Free summer activities at the Alva Public Library
June 8, 2018
When looking for activities to keep your kids busy this summer, check out the free programs at the Alva Public Library. The summer reading program kicked off Monday with a large enrollment and a theme of “Mad Science.” The library has a big group signed up for the Little Explorers program on Tuesdays. Programs on Thursday will be by enrollment only as space is limited for more individualized content.
Adults aren’t left out as the library is working on some adult programming. The popular Cupcake Wars program from last year will return at the end of July.
The library decided to postpone the Amazing Race when they realized the scheduled weekend contained so many competing activities. It will be held later in the summer.
Friends of the Library Assistance
At the library board meeting Monday, Director Sandra Ott Hamilton expressed her appreciation for the Alva Friends of the Library. She met with them recently after their successful Chocolate Fantasy fundraiser.
The state library department has reduced the amount of funding for next year for databases. Hamilton said the local Friends group has agreed to pay for the Law Depot access which amounts to about $1,500 for the year. The Friends will also help with some of the special library projects.
She said the Friends group will also work with the library to apply for a financial fitness workshop. Provided through the state Friends group, the six week course is geared toward all adult ages. If approved, the library will need to find a local qualified person to teach the course.
Microfilm Discussion
Hamilton reported she spoke with a representative of a company about microfilm readers. They discussed a new model of the same brand the library already uses. The new one will not only read microfilm but can also turn it into the digital PDF format.
She’s considering whether it might be a worthwhile investment. Hamilton said about half of the library’s microfilm collection is census records which are already available on government sites and through Ancestry to which the library subscribes. She said the reader, which costs over $8,000, might be shared by several area libraries which would make it more cost effective.
Library Maintenance
The library has nine air conditioning units. The amount budgeted for the current fiscal year has not been needed so Hamilton is looking at ways to use some of those funds. They’ll be getting bids to replace the lighting in the balcony and in the basement with LED lights. The library already has LEDs in some areas. They operate at cooler temperatures to help energy bills.
Another possible project is replacement of the flooring in the auditorium and replacing the carpet in the genealogy room.
Other Business
Hamilton said the city looked at the equipment lending policy approved by the board and asked for one change. They asked that the serial numbers of equipment be recorded.
Ten percent of state aid funding typically is held back until near the end of the budget year. Hamilton said the final $947 was sent to the city this month. She already has plans on how to use the money.
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