Peru Library

I began weeding at the Peru Library just a few weeks before their annual book sale. It was a good opportunity to go through the collection and remove some materials that could be sold to the community. My first day there we cleared out a room that had a combination of outdated books, donations that were not needed and various other odds and ends. Three of us worked on the room and the change was impressive after just one hour. Since then the Peru library director and volunteers have improved the space enormously and now holds a few computers, printers, the photocopy machine and includes a small table and seating for other work.

On a subsequent visit I went through the non-fiction, which as in other libraries, is not used very often. The exceptions being cooking and gardening books as well as field guides to the area. I was able to consolidate that section into one continuous shelving against the wall. That also created some space to move some books from the children's area which really needed more space. As in other libraries, the demand for VHS tapes is declining as more demand for DVD's increases. I was able to suggest removing about half of the tapes that had not been borrowed in years and was told that they sold well at the book sale.

My last visit was earlier this week and the changes that the staff made in re-arranging and consolidating certain areas was very impresive. The whole library now looks more organized with distinct browsing areas and a very welcoming open space around the couch and tables in the center of the room. Kimberly, who began as library directory at the beginning of July has made some quick and wonderful changes and I was glad to be able to help. It was a pleasure being there for the few visits that I made. Here are some before and after pictures which show the transformation.