Message from the Director
A look ahead….but first a reflection.
It’s hard to believe a new year is already upon us...each year seems to fly by faster than the last. (I’m told that happens as we grow older.) At the beginning of each year, I like to take a pause and back over the past year and reflect on the library’s accomplishments as well as our losses. We said goodbye to several staff members as they moved on to other adventures and we are all still feeling the absence of our beloved Mr. Austin Schneider.
We welcomed new staff members to our family and our library continued to strive to find innovative ways to be an integral part of the communities we serve. We saw the implementation of cost saving Open Source software solutions like our Self Checkout station as well as our public computers’ time management software, LibKi. In addition, we began circulating Mobile Hotspots to offer an extension of our free WiFi anywhere, anytime.
Our libraries were very busy helping patrons last year. 1,123 new people registered for their first library card. Checked out more than 274,086 items, trained 109 people with our one on one computer classes, and offered 887 programs for 21,150 patrons.
Our entire staff truly enjoy assisting patrons of all ages, and we are all excited for the New Year. In 2018, we will see the completion of the Marilyn Frahm Memorial Park (click here for more details) just North of the library. Our library will continue to strive to meet the needs of our communities by providing materials, programs, and services for residents of all ages for personal enrichment, enjoyment, and educational needs. Additionally, we intend to look for unique partnerships within our communities to expand our reach. In November, we hope that you will give us your support when we ask voters to renew our levy.
I am excited and privileged to be serving our community as the Director of the Mercer County District Library, and look forward seeing each of you in the coming year, when you come in to utilize what all our libraries have to offer you. Whether that be for books, technology, events, the mineral collection, or just a friendly face, we are here for you. As always, if you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, please share them with me.
- Elizabeth Muether, MLIS, Director
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