Ever wanted to step into a world of knowledge and community connection? Today, we're welcoming you into that world with our fascinating guest, Mr. Omar Chapman, director of the Bessemer Public Library. From his early days in Bessemer, Alabama to becoming a double graduate of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Omar's journey is as captivating as it is inspiring.
Omar's course to leadership was no easy feat. It was a road beautifully paved with challenges and triumphs, including acquiring the largest LSTA grant in the library's history. With this grant, Omar enhanced the library's computer lab, making it more user-friendly for patrons. Ever thought of using puppies to help children learn to read? Omar did just that! This innovative method not only fostered love for reading among children but also builds their confidence. Our conversation explores the balance between physical book offerings and digital resources, and the unique selection process for books and other materials.
The Bessemer Public Library under Omar's leadership is a beacon of community engagement. Listen to how a summer reading program featuring NFL quarterback Jamies Winston left an indelible impact on the community. Even during the pandemic, the library continued to serve the community without faltering. Authors, listen up! Omar gives some valuable tips on how to get involved with public speaking and book signings at the library. Let's celebrate the significance of local libraries and community engagement. Wait, we're not done yet! We've got a soulful musical treat for you, Charlie Wilson's hit song, 'I'm Blessed.' Join us, because this isn't just a podcast episode, it's a journey into knowledge, innovation, and community upliftment.
Ever wanted to step into a world of knowledge and community connection? Today, we're welcoming you into that world with our fascinating guest, Mr. Omar Chapman, director of the Bessemer Public Library. From his early days in Bessemer, Alabama to becoming a double graduate of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Omar's journey is as captivating as it is inspiring.
Omar's course to leadership was no easy feat. It was a road beautifully paved with challenges and triumphs, including acquiring the largest LSTA grant in the library's history. With this grant, Omar enhanced the library's computer lab, making it more user-friendly for patrons. Ever thought of using puppies to help children learn to read? Omar did just that! This innovative method not only fostered love for reading among children but also builds their confidence. Our conversation explores the balance between physical book offerings and digital resources, and the unique selection process for books and other materials.
The Bessemer Public Library under Omar's leadership is a beacon of community engagement. Listen to how a summer reading program featuring NFL quarterback Jamies Winston left an indelible impact on the community. Even during the pandemic, the library continued to serve the community without faltering. Authors, listen up! Omar gives some valuable tips on how to get involved with public speaking and book signings at the library. Let's celebrate the significance of local libraries and community engagement. Wait, we're not done yet! We've got a soulful musical treat for you, Charlie Wilson's hit song, 'I'm Blessed.' Join us, because this isn't just a podcast episode, it's a journey into knowledge, innovation, and community upliftment.
Good afternoon, good afternoon. Thank you so much. I know this is the best time of day for you. It's the best time of day for me. I'm glad that you were able to make it and grace us with your presence. Okay, everyone that's tuned in, this is Gentry's Journey. I'm Carolyn Coleman, and we had the pleasure of interviewing Mr Amar Chapman. He's the director of the Best Republic Library. So, as usual, we're going to go ahead and just start with a word of prayer and we'll let Mr Chapman introduce himself and then we'll go into a song. Heavenly Father, lord God, we just thank you for gracing us with this day. Lord God, we just thank you for being a keeper. Help, mercy on us, meet us at the point of our need. We love you, lord. These are other things that you know. Son Jesus' name. Amen. All right, mr O'Mar, are you ready to introduce yourself?
Speaker 3:Yes, ma'am. Firstly, I'd like to thank you for inviting me onto your platform and offering me the opportunity to spend some time with you this Sunday afternoon.
Speaker 2:Awesome loosely.
Speaker 3:Yes, my name is O'Mar Chapman. As I stated, I am currently a serve as the director of the Best Republic Library, in which I've served in this capacity since January 2022.
Speaker 3:I'm originally from Chicago, illinois, where I was raised here in Bessemer, alabama, my whole life, so I'm Bessemer to the heart, you know and it kind of just ties into some of the passion that I have for the city and you know from my current position at the library, just being from Bessemer, it adds an extra layer of responsibility and a sense of duty to the position. I am a graduate of Alabama A&M. I received my undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and I furthered my educational journey at ANCCU, north Carolina Central University, where I received a master's in library of science. One thing that I do like to you know kind of highlight pump myself up. I am a proud two-time HBCU graduate, so I definitely love the experience and I always encourage others to you know pursue every opportunity to you know further their educational career, especially if you have an opportunity to attend an HBCU.
Speaker 2:I highly recommend it, mr Chapman we're going to have some people from Michigan, people from the Chicago area, that will be joining us. Is that not hilarious? I did not know. You were originally from Chicago, so that is beautiful in and of itself. And you speaking regarding the passion of furthering your education, if that's your desire, and then your love for an HBCU, so you know, all of that is wonderful. So great, great, great to hear. Now will you expound just a little bit more on being the director of the library and what all that entails?
Speaker 3:Yes, for sure, the directorship of the library is a very important role and, like I say, I'm just honored to be able to be in a position to direct the library of the hometown that, you know, I was able to grow up in.
Speaker 3:But the duties as a director, I have the responsibility to ensure the finances of the library and also I work closely with my staff to develop various and diverse, diverse resources that we supply to the community, and I like to say that the library is a hub for learning.
Speaker 3:So my main, one of my main goals, is to be sure that we're supplying the community with all the resources that they need to achieve the goals that they set for themselves.
Speaker 3:I think that's one of the biggest things that I take on, as you know, as in the role as a director, and I think that's one of the things that I'm excited about is day to day. Of course, there are a lot of meetings, tease, paperwork you know the boring things happen in the office, but I'm most excited when I'm, when I'm able to get out into the field and, you know, network with my peers and meet members of the community and that way we can get a sense from the community what they would like to see from the library and what type of resources that we can implement to better help them. And that's, in my opinion, one of the one of the biggest jobs as the director is to connect with your community and supply them with the necessary resources that they need, and I think you know during my tenure we've made strides in that area, but we just definitely want to continue to build upon what we've already had in place.
Speaker 2:And it's so wonderful. I'm so glad you're saying that. That will lead into another question or two that I have for you, but right now we're going to take a minute and we're going to play a little Kirk Franklin. I smile because you're always smiling, okay.
Speaker 5:I dedicate this song to recession, depression and unemployment. This song's for you.
Speaker 4:There is a love and a joy that you promised me. Tell me it's all right. I'll be honest with you. I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain fell from heaven like a shower.
Speaker 5:When I think how much better I'm going to be when this is over.
Speaker 4:I smile because smile is so hard to look up when you're about Show what hate to see. You give up now, god's people, you look so much better when you smile, so smile Now everything will be perfect, but it's still for me today. Don't have problems, come on Today's a new day, but there is no sunshine, nothing but clouds, and it's dark in my heart and it feels like a cold night. It ain't easy. But, today's a new day, but tell me, where are my blue skies? Where is that love there?
Speaker 4:is a love and a joy that you promised me. Tell me it's all right. The truth is I almost gave up, but a power that I can't explain, that holy ghost power. Y'all fell from heaven like a shower. Now I know we've been hurt y'all, but still I smile, even though I hurt. See, I smile. I know God is working, so I smile. Even though I've been here for a while, I smile. You're so good to look up when you're about. Show what hate to see you give up now, god's people, you look so much better when you smile. Let's go Smile for me. Can you just smile for?
Speaker 5:me Whatever you're in right now.
Speaker 4:Smile for me. Smile, can you just smile?
Speaker 5:for me and my people say oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
Speaker 4:You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. And why are you?
Speaker 5:waiting. You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh, oh.
Speaker 4:I'll always remember you were so much better when you smiled, they almost gave up. I almost gave up. I can't explain, but the Holy Ghost powered you. All Fell from heaven.
Speaker 5:Crammed down from heaven.
Speaker 4:Hardships, difficulties, right now, tears doors. This is what I do. I smile Wooo, even though I hurt.
Speaker 5:See, I smile, but it feels good, I know God is working, so I smile. All things are working.
Speaker 4:Even though I've been here for a while, still I smile. Hey, smile, I let you in. You saw her, too, look up when you moved down. I know it's hard right now. Show her hate to see you give up now, but cause you're a winner. You look so much better when you smiled. You look better, so smile, oh, oh, oh, tell us. You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh, new Orleans. You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh, oh, come on Cleveland. You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, detroit. You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh, oh, new Orleans. You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh, oh, jersey. You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh, oh, la. You look so much better when you oh, oh, oh, oh. All my people say you look so much better when you smile.
Speaker 5:See, I just don't want you to be happy, cause then you gotta have something to happen. Man, I want you to have joy, cause can't nobody take that from you. I'll see you Smile.
Speaker 2:Okay, mr Omar, now that Good. Like I said, you're always smiling, so let's get back, and I think we touched on some of your responsibilities. What are some of the challenges you face managing a library?
Speaker 3:First, I would like to say that was a great selection For a quote. Frankly, I definitely try to smile, and as much as I can. That's what you do.
Speaker 2:That's what you do.
Speaker 3:But just kind of to. Yeah, like I said, to expound on the first question, you asked it one of the rules, but I definitely want to just highlight that Maintaining the day to day operations of the library is Just, you know another key task that you know that I'm, that I have, you know, on my plate. But as far as the some of the challenges, they get really coincided with the duties, the responsibilities that I touched on earlier. Building those relationships within the city, whether it's working with the city council to see how we can assist them, working with the mayor, the board of education, the different boards that work with the library, or just with the community, that's one of the biggest challenges reaching out and connecting with people.
Speaker 3:I always say I'm more of an in-person type of individual. I think you can get your impact across when you meet people face to face. That's why I say I really enjoy getting out in the field and just out of the office. Some days I may be required to be in the office all day. The impact can be felt when I'm upstairs and my office is working. But I like to see the impact, the relationships. Like you say, I'm a smiler. It makes me feel like I've done my job when we can go out and a tool, my outreach event, and see the smile on the kids faces as they approach our vendor table.
Speaker 3:Of course, I would say that one of the biggest challenges is just building relationships and networking. But, like with all things, they come with time. We just have to continue to nurture the relationships that we have. Another challenge also would be just staying ahead of the game, I would say, because one of the common misconceptions of a library is oh, you know, it's a library, all they have are books. But I would say, if you haven't stepped into your local library in 2023, you may be in for a shot, because we offer a wide variety of different resources. They're not just the best one for the library, but all libraries. They offer more than just books.
Speaker 3:I will just have to reiterate that I like to talk to my staff about speaking their language. Whether we're talking about a toddler, a preteen, one of our more mature library patrons or some of the Gen Xers, everybody has a language that they speak and we have to be able to speak their language and be able to get across our message to them. Our message, basically, is the public library. We're here to help you and that's the biggest message that we can put out. That's what we strive to do. I would say those are two of the biggest challenges that we face. Of course, we can always use some more funding, because I feel as if the more funding resources that we have available, the bigger our impact can be, we can expand. So I would say those would be the top three challenges that we face, but we're chopping wood, oh yeah, you are that sort of pigtails off this.
Speaker 2:Next question Increasingly digital world, what steps have you taken to ensure that your library is relevant? You did hit on some of those points, so it's okay for you to say what you're doing digitally to connect. We know that there are some seniors who want to be kind on the cusp and we have some seniors that don't want to be on the cusp. They just love traditional library and library services. So, in this increasing digital world, what is your library doing at this point in time to stay relevant with the times and with other libraries?
Speaker 3:Yes, and that's a great point that you touched on and I'm going to expound on that you do have different individuals, like you say, some of the seniors. They may want to connect, they may not want to connect, but we strive to be diverse. Like I say, we want to be able to offer something to everybody, all ages, all demographics. We want to be able to serve everyone to our fullest capacity, and that extends into the tech world as well. There's some of the things that we've done in the past, down at the Best in Public Library. We've created a makerspace in the library. We have 3D printers, laptops, film and equipment, and we're still building our makerspace to even more levels, because we understand that, as the world goes, we have to go, and this is what I talk about staying relevant and speaking the language of our patrons. Absolutely, absolutely.
Speaker 3:And I would say this year, one thing that I was very, very happy that we were able to acquire We've received the largest LSTA grant in well I know since in my tenure, since we've been at the Best in Public Library. So this year we have a lot of funds coming in and we're going to direct those funds towards building our computer labs. Right now we currently have Dell computers, but we're looking to upgrade several computers in our computer lab to MAX, so that way we'll be able to provide our patrons with a higher level computing experience. I will connect computers. They'll come preloaded with audio visual editing software, music editing software, so we'll have the top of the line software with the top of the line computers access for our community. So that's one of the biggest things that I'm very excited to launch and I got to say my staff and I were just continuously finding ways that we can stay ahead of the curve and also while supplying our community with the best of the best when it comes to resources.
Speaker 2:Okay, that sounds good, and with that we're going to go into another song, so you can get some water if you need to, but I'm loving what we're doing.
Speaker 3:Yes, for sure.
Speaker 2:Okay, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. Okay, director chap, how do you go about selecting books and other materials to include in your collection at the library? Oh, you can have the unmute. Mr Omar, you're going to have to unmute.
Speaker 3:All right, I'm back. I'm sorry about that.
Speaker 2:No problem, no problem.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I had some technical difficulties. Yes, for sure.
Speaker 2:Most tech savvy people have technical difficulties. That's why I can kind of relate to the seniors not wanting to progress, or some wanting to and some not, because again go ahead.
Speaker 3:I will say as far as the seniors, I did want to just drop the nugget that we do offer computer classes at different levels. From beginning to intermediate. I want to say experts, but we can get you beginners and then we can get you to intermediate. So just visit our website for those interested in some of our upcoming computer classes.
Speaker 2:Excellent.
Speaker 3:I heard the question, but can you repeat the question please?
Speaker 2:How do you go about selecting books and other materials just to include in your collection at the library?
Speaker 3:Okay, our collection is split into two. We have an adult collection and we have a youth collection, and each collection is managed by its respective departmentally. So for our adult selection, we have an adult services librarian, ms Deidre Sims. She's been an asset to the library for quite some time. So, but the process, and I will say Anna and our youth department, our youth department librarian, ms Jania Knight. She's a new addition to our team but she's been a wonderful add since the day that she stepped into the library. So I'm very fortunate that I have two knowledgeable individuals on my team that can assist with building our collection.
Speaker 3:And as far as the collection process, we survey patrons, of course, because we definitely want to see what our community wants to read, because that's the first thing. Like I said, we're here to serve the citizens of Vesma, so it would be an out of this interest to ask the citizens of Vesma what they would like to read, what type of books would they like to see on our shelves. So that's one part of the selection process. And we also, you know, we pull from National bestseller list across the world. We have plenty of, you know lots of journals, but they put out the, you know, top selling books, the most sought out books. You know we also look at local authors, so there's a multitude of ways that we select the books that we actually place into our collection, but the top two. You know we definitely want to see what our community would like to read and we always stay up to date with the new releases and, like I said, there are various websites and journals that always supplies with the information. You know who's the next up and coming author. They may have a list of, you know, like, top 100 bestselling books in 2023. And they put these lists out, you know, frequently and you know we scour the list, see what books would fit our patrons profile and we go from that way and we also too, as librarians, we we don't just see what's going on in our city.
Speaker 3:Like I said, we like to stay relevant and up to date with everyone in the county because we are cooperative. So, for example, if we have patrons come into our library and they say, hey, we would like to check out this book, the adjustment doesn't have that book. One of the great things about the cooperative is we can reach out to another library in the county and if they have the book, we can request it for our patron and that book will be delivered to our library for the patron to come to pick up. And that's kind of an indicator too is okay, we've had three patrons come into the library requesting this book and we don't have this book and we always have to borrow.
Speaker 3:Okay, it's a high commodity, we need this book on our shelves. So that's always an indicator also as to how our, what our community wants to read. Because, as good as we are, there are a lot of great authors out here and some titles just may slip through the cracks. And it's never a bad thing when your community, like I say, can point you in the right direction to some of the highest titles because, like I said, you know we're working on speaking their language and we need that input as well as the efforts that we place in at the library.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's that, that's wonderful. And I really had forgotten about that service. Because years ago, when I really had the time, I read a lot and sometimes I go through essence and see what they had you know which books they had offered and then I run up on People would suggest different authors for me to read, or this particular book, and so I was like, well, there's a poll to spend and all this money, let me just see what the library has. And so they were telling me, you can always request. And I was like, well, good, and I did. I was on the request Because as soon as I would finish what, I put down a couple, a couple more, and that has been so long ago, but I did.
Speaker 2:I had forgotten about that, that service. So thank you for reminding me and informing our public and our listeners about that, because there's something that just kind of slip away as time goes on. So thank you, sir, for that. Now here is going to our next questions. What initiatives and you may have spoken a little bit about this what initiatives or programs have you implemented to promote literacy and encourage reading among different age groups?
Speaker 3:Right, yeah, that's a great question and that's definitely something that we're continuing to highlight, especially going into the 2024 year. But currently, and I would say recently, we've and this, this is really cute and I don't even want to take the credit for this, because this is something that was put on my play by our use services librarian We've implemented a we're partner with the Birmingham Humane Society and we bring in a program called puppy pals, the Birmingham. Oh, they have exactly, they have trained service animals that they bring into the library and we have a program with our youth where they can read to the puppies, because we've seen, in certain areas, a child may not feel comfortable or they may feel a little pressure to read to an adult or even another child, but bringing in the puppies, it's a different aspect to it, because, I mean, who just doesn't love a cute puppy? When I first attended the program, you know I kind of had, you know, some questions, but seeing how the children actually interacted with the puppies and they felt comfortable in a safe space, reading to them it, it really reinforced the message that I had been, you know, saying to the staff we have to be diverse, you know, we have to be creative in how we reach our community and reading with a puppy pal, and that was a great hit. Like I say I was, I was shocked at how well the community responded to it.
Speaker 3:And now another thing that's that's just one of the great programs that we were able to implement just recently, and another program that we're working to get off the ground is just we're going to increase.
Speaker 3:Well, I'm sorry, we're going to develop literacy programs for the adults and you, based around financial literacy. We have some great partners within the city of best with a ton of financial experience and knowledge that they're willing to provide through the library to the community. Because financial when we think about literacy, most times we just think about reading levels, but financial literacy is an area that needs attention in our community. Here at the library we have the platform and we have the resources to where we can be, like I said, that hub of information. Any time you come to the library and seek information, we want to be able to provide it to you. So the financial literacy programs that we're developing, they're going to be I'm speaking into existence, they're going to be very beneficial to the library and to the community Because I mean, hey, I can use some help when it comes to my budget.
Speaker 2:No, absolutely Absolutely.
Speaker 3:We're just looking to remain, like I say, diverse. I want people to think of the library as a hub in the community of information. Anytime that you have a question, I know it's always quick and convenient to pull out your phone and pull up Google, but for some questions you just need a library. For we just want to be that answer to some of those questions, and I think so in the literacy realm. Like we've taken strides to increasing literacy and reading levels. Now, once we get a solid foundation on that, we want to move into assisting the community with financial literacy as well. So we're going to tackle literacy at every level and every age group.
Speaker 2:That is phenomenal. Thank you so much for that. But can I go back to the puppy pals? Do you think that increases their confidence in being able to read to a puppy, so later on they'll be able to read out loud in class with a degree of confidence?
Speaker 3:I definitely do, and of course we will have to stay on track with monitoring the progress of the individuals who do come. But I can definitely see a spark of confidence in them Because it's just like with public speaking, the more you do it, the more comfortable you will become. And just reading aloud to the puppy, like I say for one, it reinforces to the kid that, hey, I can do this. And it's kind of just like you say, building that confidence to where, if I can continuously do it alone, or to a puppy, then I can read out loud in the class with my peers or with my teacher, at home with mom and dad. So the thing that we're focusing on is starting. You know, hey, let's just start build, build, build.
Speaker 3:And in time I do think that this program with a system, we're gaining confidence with reading aloud, because even at the program there are multiple kids in the auditorium and you know. So, like I say. So I think that, like I said, a cute puppy is a distraction and once the child actually realizes, hey, I can do this without the cute puppy, then that's when it's kind of like taking the training wheels off of the bike. If you will, and when that day comes, I'll be ready to see their smile on their faces when they say, hey, you know I can do this.
Speaker 2:Oh, that sounds great. It really really does. Ok, we're going to go ahead and play another tune that I hope you will enjoy as well, and it's by John Legend, so I'll let you guess it. Oh, ordinary people.
Speaker 4:Girl, I'm in love with you. Past the infatuation phase, right in the thick of love. At times we get sick of love. It seems like we argue every day. I know I misbehaved and you've made your mistakes and we both still got room left to grow. And though love sometimes hurts, I still put you first and we'll make this thing work. But I think we should take it slow. We're just ordinary people. We don't know which way to go Because we're ordinary people. Maybe we should take it slow. Take it slow, oh, oh, oh. This time we'll take it slow. Take it slow, oh, oh, oh. This time we'll take it slow. This ain't a movie, no, no, fairy tale conclusion y'all.
Speaker 4:It gets more confusing every day. Sometimes it's heaven's end and we head back to hell again. We kiss, then we make up on the way I hang up. You call, we rise and we fall and we feel like just walking away as all of advances. We take second chances. Though it's not a fantasy, I still want you to stay.
Speaker 4:We're just ordinary people. We don't know which way to go Because we're ordinary people. Maybe we should take it slow. Take it slow, oh, oh, oh. This time we'll take it slow. Take it slow, oh, oh, oh. This time we'll take it slow. Take it slow. Maybe we'll live and learn. Maybe we'll crash and burn, maybe you'll stay, maybe you'll leave, maybe you'll return, maybe another fight. Maybe we won't survive, maybe we'll grow. We never know. Baby, you and I, we're just ordinary people. We don't know which way to go, hey, because we're ordinary people. Maybe we should take it slow. Hey, hey, we're just ordinary people. We don't know which way to go, because we're ordinary people. Maybe we should take it slow. Take it slow. Oh, oh, oh. This time we'll take it slow, take it slow. Oh, oh, oh. This time we'll take it slow. Take it slow, slow. This time we'll take it slow. Take it slow. Oh oh, oh. This time we'll take it slow.
Speaker 2:Its not like that.
Speaker 3:Are you sure you haven't been a DJ before?
Speaker 2:I'm sure I love good music, you love good music, and when I selected that I did have you in mind. But also, the more we work together I just kind of reminisced and with your growth, your expansion, just take it slow, because we're just ordinary people and I know that wasn't what John Legend was talking about, but we can use it for life and just to encourage you. Just take it slow, bit by bit. And that takes me into my next question With the rise of the eBooks and online resources, how do you balance the need for physical books with digital offerings?
Speaker 3:That's a good question Because, as technology continues to grow, it's making it more and more accessible for readers, which is a great thing. You can pick up a tablet, your phone, laptop, just any basically smart device. You can download an eBook, you can listen to a podcast, and the thing is, I'm a page turner myself. I love a good old fashioned book, but I love a great podcast. Or I love to listen to books as well, but I get the satisfaction of turning the pages and seeing it, and before I knew it, I read 30 pages. But for the community, we just have to provide them with the resources that they would like.
Speaker 3:Of course, we would always encourage our patrons to come in and check out our collection. That's why we select our books for our collection from the bestsellers list or the award winning list or from our patron request or suggestions. So we definitely love to keep the printed copies on the shelves available. But the eBook realm is something that we can't ignore because it's such a highly sought after resource. So we just have to stay on top of our game and making sure that our patrons aren't missing out or they're not lacking in any realm. So I encourage all readers.
Speaker 3:If you prefer eBook. Download our app. You have all the access to the eBooks throughout the county. If you're a page turner like myself, come into the library and see what new books we have on the show. But I think it's just a continuous learning experience, because every week they're coming out with something new. So we just have to do our work to make sure that we're staying up to date with the newest technology and providing the community with the resources that they can take advantage of the new technology as well.
Speaker 2:OK, I too am a page turner. I did my first audio book maybe a year and a half ago and I was like, oh, this is not bad, oops.
Speaker 3:You have to show it.
Speaker 2:You know, but it's still. I love to have a physical book. I do have an iBook library and half I've read, half I haven't. I do have the Kindle and it is great if you're traveling, you know. If you're traveling, you know you don't have to worry about losing your book, you know, just keep up with your phone. So I get it. And I know we've had this discussion before but, believe it or not, we need both, because there are some people who just absolutely want that physical book and they're the other group who wants the digital resources. So we have to grow and go with the time, that is absolutely sure.
Speaker 3:Yeah, and one thing, another thing to add to that is, you know, the newer generations and, like I say, newer, you know I think I kind of missed out on it, but I just refer to the younger generations. Technology has become so, first, you know, easily accessible that they're just. They may not just be accustomed to reading books, especially for leisure activities, so it's just. You know, I reference my kids, you know, to my twin girls. Now I say, by the time they're up and actually moving around, everything may be touch screened. You know, and that's just the way. 2023 and beyond, you know, that's how everything is shaping up to be. But you know, I do like to flip through an old fashioned book. I like a few lines, put a tab in here and there, but, like I said, we do definitely need both and we just have to continue, absolutely.
Speaker 3:You know, I guess they stand stand up with the times and making sure that we have everything that the community needs.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Someone said they're trying to call in so I was trying to talk them through that. I think they may have a question for you, but until I see them we're going to go on. Now here's one. Can you share any success stories on how the library has positively impacted the community?
Speaker 3:Yes, okay, great Please do I would say this was prior to COVID and this was one of the biggest events that the library was and, like I said, my team we were able to do Every for a few summers, even if it was quarterback.
Speaker 3:James Winston used to come to the library and participate in our summer reading program and he used to come out, read to the keys and talk about the importance of literacy and the importance of education and that really helped us with our summer reading program, because having someone of his you know stature, you know with his accomplishments and I mean it was a packed out house and they could say you could see the smile on the faces of not just the little girls and little boys but the adults in the room it was very inspiring.
Speaker 3:And it was very inspiring and I would say that carried over into some of the a lot of things that we were able to accomplish in those years in 2018, 2019. But, of course, we were devastated with the COVID pandemic and coming out of the pandemic, we're able to maintain that same type of success that we were able to draw from, you know, like I said, when James came those years back. So I would out count that as a success story, being able to start something what we all went through during COVID and to begin it once again and like, like we kind of never lost to beat.
Speaker 3:I really as a success, because I know that during that time, libraries were devastated, as well as individuals and other companies. But we were able to, you know, do what we needed to do to make sure everybody was safe, come back into the library and pick up on those programs and, like the summer reading program and be able to knock it out of the ballpark.
Speaker 2:Okay, all right. Yeah, you had to pivot. You, we all had to pivot, and I remember that. I think I was out of town so I wasn't able to attend, but you took that bull by the horn and led it, because we heard great accolades about how well you did that. Now let's see if we can get this caller in, please, mr Chapman. Okay, okay.
Speaker 7:Good day, carolyn. As well as Mr Chapman, my name is Sandra. I'm here from Chicago, so when Karen was there earlier, she was speaking about me. It's nice to you know, to hear you speak, and when so many times you hear people talk about out of the box opportunities, you are certainly with the, you know, with the puppy paddles. You have certainly done something that's out of the box, because there's not many people that would have actually even given it a second.
Speaker 7:I think that you took it upon yourself to say yeah, as people involved, as early as we can and as often as we can, with actually listening and taking heed to you know, being able to be more, you know, out there with other people, right, we don't want them bullied, and a lot of times bullying happens when kids don't speak up and those kids that you're actually able to help through that particular program, it seems like that would be a wonderful way to get them involved enough to say, hey, you know what, I'm not going to take this anymore.
Speaker 7:So thank you so much for being that visionary to think outside the box by offering that program through your library. Yay, yay for the Wendy city. Because some of that knowledge. How do you go about registering? Because I'm an author, I've written a book, I have another one coming out next year and I would love to be able to come into the best for my library to do a, to do a public speaking, you know, just to do a reader session there. So how would one go about becoming involved and actually getting into?
Speaker 3:the best of their. Okay, thank you.
Speaker 2:First of all, thank you.
Speaker 3:The time words and shout out to Wendy city. Yeah, so we can be reached by phone email. We have multiple social media websites. But just just for the authors, my adult services librarian and I we curate all of the adult programs. But there are many ways that you know for authors to be involved with the library.
Speaker 3:I say we love volunteers. I say if you're a author, if you have a children's book, you can come in and read to the. You know, read your book to the children. If you just like to volunteer to read to the children as an author, that would be a great, a great way. And so we do host authors for author signings and we have a great organization called the Friends of the library who may not bookstore and we do different events to them for authors. Just recently we hosted our authors extravaganza. This is an annual event where we host our local authors and get provided them with the platform so they can sell their books and network with other local authors. So but I will say if you would like to reach out to me, I can give you the phone number to the library, I give you my email address and we can definitely work to get you into the best public library, because I know you say you're from Chicago, but are you? Are you stationed locally to Bessner?
Speaker 7:No, I'm not myself. I'm not, I'm locally. I reside in Chicago. I will be in Bessmer go next year from my nonprofit doing some work with my nonprofit in that Bessmer area. That's why I brought the question up. Is that while I'm there, I would love to come in and to do you know signing or the you know the discussion, the information that I have to share. I'm sure that most people in the area would be, would want to hear it. I just wanted to know what was the proper way to go about getting into it to do the signing or to do this.
Speaker 3:Okay, for sure, you can give us a call at the best public library. Our phone number is 205-428-7882. And you can just give us a call and we'll definitely be able to make some type of connection with you, because I'm pretty sure you have some valuable information and, like I say, we're going to turn over every stone that we can to provide our community with the resources that they need.
Speaker 2:Ms Chapman, you can also put your contact information in the chat.
Speaker 3:Okay, yeah, you can put that in the chat.
Speaker 2:Uh huh, yeah, that'll be perfect, and thank you, sandra. Do you have any additional questions for Mr Chapman?
Speaker 7:No, ma'am, and I see that we're almost at your one o'clock hour. So no, ma'am, I'm done. But I thank him so much for answering and taking the time to answer that question, Not only for me but for whoever else might be listening after and they want to know okay, well, how do I get involved? They'll actually have that information. So thanks to both of you.
Speaker 2:Okay, now go back to the chat and you can get his information off of that. Okay, before you log out, but thank you so much for joining us Because, mr ChapmanI have a couple more questions for you, okay.
Speaker 3:Okay.
Speaker 2:All right, You've already talked about inclusivity regarding the library correct how we reach out to the community and what steps you have implemented and going to implement. So we'll move on to how do you engage with the community and gather feedback to continuously improve the library services?
Speaker 3:Yes, we take every opportunity that we can to participate in outreach events within the community, whether it's the chambers hosting their taste of Bessemer, the high school hosting a career day, elementary schools hosting fall festivals. Like I say, we're gonna take advantage of every opportunity that we can to be involved within the community and I think that's very important and it provides us an opportunity to meet the people in the community and they're able to you know from the conversations that we have provide us with more information so that way we can, in turn, take it back to the library and say, okay, hey, we went out to the high school and these are some of the hot topics that we, you know, taken away from our time at the high school and then from there we can curate different programs and things of that nature, based off the information that we receive from the community. So I think a lot of it is you know, the opportunities are out there. You just have to be willing to put it, put in the time and effort to build and nurture those relationships and just take advantage of the opportunity.
Speaker 3:Because one thing that I do like to express amongst my staff and just anybody that I meet within the community we have to work together. You know they say five fingers are great, but they become more powerful Once they're together. They become a fist. And just in the Bessemer community, that's what we have to do. We have to have all of the departments working together as one, in unison, to reach a common goal. And a common goal of mine you know just personally and through the library is we want to help our community and especially our youth, the youth in our community. So if we have to, like I say, put boots on the ground and attend every event so the community can know hey, we're here and this is what we do, and we're here for you, then that's what we're going to do. And it's just like I love the fact that we're hosting our fall festival this weekend, because that's going to provide us with an opportunity to further tell our story of who we are and what we have available to the community.
Speaker 2:That's great. That is because that is the community and that's a great event for the community. Well, Mr Chairman, I'm going to play another song and I hope you enjoy it.
Speaker 4:You got your wall street, brother. I want to know that I'm here for you. I want to know that I'm here for you. I want to know that I'm here for you. I want to know that I'm here for you. I want to know that I'm here for you. You mean so much to me. Give me what I need. I'm so proud of you. I'm so proud of you. I love you. I'm so proud of you.
Speaker 4:I'm going through thinking things, brother, you're going to win. I'm so proud of you. I'm so proud of you. Whenever you're facing doubt, brother's going to work it out. I'm so proud of you. I got a shaker for you. I love you. I'll never try to hurt you. I want you to know that I'm here for you. My brother, strong brother. There is no one other. I want you to know that I'm here for you, only you. The guy I just love is that I'll never try to hurt you. I want you to know that I'm here for you, cause you might know who you are. Everyone is young. You know that I just love it. Everyone is young.
Speaker 2:I'll pay. Director, do you have any clothes and files or anything else you would like to contribute to the conversation at this point in time?
Speaker 3:Yes. First of all, I would like to thank you for inviting me onto your platform and just giving me the opportunity. There's an echo on my ear.
Speaker 2:Okay, I think everybody's closed up. Let me double check. Yeah, I think everybody's checked out. Okay, try it again, sir. You can try it again, sir. Okay, I think we got rid of the echo, but you can try it again, mr Chapman.
Speaker 3:All right, we'll shoot this one again.
Speaker 2:Okay, let's do it.
Speaker 3:But yeah, but, like I said, I would just like to thank you for inviting me onto your platform and providing me with the opportunity to just kind of tell the public a little bit more about myself and the Best One Public Library and what we have to offer. As far as closing thoughts, I definitely would like to encourage everyone to seek the opportunity to reach out and visit your local library. Of course, if you're in the Best One area, please come out and visit us and see all of the exciting things that we have to offer. But right now, I just want to kind of advocate for all libraries, whether it's a public library, academic library, the library at your child's school. Just get to know your local librarians, because we have a lot of knowledge and we have a lot of experience and you know we're here to serve the public and we can do it in a variety of ways. So I just highly encourage everyone to, one day that you have a couple extra minutes, stopping to your local library and get to know some of your librarians in the city.
Speaker 2:And that is true. You don't know what's in your public libraries if you don't go in and see. You don't know what they have to offer if you don't go in and see and participate Summer reading programs, things of that nature, anything to get your kids involved or yourself involved. In our local library we have Movie Day, not night, but we have Movie Day and they are a huge hit. So just get involved with your public library. Just go in and see what they have to offer. Most of the time they have a directory where things are listed. You know, if you don't want to be on their website and any other social media with them, because they're still there, the services that are offered. So much, director Chapman, for joining me. I have enjoyed having you have a great rest of your day, but I'm going to close out with a little bit of Charlie Wilson, unless you have something else you'd like to say, anything else coming to mind?
Speaker 3:Yes, you know, just once again. You know we can the Best in Public Library. We're visible, so we have. Our website is wwwbestinmallibrarycom. We're on Facebook Best in Public Library. We're on Instagram and Twitter also Best in Public Library. So please follow us, like, subscribe, subscribe, share.
Speaker 3:I just encourage everyone to spread the word and thank everyone for their support and, if you are in the area and available on October 21, at 11am until 3pm, we'll be hosting our 2022 and 3-5 festival. We'll have carnival rides, free food, tons of games, grand prize giveaways Everything is free to the public. The only thing that we ask is that you have a valid library car in order to enter the raffles. Library cars are free and the library car can be used throughout the whole Jefferson County, so looking forward to seeing you all out next Saturday. Once again, I thank Mrs Coleman for the opportunity to tell my story and tell you a little bit about myself and the library, and I'd like to congratulate you. Well, I guess. Thank you for this playlist, because I definitely took note of the songs that you played throughout this interview and I'll be adding them to my playlist, if I hadn't already.
Speaker 2:Okay now, one I haven't done was Bonnie James, but we'll close out after the last two songs. How about that? Don't go anywhere, but thank you again. I do appreciate you. Thank your family for sharing you with me on this Sunday afternoon. Okay, but I'm still here, so I'm going to. We're going to close in prayer, but I'm going to go ahead and play a little bit of Bonnie James and then come back and we'll pray out. Okay, All right.
Speaker 4:I got a gal named Bony Marone. She's as skinny as a sticker macaron. See, a rock and roll with your blue jeans on there. Ain't nothin' there with skin and bone. My high-level friend. She loved me. Hope this had been ours. We can be. Take it all by your need. You can take it all by your need. I'm down on a down for you. She's as skinny as a sticker macaron. I'm gonna get a man on a 19. I'm down on a down for you. She's as skinny as a sticker macaron. She's as skinny as a sticker macaron. See, a rock and roll with your blue jeans on there. Ain't nothin' there with skin and bone.
Speaker 4:I love her and she loved me. Hope this had been ours. We can be. Take it all by your need. You can take it all by your need.
Speaker 1:I told her mom. I told her papa too. I said it just exactly what I wanted to do. Now I wanna get married on a 19. I'm down on a down for you. She's as skinny as a sticker macaron. See, a rock and roll with your blue jeans on there, ain't nothin' there with skin and bone.
Speaker 4:I'm gonna raise a fuss now. I'm gonna raise a holla when workin' all summer tryin' to raise a dollar. Well, that's summertime blues. That's a different tune in there. I only know that one first to Boney Maroney.
Speaker 7:But, the red blue jeans.
Speaker 1:I was trying. There's a medley of two songs there.
Speaker 7:What's that song about the check-break song about the teenage wedding?
Speaker 1:I've been lookin' all the teenage wedding and the old folks wish them well. You could see that Pierre did truly love the man and was hell. And now the young sir and my damn wife from the chapel bell.
Speaker 2:Okay, we're gonna close out in prayer. I thought you might like that medley. It was a little combination of everything, but, lord, god, we just thank you for this opportunity. We just thank you for Jesus. Lord, god, lord, bless everyone who participated today. Bless their families, meet us all at the point of our knees, lord, god, lord, you know the needs. We have some people that are traveling this weekend. We thank you for traveling grace and arriving. Mercies, lord, just be our keeper, continue to be our keeper, or at least another thing for us in your son, jesus' name. Amen and Mr Chapman, we're gonna close out with Charlie Wilson.
Speaker 6:I knew God was with me. I always used to pray. My prayer was I asked God to not let the devil kill me out here while I was in the streets, before I could get back. But I said, if you give me one more chance at life and music, I promise you, I'm gonna shout you out and I'm gonna testify and we're gonna have a little church up in there.
Speaker 4:I don't try to thank the Lord and if you wonder why I'm loving life, I'm closing up. You will serve this. Ask me how I'm doing. I'm blessed. Yes, living every moment, no regrets. Smile up on my face. I'm like, oh yes, I'm blessed. Yes, I'm blessed. Yes, playing cards, laughing hard, barbecue and waking up the whole block. Music loud, turning loud. Little kids are breaking out the bus stop. Life is good, really good, and every moment. No, I can't forget. I gotta say I won't change. You're the reason that I ain't like this and I take over. But I don't try to thank the Lord up above. And if you wonder why I'm loving life, I'm closing up, I tell you what's up. Ask me how I'm doing. I'm blessed. Yes, living every moment, no regrets. Smile up on my face. I'm like oh, yes, I'm blessed. Yes, I'm blessed. Yes, living every moment, no regrets. Smile up on my face. I'm like oh yes, I'm blessed. Yes, I'm blessed. Yes, I'm blessed. I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed.
Speaker 5:Let me holler honk a tranny, I'm done for another day. Body weight ain't no me eating fat another way. I know I trouble all around, try to tear us all down, but I got a thing got me every day above ground. Know the devil working dead nights, but I look him in the eyes and you a damn lie and I know I could've died at a night time. I'm still around because I ain't worried about that, because I'm mad. And now my fun to do in time got a mess of fuck. You Might be stressing out, but it's a blessing at me. And when it do through all the party and the nonsense, she takes the time to think off of what he done. When the ponder you run, we come with the negative Cram is trying to get you to do something. You better not follow them. Damn as I swear I declare some power and pride. You had no idea. God is all we are. I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed.
Speaker 4:Living every moment, no regrets. I'm not gonna face them like, oh yes, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed. And sweet I'm doing, I'm blessed, living every moment, no regrets. I'm not gonna face them like, oh yes, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed, I'm blessed.
Speaker 2:Well, this ends our broadcast. Thank you so much and have a great rest of your day. Thank you for watching.