Plant City commissioners approved Sept. 22, a resolution enabling the City of Plant City Library Department to apply for state funding, with the goal of working toward a long-term library improvement plan.
In 1999, the Library Department formed a cooperative with the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, making it eligible to receive State Aid funds from the Florida Division of Library and Information Science Grants Office. In 2003, the rules for State Aid changed, allowing municipal libraries to apply directly to the state for these funds.
According to the state office’s website, Plant City’s Library Department received $25,044 from this grant last year. Plant City’s estimated grant for the 2014-2015 fiscal year is $32,108.
Because of shifts in technology, research and education, leaders of Bruton Memorial Library have developed a long-term plan for improvements, covering this year through 2017. They have recognized increases in the numbers of jobs that require technological skills and students required to produce multimedia projects for their classes.
“The long-term plan has been ongoing,” said Felix Haynes, interim special assistant for library operations. “The idea is continuity, and (that’s) what we’re striving for.”
Haynes is also part-owner of the Plant City Times & Observer.
Library directors’ first objective is to update its computer operating system, as well as purchase more computers. These will have new programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, and staff will be trained on all new software. Included in this objective is the initiative to expand children’s exposure to new technologies through hands-on experience.
Adult computer-training classes also will become more frequent.
For youth and teens, library staff hope to expand options of video games that emphasize fitness and puzzles.
Even with these technological advancements, books will remain an important part of library services. But, there will be a more efficient way for patrons to check out books and other materials: a self-checkout station.
Another set of objectives in the long-term plan promote discovery and creation. Space and resources will be available for children and teens to explore digital arts, hands-on crafts and, of course, reading.
Also in the long-term plan are ways to maintain the library’s role as a place that encourages community relationships. This includes collaboration with current and new organizations, membership expansion for Friends of the Library and strengthened partnerships with local government agencies.
The future of the book collection — whether it would increase, stay about the same or decrease to make room for new technology — is uncertain.
“That’s probably the biggest question affecting every library in the country right now,” Haynes said. “We’re all studying the changes in the environment in which we operate, and most people would agree, 20 years from now, libraries won’t be all book stacks like some of us had when we went through college. … But how much and to what extent is the big question.”
The library has already undergone some updates, such as computer maintenance last week, but the 2014-2015 State Aid funds will be available for use in December.
IN OTHER NEWS
• The city utilities department will conduct smoke testing Oct. 7 to 9, on sewer lines in a number of residential streets. Residents will be notified via door hangers and should not be alarmed if they notice smoke coming from the sewer ventilation stacks on their roofs.
• Ellis-Methvin Park has been fully funded for soccer fields and fourplex lighting. Soccer field construction is about 50% finished. Interim City Manager David Sollenberger suggests approaching county offices for funding of the concession stand and restrooms.
• The commission voted unanimously to approve phase one rezoning of Midtown.
• Sollenberger will finish his service this week, and new City Manager Mike Herr will start in the position next week.
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.