The annual book sale begins Saturday, Sept. 21, at the library. People are encouraged to browse through books on the sale racks and pick out whatever they'd like for a donation. This year the sale books will be located on the main floor. Books will be added as the supply becomes depleted, so check back for a new selection. Library hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Fall Programs

The Alva Public Library is continuing programs for children throughout the year.

The Little Explorers story time for children not yet in school, accompanied by a parent, continues on Tuesdays.

After school activity days are held on Tuesdays with two age groups alternating. Kindergarten through third grade will meet on the first and third Tuesdays while fourth through sixth graders meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays. When the month includes a fifth Tuesday, all ages are invited to enjoy a movie.

The Lego Club meets the first and third Mondays of the month at 3:15 p.m. This group is for all ages. Currently, everyone is free to build their own designs.

The Life Skills Boot Camp is continuing to meet once a month. Designed for ages 15 to 25 and older, the workshops are sponsored by the library and the Woods County OSU Extension. The next program will be Monday, Sept. 23, at 4 p.m. on the topic of basic cooking skills.

For adults, the library offers the Let's Talk About It book series. The library will have multiple copies of the topic books available for those who wish to read and participate.

Stop by the front desk for schedules of programs, dates, times and more information. The library also posts information and schedules on their website at alvalibrary.okpls.org and on Facebook and Instagram.

Meeting Space

Library Director Sandra Ott-Hamilton told the library board Monday that more and more people are contacting the library about booking the meeting space. Groups such as the retired educators, the Cloverbuds, the genealogy group and the robotics club use it as a regular meeting place.

Library Business

Hamilton went over the financial report and the library budget. She presented the statistical report showing a small decline in adult checkouts which is typical with the start of school. People are beginning to discover the new digital magazines available. Checkouts of those went from 19 in July to 28 in August.

The library is now tracking young adult (YA) checkouts separately from adults. Those increased from 199 in July to 236 in August. The young adult section is located on the first floor of the library just north of the entrance. Internet and wireless use continues to be strong with nearly 1,000 uses in August.

In August adult checkouts totaled 872, YA checkouts were 236, juvenile checkouts 236, Ebook checkouts 473, movies 360, digital audiobooks 321, and digital magazine checkouts 28.

Marione Martin

This inviting space is the Young Adult section of the Alva Public Library. Located on the main floor just north of the entrance, the section contains books and graphic novels meant for teen and young adult readers.

Board members present for the meeting were Lynn Wilt, Linda Joseph, Lenny Reed, April Ridgway and Chris Eckhardt. Absent were Patti Harkin and Marilyn Clyne.