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Annual Report
Fiscal Year 2003-2004 Library Hours: Saturdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. (closed 3:30 to 4). The phone # is 5588. The mailing address is P.O. Box 7. The email address is reading.public.library@adelphia.net. Board of Trustees: Colleen O'Connell, Chairperson; Denise Dupuis, Treasurer; Karen Appleton, Secretary; Walter Mendoza; David Morse. The board meets the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the library. Yearly Statistics:
Patrons:1828 Reading Library again met standards for library service in VT, 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 email to schools and libraries throughout the state. With VALS, the librarian is able to search for and borrow materials for local patrons. The library renewed membership to the Vermont Online Library (VOL). This allows 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, and can be printed at the library or emailed to patrons' homes. In 2003-2004, the library sponsored 29 programs for adults and children. These included a presentation of live birds by VINS, a strings concert by the Upper Valley Music Center, sugarhouse hopping, several book-discussion meetings for adults, and more than a dozen visits from the elementary school children for readings and lessons in library skills. The library also hosted 17 sessions of a creative writing class. There are other items of note to report. Salvaged from the attic were books believed to be some of the first available in the library (1899). A few of these were donated by Gilbert Davis, the library's founder, and were from his personal collection. All are being displayed on the fireplace mantel. At the request of patrons, there is now an on-going booksale in the foyer. Karen Appleton painted a mural that spans the children's room and has enhanced the space immeasurably. We converted from dial-up to high-speed Internet access. Computer capability has been upgraded with improved memory and software. The librarian received his Certificate of Librarianship at a ceremony in Burlington. Weekend hours have been increased. The patron list has been updated. The librarian and the board have worked hard to get the most out of the budget. We converted to cable for our computer needs, allowing us to do away with a phone line. We switched providers and now get free Internet access. We eliminated some maintenance costs. We began using a calling card for long distance. With these changes, our estimated yearly savings are $1250. These funds can now be used for programs and books. Thanks to all who volunteered their services or donated materials and money: Jane Cleveland, Marjorie Swain, Juliet Tuck-Polaczyk, Barbara Thaeder, Howard Sanderson Jr., Cornelia Sanderson, Jane Philpin, Laura Griggs, and Scott Harkins. Your generosity is appreciated. The library is tantalizingly close to adding both a bathroom and accessibility. I want to take this opportunity to mention those people and organizations who have been working with us on these issues: Tina Miller, Lisa Kaija, Barbara Acuna, Charles Howgate, Tim Bishop, the Reading Historical Society, the Reading Selectboard, the Reading Friends of the Library group, the Preservation Trust of Vermont, the Freeman Foundation, and several anonymous donors. Thank you.
Cordially,
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