Alva Public Library still tracking book fines

 

February 7, 2020



The Alva Public Library will track book fines and other revenues separately for another month. The January tracking showed $35.50 collected in fines, $56.50 for copies and $7 for faxes. Other revenue totaled $39 for inter-library loans, book replacements, etc.

However, the library staff found they all do math differently so they’re assigning one person to handle the tracking in February. The tracking is to determine how much fines bring in as the library is considering removing fines on book checkouts.

The library saw an increase of 89 in checkouts of digital audiobooks in January compared to December. Checkouts of e-books also increased by 84 in January. The library checked out 34 more movies than the previous month. There were 29 meetings hosted. People are starting to notice the digital magazines available from the library with 23 checked out.

Regulations allow libraries to renew their contract for electronic services for three years without bidding. Library Director Sandra Ott Hamilton said they opted to continue with Pioneer for the same speed at the same price. The library staff has been very pleased with Pioneer’s service, speed and consistency.

The federal government pays for 80 percent of the electronic services contract with the state picking up the other 20 percent. The only cost to the Alva library is for the equipment. Hamilton said the federal funding is based on numbers from free and reduced school lunch filings which is why it is so important that paperwork be filled out, even when parents don’t intend to use the lunch program.

Hamilton announced the dates for the Summer Reading Program will be June 1 through June 29. The library is also working on plans for various independent local programs for youth for July. She said they plan to set up some tables with games and small crafts to entertain those who drop by.

The Friends of the Library Chocolate Fantasy is scheduled for Thursday, April 2. The funds from the event are used by the Friends to benefit the library.

The library is planning to rotate computer replacements so they don’t have to replace all of them at the same time. Three are scheduled to be replaced this year, but two of them will be put off for now. One has to be replaced because it doesn’t have enough RAM for upgrading to Windows 10, and a new monitor is also needed. State aid money will be used for the purchase.

Hamilton told the board that the covered parking area at the back of the library is in need of roof work. It was not roofed when the library roof was replaced. Now it is leaking. It’s such a small area that the city will probably just have it done when they have another roof project.

In the pocket park just east of the library building, there’s a large pot for flowers that was donated. The heavy rains last spring and summer flooded the pot and any flowers or foliage planted there. Board member April Ridgway said the pot will probably need to have all the soil removed as it appears the drainage holes are plugged. Hamilton was hopeful a work crew from BJCC might be able to handle that chore. She’s also going to check on someone who might be able to handle plantings and check on the flowers regularly.

 

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