Following a needs assessment that took place earlier this year, Price City zeroed in on residents’ concerns for the library. While many of the wanted changes require major funds, such as a handicap ramp leading to the library basement, others require simple changes that will soon be in effect.
The largest change that the Price City library will soon implement is losing the Dewey Decimal system. Although the system has been used for many years, most people find it confusing and ineffective. The Price City library aims to simplify book searching by categorizing books.
“An example of a category is animals,” explains head librarian Norma Procarione. “For example, in the kid’s room we will have the animal category. Then, we will break down the category into subjects, such as bugs or dinosaurs.”
Because most people search for topics rather than specific authors, the library staff believes this system will be much easier to understand. In addition to converting to a new system, the library is discarding outdated books to make room for new ones.
Other changes that the library has in store include a change in hours and an additional story time. The library will be open 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Friday. A story time for toddlers will be added the schedule on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
“We are expecting these changes to be in place around the middle of November,” said Procarione.
Residents can expect an open house for the public on how the new organization of the books will work in the near future.