KINGWOOD — Members of Kingwood City Council received an update from city librarians Camille Titchenell and Rhonda Taylor Tuesday.
“I’ve been employed at the library for 27 years,” Titchenell said. “We keep track of all we do. We had the doors closed for 1 1/2 months. Our board told us to close then. We took it on ourselves to open up again.”
She said while the doors were closed, 240 individuals were served through the side door.
“We had to reinvent ourselves,” Titchenell said.
“Forty-seven people came in to use our computers,” she said. “We assist people who need help on the computers. I walk them through how to get their email.”
Titchenell said employees also deliver books to the homebound and the elderly.
She said they recently started a successful children’s program.
“While we were closed, we did the program on Facebook Live. (Head Librarian Joel) Mr. Bean would read a story, Rhonda would do a craft. Craft bags were picked up at the library,” Titchenell said.
She said during the first of the year an adult book club will be initiated. She is also searching for a program that will bring more teens to the library.
“We’re the only place in town that provides fax service and makes copies for people,” Titchenell said. “We also have one-of-a-kind genealogy material available. We don’t waste our money.”
Councilwoman Tina Turner, who serves on the library board, said every month Titchenell purchases a list of books.
“One of my neighbors is elderly and has books delivered,” she said.
In other business, council members approved the purchase of a $2,500 recycling trailer and voted to increase the cost of tire and rubber recycling. Tires up to 17 inches will increase from $5 to $6; 18- to 22.5-inch tires will increase from $10 to $12; and construction-size tires will increase from $20 to $24 each.
Reclaim will begin taking down the old Sweet Annie’s building after the first of the year, according to City Clerk Michelle Whetsell, who added the city could possibly have the title to the property by February.
Parks and Recreation Supervisor Kevin Stiles told council this year’s Christmas Bazaar at the civic center was “the best one yet.” He estimated 500 people attended.
“Several of the vendors sold out. It was a big success,” he said.
The next meeting of the Kingwood City Council will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 28.
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