Alva library planning more activities

 

November 24, 2017



Over the years, the local library has been evolving to meet the changing needs of the community. At the Alva Public Library Board meeting Tuesday, Director Sandra Ott-Hamilton discussed plans to “build a client base through positive experiences.” By providing programs for younger community members, the library hopes to encourage them to continue relying on the library as they grow older.

Ott-Hamilton said library programs used to focus on educational and cultural opportunities. Many of those events are now held at the university and the local art gallery. So the library is looking for other ways to engage the community. The last few years, people have responded to programs and activities.

A recent event, the escape room program, was quickly booked up. About 36 people went through the rooms. Groups included grandparents with grandchildren, high school students, middle school students, families with younger children, and adult couples.

Ott-Hamilton said they realized they need two different rooms for different age groups. The high school and middle school students said it was a wonder idea but “make it harder.” Those with younger children asked for easier clues.

The library recently applied for a grant to provide coding (computer programming) opportunities to younger children. They didn’t win the grant, but they are still looking at coding programs for kids. The focus is on starting with ages 3 or 4 and then moving on to older children.

Ott-Hamilton reported the library staff is about finished with inventory and standardizing the filing and computer entries of collections. They are now working on setting up long term planning of events.

New Activity Time

A new addition to scheduled activities at the library is an Activity Time on Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. The library will provide activity materials. Preschool children are invited to attend with a parent to participate in the hands-on fun. One Saturday a month, the library will also hold an activity time to involve working parents and their children.

Images of Oklahoma

The library asked people to bring in photos from the time of the World War II POW camp in Alva. These are to be scanned to digital files and the photos returned to their owners. The photos will become a part of the statewide Images of Oklahoma program. Ott-Hamilton said they also hope to add photos of items from the museum, articles, etc., pertaining to the camp.

Maintenance

A new water fountain has been installed on the main floor at the library. The second water fountain has been delayed due to back-ordered parts. The new fountain is working well, and staff members no longer have to deal with water shooting onto the floor.

The new blinds have been installed at the front of the library, replacing those damaged by water leaks.

Lighting in the youth department downstairs has been changed to LED lights. The staff hopes to “freshen up” some of the scenes on walls which have yellowed.

The library will look at changing out lighting in the upstairs area next.

Statistical Information

Library board members at the meeting were Chairman Lynn Wilt, Dr. David Kovarovic, Linda Joseph, Marilyn Clyne, Bryant Gingrich and Chris Eckhardt. Len Reed was absent.

During October, the library had 1,122 adult checkouts and 1,212 juvenile checkouts. Ott-Hamilton said the book checkouts seem to be holding steady. Ebook checkouts are also stabilizing with 714 for the month. In addition, there were 46 audiobook checkouts and 246 movie checkouts.

Computer access is also popular. The library had 226 internet users and 808 wireless users in October.

During the month, the library held four after-school activity days and five Mommy and Me groups. Several other groups held meetings in the library.

 

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