Published: September 29, 2008 08:56 am         

Library loses expansion grant

The Oliver Dewey Mayor Foundation withdrew their $70,000 matching grant for the expansion of the Pryor Library.

Library Director Kim Risner said if the city goes ahead with the proposed building projects, she can reapply for the grant.

Risner said there is no guarantee the library will receive the grant again.

“Another grant application may take precedence over ours,” she said.

The library began the 2008-2009 fiscal year with a budget of $341,303. Capital outlay was $75,000.

The library is spending part of capital outlay for chairs for the computer areas and tables for the children’s area.

“Our book line item has not increased in years,” said Risner.

By dividing the book budget with library memberships, Risner said the amount spent per card member is $2 per year.

Arvest Bank donated $4,000 to the library on behalf of the Walton Foundation. The Oklahoma Arts and Humanities Council donated $500 to the library which covered a summer program. Buzzi Unicem gave $100 to a children’s program. Memorial contributions came to $700.

Risner said purchasing equipment for library improvements is not going as fast as she’d like. The budget and personnel committee told Risner during the last budget meeting three quotes were needed for shelving, furniture and other items at future budget meetings.

She plans to ask companies for the quotes to be good through the date of the council meeting.

“Curious George visited hundreds of kids,” Risner said about his visit

to the library in September. The children’s program theme is “getting curious.”

Thunderbird Youth Academy cadets have been helping with reading and crafts.

Military preservationist Keith Myers is presenting his military history program Sept. 29. Myers’ military uniforms and artifacts have been on display since Sept. 6, when he made his first presentations to library patrons. Monday will be his third time to visit the library for presentations.

Risner said 250 to 350 people came to view the indoor and outdoor military displays Sept. 6 for veterans appreciation day.

Friends of the library paid the fuel for Myers’ visits and the fuel for the business which displayed military vehicles. The business displaying military weapons declined to take the offered fuel donation.

Risner commended her staff members on their willingness to work late hours. The library staff worked nights to complete inventory.

Risner said she had an employee repackage some audio book covers with brighter fronts.

“Two were immediately checked out after being placed on the shelf,” she said.

New librarian Audrey Baker will be working with teen programs and archiving and preservation. Risner said the library has hired two temporary staff members.

     

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