2025 July Librarian’s Report

July 7, 2025            Librarian’s report

Personnel – Gretchen continues to be an asset to the library.  Jane Kribs continues to be a big help during her weekly volunteer hours.  SYEP starts July 7; we have not yet heard if we will be getting a summer worker.

2^nd Quarter programs – We have had steady attendance at Story Time from a few families.  There were 8 sessions in April and May.  In May and June we hosted all of the elementary students at the library.  Gretchen went to the school to see the Pre-K students.  All had a story and got an introduction to the library.  We have resumed Farm 2 Library and also have had some Food Angel activity.  The food giveaway program continues to be very popular.  Gretchen represented the library at the CCS Elementary Community night.  We had two adult programs – Gretchen gave an aromatherapy workshop with participants making their own scented products; and Rachel Clothier gave a slide lecture on the history of Corinth’s schools.

Upcoming programs – Story Time resumes in July and will run through mid-August when the Summer Reading Program ends, Farm 2 Library continues through the end of October.  The Summer Reading Program began June 30 with many signed up.  In addition to the reading challenge, there are weekly themed crafts and programs with a wrap up party on August 9.  It looks like the Big Read will be funded after all (though we have been asked not to advertise it until it is officially announced), which means we will be reimbursed for purchases of supplies.  We had been prepared to do a modified version with Kendra Schieber and Mary Ann Morreale helping out.  We are working on the ambitious series of programs that will involve reading, creative writing, and painting.  The series will end next spring with an open mic night possibly at the Barn and an art show at an as yet undecided spot.

SALS & Directors’ Council – For those able to attend,the SALS Annual meeting was a fun evening.  I attended a zoom “Meet the Candidates” session to check out the three finalists for Sara Dallas’ job at SALS.  Newsbank is an online subscription service that provides access to many newspapers including local papers to library patrons.  It can be accessed at home or in the library.  The service costs vary by size of library and would probably be $300-500 dollars per year.

Joint Automation Council / computers – The Microsoft/ALA talks have not produced any result. Orders continue to go through Tech Soup. Microsoft is moving to a strict 5-year schedule for support, which, with purchasing restrictions, often will mean much less than 5 years. Support is ending later this year for Office 2016 and 2019, as well as Windows 10. The Desk computer is the only computer affected and is slated to be replaced this year.  Our computer order has been placed and the PC that was ordered is on its way from SALS.  No word yet on the laptop that was ordered.  Microsoft Publisher is also being phased out by Microsoft.

Friends – The annual book sale will take place July 26.  We are missing some key helpers this year.  Please let me know if you will be able to help out and what part of the day works best for you. 

            Mary Farr has suggested that we fold the Friends checking account under the library’s umbrella so that money will be properly accounted for.  We should aim to do this after the summer.

Maintenance – The windows, front porch, and rug have been cleaned.   I have not yet set up an online account for our new electric meter.

Other – The School Budget Vote passed and we had the largest percentage of yes votes.

• Meetings attended in 2^nd quarter of 2025: