Champions of Change Blog

Library Programs Tailored for a Tribal Community

Sandy Tharp-Thee is being honored as a White House Champion of Change for her leadership and commitment to libraries and museums around the United States.

In August of 2009, I was a new tribal librarian and soon learned I had no programs, no budget, no mission statement, no online resources, no circulation system, and no manual. The library had a strong collection of books and materials about the Ioway and Native Americans but only about 150 well-loved children’s books.  It also had two big red chairs. One of them had a sign taped on it that said, “Do not sit on this. It is broken.” 

I first addressed the need to get books into the hands of children and youth. I called local thrift stores and received over 13 boxes of children’s books. Storytime and Lapsit programs were created.  “Read, Get Wacky, Go Feather,” a youth reading program with food coupons provided by the local Sonic Drive-In (food helps!), and a Summer Reading Program with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries—our new best friends-- quickly followed.  Many of the youth did not have books at home. Working with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and First Book, I was able to help them start home libraries. Several free book fairs were held at our library, and we began an ongoing free book shelf.  An American Library Association Bookshelf and a Libri Foundation Grant were received, and, for the first time, the library collection included brand new books for the youth to check out.

I found resources for other children and youth programs. “Writers in the Wind” is our adult writers’ group that meets once a month at the library.  The “Writers” are creative people and are willing to share by reading or singing to children and giving book talks.  One of the writers shared her therapy dog with us, and words cannot begin to express the impact on the children.  The library works closely with the Johnson O’Malley program for Native youth to provide afterschool tutoring.  A “Moving Library” was created with Four Winds Child Development Center to provide them with board books, and I created “Fun in a Sack,” an early literacy bag for families and teachers, with books, puzzles, and activities.  Other library programs include cultural activities, field trips, and gardening.  The Iowa Tribe has an Eagle Aviary, where injured eagles are rehabilitated and fishing for the eagles is another very popular program and good for the eagles.

Empowering New Americans

Jennifer Manley is being honored as a White House Champion of Change for her leadership and commitment to libraries and museums around the United States. 

At the heart of my work in public service has always been a drive to help tell the stories of those who need to be heard. Its built on the notion that fostering strong connections between people and policy makers, those quiet voices can be amplified, and ultimately, problems can be solved; lives can be changed. 

This is a pretty tall order. But when working with the right organization and the right partners, I have seen, first hand, that it is achievable. We can make a true difference, even if it is just in one person’s life, on one person’s block. Ultimately, we can make America, and the world, a better place.

It is why I am so honored to be recognized as a White House Champion of Change. I am privileged to work for Queens Library, where opportunities abound to elevate and enrich lives in positive and sustainable ways every single day.

In my role heading the Government and Community Affairs Department, I am charged with fostering positive relationships with all our stakeholders in government, while also responding to the diverse and changing needs of the populations we serve. At a time when we are embracing a new digital information era, when learning is becoming a lifelong pursuit, not simply institutional based endeavor, the role that libraries play in people’s lives in is simply transformative. It is my challenge and privilege to make sure that story is being told.