Alva Review-Courier -

When the Alva Library Board met Monday afternoon, the magazine reading area was inaccessible. New furniture has arrived, and it was being stored in that area until everything can be rearranged. Library Director Sandra Hamilton said the seating for the magazine area will be easier to wipe down and sanitize.

Present for the meeting were Chairman Lynn Wilt and board members Lennie Reed, Patty Harkin and Taylor Dowling. Marilyn Clyne, Chris Eckhardt and April Ridgway were absent.

An odd thing happened at the library in January. No new library cards were issued to patrons. Hamilton said that hasn’t happened in the last several years. However, she’s seen an increase of people coming in to use library services during February.

Juvenile checkouts were down in January but Hamilton said that’s picking up this month. During January, the library logged 589 adult checkouts, 266 young adult checkouts and 266 for juveniles. There were 443 e-book checkouts with 426 of those going to adults. Digital audiobook checks totaled 342 while audiobooks on DVD totaled six. There were 109 checkouts of movies.

In new materials received in January there were 115 for adults, 16 for young adults and 34 for juveniles. The library had 59 new DVD and enhanced CD materials plus four new audiobooks.

Internet services continue to be popular with 53 internet users and 1,624 users of the library’s free wifi.

Reviewing financials, Hamilton said the library is below 50 percent on spending from all budget areas except books and materials. She said that category will be supplemented by state library aid. Usually the library receives state aid in two payments. This year, it was late being sent out so the state sent the Alva library the full amount of $8,794. Hamilton said some of that amount will be saved for computers and software.

Hamilton distributed a technology plan for the library. While board approval isn’t required, she wanted board members to see it in case they have suggestions. The plan will be discussed at the next board meeting.

The library has two part-time employees now to work with younger patrons. They are making sure the library has enough materials for different reading levels. They are also looking at materials for higher level readers that are age appropriate.

The public library is coordinating with school librarians on materials. For example, Lincoln Elementary is providing a list of book series that are popular and frequently all checked out. That way the public library can provide more copies for students.

Hamilton said the recent snow made them aware that the roof over the covered back area is starting to leak. She’s going to see if there’s money in the budget to cover fixing that roof.

At the beginning of March, the library plans to open the youth library downstairs. Youngsters will be encouraged to grab books and go rather than lingering. Most of the seating in the area is being removed. Books that have been placed on the main level at the library will be moved back to the juvenile area.

The library is planning to do some type of in-house summer program. Amy Ryerson is working on those plans. However, some working parents who can’t bring kids to the programs really like the take-home activity bags the library has been distributing. Hamilton said they will plan to do both, but those attending in-person will not be able to take home bags due to the expense of materials.