Volunteers launch the Highland Springs library

By Sunny McKinnon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

How many people do you need to start a library? When you have individuals who share a love of reading, who have the time and the talent, and who share a get-it-done attitude, it seems that eight is enough.

Actually, judging from their success, eight is ideal. Together, eight volunteers who live at Erickson’s Dallas community have brought the Highland Springs library to life, providing an entertainment and information resource as well as a gathering place for the community.

“We have catalogued almost 750 hard-cover books,” says Jan Knight, who cochairs the committee with Wayne Ross and Sally Pendergast, “plus more than 200 different types of media, including audio tapes, DVDs, and VHS tapes. And, paperback books, too, although we don’t keep track of paperbacks.”

“Everything is computerized,” she continues. “Wayne set up the computer programs, and Sally does the inputting. We don’t use the Dewey system, just classifications and numbers, but so far it’s working.”

Along with Ross, Pendergast, and Knight, the other members of the library committee are Shirley Crawford, Judy Hahn, Marie Higa, Elaine Lagerstrom, and Wanda Love.

A wordly donation
Individuals who live at Highland Springs or are moving to the retirement community are encouraged to donate books to the facility.

“One day when all the clubs were on display for individuals who are moving in soon, we set up a table and invited new people to come by and get acquainted,” Knight says. “We told people that if they have books, they could bring them ahead and get them out of the way. So we hope to have more donations soon.”

The honor system
The library is open every day of the week, and using the honor system, individuals can check out books and media at any time.