13 August 2014

13 August 2014 I want to say thank you to all our patrons for being patient with us as the new circulation system continues to vex the library staff. When we purchased the new program we had talked with several libraries throughout the state and it was given glowing reports. So what went wrong? You may ask. The program issued a new version when they loaded the new system in May. Every new version of a program will have bugs, take for example Windows Vista or Windows Millenium as examples of a good program with a new version being wild for the first five or six months. Every week Verso installs new fixes for the problems that are in the new version. Libraries all over the country are running into problems, it isn't just Vicksburg. The programmers are working on fixing the bugs but it takes time to write a repair program so continue being patient as it may be October before all of the bugs are addressed.-------The Library will be holding a reception for all the people who volunteered to help at the library this past year. We will be having punch and cake. The reception is going to be on 27 August 2014 at 3:00 pm in the Library's meeting room. If you have volunteered at the Library this past year please phone the Library at 649-1648 and leave a note for John that you will be attending. I will need to know how many people will be there so I can order the right size cake.-------Parents please let know if you want you child to check out R rated or MA rated video games. When we changed the circulation system not all of the notes were copied over. You will have to come in and personnally tell us to put a note on your child's record that they can check out materials with the above mentioned ratings. Our policy states that we will follow video store guidelines on checking out R or MA materials to minors 17 years of age or younger. I know that in the past we have let some videos and games slip through especially when we are busy we are not very vigilante. Remember, next time you are in the library and your minor child has a card, tell us if you are okay with your child checking out R and MA materials. I know it seems silly especially if your child is in high school but it is in that gray area that deals with childhood safety. -------On Thursday, 21 August at the regular board meeting, the board will be discussing the formation of a fundraising committee. The public is welcome to attend all board meetings but if you have any ideas on how to make the library better or you want to help us upgrade the library building please attend. The library staff have already made suggestions and we are looking for more. The fund raising committee will be meeting with professionals in library design, phone systems, construction and internet technology among others to establish needs and costs so we can set a fund raising goal. The Library has been putting money into funds over the years to help pay for upgrades of the physical library building. We are also looking to raise some extra money to add to the Vicksburd District Library Foundation which is operated by the Kalamazoo Foundation. The Vicksburg community has always been generous with the needed time and monetary resources to maintain the library and I believe that community spirits lives on today.-------Until next week remember to read to your children. John Sheridan, Director