By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Dowagiac District Library has begun weaning itself from the city financial support it relied on during a transition period.
Holzwarth, who became the first director of Dowagiac District Library last July 26, presented an annual report for 2003-2004 to City Council.
Services were provided to 5,081 library users of 42,975 materials.
Circulation totaled 49,905.
Public computer use totaled 7,263.
Program attendance was 2,227.
The library also provides a public copying machine, public incoming and outgoing faxing, federal and state tax forms, a microfilm reader for back issues of local newspapers and reference services in person or by telephone.
Revenue and expenditures balanced at $169,492.
Library trustees include: representing the City of Dowagiac, Jackie Baker (2003-2005) and Judy Lawrence (2003-2007); representing Wayne Township, Judy Fusko (2003-2007) and Ann Greene (2003-2005); and representing Dowagiac Union Schools, Jackie Goodman of Silver Creek Township (2003-2005), Ron Jones (2003-2007) of Silver Creek Township and Beverly Nemeth (2003-2007) of Keeler Township, Van Buren County.
Purpose of a board retreat planned for late April is to review the mission statement and long-range plans, affirm them or revise them "and to get some idea of where we think we're going to be in three, five, 10 years," she said.
The library has contracted with an architectural firm to conduct a physical needs study, checking plumbing, heating, the electrical system and exterior masonry.
Holzwarth's staff includes: Alma Adams, children's department assistant; Kay Gray, adult department assistant; Dawn Lindley, adult department assistant; Audrey Sell, circulation assistant; Kathryn Smith, library page; and Willie Booker, library maintenance.
Holzwarth also recently hired a part-time community services coordinator. "What we're looking for there is someone to start doing some outreach into the community and to remind people we're here and what we can do besides simply loaning books that's going to make us an important part of the community. We've also started a Web-based automation system for anyone who has a computer at home. You can look at our holdings and, if you have a library card, can reserve and renew your own books from home. You do still have to come to the library to get the books. We don't ship them. And at some point you're expected to return the books to the library as well," Holzwarth said.
Reciprocal borrowing agreements have been created with Cass District Library and Van Buren District Library to share resources over a larger area.
Library hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dowagiac District Library is located at 211 Commercial St. Phone: 782-3826; fax, 782-9798; Web, http://ddl-verso.auto-graphics.com.