Wallace library installs updated system

It’s been a big year for Wallace’s Faith Memorial Library. The library’s directors, Kathy Fowler and Donna Hahn began the work of implementing an automated library system to replace the cataloging and check-out system which was being done entirely by hand. 

They chose the Alexandria system which is the same company the Wallace school uses. However, the library’s system has cloud storage and can be accessed by patrons online by going to https://faith.goalexandria.com to search for new releases, favorite books and genres.

The transition wasn’t easy. The library received a grant from the Wallace Community Foundation for the initial program and tools to implement the program. Additional expenses were covered through memorial funds honoring Roma Strawder who had been a library volunteer for many years. 

By March the volunteers were ready to start entering items into the system. In mid-September, the work was completed after hundreds of volunteer hours, resulting in over 10,000 processed items which included not only books but DVDs and audio books. Each item now sports a bar code which when scanned with a library card bar code is a simple way to check books in and out.

Having completed that project, volunteers are turning their attention to working through the boxes and bags of books that are constantly flowing through the doors. Most people are amazed that all of the library’s collection has come through donations. It is another indication of the strong support the community has given to the all-volunteer library. 

There are always duplicates or books the library can’t use. Volunteers are committed to finding new homes for those books. Recently the Fall Festival Book Sale raised $225, part of a fund-raising effort to raise $400 in hopes of receiving a Pilcrow Foundation double matching grant for quality children’s books. The group also sent several boxes of books in a shipment to Uganda for school libraries and recently sent off their first box of books for Operation Paperback which helps volunteers end books to military individuals and families.

Community members are encouraged to stop in and get their free library card. 

Faith Memorial Library works closely with the Wallace School and the town’s preschool. It is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 1 - 5 p.m. CT and Story time is Tuesday and Friday mornings at 10 a.m. CT.