43
Hubbard library learns benefits of joining network
Hubbard
The shelves behind the library’s checkout desk used to sit mostly empty.
But since the Hubbard Public Library joined the CLEVNET library consortium Oct. 3, the shelves have been filled with bundles of books, awaiting pickup from patrons.
Six of Trumbull County’s seven independent libraries joined 37 others in Northeast Ohio, bringing their residents access to 10 million books, music, self-help tips and ebooks for the Kindle, iPad or Nook.
After the state cut funding to libraries in August 2009, the library suddenly found itself without the money to finish its budget year.
“It drastically cut one-third of our budget in the middle of our budget year,” said library Director Sherry Ault.
She immediately had to lay off nine employees and in May 2010 turned to city residents for a 1.9-mill levy that will bring in about $400,000 in its first year.
“When that budget crunch hit, we thought, ‘How can we survive this and bring the most possible benefits to our patrons?’” she said.
The six libraries — Hubbard, Girard, Bristol, Kinsman, Newton Falls and McKinley — came together, sought different collaborators and settled on CLEVNET, based out of the Cleveland public library, because of its vast database that is built like a Netflix website for books.
With a few clicks, users can reserve books or place books in their reading queue. Books delivered from other libraries can take anywhere from one to three days to be delivered to the library, if the book is in stock. After reading and returning, users can keep check of the books they’ve read.
And for those that don’t want to wait for a book, ebooks can be downloaded from home almost instantaneously. The book will stay on the device for 14 days.
“It returns on its own so there’s no late fee,” said Amy Neral, coordinator of teen and virtual services.
Another section of the database called Bookflix is designed for children and allows them to read and sing along to educational videos.
Despite the uptick in book rentals since Oct. 3, Ault still wants more Hubbard residents to take advantage of it.
“They are already paying for this with state income tax and their property tax, so they should come on down and use it,” Ault said.