CH-UH Public Library Board -- meeting highlights
Five-star rating from Library Journal
The library has earned a five-star rating, the highest, from Library Journal, a premier library publication. Categories in the ratings include circulation per capita, visits per capita, and Internet use per capita.
Change in library hours and other services
To conserve funds, there will be a change in service hours beginning Jan. 2. Only the Lee Road Library will be open on Sundays, from 1-5 p.m. This has been a difficult decision but necessary because of the reduction in the state’s public library funding. Keeping the branch libraries closed for almost 48 hours will result in savings in utilities.
Board Member Jim Posch commented that the branches are a measure of the library’s strength and regretted that kids will have to walk to the Lee Road Library on Sundays. Board Member Esther Moss noted that other organizations with Wi-Fi networks need to step up at this point to augment the library’s services.
Other cuts in services include stopping one-on-one computer tutorials and a 50 percent reduction of story hour programs. However, phone reference is up 25 percent, and circulation is up 15 percent. In 2000 the library had 73 full-time employees as opposed to 63 at present. The circulation staff will assume more duties at the welcome desk to free librarians for other tasks.
Joan Cable retires
The board passed a resolution in honor of Joan J. Cable, retiring after 20 years with the library. She began as a part-time circulation services assistant. In 1993 she was promoted to page supervisor and has hired and trained many local teens for their first job. In addition, she has helped out in many areas of the library when need arose, and in 2004, she received the Detlef Fabian Award for the staff member who, according to the resolution, “exemplifies a positive outlook and care for co-workers that make the library a better place for all staff members.”
Coventry Library history
In a recent meeting the Music Settlement [which plans to open a preschool at the former Coventry Elementary School] discussed the architecture of the Coventry Library and the Settlement’s desire to complement it. The building was designed in 1925 by John H. Graham & Co. architects. The original plans may be available.
LWV observer: Anne S. McFarland.