Alva Review-Courier -

Not only has the Alva Public Library been designated as a cool zone in the summer, but it has also been listed as a warm zone for winter months. These designations will lower the utility bills for the library. The facility provides a place where residents can go when they don’t have adequate cooling or heating at home.

The Alva Library Board met Monday afternoon with Patty Harkin presiding. Other board members present were Lynn Wilt, Marilyn Clyne and Lenny Reed. Absent were Chris Eckhardt, April Ridgway and Taylor Dowling.

Library Director Sandra Ott went over the budget for this fiscal year. She said nothing was listed under capital outlay since the library has no plans for any new additions. The money for replacement of an air conditioner is listed under property maintenance.

Reed asked about progress on tearing down the brick wall around an old air conditioning unit. Ott said it was started but pipes need to be to be cut off and some poles need to be removed before they tear down all the bricks. “It’s progressing,” she said. When asked about future use of the area, she said it will depend on the condition of the concrete slab that will be left.

Highlighting the statistical report, Ott was pleased to report 41 new patrons have signed up for library cards. There were an estimated 521 research requests during July. Checkouts were down among young adults and adults. Ott attributes this to people being on vacation before the start of school.

Fall Activities

Library staff is taking some time to regroup after the busy summer of activities. They are planning fall activities and will soon be posting a schedule on Facebook. Ott said on the first and third Mondays of the month after school, the Lego Club will meet. An activity for younger patrons around beginning elementary age is planned for the second and fourth Mondays. A parent will need to accompany children for this program which will features tables with materials and activities.

Little Explorers for preschool children accompanied by an adult will continue on Tuesdays.

The library will host OHAI SAIL exercise classes for seniors on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. They are currently set for 1:30 p.m., but Ott hopes to move them to 1 p.m. to allow set-up time before students arrive for after-school activities.

In addition, Lynn Wilt will continue to lead Tai Chi classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

The library has a group that comes in to play Dungeons and Dragons. Some parents have approached staff about scheduling a time for younger students who are interested in learning the game. There has also been a suggestion of starting a chess club.

The library is planning a once a month game night for various ages. Ott said they hope that more expert players will allow novices to watch them play to learn about the games.

For information on activities, check the library’s website and Facebook page or inquire at the library desk.

Pop-Up Book Sale

Library staff members continue to add new books to the pop-up book sale set up in the north end of the main floor. Shoppers can choose books they want and leave a donation at the library desk.

Ott said the book sale has inspired residents to gather unused books to donate to the library so their supply keeps being replenished. So far, they’ve made about $450 to $500 on the sale.

Ott said they had someone come in and choose a bunch of books to take to a cancer center for people who have treatments such as chemo that require several hours. She said Mandy Schoenhals from the library is still taking books to The Homestead retirement center on a regular basis, including some specific requests.

Ott reported the library plans to close out the pop-up sale at the end of August. They will have another one starting in November in time for some Christmas shopping.

Don’t forget the library has another book sale in the other end of the library that continues all year. This sale offers books at specific discounted prices instead of donations.

Other Business

Ott said the library received a bid on replacing the air conditioning unit that sits on top of the covered patio. The bid was before the fiscal year began, but when she checked, the price has not gone up. The unit has been ordered and may arrive in September. She said Bushman Heat and Air had the best bid that was close to $25,000.

Children’s Librarian Amy Ryerson has set up some new displays in the entry of the library. Featured are some I Spy activities and a display of vintage toys.

Ott and Harkin watched a training session for the Imagination Library program the library is staring in cooperation with the schools. Ott said getting the program set up is complicated, and they’re taking it slowly to make sure they do it right.

Harkin asked about getting the board officer election on the agenda. Ott realized she forgot to list it this month but promised to do so in September.

Ott said City Business Manager Steve Ford is researching when board member terms expire for the library and other city boards. Some of those terms have expired without council action for new or reappointed board positions. She said these were overlooked during the time the city didn’t have a business manager.