Adventure begins at your library

This is National Library Week. The Alva Public Library is busy planning summer activities, so they’re keeping the celebration low key. Patrons are invited to register for a free book drawing.

The Summer Reading Program theme this year is Adventure Begins at Your Library. Materials are being ordered, and Amy Ryerson is working on plans for adventures each week. The focus is on adventures in the community (no doubt related to books) such as art adventures and science adventures. The program will be held during the month of June.

Library Director Sandra Ott told the library board members Monday that summer reading challenges are being planned for all ages including adults throughout the summer.

Chair Patty Harkin opened the meeting Monday with board members Len Reed, Marilyn Clyne, Lynn Wilt and Chris Eckhardt present. City Business Manager Stephen Ford also attended.

Ott reported the library had a ceiling leak in the youth department. She assured the board that it is being handled with three buckets. The leak is in the main waterline coming into the building. A plumber looked at the problem and believes it is a bad weld at a joint, not deterioration of the pipe. Ott said there were no books under that area, just a table, so nothing was damaged. Options for repair are being assessed.

The library had a pretty consistent month on checkouts. Seventeen new patrons signed up during March. Several groups met at the building in addition to the regular library activities. Ott said the library was approached about ACT testing being done for an online school.

Last week, the library received funding for their application for innovative technology. This will be used for a charging station and a kiosk for card catalog searches.

Ford reported that the library’s certificate of deposit was renewed with High Plains Bank on March 4. He said the interest rate is 5.1 percent. Ford also reported on city council. Taylor Dowling who was the council representative on the library board has resigned. Ford said the mayor is working on appointments for two council seats, and one of those will probably fill the open spot on the library board.

This was Ott’s last board meeting since she is retiring at the end of April. Assistant Library Director Angela Courson will fill in until a new library director is hired. The City of Alva is advertising for applicants both locally and statewide through the Oklahoma Municipal League. Board members presented Ott with a container holding multiple plants that she said is perfect for her sunroom.

In closing, Ott said, “I couldn’t have asked for a better career. I have been truly blessed by the board. I certainly appreciate your support. You have made my staff’s lives much easier.”