The use of our community room and the study room have been increasing. In January, the community room was used 24 times in addition to our 3 story time sessions each week. The study room was used 45 times.

Monica and I have been involved with the Ford Institute Leadership Program, and we had our final training session on January 11-12. Part of the session included a dinner with community members to build “social capital”. We’re very excited about our project to renovate the Community Action Center. Networking with this group is allowing us to see possible partnerships that will make our community even better.

Several library staff attended a management mini-retreat with Scott on Jan. 15. It was very interesting to review and discuss the survey on departmental effectiveness and management.

On Jan. 18 we hosted the LINCC Library Directors at a retreat. Arty Trost volunteered her time as facilitator. We were able to create a purpose statement, and set goals and ground rules for future meetings. It was a helpful and effective retreat.

I participated in the Digital Inclusion Work Group on January 10. I’m very interested in exploring ways that we can ensure that everyone has access to information in this rapidly-changing technological world.