The library has new equipment for people with special needs. The "Reading Edge" scans printed text, converts it and then reads it aloud for those who are blind or visually impaired. The library also has a color video magnification system.
Festivities for the grand re-opening of the Arcadia Public Library will begin on November 19. The President of the Arcadia Public Library Foundation, Jesse Vanlandingham, is still seeking donations to cover interior details.
The Arcadia Rotary Club has dedicated the conference room of the newly remodeled and expanded library in memory of the Methodist Hospital chaplain, Paul Johenk, who died in 1993. The article includes a profile of Johenk.
The expansion and creation of recreation and activity programs at all school levels and extending Arcadia Public Library hours to include Sunday afternoon topped the list of recommendations in the Youth Master Plan.
The library reopens after the expansion/renovation project with grand re-opening events. Alexis Powers and Gloria Horstman will present book reviews, David Monty will perform a magic show, and many family activities are planned for November 16-22.
The Arcadia Public Library is not responsible for children left alone at the library by their parents. The library is not a public babysitting service.
Arcadia Public Library received a $30,000 donation from the Friends of the Arcadia Library volunteers. The money will help pay for programs and materials.
The Library Board of Trustees voted to post a PATRIOT Act notice, as required by the act. The notice reads, "Although the Arcadia Public Library makes every reasonable effort to protect your privacy, under the federal USA PATRIOT Act (PL107-56), records of the books and other materials you currently have on loan from this library, your inter-library loan requests placed during the past year, or the Internet sites and e-mails that you access through our computers may be obtained by federal agents. That federal law prohibits library workers from informing you if federal agents have asked about or obtained your records.
City contemplates approval of Phase Two of Arcadia Public Library's Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan outlined the current budget, proposed budgetary increases, and proposed plans for improvement of the library's facilities and staffing needs.