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Coralville library reports rising use, receives state reimbursement and donation; roof work still needed
Summary
At the Jan. 7 board meeting the library reported 284 new cards, roughly 26,000 total checkouts and a $32,916.53 state reimbursement for Open Access; a $3,000 donation from Scheels went to the Foundation, heating issues from a new boiler are mostly resolved, and staff will seek a larger roof repair estimate.
Library Director Alison Ames Galstad and Assistant Director Ellen Alexander reported a rise in patron activity and several funding and maintenance developments at the Jan. 7 Coralville Public Library Board meeting.
Assistant Director Ellen Alexander reported 284 new library cards, more than 26,000 total checkouts and 16,015 physical items checked out in the reporting period. Staff noted increased hotspot use and a seasonal rise in Hoopla checkouts; Alexander said that Hoopla reminder emails were not being sent to patrons but the Hoopla representative expected December usage to be higher anyway.
Galstad told the board the library received $32,916.53 in government reimbursement from the State Library for Open Access transactions (payment rates described as 35 cents per open access transaction and $1.19 per interlibrary loan sent to other Iowa libraries) and that the board received a $3,000 check from Scheels, which was deposited into the Foundation account to support teen reading programs.
On facilities, Galstad said most heating problems tied to a new boiler have been resolved. However, roof issues remain: the board approved a temporary fix and directed Kevin to obtain an estimate for a larger roof repair in the next fiscal year.
Galstad also outlined upcoming events and meetings: a Volunteer Fair and community reading of the "I Have a Dream" speech on Jan. 19, a WARM program kickoff on Jan. 29 (program runs through February), and ILA Legislative Day on Feb. 3 at the Capitol. The board's next meeting is Feb. 4.
