July may be the busiest programming month of the year here at ETLPL. We have year-round ongoing programs for all ages, Monday afternoon summer programs, Friday afternoon art, reading grids due, and three adult programs to promote.

The last item on that list is the reason for recent email newsletter sent out to our adult patrons whose email address are on file. At this point I see using Patron Point to send these emails for three reasons: promote adult programming, highlight changes to our schedule three times a year, and welcoming new cardholders. The emails do allow recipients to unsubscribe from one or both of the first two types or all emails.

The beauty of the emails is that they will be infrequent, especially compared to these articles, and allow for immediate responses. Two of the upcoming adult events ask for advance registration with a deadline the week before the event. Included in the email are links to our new calendar which includes an online registration feature. Registrations can be made immediately and the event added to the home calendar at that time. The LocalHop calendar, which took the registration, has the ability to send an email reminder about the event. Given the infrequency of these events, that is helpful for patrons.

Registration is required for one of two reasons: events which involve more preparation than most or are expected to be popular and have limited space. In January when we ran Sourdough Made Simple the first time, registration meant we had enough starters and instruction pamphlets for everyone. In the end when registration reached 80 people for the two time slots, it let us known when the space would be full.

Miss Maria has a one-day teen program requiring registration in order to give her time to prepare. On July 31^st, she is planning to host a Teen Murder Mystery. This will be a role-playing adventure for which participants will be given parts to play as they solve the case. The choice of mysteries will be determined by the number of participants who register by closing on July 26^th.

This is also the final due date for summer reading grids. When we close that day Miss Maria will start preparing materials for the teens and I will draw names for the summer reading prizes. Last week Monday was the due date for the June grid as well as the Children’s Parade and FFA Petting Zoo. We had 333 in the library that day. Without the two programs I expect there to be a few less on July 26^th, but I’ll wear my running shoes just in case.

Reading Now: Storm Front by Jim Butcher (Book 1 of the Dresden Files)

Listening to Now: David Copperfield by Charles Dickens