SEOLS defines Outreach as any event or programming hosted or coordinated outside of one of our library locations, or, an in-house gathering catered to a specific organization or age group where the public at large would not be invited to participate. Along with the previously mentioned, Outreach Services installs and services Book Exchange locations throughout the SEOLS service area, typically in surrounding smaller communities where a library location is not present to ensure everyone has the opportunity to access a great read. If you would like assistance from our staff with an event or program that falls within the Outreach criteria, or, you know of a great location for a Book Exchange, please feel free to contact us.
Bookmobile
On September 15, 2020, the Board of Trustees voted to approve a new bookmobile for SEOLS. See our press release for more details. More information will be added to this page as it becomes available.
Book Exchange Locations
- Book Exchange locations are portable racks and shelving placed in high trafficked public locations in communities that do not have a traditional library or reading room. They are also located in places where people have difficulty traveling due to physical, transportation or geographical limitations.
- Books, typically paperback, are supplied by SEOLS for residents to take away from the exchange location and enjoy without the need to formally check them out as one would from a library or reading center. There is no time limit or due date imposed. Once they are finished with the book, they are asked to return it to the exchange location for others to enjoy. People may take as many as they like without repercussions for damage or loss.
- Some exchange locations, such as assisted living centers and shelters, are only accessible to members of that facility. Public access locations include:
Outreach Programs
There are so many resources and programs available in the community that many simply do not know about.
Senior Living Outreach
- Just as with book exchange locations, racks and shelving is available for use in assisted living centers and nursing homes for residents to enjoy at their leisure without the need to formally check them out. SEOLS keeps a reserve of large print titles on hand to accommodate those who struggle with smaller print.
- SEOLS also offers activities and programming that can be brought into the facilities and led by a SEOLS staff member. These range from story times, to arts and crafts to current event discussions with any materials needed provided by the library system.
- Travel to a SEOLS library or reading room isn’t always possible for those with physical or mental limitations. It can also be time consuming and costly for facilities to supply transportation for outings. Therefore, we take pride in bringing some of what the library offers to them.
Daycare & School Outreach
- There are a number of ways SEOLS can help in child care and school settings. Story Times, where a library staff member comes into a classroom or daycare to share stories, songs and games is always available with very little planning or preparation from teachers or caregivers needed. Public schools systems are invited to take advantage of our Student Access Cards that open up so many online opportunities for students as well as physical checkouts and more. Outreach Services can also arrange informative presentations with knowledgeable speakers when available within a classroom setting on a limited basis.
- A library is a wonderful source of information, entertainment and creative inspiration for a child but not everyone has access and transportation to visit often. Therefore SEOLS strives to bring library services to the child, encouraging a life long relationship with all a library has to offer and an interest in reading. Outreach visits also help lighten the load for an educator or caregiver when planning learning opportunities and events without the added expense and stress of travelling with young ones.
More Outreach & Resources
SEOLS Reading Centers are located throughout our service area in Red Oak. Kiowa, Pickens, Quinton and McCurtain. These are manned solely with the efforts of our volunteers within these communities.