Alva Review-Courier -

Despite a smaller crowd, the Chocolate Fantasy auction sponsored by the Friends of the Library was a success. Alva Public Library Director Sandra Ott told the library board she didn’t know the exact amount raised, but it was more than last year and over $8,000. The Friends use the funds to purchase things the library can’t fund through their budget. The digital play table they recently bought for the library is now set up and ready to use in the juvenile section downstairs.

Ott said the Friends of the Library are considering ways to add the popular chocolate tasting back into the event. They can’t do a self-serve table, but might have sampler plates already prepared.

Chair Patty Harkin opened the meeting with members Lenny Reed, Marilyn Clyne and April Ridgway present. City Business Manager Stephen Ford also attended the meeting.

Ott gave a brief report on financial reports, saying things were going along fine. Harkin asked about library staffing, and Ott said they continue to have some part-time employees.

Board members looked over the statistical report tracking checkout numbers. Young adult book checkouts showed a substantial increase in October at 219, up from 141 the previous month. The juvenile checkouts are also up at 1151 for October, increasing from 923 the previous month. The number of people using the library computers increased in October even though the library is still waiting on the two new computers ordered. The after school activity days are attracting more students with numbers ranging from 15 to 21.

Ott reported the library applied for and received a $1,500 grant from Walmart. Several patrons encouraged the library to apply to Bank It, so they submitted an application. They are looking at other grant possibilities listed with the state library association.

In addition, Walmart contacted the library and asked if they would like a free 12-foot Christmas tree. They were glad to accept the donation.

Child’s Safety Policy Change

In December 2021, the library board approved a child’s safety policy. It includes parent, guardian, caregiver responsibilities stating these individuals are responsible for the safety, behavior and supervision of their children at all times in the library and on library property. They are considered responsible even when they are not present in the building.

Several rules are established for minors in the library. For children age five and under, a supervising adult must be in the same part of the library as the child. Children ages 6-8 must have an adult guardian present in the library building to supervise them, unless they are attending a library program for children.

Children age nine and older may use the library unattended as long as their conduct is acceptable and not disruptive. Those ages 9-12 may not be in the library for longer than two hours.

Ott asked the board to consider changing the policy to raise the age limit to 14 for those limited to two hours. She said they have been experiencing some middle school aged students staying at the library four or five hours in the afternoon. These students are not readers, and they have been released from their classrooms.

Library computer use is limited to two hours. Once they use up the computer time, they wander around the library and try to engage the staff in conversation, delaying their work. Ott said the staff is being put in the position of policing and child care.

When asked about increasing the age higher than 14, Ott said they have not experienced any problems with high school age students.

Reed made a motion, seconded by Clyne, to advance the age from 12 to 14, and it was approved unanimously. The policy will be updated to state that those ages 9-12 are limited to two hours in the library.

Ott said the library is “becoming not a quiet place” after school, but the staff is pleased with the number of students coming in for after-school activities.

Library’s 60th Anniversary

It was in December 1963 when the Share Trust handed the city the deed to the library, Ott said. The library is planning to celebrate 60 years in this location during February 2024. Instead of a one day open house, the library plans to have a week of celebration with a cake one day, programs on the library’s history during children’s programs and other activities.

2024 Board Meetings

It’s time to turn in 2024 meeting dates to the state. Ott asked if board members wanted to make any changes from the second Monday at 3:45 p.m. She suggested Ridgway might like to move the start time to 4 p.m. because it’s difficult to get away from her teaching responsibilities and make it to the library at 3:45. Ridgway said she does have to rush to make the meeting time. Everyone else was agreeable so the meetings will still be on the second Monday of the month but the start time will change to 4 p.m. beginning in January 2024.

Director’s Report

Ott said Amy Ryerson has started a Tween program for middle school age students. It was a success so another has been scheduled on December 6 at 3:00 p.m. Students enjoyed playing with hex bugs and Legos, making potholders on looms, playing Twister and other activities. The library plans to continue these tween programs for sixth through eighth grade students once a month.

The carpet in the audio books area was found to be wavy, Ott said. Inspection showed the glue had released so that area will be getting new carpet squares.

Harkin reported she has placed the first order for books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. They take about a month to arrive, but with the holidays they may not come in until after December.