The public library is where place and possibility meet.Stuart Dybek
The Director's Desk
Dear Library Supporter:
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to you today on behalf of the Ector County Library to share a remarkable opportunity that can change lives and foster a brighter future for individuals in our community.
Education is the cornerstone of personal growth and development, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. Sadly, not everyone has had the chance to complete their high school education due to various circumstances. This is why the Ector County Library, in partnership with Gale Excel High School, is taking a crucial step towards addressing this issue and providing a second chance at education.
As per the data from censusreporter.org, an alarming 24.1% of the residents in our region do not have a high school diploma, or higher. This significant number translates into countless dreams deferred and untapped potential within our community. With the introduction of the Gale Excel High School program, we are determined to make a difference and improve this statistic. In fact, this closely aligns with our stated mission: “Enable every County resident and visitor in our diverse, growing community to reach their full potential by empowering them with information, discovery, knowledge, and lifelong learning.”
Gale Excel High School is nationally accredited and offers a comprehensive high school diploma program tailored to those who have aged out of the public-school system. The flexibility of this self-paced program, which can take between 6 months and 2 years, allows students to balance their education with other responsibilities, creating an inclusive and accessible pathway to success. However, for many deserving individuals, financial constraints remain a significant barrier.
Recently, when we opened applications for this program, we were overwhelmed by the response. We received an astonishing 250 applications from passionate individuals eager to pursue their education and enhance their prospects in life. However, with only 5 scholarships available, we are faced with the heart-wrenching task of selecting the most deserving candidates based on their unique circumstances.
This is where we humbly seek your support. Your generous donations for scholarships will be instrumental in opening doors of opportunity for those in need. Every contribution you make will not only provide financial assistance but also symbolize a beacon of hope and encouragement for those striving to better themselves.
Notably, all donations made towards these scholarships are tax-deductible, enabling you to make a meaningful impact while benefiting from potential tax savings.
Please consider joining us in this noble endeavor. Together, we can empower lives, create lasting change, and uplift our community as a whole. Your philanthropic spirit will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come.
Every gift, no matter the size, will be greatly appreciated and put towards changing lives through education. To donate, simply mail your contribution to:
Friends of the Ector County Library
321 W. 5th Street
Odessa, TX 79761
Attn: Gale Excel Scholarship Program
More information on the Excel HS program can be found at Excel High School Library Site
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for considering our cause. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at 432-332-0633 or hmarks@ector.lib.tx.us
With heartfelt gratitude and warm regards,
Howard Marks
Library Director, Ector County Library
Dear Library Supporter:
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to you today on behalf of the Ector County Library to share a remarkable opportunity that can change lives and foster a brighter future for individuals in our community.
Education is the cornerstone of personal growth and development, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. Sadly, not everyone has had the chance to complete their high school education due to various circumstances. This is why the Ector County Library, in partnership with Gale Excel High School, is taking a crucial step towards addressing this issue and providing a second chance at education.
As per the data from censusreporter.org, an alarming 24.1% of the residents in our region do not have a high school diploma, or higher. This significant number translates into countless dreams deferred and untapped potential within our community. With the introduction of the Gale Excel High School program, we are determined to make a difference and improve this statistic. In fact, this closely aligns with our stated mission: “Enable every County resident and visitor in our diverse, growing community to reach their full potential by empowering them with information, discovery, knowledge, and lifelong learning.”
Gale Excel High School is nationally accredited and offers a comprehensive high school diploma program tailored to those who have aged out of the public-school system. The flexibility of this self-paced program, which can take between 6 months and 2 years, allows students to balance their education with other responsibilities, creating an inclusive and accessible pathway to success. However, for many deserving individuals, financial constraints remain a significant barrier.
Recently, when we opened applications for this program, we were overwhelmed by the response. We received an astonishing 250 applications from passionate individuals eager to pursue their education and enhance their prospects in life. However, with only 5 scholarships available, we are faced with the heart-wrenching task of selecting the most deserving candidates based on their unique circumstances.
This is where we humbly seek your support. Your generous donations for scholarships will be instrumental in opening doors of opportunity for those in need. Every contribution you make will not only provide financial assistance but also symbolize a beacon of hope and encouragement for those striving to better themselves.
Notably, all donations made towards these scholarships are tax-deductible, enabling you to make a meaningful impact while benefiting from potential tax savings.
Please consider joining us in this noble endeavor. Together, we can empower lives, create lasting change, and uplift our community as a whole. Your philanthropic spirit will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come.
Every gift, no matter the size, will be greatly appreciated and put towards changing lives through education. To donate, simply mail your contribution to:
Friends of the Ector County Library
321 W. 5th Street
Odessa, TX 79761
Attn: Gale Excel Scholarship Program
More information on the Excel HS program can be found at Excel High School Library Site
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for considering our cause. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at 432-332-0633 or hmarks@ector.lib.tx.us
With heartfelt gratitude and warm regards,
Howard Marks
Library Director, Ector County Library
We have Friends in low places, all kidding aside. Our Friends of the Library (located in the Basement downstairs) are now accepting donations for the following items:
-Audiobooks
-Books
-Movies
-Music
The Friends is a 501(c)(3) organization. This donation is tax deductible. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
There’s surely a lot to look forward to in May. Graduations, proms, baseball and the great bbq/picnic weather.
Be sure to check out the following:
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Check out a Chromebook, Galaxy tablet and hotspot now for two weeks, then renew for another two! (Ask at front for details)
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We now carry 50+ board games in our teen department.
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Why not reserve an e-book or audiobook with your card to pass the longer days?
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Try Hoopla or Libby. As you familiarize yourself with our website, you may realize we have a plethora of easy-to-use resources literally at your fingertips.
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We also have a virtual and in-person Smithsonian exhibit on the Apollo 11 NASA mission to the Moon.
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We’re also doing a lot of outreach these days. We’ll be at Odessa High School on May 4 at 5:30pm for Cinco de Mayo; Mural Fest on May 13 from 5-9pm; and Carver Early Ed on May 18 at 5:30pm.
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Don’t miss out on the big kickoff event on the 3rd floor on Thursday, May 25 at 4:30pm for our infamous kids’ Summer Reading program! This year’s theme is “All Together Now.”
What else? We are also expanding across town soon. There’s lots more to come on this, so please be sure to stay tuned!!!
Last week, we recognized American Library Association’s National Library Week or La Semana Nacional de las Bibliotecas. This year’s theme is “There’s More To The Story.” (Hay Mucho Más Que Contar) This very theme is often the case in life. We are taught critical thinking to look beyond what is front of us to see the complete picture and get all the facts. Tuesday, April 25 happens to be National Library Workers Day, where we took a brief opportunity to honor our 25 hardworking employees and hundreds of thousands library employees across the nation.
Spring break is back in town all this week. The library has lots of activities for the entire family, including for the kids (intended for ages 5-13). Check them out. The children’s department on the third floor anticipates up to 50 folks for most events. They just had a whopping 180 people in the Auditorium for Dr. Seuss’ birthday party a few weeks ago! According to the children’s librarian supervisor, we build it and they will come! So therefore, we are looking forward to entertaining the kiddos from Odessa this week with the following activities:
Monday - Fairy House Craft 4:30 –6p
Tuesday – Fairy Party 4-6p
Wednesday – Mini-Golf 1-5p
Thursday – Light Saber Craft 4:30-6p
Friday – Star Wars party 4-6p
All events are free of charge! Please join us!!
Fact: Librarians actually don’t spend all day reading and other myths about our last free bastion of true democracy in society affectionately referred to as the public library. Yes, you heard it here. Librarians and library staff/paraprofessionals more often than not do not have time to read at their desk contrary to popular belief. And if they do, it is often e-mail fodder and industry-trade jargon in between Storytime, reference interviews and cataloging.
Librarians at the reference desk do get asked the most amazing questions. They are even stumped sometimes. Here are some direct ones from the movie, “The Public” that are supposedly have been asked by patrons in the past:
“I need a color photo of George Washington.”
“I’m looking for a globe of the earth. Isn’t there a life-size one?”
And the all-time classic: “How late are you open?”
So, what will you ask our knowledgeable librarians, who are now and almost always available on our virtual reference chat, RefDesk? How can we help you?
Do things in life always go as planned? Of course not. As the city shuts down, we have had a few weather delays as of late here in west Texas and finally some winter days. We regretfully will not be able to have the Cassatt Quartet from New York City perform and appear on an icy, cold day, Monday, January 30. We are closed and this is now the end of their season after today. Stay tuned for more news on our upcoming events this week and any rescheduled outings at the library.
Also, a very special announcement indeed coming up for Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14. (Spoiler alert: it is technology-related and a very exciting development for the library) Plus, we will be closed the following day, Wednesday February 15 for professional development training for the staff.
Please stay safe and warm out there!
Here are 20 activities you may or may not have thought of to do at the public library:
-Renew your passport
-Make conversation versus shushing
-Meditate in a quiet area
-Complete high school on the computer
-Start a speech and debate club for your teenager
-Learn how to play chess by watching other community members
-Learn a new trade from reading
-Rent a boatload of DVDs
-Learn new computer programs with a librarian
-Ask research questions just for the heck of it
-Randomly open a reference book on A-Z list of topics
-Make artwork
-Meet your favorite literary characters
-Find your way around the globe
-Take in an escape room experience
-Recharge your technology and devices
-Look up the Dewey Decimal system
-Make some new friends
-Find a second home and “safe space”
-Thrive!
Namaste. Yesterday, we honored the life and legacy of MLK, Jr. with the annual national day in his honor. Such famous quotes such as “The time is always right to do what’s right.” or “Now let us begin. Now let us rededicate ourselves to the long and bitter – but beautiful – struggle for a new world.” What can we learn from all this? To read, read, I repeat always read the facts. Ask informative questions. Beyond everything else, be a critical thinker. This is how we solve everyday problems and come up with viable solutions and strategies. Practice teamwork and collaboration. Use sound judgment. Let’s all do our due diligence to contribute new ideas to society and further our understanding collectively.... it’s how we can all move forward in the 21st century and share in continuing to build a better way – via a well informed, free thinking society.
As the busy holiday season came and went, we welcome you and your family, friends and neighbors to a happy (and now belated) new year on this happy Friday!
Did you know throughout 2022 we had a total of 177,402 patrons enter our doors? In our County alone, there are a total of 161,091 residents, according to the United States Census Bureau.
So, do you have any resolutions or goals in mind in 2023 – such as how many books and writers you’d like to personally read this coming year? If that’s the case, one of our staff members can offer a myriad of helpful book suggestions, say in adult services on the first floor, southwest/history on the second floor, young adult on second or children’s on the third floor.
As always, please always feel free to ask a dedicated staff member for assistance or if you have any questions, thoughts or feedback, try out our new RefDesk virtual chat service. It is available on our homepage 365-24-7 and a chat bot that pops up and will take your question automatically. If a staff member happens to not be present or it is a time the library is closed or on a holiday, they will get back to you usually within 24 to 48 hours. Please enter your e-mail address and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
We give thanks and recognition for many things in life. Gratitude goes far to help those close to us truly feel appreciated. We are continually thankful and grateful, for instance, for our health, our family, our friends, our country, our community, and so forth. (Our devoted library staffers at this time of year may be thankful for their long awaited holiday vacation days) We are also obliged to give back to those who do righteous things for our neighbors and loved ones.
“Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what.” - Ernest Hemingway
In short, we are thankful to be able to eat turkey and all the fixings on another upcoming Thanksgiving (My favorite holiday of the year). We are thankful for the holiday parades and football games on tv. (We are even thankful to not be the actual turkey) Therefore, from your dedicated community County library, we wish you and yours a bountiful harvest of blessings, optimal health and good times this coming holiday week and upcoming festive holiday season!
Library Hours
Monday -Saturday 9:00am-7:00pm
Computer Lab Hours
Monday -Saturday 9:30am-6:30pm
