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5.q - <br />Library Services Coordinator Report -Board Meeting —1/25/2022 <br />The library has gone "Fines Free" as of 1/3/2022. With this change, we are no longer charging daily <br />overdue fines on any materials. As we still want patrons to renew or return by the due date, we have <br />implemented a procedure/policy change, where if any items are more than 10 days overdue, the patron <br />account is blocked from further checkouts, including digital materials and internet use, until items are <br />returned or renewed. In addition, if any material is more than 45 days overdue, it is considered lost, and <br />patrons will be assessed for the replacement cost of the material. We hope this change will reduce <br />barriers to access to the library, and see an increase in borrower numbers and library use. <br />The Winter Reading Program (WRP) with the theme of "Books Like Us" began on 1/3/2022 as well. <br />Patrons can register for the program in person at the library or on the Beanstack app. Elk River currently <br />has 30 patrons registered. The program is for adults and teens, and features weekly drawings in Elk <br />River for prizes like mugs, winter hats, or books. We will also be drawing for grand prizes at the end of <br />the program, which is 2/28/2022, including a "Kindle" e -reader and Amazon gift cards. A special <br />THANKS to our Elk River Friends of the Library for sponsoring the grand prizes for this program! <br />We are continuing to hold some of our regular programs in-person, such as Story Time, Schooled in Art, <br />Lego/STEM club, and Adult Book Club as well as some Legacy programs sponsored by the MN Arts and <br />Cultural Heritage fund. In February, we will have two nights with musical performances from <br />singer/guitarist David Malmberg on Tues. Feb. 15, and singer/pianist Andrew Walesch on Thurs. Feb. 17. <br />In March/April/May, we will be continuing to reschedule performances and author visits that were <br />postponed in 2020 and early 2021, including children's author, Mary Casanova, and singer/guitarist Jeff <br />Bianchi. Dates are still to be determined. Please help us spread the word regarding these performances <br />and events. <br />At this time, there are no outreach events planned for February through May. However, we will keep <br />the board informed about upcoming outreach opportunities for late spring and summer as they are <br />scheduled. <br />The Covid-19 pandemic continues to have its effects on circulation at the library. In Elk River, we ended <br />2021 with a circulation increase of almost 40% over 2020, compared to a region wide increase of 32%. <br />However, our circulation in Elk River is still down about 12-13% when compared to 2019 circulation <br />numbers. Staffing at Elk River continues to be affected too. We currently have an aide opening, with <br />evening and every other Saturday hours, and hope to begin interviewing soon. <br />In addition, we will be implementing for all staff the Emergency Temporary Standard issued by OSHA on <br />Covid-19 Vaccination and Testing. GRRL does employ more than 100 employees, and therefore must <br />comply to avoid significant penalties from MN OSHA. Additional questions regarding this <br />implementation can be directed to our Executive Director and/or our Associate Director of Human <br />Resources. <br />\%BRARY <br />EAT RIVER REGIOPIAI <br />