Library Board Gets Update on Plans for Children's Room Expansion

Effingham Public Library board members got good news this week on their campaign to improve the Children's Room.

The plan is to move a wall to expand the Children's Room, which is located on the upper floor of the library.

Library Director Amanda McKay said $32,000 has been raised to date, which is about a third of the way to the goal. McKay said they are working with their architect on the design of the project. She said much of the work will involve infrastructure items that will facilitate the expansion.

Board members also reviewed a Market Penetration Report from their consultant, Orange Boy. McKay said the market penetration is at 33%, which is the most of any library that Orange Boy serves, both for market size and for budget. The previous report showed a 30% market penetration. McKay said she is shooting for 35% penetration in the next report.

Work has begun on the budget for the fiscal year that begins May 1. The chief goal is continuing to reduce the mortgage on the library building. McKay also shared good news on the computer system regulating heating and air conditioning in the building. A $1,400 savings was seen in its first month of operation.

McKay said the 2024 Action Plan is being implemented, and is now up on the Library website. Goals include hosting a resource fair, increasing circulation by 5%, and sponsoring a "Fix It Clinic", where various handy people will help the rest of us on performing various tasks.