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Annual Report
Fiscal Year 2002-2003 Library hours: Tue. and Thur. from noon to 7 P.M. (closed 3:30-4); Sat. from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. The phone # is 5588. Board of Trustees: Colleen O'Connell, chair/treasurer; Karen Appleton, secretary; Walter Mendoza; David Morse; Denise Dupuis. Yearly Statistics:
Patrons: 1,735 The Vermont Department of Libraries (DOL) conducts workshops in librarianship. DOL expects librarians to earn 150 credit hours within a 5-year period, after which the librarian becomes certified in the State of Vermont. In June of 2003, the Reading librarian completed the requirements necessary for certification, having compiled 180 credits the past 2 years. He also maintained membership in the Vermont Library Association, a coalition that advocates for Vermont libraries. Reading Library again met Standards for Library Service in Vermont, meaning the library is eligible for certain grants, can receive cataloging cards at no cost, and may use the Vermont Automated Library System (VALS), which enables the librarian to stay connected via e-mail to schools and libraries throughout the state. With VALS, the librarian is able to search for and borrow materials for the benefit of local patrons. Reading Library also joined Vermont Online (VOL). This allows our patrons free access to databases containing information on a variety of topics. The information is accurate and current, unlike a lot of what is found through a typical search engine. In 2002-2003, Reading Library sponsored 17 programs: 6 weeks of presentations and snacks for kids in July-August 2002; 6 visits from elementary school classes for readings and for the borrowing of books; a candy give-away on Halloween; 5 meetings of a book discussion group; a visit to the school by the librarian; and 2 gatherings of children for craft-making. The library also hosted 7 4-H meetings. The librarian secured a grant of $10,000, which has been used to purchase craft supplies, toys and furniture for the children's room, and several hundred books for adults and juveniles. There were many worn and outdated materials on the library's shelves. These were weeded and filled with books containing the latest information in science, health, geography, and the like. In addition, holes were plugged in various categories, including science fiction, poetry, the classics, biographies, and U.S. history. There were other improvements. The attic was cleared of clutter. Brass chandeliers, discovered there, were cleaned, rewired, and hung on the main floor of the library. Archival objects and library records, some 100 years old, were organized and filed for safekeeping. The card catalog was repaired and coated with lacquer. This year we finished combing through the catalog, card by card, and checking the shelves to see that for every card there is a book. The accomplishments of the past fiscal year could not have been possible without the aid of those who volunteered their efforts: Pam Arel, John Baumgartner, Junior Sanderson, Lisa Kaija, Juliet Tuck, Molly McCumber, Heather Findlay, and Jane Cleveland. And a thank you to the many people who donated books, periodicals, and money. Your generosity is truly appreciated.
Cordially,
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