Many new services now available

YREKA – As library patrons enjoy enhanced services such as computer access, self check-out machines and a broader selection of reading materials for all ages, the Friends of the Yreka Library are showing their patrons the breadth of what volunteers can accomplish.


Recently, the Yreka branch acquired 87 new children’s books made possible by a Libri Foundation Children’s Grant. The Friends invite the entire community to join them at the Yreka Library branch for an open house this Saturday, May 11 from 10-11 a.m. where the Friends will celebrate and present the books to the community.


Jean Karlsson, chair of the Friends of the Yreka Library board, pointed out that it has only been a couple of years since the county cut off funding to the library branches. The county currently funds only the county librarian’s salary and central administration that keeps the technology systems operating.


“The Yreka branch has been operated by some very dedicated volunteers who serve the public at the front desk, pick books for circulation to other branches or to be weeded, shelve the books that have been returned and help computer users log in,” said Karlsson.


In addition to two successful book and bake sales, during the year the Friends were designated as the recipient of a legacy from the Lollie Hammond estate. The funds paid for the purchase of large print books, which Karlsson described as “a boon to the sight-challenged residents of the county.” Many of the large-print books have been distributed to other county branches.


The Friends have also assigned funds for the purchase of books on CD – a good resource, particularly for families during long road trips, said Karlsson.


Another of the Friends’ ongoing donations have been to rebuild the children’s library. Monthly funds have been used to purchase books and other materials. Volunteer Kathy Maurer has assembled orders and the Friends have paid for  materials.


The Yreka Library branch has received five new computers for public use. They were purchased through the joint efforts of the Friends of the Yreka Library and the Vestal Foundation, which is an organization that supports library operations throughout the county. Each branch in the county received at least one computer, and each branch will receive one more due to a grant from the Shasta Regional Foundation that was sought by Yreka Friends board secretary Vickie Driver. The Vestal Foundation acted as the county’s representative for the receipt of these funds and the administration of the grant.


The most recent grant came from the Libri Foundation, and was also sought by Driver. The grant was for the purchase of additional children’s books and funds went to each library branch.


Another exciting development is that the Friends of the Yreka Library have begun the process to become a Public Benefit Corporation. The Friends are also proceeding with an application to become a 501c3 nonprofit corporation. Karlsson noted that this will help the Friends apply for, and receive, grant funds. This has also helped the Friends proceed with the appointment of part-time library manager Cindy Brown.


Brown holds a master’s degree in library science and has 37 years of library experience including volunteer work as a Friend member.
Brown and the Library Layout Committee are currently working on redesigning and revitalizing the space in the Yreka branch.


The Yreka Library branch hours are 1-5 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, 12-4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Karlsson said the Friends’ goal is for the Yreka library branch’s operating hours to be 12-5 p.m. seven days a week.


“Obviously, in order to accomplish this goal, we will need volunteers who can work longer hours,” said Karlsson.


She noted that volunteers do not have to work at the book check-out counter if they are not comfortable doing so. They may be book repairers, pickers or  shelvers. Volunteers are also needed to clean the facility.


“There are lots of different volunteer opportunities available,” said Karlsson.


Those interested in volunteering should stroll into the Yreka library branch during open hours and inquire at the front desk.
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