The McDonald County Library has been awarded a Library Services and Technology Act Public Library Collection Development Grant that will provide nearly $5,000 to purchase new materials.
"We were contacted earlier in the year with an opportunity to apply for a grant that would give us a sizable amount in funds to be used in our library system for the development of materials, programs, and resources we offer to our patrons," interim director Retha Mitchell said. "We immediately responded by sending the required information to be considered as a recipient. In a short time, we were notified that we had been awarded this coveted grant.
The mission of the Institute of Museum and Library Services is to be "the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission has been to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. For the past twenty years, our grant making, policy development and research has helped libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive."
"When the staff found out about the opportunity to purchase materials for our library, we were ecstatic," Mitchell said. "It has been two long years with cuts in our budget and the loss of equalization funds that has kept purchases at a bare minimum. This has resulted in fewer books, audio and visual materials, and other resources and programs for our patrons to enjoy."
When the staff found out about the availability of the grant, they immediately determined what the library needed and what patrons have been asking for more of.
"Study and exam materials, including SAT, GED, and scholarship opportunity and career testing books have been outdated or not returned from being checked out," Mitchell said. "We have not been able to replace them because of our budget issues. Board books for our preschool Hispanic patrons were also purchased. Many genres needed supplemented and filled in and DVDs, which are one of our most popular circulated items, were expanded to the delight of our patrons.
"With excitement, we obtained our materials and now have them cataloged and available to the public. Many of the patrons filled out a short survey we had asked them to complete and we were happy to realize that we had made wise choices by the number of YES answers we saw on our surveys when we asked them some of the following questions: Do you think this item is an enjoyable addition to the library? Did it provide you with valuable information? Would you recommend this item to others? Were there some new skills you learned? Did you formulate a differing opinion or get insight about the people or subject matter?
"Libraries and museums are fortunate to have these IMLS grants available. They have been true lifesavers for many public institutions, including ours," Mitchell said.
Stop by the McDonald County Library to see what new items are available.
General News on 08/17/2017