2006 Highlights

1. Successfully completed another Summer Reading Program in 2006. We had 2,275 children come to several programs throughout the summer. The programs encouraged children to read. Programs included magic shows, animal show, presentations, filmstrips and videos, reading competitions, and the children heard stories from our Children's Librarian Jackie Lackey.
    
   
2. Successfully completed Storytime sessions in the fall/winter of 2006. Children's Librarian Jackie Lackey conducts the Storytime hour in the winter months. The stories include a variety of books. Puppet shows and other activities are also presented as well. The kids always get refreshments.
    
   
3. Updated staff computer system to accommodate upgrades in cataloging database and online patron database. This allows for more efficient checkout/in process.
    
   
4. The City Council and Library Board of Trustees approved for an expansion of the existing library building to include a genealogy research/archive center, conference/meeting room, and a larger children's room to accommodate the increase in children attending programs. A Hall of Heroes for Talladega war veterans is under consideration in the new addition as well.
    
   
5. Upgraded cataloging database for more efficient access to information by patrons. The upgraded database also allows for greater speed in the checkout/in process. This database also allows greater access for weeding materials, adding new items, and inventory control.
    
   
6. The Alabama Public Library Service in Montgomery updated the Alabama Virtual Library for the Talladega Public Library. We now have access to thousands of journals and magazines from all over the world covering practically every topic. These items can be accessed from home as well by obtaining a library card and then obtaining an Alabama Virtual Library card here at the library. Articles in these periodicals can be retrieved back to the early 1900's.
    
   
7. The beginning of a new landscaping project for the library began in 2006. This will be complete by fall 2007. The plan calls for reshaping existing landscaping and planting new shrubbery in some areas. All sidewalk access points and the top facade of the building were pressure washed in 2006 as well.
    
   
8. Six new flags are now flying at the front of the library building. These are the six historical flags that have flown over the state of Alabama.
    
   
9. Several new books, videos, DVDs and other materials were purchased in 2006.