Library board hears updates on programs
The Forrest City Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is still in full swing.
Sheila Gracey reported to members of the library’s board at their Monday meeting that numbers had so far exceeded expectations due to large groups from Forrest City's ABC School and JB Fireballers attending the programs.
"It is going well, very well," said Gracey.
Gracey said the library has held five programs so far with 113 children and 68 adults participating.
She told the group that the next program, scheduled for Wednesday, July 14, will see the St. Francis County Extension Service again offering its Kids in the Kitchen program.
In the previous Kids in the Kitchen program, Arlisa Harris, library director, told the board that Marla Lane did an experiment with the children to see which method of cleaning their hands is most effective. "It was so funny to watch some of the reactions," said Harris.
Gracey reported that many of the children and adults at the recent programs were also not present at the kickoff event.
"I gave them a list of our dates and the museum’s dates," said Gracey, adding that many of the adults are glad to have programs available for their children.
Gracey also told the board that community support has been good for the programs and that several businesses have donated door prizes for the finale on July 28.
Gracey also said another adult program would be held on July 19, from 4:30 until 6 p.m.
In other business, Harris told the board the library received official notification of a grant award from the American Rescue Plan in Arkansas Public Libraries.
Harris told the board at a previous meeting that the grant could be used for a new server and technology needs for the library, and the board agreed to allow Harris to review quotes to purchase a new server and computer equipment. Harris told the board that the amount was based on several things, such as poverty levels and the population the library serves.
“So, St. Francis County, which is our library, was awarded $20,247," said Harris. "I solicited bids for a new server and then new public computers because they are starting to age out."
Harris said the quote she received for the server and equipment totals $23,037.38.
“It is a difference of around $2,791," Harris said, before asking if the board wants to proceed and pay the remainder out of existing funds or reduce the number of aged equipment to be replaced.
The quote included replacement of seven computers, the server and battery backups for each computer.
"They'll be better grade than what we have now," said Harris. "They will be sturdier."
The board voted to pay the difference to replace all equipment due to current equipment beginning to break down and the concern of increasing prices for computer parts making them more expensive.
(Continued from Page 1) "Truly, I don't think we need to sit on not getting computers if these are already showing wear and tear," said board member Judy Sweet.
"And we will get seven new for $2,700," agreed chairman Lindsay Hodges.
The board also voted on opening communications over the possibility of purchasing land adjacent to the facility to further expand the library’s property.
Hodges said she had been in contact with Brad Beavers after receiving information about the outdoor parks and recreation grant the library was applying for to look into purchasing the lot north of the current facility.
“I just wanted to reach out and see how much it was going to cost us," said Hodges.
The board agreed to present Beavers with the property's appraisal as well as the library's ideas for the potential property.
Harris also told the board she is looking into another grant that might bring more Internet access for area children through the library by establishing a library of things where residents could check out items such as wi-fi hotspots, laptops or tablets.
"We have a small window and just found out about this about 30 days ago," said Harris, who added she would speak to representatives with the grant soon. "I thought why not start a library of things with these items and then see if businesses in the community would also like to donate things. I think a drone would be nice."
Harris explained the items would be limited to receive due to spacing at the library but she wanted to apply for the grant for the technology items to start in order to allow more access to the Internet for the community.
"The laptops wouldn't have Internet access but they could check that out in conjunction with a wi-fi hotspot to have that access at home," said Harris.
Harris also said the library would be participating in this year's East Arkansas Regional Summer Youth Employment Initiative.
"They work for 40 hours, Monday through Thursday here and Friday is their personal development day," said Harris. "This is going to work out great. Several of us will be taking our vacation, so this will give a second person here."