Sperry named director of Osburn library
The new library director Jamee Sperry and library assistant Marci Williams are excited to be rolling out new programs at the Osburn Public Library. Sperry is also hoping for people in the community to give input on what the library should offer.
Photo by CHANSE WATSON
OSBURN — There’s a new hustle and bustle at the Osburn Public Library and it probably has something to do with its new leader.
Jamee Sperry has recently become the new library director in Osburn and she’s not wasting any time in generating excitement about the place.
“I’m excited!” she said, “I love libraries and I’ve loved them since I was a kid. There’s something about walking into a library and thinking about all the things in those books. My problem is that my reading list is always growing!”
Sperry has worked for the library for the past five years in the children’s program. With the help of new library assistant Marci Williams, Sperry hopes to move the library into a more relevant position in the community.
She plans to do this by rolling out a few programs, educating the public about services they offer, and also listening to the community about what they want to see.
“We want people to realize what a resource the library is,” she said, “so we want to get some information out so they understand that.”
Among the special services the Osburn library currently offers include access to a laundry list of books, movies, audiobooks and public Wi-Fi.
If someone lives within the city limits of Osburn, they automatically qualify for a free library card and all the perks that come with it. Besides being able to check out books (both books on hand and ones available in the Cooperative Information Network), the card also grants someone access to the vast amount of resources on its website, www.osburn.lili.org, which include downloadable audiobooks and educational lessons.
As far as active programs, the Osburn library currently has its normal summer reading program, which has children and their parents setting reading goals to meet throughout the season.
“When they get 1/3 of the way, they will receive a ticket for a free ice cream cone and a pass to an Idaho State Park,” Sperry explained on Facebook. “2/3 of the way they will choose a game or a puzzle, and when they reach their goal, they will choose a book.”
Also, for every three hours participating children read, they will get the chance to enter their name in a drawing for some special prizes.
For the teenage library goers, Sperry has kicked off a 2020 Teen Video Challenge for kids 13 through 18. Participating teens have a chance to win $200 if they come out on top.
Of course, the Osburn library hasn’t been immune to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is why special precautions have been put in place for both the programs and just general library visitation.
“We are still social distancing,” Sperry said. “Limiting to five in the library at a time. Two computers are open with each station being cleaned after each use. All materials are being quarantined for 72 hours and cleaned before being checked in.”
The pandemic is also why the summer reading program has taken a more at-home approach.
Considering she’s already familiar with many of the library’s patrons, Sperry is excited to hear from the community and learn what other things the library could offer.
“There are so many resources in our Valley that people don’t know about,” she said. “We’re hoping to change that with us!”
For more information on programs or to utilize resources, contact the Osburn library at 208-752-9711 or visit its website. For the latest news coming from the library, like them on Facebook.