Circulation down at PCPL

Thursday, March 18, 2010

GREENCASTLE -- There has been a downward trend in circulation over the last three to four months at the Putnam County Public Library.

During the board meeting Wednesday, library director Alice Greenburg told board members picture books account for most of the decline.

"If it is only a month or so, I don't worry," Greenburg said about the trend. "It's been about four months, so I've kept an eye on it."

Volunteer hours are up and reference questions are still strong. The Internet use has been down, partially due to both stand-up stations not working, which are now up and running.

Greenburg also told board members the Polaris update was "very smooth."

In addition, board members heard from Margot Payne, the library's director of community relations. She spoke about The Big Read, which has been designed to renew classic literature reading.

The library has partnered with Vigo County Public Library to read "My Antonia" by Willa Cather. PCPL has two programs planned. On April 1, there will be a brown bag discussion of "My Ántonia" at noon in the Kiwanis Room of the library.

The discussion will begin with an introduction to the novel and Cather by Joe Heithaus, professor of English at DePauw University. Dessert and drinks will be provided.

PCPL is also working with the Putnam County Museum to offer "A Taste of Heritage" as a way to focus on the immigrant theme -- central to Cather's novel. The program will take place at 7 p.m. April 6 at the museum.

In other business:

* The library will replace its 13-year-old roof. Board members voted to accept a bid from Affordable Roofing to remove and replace shingles.

* Board members agreed to possibly close the capital projects fund next year. Once the account is declared dormant, the money will be transferred to the operating fund and then transferred to another fund, such as the LERF or rainy day.

* The board had its first reading on some policy changes including the fee policy, registration, temporary cards, certification of employees and one change in the internet safety policy.

The board will vote on the changes next month.

* National Library Week will be April 11 through April 17. On April 13, the Dinner with Books program will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the library. PCPL has partnered with Head Start for the program.

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