Ida Public Library director lays out summer programs, bookmobile shelter and accessibility upgrades

Mindy Long, director of the Ida Public Library, told the council the library’s summer program schedule is nearly complete and highlighted several outreach and accessibility efforts. "For those of you who don't know me, I'm Mindy Long, director of the Ida Public Library," she said as she introduced printed summer reading guides and program handouts.

Long described a reader incentive in partnership with the King County Cougars that will award two free game tickets to participants who turn in weekly reading slips. She also described construction and repair work at the library: stairs that were recently poured and ongoing electrical repairs in older portions of the building; an electrician is replacing stripped wiring and will encase new wiring in PVC conduit to prevent future water damage.

Long said the library will soon install a bookmobile shelter (grant-funded) and that the city will host a major media event August 4 tied to that project and the grant. She described additional programming including a "touch-a-truck" event planned for June 11 during kickoff week (June 8), accessible raised garden beds designed for patrons who use wheelchairs, outreach with local conservation and extension partners, take-home craft kits for seniors and a finish party on August 8 at River's Edge.

Long told the council handouts were limited and encouraged anyone who missed them to pick copies up at the library or view them online. The council asked a few operational questions, including whether schools coordinate on literacy efforts; Long said the library’s role is to make reading enjoyable and that specialized tutoring is provided by partners such as the Rockford Literacy Council rather than by the library staff.

Long closed by inviting council members and residents to upcoming events and said the library will close at 3 p.m. for staff training and will be closed Monday for Memorial Day.