​Lake County Library District Director Amy Hutchinson prepared a Geographic Equity Assessment that was reviewed by the Library Budget Committee as a part of the FY 2021-22 budget process. The assessment and the Budget Committee found that, overall, library services were distributed well across the different library locations. The library board is working on a plan to prioritize needs as additional revenue becomes available.
 
“The budget committee, board, and I were all very pleased to see that we found that services were generally equitable on a number of measures even though we have not done this type of assessment in the past” said Amy Hutchinson, Library Director. “I think it shows the level of commitment the library board and staff have to serving the county as a whole over the years,” said Hutchinson.
 
Because Lake County has few incorporated places, school districts were used for the service areas for library locations. The area within the North Lake School District provided about 23% of the General Fund revenue in FY 2019-20, and about 23% of the expenses went to support the Silver Lake and Christmas Valley branch libraries that year. The School District #7, Plush, and Adel school districts provided about 69% of the revenue, and about 66% of the expenses went to support the Main Library.
 
Some locations did better on some measures and worse on others. The library board anticipates that a new Christmas Valley Branch Library would improve the measures on which the North Lake libraries had less service than Paisley or Lakeview. The full report is available below. Questions about the library or the assessment may be directed to Amy Hutchinson at the Main Library at 541-947-6019 or via email at amyh@lakecountylibrary.org. 

​Are you ready for Reading to Color Your World while you prevent the summer reading slide at the 2021 Summer Reading Program at the Lake County Libraries? This summer, school age youth will enjoy songs, games, crafts, stories, snacks, and activities to explore the many colors found in the world and in your imagination. Activities include making Kinetic Sand, competing in an inter-branch competition to create the longest Rainbow Chain, and creating Nebula Art. Registration kicks off the program the week of June 21, 2021, and includes a new book for every reader.
 
At this time, when COVID-19 restrictions have not yet been fully lifted, the library plans to retain some of the features from the 2020 program. In addition to reading calendars and stickers, the ReaderZone app will again be offered to easily track children’s and teen’s reading. All outside performers and special programs will be virtual, but the library plans to allow families to attend in-person events where the special program will be screened, and activity packets given out. You will also be able to watch virtual programs from home or anywhere you have Internet access.
 
Where possible, all programs will be held outdoors or divided between indoor and outdoor spaces to increase capacity. There is no need to reserve a seat in advance, but be aware that capacity limits could be in place at the time of the program. Current capacity limits and procedures on masks and physical distancing that apply to the summer reading program each week will be posted on the library website.
 
All programs begin the week of June 21 and last programs are held the week of August 16th, 2021. For those going into kindergarten through 6th grade, programs will be as follows: at the Main Library on Thursdays at 10 AM or 2 PM; at the Paisley Community Center on Tuesdays at 10 AM; and in Christmas Valley Tuesdays at 2:00 PM (location TBD). For those going into 7th – 12th grades, programs will be as follows: at the Main Library on Wednesdays at 3:30 PM; at the Paisley Community Center on Thursdays at 11:00 AM; and in Christmas Valley Tuesdays at 3:30 PM (location TBD).
 
The Summer Reading Program is supported in part by Oregon’s Ready to Read grant through the Oregon State Library. For more information contact David Lev at 541-947-6019, log on at www.lakecountylibrary.org, or visit your local library.