Lots and lots of changes have happened at the library in the last six months! The first thing everyone needs to know is the name has changed from the Taneyhills Library to the Library Center of the Ozarks, which you can check out on Facebook and the www.lcozarks.com. After closing the thrift store, that space was painted, and floor refinished to be used for programs which really came in handy with over 1,000 children attending our summer reading program! A separate large downstairs conference room was also painted, new carpet installed, shades added, and folding tables and large TV mounted for adult group presentations like Master Gardeners and Tai Chai.
The upstairs children’s department has new carpeting, shelves, furniture, lighting and a children’s librarian desk for the new children’s librarian Lia Hitz, who has added many new programs. Other building improvements include painting the first-floor lobby and staircase, all windows washed inside and out, roof inspected, and gutters cleaned and repaired. Trees were trimmed, HVAC system inspected, updated signage throughout with new logo, replaced toilets, and furniture and shelves were moved to be more user friendly. Also, the upstairs small conference room was painted and a TV added for presentations and video conferencing. The parking lot was restriped, and handicap spaces more clearly defined.
Over 5,900 new books and items were added to the library collection and the circulation desk checked out over 79,000 items between January and July. Also, eBook and audiobook collections have increased. Plus, Gale Legal Forms are now available—the official forms needed for many legal transactions like divorce or child custody—and these forms are all FREE to library patrons.
Seven new employees were hired, and background checks implemented for all employees and volunteers. Staff training is held every month, and an Emergency Action Plan has been put in place. In addition to all of that, many hours have been spent transitioning from a private library to a public library and meeting the Missouri State Standards.
If you haven’t stopped in lately, now would be a good time to take a tour, check out the used bookstore downstairs or attend a program.
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