Comments heard on improvements at library
Nothing is perfect, and Marion City Library is no exception.
At a library board meeting Aug. 7, staff board members discussed some of the comments they've heard from patrons, or discovered themselves, since the library opened in the former Santa Fe depot.
Librarian Janet Marler will get cost estimates for some of the projects.
They included:
— Flagpole and flag.
— Under-the-counter keyboard shelves for the children's computer area, to use space more efficiently.
— A bicycle rack. With no designated area, most cyclists just park their bikes near the front door, where they sometimes block the sidewalk.
— Treatments or film for some of the windows. While the wood frames are dramatic, the huge windows allow in a great deal of sun, causing "hot spots" in the Kansas and children's rooms.
— Changing tables for the restrooms.
— Better chairs for adult computer areas.
— Changes in exterior lighting. The exterior lights on the building are in the same positions as the original lights. While this is good from a historic and aesthetic point of view, some areas along the sidewalk are darker than others.
— New wood shelves in the Kansas room. Available shelves are old metal ones which detract considerably from the wooden window treatments and decor. Also, the walls allow a great deal of space for more shelves.
— Murals on some of the upper walls, above the shelves.
— Landscaping improvements. The dirt areas will have to be re-seeded this fall. Native grasses and wildflowers will fill much of the area.
— Removal of the roofing tiles west of the building. Some will be saved for use in repairs, but others can be sold. In any event, the unsightly pile needs to be moved, board members agreed.
Anyone with other suggestions is welcome to contact the library.
The summer reading program remained popular, though it was shorter with fewer prizes. The program was delayed due to the move.
Some children counted pages read, while others counted books read. About 55 children read 41,959 pages. There were 20 children who read 209 books.
Top readers by pages were Rachel Davidson, 12,470; Lena O'Connor, 11,480. Top reader by books was Kitty Collett, 50.
Children received book bags when they registered, and candy and Pizza Hut coupons for reading books and pages. Fewer levels of prizes were awarded, and no wrap-up party was held.
"The kids missed that," Marler said.
In other reports:
Memorial brick sales are continuing. About 750 bricks make up a pathway outside the library. Bricks are $50 each with money raised going to library needs.
The library will operate a weekly storytime for children ages 3 to 5, probably Thursday mornings, starting this fall, Marler said.
About 3,262 books, magazines, and videos were checked out in July. This compares to 1,727 in June.
About $600 worth of books were sold during the Scholastic Book Fair, held as part of the library's grand opening celebration. People liked the opportunity to buy new books at low prices, and the library received numerous free books for hosting the event, Marler said.
A few items remain at the old library. They will be given to the city for use when it moves its offices there, or will be sold.
