Churchill County library director announces $27,000 LSTA grant, new genealogy access and expanded programs

Library Director John highlighted several operational and programming developments during his director’s report.

He announced that the library has been awarded a $27,000 LSTA revitalization grant to buy new children’s bookshelves, whiteboards, display panels and book carts; orders were scheduled for May. John also said the library has negotiated earlier access to the Ancestry Library Edition database and expects it to be available beginning in May rather than the July 1st date previously discussed.

John outlined recent program participation and upcoming events: 15 storytime sessions in March with a total attendance of 308; a Super Smash Brothers tournament that drew 20 participants; a farm-animals program attended by 82 people; an alpaca visit planned for May 2; and Star Wars events on May 1 and May 4 that will include a lightsaber-building activity and 50 free tickets to a Star Wars film screening at the Fountain Theater. He credited staff members and volunteers — naming Magdalina Bayar (adult program librarian), Ashley (technical services librarian) and Tom — and thanked partners including University of Nevada, Reno Extension and the Fountain Theater Committee for support.

John also noted ongoing staff training and his participation on the planning committee for a Nevada co-op director summit at UNR Lake Tahoe in May. The director said the library’s programming aims to strengthen community partnerships and outreach.

Trustees commended recent events and turnout, and the board acknowledged the grant award and the staff who supported programming.