The Airway Heights Library presented a yearly progress report at the Sept. 15 Airway Heights City Council meeting.
According to Stacy Hartkorn, library supervisor, 2013 marked the first calendar year that the library became open four days a week. Hartkorn said the extra day was in response to the 38 percent increase of cardholders over the last five years.
Hartkorn said the increase has continued and there are currently over 4,000 cardholders in Airway Heights. From 2012-2013, the library had over 70,000 visits and more than 76,000 items were checked out. Use of the library’s computer stations increased by 55 percent. The library also had more people attending events than last year.
The library’s Discover Kids club allowed students to work on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) projects.
Hartkorn said the library also partnered with different organizations throughout the community. Over the summer, the library collaborated with Orlison Brewery Company to teach home brewing classes. They also worked with Fairways Golf Course to provide golf lessons. In July, the library teamed up with the Airway Heights Parks Department and several local businesses to host the city’s first “Let’s Move It” Health Fair.
The library also collaborated with Sunset and Snowden elementary schools by displaying students’ artwork. She added that the library also partnered with Sunset for their back to school night in September.
“We’re planning to continue partnering with the Parks and Rec department and Sunset Elementary,” Hartkorn said. “We’re also looking to add more partnerships in the future.”
Hartkorn also gave an overview of the Spokane County Library District’s (SCLD) three-year Community Impact Plan.
One of the SCLD’s objectives was to develop a Young Learners Program. The district offered 55 classes for parents, teachers and caregivers to help prepare children for the beginning of the school year. According to the SCLD website, 60,066 young children, parents and caregivers attended an early learning program. The district’s collaboration with early learning agencies increased by 46 percent in 2013.
The SCLD’ offered an Explore and Discover program where libraries offered 85 community interest programs and 72 community experts shared their knowledge with patrons.
The district provided career-related development programs and activities to help teenagers and adults gain employment, as well as support programs for local businesses.
Hartkorn said SCLD is considering adding additional open hours to the Airway Heights branch.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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