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Bookmobile campaign on hold

The James V. Brown Library Board of Trustees received an update Thursday on the library’s plan to digitize over 1,500 reels of newspaper microfilm from Barbara S. McGary, the library’s executive director.

“It was something that was not funded last year, so we’re going to submit a new application this year. This is our big grant opportunity for this year,” said McGary.

She told the board that the application is being worked on and that the vendor, Advantage Preservation, has indicated the cost has not increased. The cost of the project would be about $174,000.

In another update, McGary said the campaign to replace the Bookmobile, which was announced earlier this year, has been put on hold while research is being put together for marketing materials.

“That’s going to take some time. That is going to take this spring and probably part of the summer. Our leadership team wants to go on the Bookmobile and go out and connect with the patrons to help develop those materials,” she said.

She noted that a launch for the Bookmobile campaign should be ready for September.

The board approved an increase in the reimbursement rate for employees using their personal vehicles for library business. The board voted to increase the amount from 40.5 cents per mile to 50 cents per mile with the condition that this amount would be evaluated each year to see that it is in line with federal government standards. The increase was made on the recommendation of the finance committee.

McGary announced that the position of GED instructor will transition to a newly created position of career coordinator. The position will start July 1 after the United Way contract ends and will work with the Penn State Adult Literacy Institute to serve at all the libraries in the county.

This individual will be in the adult computer area helping people on demand with such things as resume preparation, McGary said.

“Whenever we have to say no to one of our customers, we make a note of it and so what we’re hearing from our public service manager and director there is a need down in the adult computer area to help with job searching and things like that,” she said.

She noted that the library is working with Penn State Institute of Literacy which has indicated that they have a need for someone to go into the Lycoming County Prison to provide GED instruction.

“Libraries are a natural partner with adult literacy,” she said.

McGary announced that during April and May the Storymobile will visit 24 sites and 88 classrooms as part of the PA One Book Program. Each child will receive a PA One Book during the visits.

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