More than half of the 11,000 books in the library have incomplete catalog records, including missing ISBN (identification numbers). Using a 400 page list of the books with incomplete records, Altrusa members, students and other volunteers removed each book and wrote down its ISBN number. The next step was to enter these ISBN numbers for each book into the computer data system. These tasks have taken an incredible amount of volunteer hours with 75% completed to date.
Members of Altrusa unable to work at the Library volunteered to take new paperback books home and cover them with special laminating film to extend the life of the books.
The Home Street Library used a $1500 donation by Altrusa to purchase historically and culturally appropriate books, fiction, non-fiction, historical biographies, Spanish language and other books which were needed to update and replace outdated books. Once barcodes had been placed on the new books, Altrusa members entered the new book information in the computer cataloging data system.
To supplement this Literacy Project, application was made to Altrusa International Foundation for a grant. The receipt of the grant money from Altrusa Int’l Foundation gave a significant boost to the limited Home Street Middle School Library budget and they were able to purchase (2) two-person computer tables for use in the library, barcode labels and over $350 in library supplies. Altrusa members feel that this Foundation grant substantiates the value and worthiness of the Literacy Project.
Altrusa received a personal donation on behalf of the Library to purchase a subscription renewal to “Alliance Plus Online.” This online program allows access to over 8 million MARC records and will enable the updating and completion of catalog records once all the existing book information has been entered in the computer data system by volunteers. Another private donation enables the purchase of magazine subscriptions to the Library for National Geographic Kids, Discovery, Boy’s Life and Girl’s Life.
Altrusa would like to extend their gratitude for the support and guidance of the Home Street Middle School Library Clerk, Mrs. Robin Hastie, members from the Sunrise and Noon Rotary and other people of the community who have volunteered to help us with the Home Street Library Literacy Project.
Altrusa believes by encouraging students to read, their future success is greatly enhanced and improved. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the Home Street Middle School students in helping to create a functional and positive library experience.
