A genuine sense of shock and glee was expressed by Moniteau County Library District board members April 19 at hearing the circulation numbers for the past month, which included the new online Tumblebooks being used by the county schools.
"It's exciting," Director Connie Gerling said. "I think it's one of the most innovative things we've ever done."
At Latham, 737 books were checked out on Tumblebooks among the 55 students. And at California Elementary School, more than 1,600 books had been downloaded.
"That's amazing," board president Laura Burger said. "That was a good buy!"
The board also reviewed a building assessment by Septagon. A committee was appointed to review and prioritize recommendations.
"It's just the beginning of a conversation," Burger said. Overall, "what I gathered from this is the building is in good shape."
The main goals will be eliminating moisture and ensuring the building remains sound for years to come, the board agreed.
Gerling also was pleased with the replacement marquis sign.
And the library's technology budget, which had been depleted early upgrading the preschool-age computers, benefited from donations covering the costs of those computers.
In other business, the board:
Learned residents at the Jamestown Senior Housing have enjoyed the new delivery program.
Learned the computer program for seniors and veterans filled to overcapacity and a sign-up list has been started for another four-week class in late summer.
Hired Joana Kliethermes to lead the infant, toddler and preschool programming for the summer reading program.
Hired Taylor Ireland, a junior at California High School, to help with summer reading program-related work for nine weeks.
Approved the use of the library by any resident of Moniteau County, even if they live within the city limits of Tipton.
Hired Heidi Porter full-time as the library assistant, following her three-months probation period.
Approved the donation of the two former preschool computers to the Moniteau County Head Start.