Swanton: Library targets seniors for more day events

11/13/2003

Swanton Public Library will plan more daytime events aimed at senior citizens as part of a strategic plan the library adopted this week.

The library is to plan one program per quarter during the day instead of in the evening, when almost all of its special events for adults have been held, library director Gayle Hazelbaker said. The move could mean a reduction in the evening programs, which have been held monthly and typically draw 10 to 15 people.

Shorter series of programs for children, which is also addressed in the strategic plan, started this fall at the library. Instead of series that last for months, the library is offering six-week series with two-week breaks in between each.

The library board voted 6-0 to approve the plan, which has been mulled by committees, community focus groups, and a consultant since spring 2002. Board member Janice Helmlinger was absent.

Also this week, the board authorized Ms. Hazelbaker to spend up to $4,000 to replace a seven-year-old rusting door and concrete with faulty slope. Although the door is seldom used, it is an emergency exit and has become hard to open.