The Holbrook City Council convened Thursday, Nov. 10, during which the board received an annual report regarding the Holbrook Public Library from Librarian Wendy Skevington.
Skevington told the board that 67% of the library’s rentals were physical books, with the rest being movies, audio books, games and other various tools for knowledge.
“We are a member of the Navajo County Library District, and as such we have 14 local lending partners and these 10 additional partners,” stated Skevington. This means that if someone needs a book and it isn’t available at the library in Holbrook, it can be sent from the other libraries in the area to that library. It also allows you to check out books from any partnering library. “So you can take your Holbrook library card and walk into the Woodruff library, and check out their Italian language disk and go home and learn Italian.”
The library also offers eBooks and virtual books online, which can be found on the Cloud Library website, also known as Libby. They also provide a free streaming service where to watch movies and television shows.
Skevington also stated the library offers cultural passes that can pay for a portion of the cost for groups to attend cultural organizations and events throughout Arizona. “It depends on where you’re going. Usually, its two adults and a few kids that get in free to cultural organizations,” she explained.
The Holbrook Library does all this as well as weekly community events. To learn more, visit the library at 403 S. Park St. in Holbrook or call at 928-524-3732.
As far as conducting business, the council approved the re-awarding of a bid for three police vehicles, now to San Tan Ford. The bid was previously awarded to Show Low Ford, who was unable to provide the vehicles. “Shortly after awarding them the bid, they advised that they were unable to order any vehicles,” stated Police Chief Nathan Christensen. The new bid is $140,777. Also approved was a special event license for Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
During the summary of current events, Mayor Kathleen Smith discussed a United Way Northeast Arizona strategic planning meeting she attended. “They had a great strategic planning session and they’ve got a lot of good things in store. But they want to know what our needs are for Holbrook and all of Navajo County.”
Earlier that afternoon Smith also attended a RealAZ meeting, which is an organization comprised of representatives including elected officials, business owners and non-profits that serves to promote economic development in Navajo and Apache counties. This particular meeting included an update on the broadband for the region, a project which recently received a $9.7 million grant from the Arizona Commerce Authority which will be matched by funds from Navajo County. That project is currently in the planning phase.
Smith also mentioned meeting with Arizona@Work representative Julie Conroe. “They are a great job seeker service,” she stated, adding that it’s Arizona@Work is a free service that helps with certifications, getting equipment needed for jobs, and other aspects in needed for certain occupations.
Smith and City Manager Ted Soltis attended a meeting with the Holbrook Senior Citizen Board as well. “They shared with some of the programs that they offer, and along with some of the challenges they’re facing,” Smith stated.
Manager Soltis gave an update on the city projects, stating workers are installing double paned windows at the community center to save on electricity and utility costs, as well as new bathroom doors. Soltis also mentioned installed a new air conditioner/heater unit in the recreation building.
