The Henry County Library System’s summer reading program had a record year, with more than 4,000 children and teens enrolled who spent 8,000 hours reading almost 28,000 books, according to a report given by Jennifer Lautzenheiser, the system’s assistant director for public services, at the Oct. 4 Board of Commissioners meeting.
The system’s five branches also participated in a pilot program for virtual summer reading and saw 82 young people participate in free training in computer programming, coding, web development and app creation.
The branches offered community meeting space to 358 organizations while sponsoring two author visits and 40 art exhibits. A number of Nook reading devices were acquired and loaded with books for use by students thanks to a grant, and separate grant money is allowing officials to prepare for the 2015 summer reading program.
Current challenges for the library system cited by Lautzenheiser include aging technology, limited branch hours of operation and insufficient staffing; 105 employees are recommended to serve patrons based on the county’s population but there are now only 51.
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