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THE LIBRARY by Beverly Lewis <br />It's time for another column about Library news. <br />First, an anouncement about our Texas Library System <br />Membership. The Paris Public Library has met the <br />accreditation standards established by The Texas State <br />Library and Archives Commission for membership in a major <br />resource system under the authority granted in the Library <br />Systems Act, Texas Government Code, for State Fiscal Year <br />1991. <br />What this means is that we have complied with strict <br />requirements for number of library materials, open hours, <br />professional staffing, and local per capita support. <br />Consequently, our benefits will include collection <br />development monies from state and federal funds, use of <br />rotating special collections including large print titles <br />and videos, and interlibrary loan privileges. <br />Second, we passed the fifty- thousand benchmark in book <br />titles! In fact, we have nearly 51000 books in the <br />collection; and we also have 1000 videos, 1300 audio <br />cassettes, and aproximately 3600 periodicals and 1100 <br />paperbacks! <br />Third, the total circulation for the past fiscal year <br />increased by 20 %! Of the 154,100 items checked out, <br />significant jumps were made in adult non - fiction titles, <br />juvenile materials, and videos. <br />Other important statistics: 63% more patrons took <br />advantage of the useful interlibrary loan service to <br />borrow materials from other libraries, and 67% more kids <br />called cur popular Dial -A -Story telephone number <br />(785 -0161) to enjoy classic stories. Our increased <br />schedule of popular children's activities and an expanded <br />summer reading club meant overall program attendance more <br />than doubled. Also, our competent reference staff <br />provided 35% more reference assistance than the previous <br />year. <br />All of which means that we are indeed busier. However, <br />speaking for the staff and myself, we are actually <br />delighted about this and plan to continue to provide the <br />materials and services our patrons need and want. <br />Fourth, the Library finished the fiscal year under budget. <br />This is always good news because it is important to <br />carefully spend the much appreciated funds we receive from <br />the City of Paris. <br />