This ‘n That at the KCPL
The library is betwixt and between right now. We have finished our summer reading program and we haven’t yet begun the nuts and bolts of the 2004 budget process. I thought this would be a good time to make comment on and answer questions posed by the library survey mailed and returned earlier this year.
Many were surprised that the library has a copier and fax machine for public use. Not only do we have them our prices are comparable to others in the community. The copier is old, but it still functions. The board is exploring options available for replacing and upgrading the copier in the future.
We do have video tapes that we loan at no cost for two days. Our video collection is not as extensive as the video store, Flix because we don’t add to it regularly as we don’t want to compete with a private business. But, we do have a lot of Disney movies, travel videos, and educational tapes.
Many area people have discovered a great way to make the time pass more quickly when traveling or farming by listening to audio tapes. While our collection isn’t extensive, we have over 100 tapes from which to choose. Almost all of the audios have been donated to our library by other libraries and by our patrons.
The library has three computers that are specifically for use by our patrons. Two of these were donated and all have Internet access. The only cost is for printing (.10 per page for black and white, .25 per page for color). We haven’t held formal computer classes because of a space problem, but we are happy to help our patrons one on one. Please don’t be intimidated by computers. If Phyllis and I can operate them, believe me, you can too! And, we will help you in any way we can.
Several people made comment on the length of our loan period. We are so flexible. Unless the material is brand new when we often have waiting lists, we will work with you on length of time needed. We want the material to be used so just ask, please. Renewals and holds can be placed over the phone. The book return for the hours we aren’t open is on the north corner of the building.
The commissioners are in the process of arranging for the county transit vans to travel to each end of the county one day a week for the purpose of bringing residents to Eads so that business may be transacted. We hope that you will visit the library on your weekly trips to Eads.
There were some questions about TV Channel 3, the public access channel provided by Galaxy Cable TV for local advertising. It is only available to those people who subscribe to Galaxy Cable TV in the Eads area. The library administers this channel – we put the ads on and take them off. A group of local businesses/organizations purchased the equipment to operate the channel in about 1989. Rule of thumb is that ads that will generate income (something for sale) or that are personal (baby shower, wedding shower, etc.) are pay ads. School schedules, county meetings, etc. are free. Proceeds from the ads are split with the library getting half for administrative costs while the remainder is used for upkeep and maintenance of the TV Channel 3 equipment. Ads placed on TV Channel 3 are $1 per day or $5 for a week of seven days. Pretty cheap! Very soon, we hope, TV Channel 3 will be accessible via a website as well as on cable television. This should give us coverage that is county-wide. Those of you with computers and Internet access will be able to view the local information on TV Channel 3. We hope you will advertise with us as it does generate a little income for the library and it can be a useful tool in drawing people in the county closer together.
There seemed to be some interest in the formation of a Friends of the Library organization. A Friends group would be just the ticket for those evening and weekend hours about which some of you asked. Friends are always welcome and can be useful in a variety of ways. They often organize book sales, reading groups, fund-raising events, children’s programming, instructional and fun events. Give it some thought.
As always, you can contact us by stopping by the library from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, writing to us at P.O. Box 790, Eads, CO 81036-0790, calling us at 719-438-5581, or emailing us at kcpld@eads.lib.co.us.