On average, 804 patrons are using the library per day. In 2007, 377,550 items were circulated, according to Reinholt. That number reflects a 4-percent increase from the previous year.
She said, “AV circulation accounts for 37 to 38 percent of the total.”
Although no one has any idea of what the future holds in terms of reorganization, adjustments have already been initiated at the Plymouth facility.
Reinholt said, “We started planning cutbacks that would be the least disruptive to our patrons.”
The hours from Monday to Thursday were cut back to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Previously; they had stayed open until 9 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, the library is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Reinholt said Sunday has proven to be a very busy day and one that is utilized by many families.
“I am very open to any suggestions from the public as to what they want or need as well as how to stay within our budget,” she said. She is also hoping that more people in the community can offer some time to volunteer.
Currently the library has a staff of 30. Only 11 of the 30 are full-time.
Reinholt said, “With the number of hours that we are open, it takes a number of employees to cover.”
However, as staff members leave, Reinholt said the library is not replacing them.
Reinholt has nothing but praise for her staff. She said, “They really are troopers.”
Employee Rob Zissler is among the busiest. Reinholt said the library has 50 computers for public use plus a number of units for staff use. Zissler’s main duties include keeping them up and running along with answering questions for staff and patrons.
Reinholt said, “We have people using the computers all the time to research, fill out applications, do homework or to file for unemployment benefits. We are also seeing more and more people coming in with their own personal laptops since the building offers WIFI.”
Reinholt added, “There will be a change in the balance of where we spend our money in the future. Our fiction book circulation seems to be growing, but non-fiction selections are ‘flat lined.’”
She said many people use a computer search for information now. She said there has also been a large increase in the number of large print books that are being checked out.
In the future, Reinholt believes that they will be downloading audio books on to personal devices owned by patrons.
She said, “We would hold the license for the downloads. When patrons return, we would simply delete the book from their I Pod or whatever they are using. Everything is going digital now.”
Reinholt first started at the local library in 1976 as a staff person. In 1984, she went back to college at Indiana University to complete a master’s degree.
Reinholt said, “As soon as I came to work here, I knew I was home.” She said, “I feel that way everyday and actually look forward to coming to work.”