2010 sees progress on three resolutions—December 31, 2010
Here we are again at the end of another year. I’m sure I’m not the only one wondering where the last twelve months went, and what the New Year will bring. This time last year I wrote three columns on resolutions for the library for 2010. One of the reasons I did so, was so that this week we could look back and see what the library had accomplished in the last year. The three areas I resolved to work on included our collections, our programming and our building. Well, there have been some big changes in all three areas, all for the better I believe.
At first glance, our collections may not have appeared to change much on the shelf. However, the library has made changes in the last year that allows us to get material out to you faster, and back on the shelf faster. I won’t bore you with the backroom details, but we’ve improved our efficiency and handling of materials, which in turn benefits your access to our collections. We’ve upped the number of new materials we are purchasing and we’ve significantly grown our DVD collection, especially in TV series. We’ve also added Coming Soon lists to the library and to our website to give you advanced notification of items we are purchasing. This allows you to place a hold and know that you’ll receive the material when it does become available.
Our programming took an interesting turn this year with the addition of the Imagination Playground, Itty Bitty Storytime, movie nights, teen gaming afternoons and Pub Quiz. In planning the library’s activities, we’ve made a conscious effort to ensure there is something for everyone at the library. Itty Bitty Storytime has been small to start, but we’ve found it a great way for parents and toddlers to connect with each other and the library. The Imagination Playground has provided some kids a great way to burn some energy once a month. And thanks to our soon-to-be newest staff member Jake Rundle, we’re now bringing the library’s enthusiasm for fun and knowledge outside the library walls with Pub Quiz.
As for the building, this year we went from thinking about a little paint and rearrangements to hiring an architect, designing a renovation plan and beginning a fundraising campaign. It feels so good to have a plan for the future direction of our building. And the future of the building is directly related to our ability to continue to provide excellent collections and programming for the community of Hastings and Adams County.
So, in retrospect, it seems we have been a lot busier and accomplished a lot more this year than we notice on a day-to-day basis. I invite you to stop in and take a look at some of the changes, join a program or try a new book. And be sure to thank the staff members who make this all possible. And as always I welcome your feedback and suggestions for our 2011 New Year’s resolutions. Good luck to you with yours and Happy New Year!
