At the Sealy City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, a representative from the Virgil and Josephine Gordon Memorial Library addressed the council with the library’s annual update.
This year saw a dramatic increase in library use in a variety of areas. Library visits by the general public increased 87% from 7,885 to 14,797. Library circulation increased 13% from 13,452 to 15,174. Early childhood programs increased 104% from 522 patrons to 1,067 patrons. Public computer use increased 109% from 1,020 to 2,134 patrons. General community use of the library increased a whopping 727%! General use went from 353 to 2,920 patrons! These numbers are astounding for such a small library. Kudos to everyone for their hard work and dedication!
Continuing on the upward trend the library was able to install fiber internet due to the E-Rate program. Below is a breakdown of what the E-Rate program is and what it does for the library.
The Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Program, commonly known as the E-Rate program, helps schools and libraries obtain affordable broadband access. Funding is available under two service categories: Category One: Covers services like telecommunications, telecommunications services, and Internet access. Category Two: Supports services within schools and libraries, such as internal connections, basic maintenance of those connections, and managed internal broadband services. Discounts range from 20% to 90% of the cost of eligible services, depending on factors like poverty levels and whether the school or library is in an urban or rural area.
Summer programs are an important way to keep students learning throughout the summer. This summer learning helps to combat ‘summer slide.’ In the past summer programs have been for multi age students. This summer the library included a teen only program. Some of the events that were offered included an archery class presented in conjunction with Texas Parks and Wildlife and a henna artist who showed students how to not only make the ink but create designs.
The library aims to leave no learner behind no matter their age. Techo Tuesday is a new initiative planned to launch by the end of the year to engage senior citizens in library programs. Attracting seniors has been a challenge, so after researching successful programs at other libraries, a plan was developed. The tentative schedule is to offer tech assistance on the last Tuesday of each month. Seniors will have the opportunity to seek help with their devices—such as computers, phones, and tablets—without any repair services or software downloads. The plan is to enlist volunteers who have expertise in technology to mentor and support the seniors during these sessions. Recognizing the importance of consistency, Techo Tuesday will be held on the last Tuesday of every month. The name is a playful twist on the popular “Taco Tuesday,” designed to encourage senior adults to participate in library programs.
The annual pumpkin patch will begin on October 6, 2024. This is a fundraiser designed to help offset operational expenses. The pumpkin patch gives families an opportunity to visit the library campus and take amazing fall photos. In November the library will host a Book Lover’s fundraiser. This festive event will be a tie-in to the 46th anniversary of the library. The event will be on November 16th from 12-5pm. There will be food trucks, a bounce house, a corn hole contest and a DJ to keep the event hoppin!
If you haven’t checked out the library please take a moment to drop by, they are located at 917 North Circle Dr. Sealy, TX 77474. Their hours are: Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm, Sat 9am-12:00 noon
Closed Sunday. If you can’t drop by you can get information by sending them an email at [email protected] or give them a call at 979.885.7469.
You can find their website here. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
