LIBRARY TEAM

OUR LIBRARY TEAM STACKS UP WITH THE BEST!

“It’s a real library,” say passing visitors, our residents and volunteers. In 2018 there was a concentrated effort to become a 21st Century library, thus came about the addition of the Media Library and the Tech Center to complement the very visible Main Library.

The Main Library, with 4,800 books, serves as the anchor with approximately 2,800 check-outs per year. In addition to a workable purchasing budget, we are fortunate to have current fiction and non-fiction donations from our reading residents that keep our collection fresh. Staying up to date is important for a “reading library.” Managing all that involves 16 active volunteers led by Rita Rochte.

When asked why they volunteer, the most common response is “I love to be around books” or “I always wanted to work in a library,” or “It runs in my family.” They express gratitude for being part of the community and contributing to ensuring the library is useful and vital. They appreciate the constant upgrading and the usefulness of a database.

The Media Library has become the comfortable place to house small group discussions from genealogy groups to photography tips, Bible Study, museum interest and Chautauqua lectures. Residents also have access to hundreds of DVDs (old favorites and those they originally missed), audio books, CDs, games and puzzles for those idle times and family guests.

The Tech Center usage has grown over the past few years. A recent survey of 251 residents indicated a substantial increase in use of smart phones, tablets and computers. This increase is reflected in attendance at hands-on workshops on topics from data security, improved data management, to the use of Touch Town. In addition, there is now daily access for on-site assistance.