Library budget benefits from unexpected income

Moniteau County Library @ Wood Place
Moniteau County Library @ Wood Place

The Moniteau County Library benefited from $788 collected in delinquent taxes and there could be more to come, Director Connie Gerling told the board Aug. 16.

The library's budget also received a boost from the sale of three more refurbished computers, making it $2,750 for the year.

By joining a library consortium, the local library will save $750 on an annual subscription to 50 electronic magazine titles.

The Summer Reading Program provided 240 programs in nine weeks to 786 children; 46 readers met their goals. In addition, the early literacy computers were used 560 times and 109 new library cards were issued during that period.

Gerling attributed much of the success to partnering with the rural schools, providing books and resources during summer schools in June.

"Building relationships with those schools is rewarding," Gerling said. "And we're thrilled to see the library packed more than it's ever been."

The board also has focused attention on restoring the building itself. After improving the outdoor sidewalk and basement access, they are moving on to moisture mitigation.

In other business, the library board:

Learned that the library now serves about 9,900 residents among the average 12,230 within the county, removing those inside the Tipton city limits.

Heard a second iPhone class has been set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 30.

Noted another Seniors and Veterans Computer Class will meet 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 10-Oct. 1.

Learned the new magazine racks arrived and will be installed soon.