TOUGH TIMES

In the early 80’s, I remember a children’s book that we had in the library called Tough Times.  The book was about a little boy whose family was dealing with more bills than the money to pay them.  The usual answer the little boy got when he wanted to buy something was, “You know it’s tough times now.”  Through the love and understanding of his family he learned that tough times can also be good times.    For many, these are tough times and frightening times.  It is a time to be kind to yourself.  Here are some ideas for the tough times:

 The library has lots of resources that you can use to improve your situation in the tough times like: music, movies, and books that you can borrow with your library card without paying anything.  We have information about finances, job-hunting, and family fun.  You can get magazines or read the newspaper.  You can just sit and enjoy the garden.  Help me spread the word, the library is here to use in good times or in tough times.

                                                                        Joanne Cox

Changes: the Constant Evolution of Lillie M. Evans Library
September 10, 2008

                Change is a sign of growth.  If that is truly the case, we are certainly growing at Lillie M. Evans Library.

                We have had several staff changes over the past year.  We recently hired two local women, Katherine Will and Kim Roberts, to fill our staff vacancies.  Both bring special skills and talents to the library that we look forward to utilizing.

                The look of the library itself has changed a bit.  The juvenile department has been rearranged to freshen things up a bit.  Shelving that had originally been used for adult CD’s was recycled and became the home for children’s CD’s and audio books, which removed them from the window sills. The children’s magazines and paperbacks also found new homes on the reorganized shelves.  With our new bulletin board in place in the juvenile department near the Walnut Ave. entrance, we can more effectively advertise upcoming events and we feel ready for the school class visits to start after Labor Day.          

                The face of the adult section has also changed.  To accommodate our growing collection of books, audio books and music, some rearranging was also done on that side of the library, including the addition of another shelving unit.  The area adjacent to the circulation desk has been converted from video shelves to the current titles and face-out displays, helping the circulation of excellent materials that are no longer on the current titles shelf.  Seven years ago our new addition seemed so big.  Now, we are continually coming up with creative solutions for display and storage.

                The biggest change to our library property was the purchase of the adjoining building and lot in June, 2008.  The current business is still open and will remain so for some time to come.  Future plans for the property include much needed library parking.

                A new circulation system went into service in early December.  This was not a change for the Lillie M. Evans Library only but for the entire Alliance Library System as well.  After lots of training and even more practice, it runs smoothly, except for an occasional glitch.  Learning all the ins and outs of the system makes us realize the far greater capabilities of this new system, making us a better library for all our patrons.

                There is always something happening at the library.  Over the past year, we held 77 adult programs with attendance at 694.  We held 296 children’s programs with attendance at 5, 808.

                As our fiscal year comes to an end, we have a fresh batch of number to share.  So, here’s the part for the people who like numbers.

                The collection continues to grow. The net addition for: books – 234; audio recordings – 114; DVD/video – 111.

                The library continues to provide 8 public access computers and wireless internet access.

                Total circulation for the year was 22,762 adult materials and 17,339 children’s materials.

                There were 455 reference questions.

                Interlibrary loans loaned to other libraries were 836.  Interlibrary loans borrowed from other libraries were 956.  What a great spirit of cooperation we share with other libraries in our system and even beyond. 

                In conclusion, we continue to be busy and grow.  We are enjoying every minute of it.  Why don’t you come “check us out”?

Joanne

BOOKS ARE JUST THE BEGINNING…
September 11, 2008

People are just beginning to realize the value of the public library in tough times.  It is a resource that can increase the money in your pocket and the quality of your life.

Don’t rent or buy movies, borrow them from the library.  The library has a large selection of DVDs, CDs and videos from which to choose.  Libraries are great at sharing so if we don’t have what you are looking for, another library may be willing to loan it for you to use.  You can keep them for a week and not pay a thing so why pay for what we can provide for free.

Newspapers and magazines are expensive and usually end up as clutter or in the trash in a very short time.  You can get them at the library at no cost, and we keep the back issues for at least one year so you don’t have to store them.  We also purchase the Peoria Journal Star online with archives from 1991 to the present.  You can access it through the reference center on the top of the page.

Public computers are available for you to use and our connection is broadband so it is fast.  The library also has wifi so you can bring your own laptop in and use it here.  We’ll even show you how to do it in a mini lesson at no cost.  Some times of the day are busier than others but you are promised at least one half hour of time on the computer so check your email or browse the internet and if no one is waiting you can continue for a longer time.  The library also purchases many databases to help you find reliable information quickly.  Access our electronic resources through the reference center.  Try HeritageQuest for genealogy research, America’s Newspapers for news reports, FirstSearch includes Wilson’s Select for full text journal articles, and many more.

Need activities for your children?  Try the library for some great programs for all ages.  From story times for the preschoolers to teen activities, there is a lot to choose from.

You have a great resource in your library; why not take advantage of what’s available there.

Joanne