REDINGTON SHORES – As one of the five communities that support the Gulf Beaches Public Library, Redington Shores pays its share, about $25,000 a year, to fund the library’s operation.
That money is well spent, town commission members and library director Maggie Cinnella agreed. Cinnella gave a report of the library’s performance over the past year at the Dec. 9 town commission meeting.
Commissioner Lee Holmes, who also is a member of the library’s board of directors, told Cinnella at the outset that he had received a number of accolades from citizens regarding the library.
“You are doing a great job,” he told Cinnella. “Our people love the way (the library) is being operated.”
Cinnella said the library was fully recovered from the period of turmoil and upheaval that nearly forced its closure last year. Since that time, a number of positive changes have taken place, she said.
The library’s patrons have responded with an upsurge in usage of the facility and participation in the programs offered. Nearly 100,000 people visited the library over the past fiscal year, Cinnella said.
The library has now got its priorities in order, Cinnella said, with the number one goal being service to the public.
Programming remains strong, with 380 library-sponsored programs being attended by more than 3,800 people in the past year. Included have been book and film discussion groups, talks on investments, author book signings and summer reading programs.
Access to computers and wireless Internet connections has been a focal point of activity.
“The computers are constantly in use,” Cinnella noted.
The library’s electronic resources have been especially helpful in assisting those impacted by today’s tough economic climate.
For all the benefits being offered, the library’s spending came in below budget this year, Cinnella said. She pronounced the library “in sound financial shape.”
Bonuses kept
The commission decided to retain the practice of dividing $2,000 equally among its seven employees as a holiday bonus. The vote was 4-0. Vice Mayor John Branch was away on vacation.
Public parking
Mayor Bert Adams reminded residents to report any difficulties in finding parking spaces at the old Town Hall lot.
The facility has recently been converted to provide free public parking and Adams said some citizens are concerned the spaces may be filled up by outsiders seeking access to the beach.
Complaints should be reported to Town Hall at 397-5538.
