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Library director says three new computers, $750 Office licenses cause small overage; fines fund used for teen tech
Summary
The Dell Rapids library reported buying three new adult computers that shifted older machines to the young-adult area and an unplanned $750 Microsoft Office license expense; director said the fines-and-fees fund ($7,500) could support teen technology such as a Nintendo Switch or virtual-reality headset.
The Dell Rapids Public Library director reported the library purchased three new adult‑section computers and will cascade older adult machines to the young‑adult area, a move that led to a brief budget overage.
"Those computers have gone in the adult section, and then those 3 computers in the adult section have gone down to replace the 3 computers in the young adult section," the director said, noting the purchase exceeded estimates after each machine required a Microsoft Office license that added about $750 in unexpected costs. She told trustees she expects balances to normalize by year‑end.
The director also reported the fines‑and‑fees fund has a current balance of $7,500 and described program uses for that money. "We use [fines and fees] a lot for adult programming when we bring in outside presenters," she said, adding the board could earmark some of that fund for teen programming and equipment.
Trustees discussed possible purchases including a Nintendo Switch for program days and, if feasible, a virtual‑reality headset for technology demonstrations. A trustee asked the director to follow up on implementation details and timing as the library prepares for busy summer programming.
The board approved the finance report by voice vote and did not alter planned service levels; the director said she will ask the city finance officer about high winter utility spending and report back during budget planning.
