QPL Connections by Delene Allen

Thursday, September 26, 2024 ●   Wood County Monitor – Wood County, TX            

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month, so stop by the Quitman Public Library and apply for the smartest card around! Library cards are available for those providing proof of residence in Wood County and photo identification.  A guardian must sign for children ages 5 - 17.

The library is participating in the month-long “Register in September – Vote in November” campaign, and volunteers will be available to assist. Forms are available at the front desk.

Near the checkout area is a display of books arranged by the QPL Staff to highlight the American Library Association’s “Banned Books Month” each September to promote freedom to read.

The Pilot Club of Quitman has partnered with Dolly’s Imagination Library, a program which makes it possible for every child from birth to age five to receive one free, age-appropriate book by mail each month. You may enroll your children at no cost if you reside in the following zip codes 75783, 75410, and 75497. Stop by the front desk to sign up today and have your picture made with the cardboard Dolly cutout!

There is always something to do at the library! Friends of the Library invites the public to join this volunteer group of library supporters at monthly meetings on second Thursdays at noon. Photographers of all levels are invited to the In-Focus Photography Club of East Texas that meets monthly on last Mondays at the library beginning at 5:30 p.m. Free knitting and crochet instruction class meets each Thursday 2 – 4 p.m. Students of all ages and skill levels may bring their own supplies and patterns to trade. Also, Wood County Metal Detector Club, led by Jerry Tinney, meets on first Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s Shamburger Community Room. Whyte Dove Writers’ Club meets monthly on second Tuesdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at the library. Consider joining this distinctive group of local published authors. The Wood County TX Genealogical Society meets on each 3rd Monday at 5 p.m. in the library’s community room. Follow the society’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/groups/woocotx.

Notary service is generally available at the library during regular business hours, but to guarantee an appointment, call Susan Lomanto or Delene Allen 903-763-4191.

Looking for a place to hold your event? The library offers a spacious community room with the latest technological needs as well as a kitchenette. For lease information, contact the front desk at 903-763-4191.

Patrons may connect to our library’s vast collection of eBooks, audio books and streaming videos by downloading the Libby® and Boundless® apps. Visit the library’s online catalog at http://quitman.biblionix.com/catalog and select “What’s Hot” to see all the latest books, audiobooks, and DVDs ready to be checked out. Call us to sign up for email or text notifications to remind you when your books are due.  Check out the library’s online TexShare® database at www.quitmanlibrary.org that is loaded with invaluable and up-to-the-minute research tools, homework help and reference resources. Keep current at www.facebook.com/quitmanpubliclibrary. Library hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. 

"Unlocking Potential: Educational Resources Every Leader Should Explore" by Karen Weeks

 

Image: Freepik

Unlocking Potential: Educational Resources Every Leader Should Explore

Leadership is not just an innate ability; it is a skill that can be honed through dedicated learning and self-improvement. Whether you're an emerging leader or an experienced executive, expanding your knowledge base is crucial to enhancing your leadership capabilities. This guide explores diverse educational resources—including books, courses, and articles—that every leader should explore to refine their skills and broaden their perspectives.

Exploring Foundational Leadership Books

The right books can provide deep insights and strategies from seasoned leaders and thinkers. They are indispensable for those who aspire to lead effectively.

• "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek: This book explores the importance of creating a culture of trust and safety in the workplace.

• "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown: Brown discusses the role of vulnerability in leadership, encouraging leaders to embrace it as a strength.

• "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by John Maxwell: Maxwell offers actionable advice through laws that help leaders understand and improve their leadership influence.

• "Good to Great" by Jim Collins: This classic examines why some companies make the leap to greatness and others don't, with leadership being a key factor.

Enrolling in Leadership Development Courses

Structured courses can offer interactive and comprehensive learning experiences to enhance your leadership skills.

• Online leadership courses from platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning: These platforms offer courses taught by reputable leaders and academics from top institutions.

• Local workshops and seminars: Participating in these can provide practical, hands-on leadership training and networking opportunities.

• Executive education programs offered by universities: These often include both short and extended courses tailored for executives looking to update their leadership skills.

Leveraging Insightful Leadership Articles

Staying updated with the latest in leadership trends and studies can be as simple as dedicating time to read articles from reputable sources.

• Harvard Business Review: Known for its insightful articles on leadership and management.

• Forbes Leadership Section: Offers a blend of contemporary issues and leadership advice.

• The Wall Street Journal’s Management & Careers Section: Provides articles on diverse management challenges and innovations.

• McKinsey Quarterly: Presents in-depth, research-based articles on leadership and organizational topics.

Going Back to School to Build Your Leadership Skills

For many leaders, formal education remains a reliable path to gaining profound leadership knowledge and credentials.

• Earning a business degree: An online business degree can be an excellent option for leaders who need the flexibility to balance their professional and educational pursuits.

• Part-time leadership degree programs: These allow for deeper exploration of complex leadership concepts without leaving your current job.

• MBA programs with a focus on leadership or management: These programs are designed to polish your leadership skills through a rigorous curriculum and interaction with fellow leaders.

Engaging in Continuous Personal Development

True leadership development is an ongoing journey that involves constant learning and personal growth. It requires a commitment to continuously expanding one’s knowledge and skills to adapt to new challenges and environments.

• Mentorship programs: Engaging with a mentor can provide personalized insights and guidance that are invaluable for leadership growth.

• Peer learning groups: Participating in or forming a peer learning group can help leaders share challenges and solutions, fostering collective growth.

• Self-reflection practices: Regularly reflecting on personal leadership experiences and lessons can help in understanding one's strengths and areas for improvement.

The journey to leadership excellence is multifaceted, involving a continuous commitment to learning and development. By engaging with a variety of educational resources—ranging from books and articles to formal courses and earning an online degree—leaders can ensure they remain effective and relevant in their roles. This proactive approach to learning not only enhances personal capabilities but also sets a powerful example for teams, ultimately leading to more successful and adaptable organizations.

Discover a world of knowledge and community at Quitman Public Library! Join us today to access a vast collection of books, digital resources, and engaging programs for all ages.