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Report
of the Library Trustees
To the Honorable Selectmen and supportive citizens of
Avon:
The Avon Public Library Trustees proudly submit the
report of the Avon Public Library for the year 2007.
The richest
person in the world - in fact all the riches in the world - couldn't provide
you with anything like the endless, incredible loot available at your local
library. ~Malcolm Forbes
2006-2007 was a productive year for the Avon Public
Library. Staff members continued their education by attending seminars and
workshops provided by SEMLS and OCLN.
The Director took advantage of two webinars
offered through SEMLS and NELINET. A webinar is a new technology similar to
a seminar, but on the web.
With a grant from the McElaney Trust, the Library was
able to add a new Dell computer workstation, wireless internet access, and
two receipt printers for the circulation desk. The Library is very
appreciative of the continued support of the McElaney family.
The Library also received a “Pursuit of Happiness”
grant, which awarded the Library with 20 classic books. Follow up on the
grant will continue throughout 2008.
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
notified Trustees that the Avon Public Library was to receive State Aid
to Public Libraries awards totaling $6,233.97. The grant is awarded to
libraries who have complied with minimum standards of public library
service. The Library could not have achieved these standards without the
continued financial support of the citizens of Avon.
The Butler School children enjoyed their annual visit
to the library in late May and early June. The Library Director would like
to thank Butler School Principal, Debra Swain and reading teacher, Linda
Nicholson for organizing the visits. The students and teachers should be
praised for their enthusiasm and attentiveness.
The very popular Toddler and Pre-school Story Hours
continued throughout the summer as well as Thursday night’s Pajama
Storytimes.
This year, the summer reading program “Catch the Beat
at Your Library” was sponsored by the Massachusetts Regional Library Systems
and Waste Management. Throughout the summer, twenty-four children read for a
total of 582 hours. Readers received incentive prizes, book coupons and
certificates signed by the Library Director. On August 22, Mr. DJ
entertained the children and their parents with his “Ultimate Kid’s Party”
featuring karaoke, games, prizes, bubbles and disco lights. It was indeed a
musical experience!
Celebrities such as Elvis Presley, Princess Diana, and
Elizabeth Taylor were seen hanging around the Reading Room during the
month of July, compliments of
former Avon resident, Anna Stockwell-Minnehan. Mrs.
Minnehan displayed her “celebrity” paintings at her second art show here at
the Library.
The Library hosted artist J. Marshall Dyke for his
annual Avon Library Exhibit during the month of August. This was Mr. Dyke’s
25th year exhibiting here at the Library. His paintings are
always a favorite with patrons and staff.
In late summer, the Library was again targeted by
vandalism. The incident cost the Town over $1800 in damages when a bottle
was thrown through the large window facing the parking lot. The Library was
closed during emergency clean up, while the fragments of glass were removed.
Regular hours resumed in early fall as well as both
story hours.
Avon High School Librarian, Patricia London and her
grade 7 classes visited the library for quick tours and class assignments.
Avon Library has donated more than one hundred books to the school library
on a “long-term loan” and we feel fortunate to have this reciprocal
relationship with Mrs. London and the High School Library.
On November 20, 2007, the Avon Public Library
collaborated with the Avon Middle High School in their “Read Around the
World” program. David Rothauser, writer and producer of the film The
Diary of Sacco and Vanzetti visited Avon. Avon residents were
entertained with a free public showing of his film, co-sponsored by the Avon
Public Library and the Avon Middle-High School.
December was Holiday Party time. Santa made a surprise
visit and presented each child with a candy cane and an age-appropriate
book. Snacks were provided by the parents while crafts and party supplies
were donated by the Friends of the Library. The “Friends” are a very small
group of people who donate their time and commitment to the library and
special library functions and programs. We all appreciate their dedication
to the children of Avon. The Library also hosted an “Open House” with
coffee, punch and snacks for the public as a “Thank You” for their
patronage.
Together with the Library Staff, the Trustees wish to
thank the Selectmen, the Finance Committee and the voters of Avon for all
their support and cooperation. The Library Staff would like to thank the
Trustees for their support and understanding in what was, for some, a very
difficult year.
Fun Facts:
- On average, the Library circulates approximately
3,000 items each month.
- Avon is the smallest library in OCLN.
- Out of 2,892 registered borrowers, 2,285 are Avon
residents.
- The Library has a total collection of 45,791
items.
- Avon loans more than 2 times as many items
as it borrows, making us eligible for a Net Lender Grant through
South Eastern Massachusetts Library System.
A good
library will never be too neat, or too dusty, because somebody will always
be in it, taking books off the shelves and staying up late reading them.
~Lemony Snicket
Respectfully submitted,
Wilma Macdonald, Chair
Charles Comeau, Co-chair
Ellen Nagle, Secretary
Avon Board of Library Trustees
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