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JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – James River Valley Library System (JRVLS) knows the role of the public library is changing and they want to make sure they’re changing with it.

One of these ways is expanding their online services. Library Director Joe Rector says they’ve been using the online database Libby, but have now included a new service called Hoopla.

Rector says patrons of the library can borrow up to 7 items per month. The JRVLS pays a per-item fee.

He added this opens the door for many including those in the Bookmobile system or shut-ins.

Rector says they will continue providing the Libby online service, but Hoopla will be available starting April 1st.

In other growth, Rector says they are nearing completion of their space needs study. Recently, the Building Committee met and voted their support for the draft study.

The building committee has been tasked with creating the framework for understanding the size of the library spaces needed for the community going forward. While this won’t answer weather the city retains Alfred Dickey Public Library (ADPL), expand ADPL, or build a new library in the future, it will explore what they can do with the space they currently have.

The library board will further discuss the space needs study in April.

Rector says during that retreat, the board will further explore the future of the Alfred Dickey Public Library.

ADPL has seen renovations including a new roof, LED lighting, new carpet, paint, and refurbished for its centennial in 2019. It remains on the National Historic Register.

Part of the space study included visiting area libraries in Minot, Ward County, West Fargo, Morton-Mandan, Bismarck, and Aberdeen, SD to get a better grasp on what could be explored for the JRVLS.

For more information, visit jrvls.org.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Joe Rector below: