On Tuesday, Nov. 26 the Carlyle Library held its last board meeting for 2013 to discuss details of the library's progression and other upcoming plans.
According to the librarian's report the Carlyle Library has seen a slight decline of material going out with last month totaling an overall check out of 597. To date there has been 402 check outs, 233 of which have been from individuals that consider the Carlyle branch their home library. This represents 58 per cent of all circulation generated at this branch while the remainder are from off area hold transfers and those accessing the library from out of town.
There have been a variety of programs and activities that occur regularly at the library, which according to the report indicates that the library is well utilized. Details from the financial report indicated that since October the library has received a $5000 donation from the Carlyle and District Lions Club to aid with its operation. The branch was also a recipient of a $4000 grant from the Bear Claw Casino Hotel as well as a sum of $2,400 which served as payment for summer students. For the upcoming Dickens Festival weekend, the Paint and Palette group will be holding an art show and sale in the library's program room.
The idea of having a Christmas tree was explored at the meeting but having a tree loaned to the library would be the best option according to board members. They stated that there is no room for storing a tree once the festivities end. The tree however would be used to hang Christmas ornaments made by children that are involved in afterschool programs at the library.
There are also plans for an interior upgrade at the library where the carpet in the children's area will be removed and replaced with wood vinyl flooring. Three samples were brought to the meeting where the pros and cons of each were discussed. A consensus was reach based on quality, aesthetics and need, the installation however would approximately take one week while the removal of the carpet could be done over a weekend.
The library now has Christmas lights and other decorations up as well as painting done on the windows that reflects the season.
As of January the library will only be receiving 50 per cent of the previous budget for magazines.
The board members also detailed their volunteer hours for the past month and adjourned the meeting.The next board meeting will be held in 2014 on Tuesday, Jan. 14th.
