After three years in operation, the offerings and hours at the Grantsville City Library continue to grow, according to director John Ingersoll.
During the Grantsville City Council meeting Wednesday night, Ingersoll gave a presentation on the current status of the library, which opened in 2013. In addition to mentioning the library operated within its budget for the third straight year, Ingersoll plugged the library’s programs and usage in 2015.
One big change this year has been an expansion of weekly operating hours, with a bump to 40 hours beginning in January, over the 24 hours per week when it opened in March 2013. The library is open Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ingersoll said the library already offers programming for preschoolers, children and teenagers. Computer and email access training for adults and seniors is slated to begin next month and the library is looking into story time in French in conjunction with the French immersion program at Grantsville Elementary.
A one-on-one tutoring program has helped 11 Grantsville students now reading at or above their reading level, according to Ingersoll.
“Education and literacy are powerful tools, which we can use for change and our library supports a culture of lifelong learning for visitors and staff alike,” he said.
In 2015, the Grantsville City Library had 160 daily visitors and circulated 51,787 items, of which 5,295 were electronic, Ingersoll said.
The library is currently working through the state certification process, which would allow the facility to receive state grants for additional materials and programming. Grantsville City Mayor Brent Marshall said certification had been a long process with some delays, but praised Ingersoll, his staff and the volunteers at the library.
”We have a diamond over there and it’s a crown jewel that’s being utilized by the citizens and even citizens outside of our own community,” Marshall said.
Councilman Tom Tripp said community events held at the library, including a recent quilting retreat, had been popular with residents. Ingersoll is usually present at the after-hours events, which drew praise from councilwoman Jewel Allen.
Ingersoll said the staff at the library continues to attend training and works to improve its offerings and user experience.
“I’m firmly convinced that wonderful things will continue at our library,” he said. “Great libraries don’t just happen; they’re the result of hard work, exceptional staff and volunteers and dedicated partners.”