Every year, every library in the state of Oklahoma gives the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) a detailed report of all our income, expenses, and statistics in the Annual Report. This is a requirement for libraries in Oklahoma to qualify for our annual State Aid grants and to remain in good standing with ODL.
While the report isn’t difficult, it is nerve-wracking to compile the information, check our budget data with the City’s budget data, and make sure I’m not forgetting anything. Our temporary situation made this year’s report a little more daunting, but it was still submitted before the Aug. 15 deadline!
Generally, we reserve our State Aid grant for technology improvements at the Library. Some years we replace aging computers, but most of the time we add equipment to better our service to the community. We’ve purchased our microfilm reader machines through this grant so we have good, modern equipment for those doing genealogical and local history research. We built our Legacy Lab suite of equipment with State Aid funds so our patrons can convert older media (like slides, 35mm film, and some VHS tapes) to digital media.
This year, we reserved all of our State Aid grant to buy furnishings for our new Makerspace. “Makerspace” is a fancy, catchall term for a room designated for creating and making things. The things made in a Makerspace can be art, technology, and anything and everything in between. When it’s ready, our Makerspace will have 3D printers, podcasting equipment, a sewing machine, and all of our Legacy Lab equipment.
We will also, through a generous stipend from MidAmerica way back in 2020 before the pandemic hit, have supplies to host some really fun STEM programming for kids and their adults. Look for details on those after the first of the year!