Wednesday, December 28 AM.

I found out that we were $350 short of spending our $3,000 technology reimbursement money from the Westmoreland Library Network.  Joann, affectionately dubbed our “accidental techie” (since she’s our staff member with the most computer experience) had been telling me computer # 2 was on its way out. Here was our chance to replace it. The catch was, it was a “use it or lose it” – by the end of 2011 – deal.  (Cue Mission Impossible music.)

 

Wednesday, December 28 PM.

I called Ruth Zorn, our Saturday clerk, and asked to talk to her husband Bill, whom, according to Ruth, loves to “tinker around with electronic gadgets.” I knew he had great computer knowledge.  He (aka Tom Cruise) immediately agreed to step up to the challenge, conduct some research and find us a computer #2 replacement for under $400 – within 48 hours.

 

Friday, December 30 AM.

Bill had found a 20.5″ all-in-one (no tower) computer that was exactly what we were looking for, $399 at Best Buy.  Nancy Clark made some solid hot pads that could account for the $50 we were short. It could work. I called Julia Roberts (aka Joann), she confirmed the accuracy of the specifications, and raved about the price.  I lamented about not being able to purchase another one to replace our five year old circulation desk computer – not old if you’re a dog, but the term antiquated could be applied to said computer item.  We were ending the year in the black, but just barely, and an extra $400 was out of the question.

Then, it hit me.  Helen Colclaser and the scarves.

 

Two weeks ago, at the Friends of Delmont Library meeting, Helen reported that she and a friend knitted some scarves, took them to the Pilgrimage, and sold them for $10 each.  The proceeds were for the Library, she explained to the buyers.  At the meeting, she handed me an envelope with……..yep, you guessed it, $400.  Told me to use it on whatever I wanted.

 

Friday, December 30 PM.  

Dropped two new computers off to Joann at the library.  One is already installed.  The Westmoreland Library Network people have to transfer the library catalog on our soon-to-be new circulation one, but, we’ll be starting 2012 with TWO BRAND NEW COMPUTERS!

Buckle up – if this is how 2012 is starting, it promises to be a great ride.

With great people – MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

 

Delighfully submitted by Denni, Delmont Director