The summer reading program at the Alva Public Library kicked off the week of June 6 with more than 110 youngsters registered. They have been divided into five groups so that there are no more than 20 in each section.

This is the alternate week with the same programs and materials for another group of kids. The alternating week program allows staff to serve more youngsters. New programming is scheduled for every two weeks.

The Lego Club is proving very popular. A total of 65 signed up to participate and 44 of them showed up at last week’s session. The participants build whatever they want so they don’t require a lot of help. However, the library could use more Legos if anyone has some of the popular building blocks they would like to donate.

The Youth Ambassadors program for high school volunteers at the library was halted by Covid in 2020, but it is now starting up again. Library Director Sandra Ott said this summer they’ve expanded the program to add Junior Ambassadors of middle school age. The younger volunteers help with programs for third grade and younger. Ott said the ambassadors choose their preferred activities. Some decorate the library, others cut out materials and some help with youth programs. They have 14 students in the ambassador program and will accept more.

Due to requests, the library is considering a movie and activity day on Thursdays.

Programs at the Alva Public Library are not limited to youth. Currently the library is hosting an OHAI exercise program on Monday and Wednesday at 3 p.m. The chair exercises are designed to be done while seated. Although, the classes are already underway, it is still possible to join in. However, this Monday, June 20, there will not be a class due to observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

Staff Training

The Alva Library Board met Monday afternoon with Chairman Lynn Wilt presiding. Other board members attending were Marilyn Clyne, April Ridgway, Chris Eckhardt and Taylor Dowling.

Ott reported some library staff members have recently attended training. In fact, Angela Courson was away that day for Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) training on Canva, an online graphics and publishing software program. ODL paid for Courson’s mileage. Ott said they hope to use the program in making flyers, posters and online posting for the library.

Mandi Schoenhals recently participated in online training through Library Pass. She learned some ideas on challenge policy the library may want to implement. The challenge policy refers to people objecting to library books or materials. Ott said the Alva library has not had anyone question their materials for two years. She said even then the challenge did not extend beyond a preliminary discussion with no formal complaint.

Baby Changing Room

Ott said the library is repurposing a room to be used for changing baby diapers. The library’s restrooms are too small to add a changing station. Originally designed as a locker room with running water, the new baby changing room is across the hall from the basement auditorium where the Mommy and Me programs are held. The room also contains a rocking chair which will be useful for nursing babies.

Updating Computers

A slow office computer the library expected to replace was upgraded instead. A larger hard drive was installed, and the computer is much faster.

Another office computer’s hard drive was showing issues. The new computer to replace it arrived Monday, and files were transferred over.

Financials and Statistics

The library board members looked over the financial reports provided. Ott said they had a surprise elevator inspection Monday. It was a surprise because the inspection is usually done in June. Payment for the visit was planned in the next fiscal year beginning July 1. Ott said she hoped to get a purchase order done so it can be cleared on this year’s budget.

Ott said they have had a lot of people visiting the library with 17 new library cards issued. Some of these are for children whose parents helped them sign up. Ott said the library had a lot of nice materials (books) donated.

The digital magazine use is holding steady at about 24 per month. The library is watching those checkouts to see if it is worth the expense to continue.