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About the LibraryColon Township Library Mission StatementThe Colon Township Library provides materials and services which, to the greatest extent possible, meet the educational, informational, and recreational needs of the community. The library is committed to serving as a reference and resource center to all members of the community and encourages all to use its services.
Library StaffPatti Miller, Director Martine Angus Marge Noga-Burritt Betty Shimel Library BoardEva Schaurer, President Jason Wagner, Vice-President Marilyn Miller, Treasurer Kathy Adams, Secretary Kelli Poortenga, Trustee Joanne Bagley, Trustee The board meets at the library at 7:00 pm on the fourth Monday of each month except December. Colon Township Library is funded by an operating millage from the Township of Colon, and contracts with Leonidas Township to serve 1/3 of their population as well. The library is a member of the Woodlands Library Cooperative (http://woodlands.lib.mi.us).
Colon Township Library Annual Report 2006/07
Fiscal Year 2006/07 was quite eventful for Colon Township Library. The library addition was completed in March of 2006, and the entire building became available for occupation over the summer. The help of the library board, the Friends of the Library, understanding contractors/subcontractors and many wonderful volunteers made “coping with” the building project much easier.
The role that technology played in providing service to CTL patrons continued to grow. A new automated system (Verso) was implemented, with an added feature of making the “card catalog” available to the public via the internet. Online access to the interlibrary loan catalog was established as well. The library’s new web site, www.colonlibrary.org offered links to those catalogs, as well as calendar information and much more. The Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation once again funded new public access computers for CTL. Five new computers were purchased to replace outdated machines, and to supplement those already available. Wireless access became available early in 2007.
Programming and general service were somewhat challenging in 2006/07, with construction not yet complete, but increases in attendance/circulation were still seen in both areas. Book discussion groups for both adults and teens were active through the year. Craft workshops were held every other month. Summer “fun” programs were a very big hit in 2006, as was the Christmas open house—a community-wide event. CTL participated in a second annual “One Book, One County” program, with over 200 people attending the final author event.
The Friends of the Library offered very significant support in 2006/07, providing funding (as they have for many years) for summer reading programs, craft workshops, and for the refinishing of the library’s original oak tables, chairs, and the oak entry doors.
Community support for the library was outstanding. Contributions large and small were made to the building project. Additionally, the Kiwanis Club, the Lioness Club, the Garden Club, and others made donations to benefit the library and its programs. Support for the Friends of the Library fundraisers was excellent, including the donation of many good used books, DVDs, and audio books. Donations continue, as well, to the library’s endowment fund at the Branch County Community Foundation.
-Submitted by Patti Miller, Director
CTL by the Numbers 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05 1996/1997 1986/87
Circulation 22,354 21,002 19,241 10,904 8,385
Computer Use 5,170 4,246 2,604 none none
Programs/Attendance 59/1,184 64/1,135 41/901 11/ n/a none?
Library Holdings 16,351 15,771 14,937 10,476 6,995
Note on Holdings: In 1986, the library’s material holdings were all print format (books, magazines, large print). By 1996, the library had added books on cassette tape. In the 10 years since then, CTL has added collections in videotape, DVD, and CD formats.
“In hard times, libraries are more important than ever. Human beings need what books give them better than any other medium. Since ancient nights around prehistoric campfires, we have needed myth. And heroes. And moral tales. And information about the world beyond the nearest mountains or oceans. Today, with books and movies more expensive than ever, and television entertainment in free fall to the lowest level of stupidity, free circulating books are an absolute necessity. They are quite simply another kind of food. We imagine, and then we live. For those without money, the road to the treasure house of the imagination begins at the public library.” -Columnist Pete Hamill, New York Daily News
Colon Township Library 2006-2007 Annual Report
Library Board Eva Schaurer, President Jason Wagner, Vice-President Marilyn Miller, Treasurer Kathy Adams, Secretary Kelli Poortenga, Trustee Joanne Bagley, Trustee
Library Staff Patti Miller Julia Baratta Jill Skoglund Martine Angus Marge Noga-Burritt Betty Shimel
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