April 20, 2012
MASON — More people, especially students, are using the Mason branch of the Capital Area District Library.
That was the consensus given from Head Librarian Sheryl Bass, who addressed the Mason City Council at its regular meeting on April 16.
Bass, giving an annual report on the library, said overall usage was up 3 percent, with 110,000 patrons checking out over 114,000 items.
She said the real increase was in the participation of various clubs and programs, like the LEGO club, which grew to 200 kids this year.
“You would not believe the amount of creativity and talent that these kids have with building things at the LEGO club,” Bass said. “It is incredible.”
Bass said her vision is to continue to serve the needs of the community, and a good example was with Mason Public Schools and its reading program.
The reading program was discontinued from the school district because of budget cuts, but the library picked up the slack and had 900 students enrolled in its summer reading program to compensate.
The reading program rewards students with prizes for completing hours of reading over summer.
She said there has been a growing interest in digital downloads for e-books as well.
“The digital download requests have exploded,” Bass said. “This has been another example of the library staying current with technology and offering services.”
Bass said a much-needed upgrade for the interior of the library will be welcome to better serve patrons. She said construction is slated to begin on May 14, and will result in the library being closed for a small length of time.
The library will get new carpet, paint, expanded seating and a better circulation desk. She said the exterior will get improvements as well, with construction ending about June 4.
“We are excited about the construction,” Bass said. “These improvements will help the library serve its patrons and the community.”
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