A new bookmobile came to Shawano courtesy of the Friends of Shawano County Libraries Inc., which held its annual meeting Thursday in Cecil.
The bookmobile, which replaced its 17-year-old predecessor in March, was just one of the Friends’ major contributions to the Shawano City-County Library and its branches.
Each branch also received a $1,500 grant.
“The branches work with limited budgets and, with the extra funds from the Friends, are able to make improvements that otherwise would not be feasible,” said Marsha Hoeffs, the organization’s president.
After selling the old bookmobile, the nonprofit donated an additional $14,000 for the new vehicle.
“It is more efficient this way,” library director Kristie Hauer said. “There is not a lot of mileage and it is brand new, so maintenance costs will be low for awhile.”
Hauer also told the three dozen members at Thursday’s meeting the library experienced a 59 percent increase in circulation and a 31 percent increase in deliveries in 2014.
Additionally, the Friends provided a dual-delivery drop box, for approximately $5,000, which enables the library to accept book and media returns after hours.
“This was one of the biggest feedbacks we have received; people wanted to return items after closing time,” Hauer said.
Hauer said she was grateful to the Friends for helping the library to expand Wi-Fi services from two to four access points, more coverage and a stronger signal.
The director indicated there was 42 percent increase of patrons utilizing electronic services, including laptops, cellular phones and other portable wireless devices.
An increase in demand of wireless services led the library to develop a learning lab for people looking to refresh their computer skills. The library initially began with four classes per month and increased it to 10.
Hoeffs thanked Hauer and eight other library personnel for keeping up with technology.
“These ladies have created a comfortable atmosphere for our patrons and provide great programming and customer service, and have kept our library up-to-date with technology,” Hoeffs said.
Library staff include Leslie Hill, Sue Porath, Mikki Moesch, Cathy Pescinski, Cassie Cummings, Linda Grams, Nancy Hammond and Wendy Rosenow.
Friends members elected seven board members: Deb Harvey, Jean Nelson, Marlene Krema, Mary Ann Gehr, Anita Hartman, Rosetta Stern and Donna John.
