know I am a librarian.
Carolyn is a librarian from Iowa.
June 17, 2009
margaretgeeksrubber-stamping
My name is Margaret and I geek rubber-stamping. It’s all my colleague’s fault. When I was working a rotation at his branch library about 10 years ago he showed me his catalogue of stamps and had me assist in a children’s program in which they made cards with stamps. The trap was set.
Present day I have, well, more than hundreds of stamps plus the accoutrements one may use in the hobby. You would not believe the variety of stuff you can put on a card. Pop can tabs come to mind. I’ve heavily used the library’s collection of stamping and paper crafting books and put the Interlibrary Loan system to good use. I love learning all the new techniques.
Now I make all my greeting cards and have more fun than I can hardly stand. I can personalize them and use my unique sense of humor on people who actually appreciate it. I don’t just geek rubber-stamping, I am buried in it. And it’s mighty comfy down here.
Margaret is a librarian from Iowa.
June 19, 2009
carlageekswildflowers
My name is Carla and I geek wildflowers. My interest in the outdoors started during family campouts when I was a kid. You wouldn’t believe the number of pinecones I’ve collected over the years.
In college, I needed an extra science credit and a course on Iowa botany fit the bill—and my interests. But I really got going on seeking out wildflowers after taking an introduction to prairies hike back in the 1980s with a county parks naturalist. Since then, it is a regular activity to check each year on previously spotted specimens. In fact, in the spring, I can hardly wait to get started looking for the earliest flowers.
I also like to find new places to search for flowers and the library helps me with guidebooks on parks and hikes. And by looking at the plant identification guides at the library I can decide which ones I may want to purchase for my personal collection—since I’m always finding some plant I’ve never seen before.
When I was planning a vacation to Rocky Mountain National Park last summer, one of the first things I did was check the library for wildlife and hiking guides to the area. It was great to know what I should be looking for and where it might be found.
Carla is a librarian from Iowa.
June 19, 2009
Get your geek on. Show your support. Geek the library.