Circulation growth continues
Interest in Marion City Library remains strong, librarian Janet Marler told library board of directors at a meeting Sept. 3.
"We haven't seen a decrease in circulation," she said.
Circulation in August was 4,096 works, double the highest circulation in the old library.
The library now opens at 10 a.m. instead of noon on weekdays, which accounts for part of the increase.
Meeting rooms
The board decided the library doesn't have adequate space for club or other organizational meetings. Several groups have requested use of the Kansas Room, but it is a research area not designed for group meetings. Occasional programs sponsored by the library will be held, and groups are welcome to arrange a tour of the facility before or after the business portion of a meeting.
Since the former library space will be converted to city offices, more meeting space will be available in the city building.
In other business:
Storytime for pre-schoolers is Friday mornings from 10 to 10:30 a.m. until Dec. 13.
A new flagpole and flag have been delivered to the library courtesy of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. City crews will install the pole when their busy schedule allows, Marler said.
Architects did a walk-through of the building and found only a few cosmetic issues, not counting the landscaping. The dirt area is to be planted with native grasses and flowers. The gravel path will be mixed with a product to harden it.
Several additional signs are planned. One will be a directional sign on South Third, pointing to the library. "No trespassing" and "library parking only" signs also will be installed.
Vickie Kraus of Marion was hired as part-time library aide. The larger library and increased hours make it difficult for the three current staff members to keep up with the workload.
The library will be open for tours from 1 to 4 p.m. on Old Settlers' Day. The library also will have a float in the parade. Volunteers who want to help should contact Marler.
