New carpet, AED on Marshall library's wish list

The Marshall Public Library Board of Trustees discussed several ongoing library improvement issues at its meeting Monday evening, Dec. 14.

Librarian Amy Crump provided two estimates for new carpeting in the library, something she hopes to install as part of the facility's 20th anniversary celebrations next year.

Marshall's Home Store submitted an estimate of $18,422 for carpeting and installation. Ehrhardt Floor Covering estimated $20,154 for the same. The highest estimate came from Carpet Plus in Sedalia at $23,000.

These figures are for carpet squares, which will cover about 7,000 square feet in the library. But, when it comes time for the carpeting project to begin, it will need to be officially put out for bid.

"We'll have to re-bid this after we actually raise the money," Crump said.

Board President Anita Wright said she hoped fundraising would include the option for library patrons to sponsor a single carpet square, or more if they choose. Crump agreed and said she would try to calculate the approximate cost of one carpet square.

Board member Anner Umaņa spoke briefly about the possibility of the library purchasing an automated external defibrillator. He said the library could apply for a rural assistance grant to cover the cost of the device and would then need to provide training for staff members.

"I'm really advocating for it," Wright said. "I think it's doable."

Crump also said it is time for the library to write a technology plan update, which is required by the state. She will attend a conference in February 2010 to learn more about the process.

Board members John Carton and Umaņa will be on a technology committee to discuss the plan with Crump.

In her report, Crump said circulation in November was down from October 2009, 4,954 items compared to 5,539. At the end of November, the total number of library card holders had increased to 8,079 from 8,033 the previous month.

New employees hired at the library include Coralito Pineda, Rachel Johnson and Mary Bays.

Crump said the library's December book sale brought in just under $200.

But, "We've done better than that at our December sales" in past years, she said.

The library's gingerbread house event was a success, Crump said, with 13 children participating.

In the prepared staff report, it was stated that 99 visitors came to the genealogy room in November. About 60 students from Marshall High School have visited the library to read old newspapers on microfilm for a project assigned by teacher Mike Brennan.

Board members Ann Aulgur, Jeanne Simonton, Arline Borchers and Katye Elsea were also present at the meeting. The board adjourned into executive session after its open meeting.

The board will meet again Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. in the library's meeting room.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net