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Annual Report
Fiscal Year 2005-2006
Library Hours: Saturdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. (closed 3:30 - 4). Yearly Statistics:
Patron Visits - 1501 Reading Library again met standards for library service in VT, meaning we are eligible for certain grants, can receive free cataloging cards, 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 (the regular cost would be thousands of dollars) to a dozen databases containing information on a variety of topics, including health, business, science, genealogy, and the arts. The databases contain articles from popular and scholarly journals, newspapers, and books. The information is checked for accuracy and is updated frequently, unlike much of what is found through a typical search engine. VOL is a great resource for kids with homework assignments and for adults researching a subject for work or pleasure. Patrons can even use VOL at home. The wireless access point that was installed at the library last year has been quite successful. Our computer use has tripled. Patrons who own a PDA or laptop with a wireless card can connect from anywhere in the library. We also have a desktop available for high-speed Internet use. The library sponsored 36 programs in 2005-2006. There were 22 meetings of a local playgroup, a Halloween candy giveaway, 5 meetings of a book-discussion group, a calligraphy workshop, the Read-A-Thon, an ice-cream social, 4 local-history workshops for 5th & 6th graders, and the kick-off of our summer reading program. The library also provided a meeting space for 8 sessions of a fiction-writing group. Additionally, there were 40 outreach transactions, including magazine and book deliveries to 21 patrons' homes, a donation of new books to Reading's Christmas Giving Project, a contribution to the Reading Scholarship Fund, a gift of theater tickets to local 6th graders, about a dozen visits to the elementary school by the librarian, and collaboration with the historical society and the school on the kids' production of A Walk Down Main Street. And several interviews were recorded for the library's Oral History Project, which continues into the new fiscal year. Thanks to all who volunteered their services or donated materials and money: Eleanor & Sam Grice, Juliet Tuck-Polaczyk, Cornelia Sanderson, Junior Sanderson, Jane & John Philpin, Laura Griggs, Lisa Kaija, Diane Moore, Wayne Shontz, Libbet Downs, Bill Shaughnessy, Heather Finlayson, Koreen & Jake Henne, Deborah Ellis, Douglas Carrier, Holly Morse, Mary DeGood, Barb Acuna, Robert Allen, Reading Greenhouse & Florist, Keeper's Country Cafe, the Preservation Trust of Vermont, and the Freeman Foundation. Twenty years ago, there was talk of putting a bathroom in the library. About ten years ago, there was a push forward. About six years ago, another. But despite our steadfast efforts, no toilet. Always the problem was lack of space for a water source and for septic. Three years ago, we decided to give it one last go. Bearing in mind our past inability to see the project through, we felt that we should not ask the taxpayers to share the cost. It pleases us to announce, therefore, that the library now has a bathroom, and that no town money was used for design or construction. We want to thank all the patrons, local officials, and former librarians and trustees who contributed to the project's eventual success. Phase II of our renovations plan is to make the building more accessible. We have funds for the specifications for a lift. Although we are short on funds for construction, we are working hard to raise the remaining money. We hope to pay for the entire project with savings, grants, and fundraising activities. The completed renovations will result in expanded library service, notably in the area of programming. And by providing a more inviting space, the renovations will help promote the idea of the library as a community center. Our goals are to give the fullest possible service to our patrons and to keep the library a meaningful part of the town for years to come.
Cordially,
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