The Emo Public Library report for 2003 showed much improvement in several areas, giving it a bright future.
Fundraising has now been organized and the group is known as the Friends of the Emo Public Library. Since the organization came into existence, it has opened up a new era for the EPL to punch ahead with other functions.
With fundraising and donations, more than $400 has been realized to date.
Another highlight was the EPL’s annual book and hotdog sale held last April during Spring Fever Days. “This was a profitable undertaking raising a little over $1,000 in combined sales,” noted librarian Shirley Sheppard.
Appreciation is given to Nestor Falls Marina for the donation of free space at the area for the sale and Emo Inn for the donation of ice.
Cooks Reeve Russ Fortier and EPL chair Mike Willams, along with staff member Kathy Leek, trustee Audrey Borger, and volunteers Karen Kuitunen, and Albert, Anthony, and Christopher Leek, were greatly welcomed.
The Easter raffle sale brought in the sum of $185.
Other fundraising includes ongoing sales for the “River of Thyme” cookbooks and bookbags.
The EPL would like to acknowledge the late Mel Asplund’s donation of paperback books for the Emo Sidewalk Day Sale, which proved supportive by the public.
Thanks also to Marg Haggberg of Nestor Falls for her collection of Agatha Christie paperback mystery books and Mrs. Rod Nault of Emo for her collection of children/adult and craft books.
And then there’s all those who contributed personal and in memoriam donations. All donations over $100 (donated in one name) are engraved on the EPL’s memorial plaque.
2003 was a fantastic year for books—26,854 owned by the EPL, including fiction, non-fiction, hardcover, paperback for adults and children, cassettes, videos, subscriptions, donated material, and directories.
Circulation was 17,003 (an average per month of 1,427), including large print (758), magazines (503), photocopies/fax (2,858), ILLO (535), video cassettes (3,847), and audio books (467).
This does not include the usage of Internet computers, which includes printing, tutorial, scanning, and info searches for the public.
Some 49 new members were added in 2003, with membership now totalling 1,135 (these stats do not reflect all family members who may use only one family membership).
Professional development and training in 2003 resulted in full accreditation to librarian Kathy Leek, who received her Excel Library Certificate in small public library management.
EPL is now fully staffed by certified small public library managers.
As well, staff attended the 2003 Ontario North Library Conference.
The summer reading program theme this past year was “Twenty Thousand Read Under the Sea.” Summer student Christine Schulzki co-ordinated the program and more than 20 children participated.
Prizes were awarded to the top readers (many had read more than 120 books).
The summer student, whose position was partially funded by the HRDC, also had other chores and duties during her two months on the job.
Library staff and board in 2003 included Librarian/CEO and bookkeeper Shirley Sheppard, assitant librarian and computer co-ordinator Kathy Leek, and library students Christine Schulzki and Grace MacGibbon.
Volunteer students (40 hours) were Danielle Vanderwekken, Rachel McBride, and Christopher Leek.
The library board includes Mike Williams, Reeve Russ Fortier (ex-officio member), council reps Harriet Sheloff (Emo), Rick Seidel (La Vallee), and Heather Oltsher (Chapple), and trustee Audrey Borger.
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