Library Committee Report 3-9-2006

QUARTERLY REPORT
MARCH 2006
GUSTAVUS PUBLIC LIBRARY
1. AkLA Conference report (attached).
2. Budget report (previously submitted by e-mail).
3. Preliminary report on patron use following increase in library hours.
4. Summary of library programs:
—Open House to kick off newly expanded hours, February 13th. 36 people attended.
-Orientation of school staff to library resources and internet opportunities for students.
‘----Use of library by teachers and students during the school day.
—-‘Use of library by mothers onThursdy mornings to read to their toddlers.
-yh2urpnce a month for kids and adults (27 attended the February storyhour).
(The next Storyhour is on St. Pat’s Day, March 17th at 10:45 am -- everyone invited).
‘—Gardening Workshops: cosponsored by the library and Gustavus Garden’s Mossy Mead and Glacier Bay Organic Farm’s Janet Lassiter, started March 8th and continuing weekly through March.
• BURGERS & B1NG- tomorrow, March 10th, 6:00pm for food service and 7:00 pm for Bingo (bingo players bring a wrapped gift for prizes). We have reduced the cost of bingo cards to encourage more folks to attend.
—Librarians will set up an information table at the School Open House on Sat., March 11th to demonstrate to parents, students and community members how to use Live Homework Help and other fantastic resources available on the on-line Statewide Library Electronic Doorway (SLED).
—‘Librarians will set up an information table at the Health Fair on Sat., March 18, demonstrating to community members the magazines, books and medical websites available at the library.
—--‘We are still planning programs in cooperation with thin experts for informational seminars to coordinate with birding hikes, and with the local quilt group on providing ain May.
——Summer Reading Program: we have been informed that the school district may not be able to fund the program this year. The Migrant Education funding from previous years will not be available this year. The Superintendent and Carolyn Elder are looking for other grants to fund the program.
-—--‘We are researching the McNaughton book lease program for the library. This would enable us to receive in a timely manner newly released books which we can return or purchase. This program was very popular at the old library.
‘——Volunteers, staff and community members have been assessing the collection for updating. Thanks to folks like Carol Baker for looking over the art books, Sean Neilson for suggestions on solar power resources, Lexa for ideas on fiber arts books, and Janet Lassiter for ideas on gardening materials. We seek and welcome other community experts to offer assistance in updating our collection.
—The newly expanded hours, Monday through Friday, 1:30- 4:30pm, have brought lots of folks into the library and have generated lots of positive comments from patrons. We are seeking ideas from everyone in the community for ways to serve you better -- give us your suggestions on books, magazines, DVD’s, programs, scheduling and more.