Monthly Reports | Kassandra V-L: 2020

October 2020

Hosted a live Zoom session, Origami Cat, as part of my work in the Online Virtual Programming work group on 10/23/20
Opened and closed for Early Voting as necessary for the branch
Am currently working w/ Miranda O'Neil, Lisa Leandro, and Cristine Mitchamore on starting up a crochet and knitting online program. We are working on logistics and program content, etc.
Joined a committee that will produce a virtual pet costume contest, Pooch Parade, in which members of the public will enter photos of their pets in costume to compete for prizes in different categories. The judges are Ramiro Salazar, Haley Holmes, Cheryl Sheehan of San Antonio Public Library and Claudia Balarin and Josie Espinoza of Animal Care Services.

My contribution includes creation of a video that will showcase results of the contest and recruiting representatives from Animal Care Services

Experimented with and learned about multiple software platforms conducive to online library programming such as OBS Studio, Epocam, YouTube Live, Discord and Zoom.
Wrote monthly Director’s Report for Mission Branch Library, submitted to Manager for approval and posted

Wrote EPEs for Library Assistants
Created Butterfly Origami Take and Make Kits for Mission Branch Library
Updated Mission's staff contact list and distributed list to staff
Created the SAPL's Pooch Parade (Virtual Edition) video, showcasing results from the contest

Hosted Crochet Circle virtual program via Zoom on 01/12/21
As part of the Virtual Craft Programming work group, I created a video, Easy No-Sew Shelter Pet Bed, which debuted on the mysapl YouTube channel on 01/08/21
Wrote monthly Director’s Report for Mission Branch Library, submitted to Manager for approval and posted

Created Heart-Box Origami Take and Make Kits via the Cricut for Mission Branch Library
Wrote monthly Director’s Report for Mission Branch Library, submitted to Manager for approval and posted

As part of the Virtual Craft Programming work group, I hosted a live program via Zoom on 3/12/21. In the program, participants learned how to create an Origami Clover Leaf.
Hosted Crochet Circle virtual program via Zoom on 03/09/21 & 03/23/21
Began working with the Asian Pacific Heritage Month work group
Began working with the Digital Inclusion Month work group

Wrote monthly Director’s Report for Mission Branch Library, submitted to Manager for approval and posted
Opened and/or closed for Early Voting as necessary for the branch

As part of the Virtual Craft Programming work group, I created a video, Fabric Phone Stand, which debuted on the mysapl YouTube channel on 5/14/21
As part of the Digital Inclusion Month annual initiative committee, I hosted 2 practice Zoom programs for adults wishing to learn and practice with the platform.

I collaborated with Megan Feeley to create a system-wide K-Pop Take and Make kit
I recruited Oscar Gonzalez to create a video on how to create a Bonsai Tree to be posted on the mysapl YouTube channel

Created Origami Baby Yoda Take and Make Kits for Mission Library's 10th Anniversary Celebration
Wrote monthly Director’s Report for Mission Branch Library, submitted to Manager for approval and posted
Opened and/or closed for Early Voting, Run-off Voting and Election Day as necessary for the branch

Attended meeting on Resuming In-Person Programming
Wrote monthly Director’s Report for Mission Branch Library, submitted to Manager for approval and posted

As part of the Virtual Craft Programming work group, I created a video, Planted Jar Aquarium, which debuted on the mysapl YouTube channel on 7/9/21
Attended meeting on Resuming In-Person Programming
Wrote monthly Director’s Report for Mission Branch Library, submitted to Manager for approval and posted

As part of the Virtual Craft Programming work group, I created a video tutorial on how to make a Zine. Coincidentally, it was during the same time SAPL was hosting a Zine contest, the Big Read Zine, in which the public was encouraged to create and submit a Zine. My video is also part of the resources for the Big Read Zine LibGuide.

EPE Goal: Create and implement a team-building activity

During this time SAPL was closed to the public due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Eventually however, libraries were re-opened for limited services. During this time period I accomplished a number of projects.

I compiled a video of library programs and collaborative community events that took place over the last few years at Mission Library. Library programs showcased how much the Friends of the Mission Library financially support library programming. Collaborative community events emphasized the strong relationship between the library and its surrounding community.
I joined the newly formed Virtual Craft Programming Committee and the Take and Make Committee. I began creating virtual programming and planning for system-wide take and make craft kits upon the reopening of library services. I produced 3 craft videos for SAPL’s YouTube channel for Adult Services' Virtual Programming and still plan to create more videos for as long as SAPL is offering this service. While it is known that there is a plethora of how-to, crafting and informational videos already available to Internet users, I chose these specific topics to be as relative, current and useful to the San Antonio community as possible.

A bookmark is always relative to a library and/or library customers. This one challenged the creator to use fabric, thread, ribbon and interfacing instead of the traditional paper or card stock.

The heat in San Antonio is an issue to be taken seriously. Also to be taken seriously is the health and well-being of the pets we are responsible for. This cooling blanket offered a bit of relief to pets that may not have the opportunity to live indoors. [This particular video was featured in the first edition of a biweekly e-newsletter specifically featuring programs for adults and received about 260 views.]

San Antonio is big on all things Hispanic, and with that, big on religion as well. The idea for this craft originated from Hispanic cultures in which small portable foldable creations, of leather usually, in which the owner would have religious images, prayers or any other religious representations. While the library may not be able to condone one religion or another, this craft lent itself to become whatever the creator wished it to be.

During the library’s closure, I also read professional development articles and Ted Talks relevant to the state of libraries, health and the effects of COVID-19.

From this time period I was transferred temporarily to Semmes Branch Library due to insufficient staffing.

While at Semmes, I began a weekly adult coloring program.
I also made contact with PAWS for Service in an attempt to bring a READ Team (a certified dog and handler) to Semmes.