New books are starting to appear on the shelves at the Sikeston Public Library thanks to grant funds targeted at enhancing the library’s collection. In February, the library received a $2,500 Public Library Nonfiction Collection Development Support Grant.
(Click HERE for a listing of materials purchased with these grant funds.)
“This particular grant was more specific than collection development grants that we have received in the past,” said the library’s Director Ron Eifert, who is also serving as the project manager for the grant. “We are limited to purchasing only non-fiction materials, but we are purchasing materials for all age groups of library users.”
After discussion with library staff members and consideration of requests from patrons, Eifert focused the funds on four areas in the library’s non-fiction collection.
“The first materials that we chose are in support of our summer reading theme, ‘A Universe of Stories’,” Eifert said. “We have chosen many books about the history of space exploration to add to the collection.” With the observance of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing this summer, Eifert said that he expects interest to be high.
Another area to be developed is materials to support higher education and vocational education. Books with preparation materials for the ACT, HiSet, and nursing program entrance exam books have been purchased. “We are constantly asked for preparation materials for nurses seeking to further their educations,” Eifert said. “We will approximately double our offerings for nursing program exams.” In addition, the library is purchasing math review materials for people wishing to brush up on their math skills for college preparation or high school equivalency exams.
The third area to be developed is materials targeted to minority patrons. “We have selected several books about issues facing African-Americans and Hispanics in today’s world, especially as it relates to immigration and race relations, along with books about these groups’ history in the United States.”
The remainder of the grant will be spent to purchase general non-fiction materials for adults and children, biographies for adults and children, and math-related books for children.
Purchasing of materials began on March 1, and materials purchased under the grant are already beginning to arrive. Materials purchased under the grant will be highlighted in displays within the library.
The Public Library Collection Development Support Grant is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri StateLibrary, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
