Summer reading program concludes after much success

The Moniteau County Library unveiled this logo in February 2019.
The Moniteau County Library unveiled this logo in February 2019.

The Moniteau County Library's summer reading program set even more milestones as it officially concluded Aug. 3, as reported at the Library Board's August meeting.

Following its last meeting, during which the Board reported record participation in the library's summer reading program, a report shed further light on the level of participation from area schools and families during the 9-week program.

During the meeting, Library Director Connie Walker reported 705 children in total received programming during the program's runtime. Across 263 drop-in programs made available for participants throughout the month of July, total attendance was 3,507. The library also more than doubled its total checkouts during the program compared to last year - the 2019 program resulted in 2,646 book check-outs, as opposed to the 1,043 check-outs during 2018's edition.

The 2019 reading program improved on the previous year in more ways, as well - 72 participants met their suggested reading goal in 2019, a progression from the 46 in 2018, and $5,128 in prize tickets was cashed at the conclusion of the program this year, compared to the $3404.50 in tickets cashed last summer. Walker said the number of participants that hit their reading goals was the highest number in the summer reading program's history.

The library issued 113 new library cards during the program - it has issued 38 new library cards on average per month this year to date.

The Board approved tax levy rates for the upcoming year, among other business, during the rest of the meeting.

The Library District tax rate, as approved by voters Nov. 7, 2017, was set for $0.12 per $100 valuation. This rate was confirmed in a hearing prior to the Board's regular meeting and approved during meeting business.

The board approved and added two directives to the library's policy and procedures handbook - one detailing what is classified as proper or improper behavior while in the library, and another explaining the library's compliance with Americans with Disability Act requirements in regards to service animals. The Board plans to continue working to update its policy and procedures handbook.

The Board reported it had received incorrect figures for assessed valuation in real estate tax revenue by the county for last year's approved tax rates, which had led to inaccurate figures as reported in the library's budget. The budget has now been updated to reflect the accurate amount of tax revenue received during the year to date.

Also in line with budget items, the Moniteau County Library is one of 22 other community entities that has received partial funding from the Nothnagel Charitable Remainder Unitrust, at a total value of just over $30,000.

The board voted to accept an anonymous donation of $20,000, available in January 2020, for 30 new shelving units. The anonymous source previously helped to fund replacement of the library's computers.

New items - a total of 168 - were added to the library's collection during July.

The Library Board's next meeting will be Sept. 19.