Another very busy week in the library. Issued new library cards, several people in to use the computer, lots of books returned and checked out. Processed some new and new to our library books. Spent a good deal of time on line Saturday ordering books.
In my dream world the library will have all books in a series - particularly Christian fiction. I know it is very frustrating to begin reading a series and then discover a book or two missing.
Trying to wipe down the returned books before returning them to the shelves in the hopes of preventing the spread of cold and flu germs. Also wiping down the computer keyboards, door handles, etc. Just can’t be too careful now.
Friday afternoon, Cinda and I visited the Seligman, Mo., Library to learn more about their library system.
Seems to work really well for them and does notappear too complicated - just will take some work getting a program set up.
One of the plus features to an automated system is being able to tell how many books a patron has checked out. Some patrons come in two or three times a week and check out books each time, especially if there a number of people in the family. Our date due cards are filed by date due and not by patron card number. Their system is also set up to forward past due materials information to their local police chief. They are very serious about past due materials and their laws allow borrowers to be jailed. While our library has some past due materials, most of our patrons are very diligent about returning their books on time and we are willing to work with borrower’s regarding late fees and/or lost book charges.
Am looking forward to meeting with members of the Optimist Club Thursday at 7 a.m. to give them a tour. They want help out with something relating to the children. The board and I have so many ideas - new books, seating, book stands, colorful rugs. We would love to see the area behind the library enclosed by a privacy fence.
Weather permitting; we could have the story hours outside, etc.
I have visited the new library several times during the week and each time it just looks better and better. We have been very fortunate to have such a good crew from the Benton County Jail. They are knowledgeable about hanging drywall and installing tile, etc. The walls and floors look good. The public use computer arealooks great. Guess it won’t be long before we have carpet installed. Now if I just don’t have a nervous breakdown worrying about the move, everything will be good! I can’t say thankyou enough to everyone who has contributed in some way to this endeavor.
We are updating patron information for our files, so please bring a piece of mail with current address and driver’s license or government issued photo identification card. We would like to get this completed before the move.
See you at the library.
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Editor’s note: Peggy Maddox is the librarian of the Pea Ridge Community Library. She can be reached at the library at 451-8442 or by mail at P.O. Box 9, Pea Ridge, AR 72751. Library hours are 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m.
Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday. The library web site is www.pearigecommunitylibrary.org.
Opinion, Pages 4 on 01/16/2013