Amador County – A “shelving campaign” last week realized the first phase of its project with installation of $12,665 worth of new shelves in the children’s section of the Amador County Library Main Branch in Jackson.

Monday, October 4th, the library held “Snapshot: One Day in the Life of California Libraries,” celebrated throughout the state with programs and exhibits. Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency’s Robin Valencia discussed techniques to keep children safe “in a changing environment.”

The event also had a dog that encourages children to read, and Smokey the Bear taught fire safety. They also gave information on library programs and resources.

Susan Staggs, president of Friends of the Amador County Library, said the big event of the day was unveiling the new children’s section shelving.

Friends of Amador County Library “was able to purchase the shelving through donations.” Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel gave $7,500. The Library Improvement Fund Taskforce contributed $2,665; Mother Lode Newcomers Club gave $2,000; and the “shelving campaign” received “an anonymous donation of $500.”

Fran Weinrob, President of Mother Lode Newcomers, attended the unveiling, as did Amador County Supervisor John Plasse (of District 1) and Supervisor Board Chairman Brian Oneto (of District 5).

Staggs said the “old shelving was over 45 years old and needed to be replaced for a number of reasons.” The new shelving is “versatile slat-wall shelving.”

She said it is “the correct height so that children of all ages can reach library materials. The books can be displayed on both sides, on tops, and on ends so the library can feature themed books and new arrivals.”

Staggs said the “children’s area is now a much more inviting environment for reading, exploring, and learning.” The new shelves are about 4-and-a-half feet tall, while other new shelves for teens and adult non-fiction sections will be about 6-and-a-half feet tall.

Amador County Librarian Laura Einstadter gave Oneto and Plasse a tour of the library resources. On one tour, she talked about “FACL’s campaign to raise $50,000 for new shelving for the teen and adult non-fiction sections of the library.

The new shelves were installed by the builder. Installation was completed Thursday, September 30th, while the library closed for the day to complete the work, and stock the new shelves.

The children’s section includes 4,000 to 5,000 items for children, and parents. It has an educational computer station donated by FACL. Software includes reading, math, and other lessons.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.