Author: foledh

Recently, El Dorado County Library asked for funds to support some initiatives they have in the works. These include adding SMS (subscriber messaging services) capabilities to remind patrons when library materials are coming due, when holds are available, and other notifications previously sent via email.

Another project they needed help with is scanning photos for the El Dorado County Museum, which is now under the purview of the County’s Library System. This project required funding for a scanner that allows for scanning books and the software to support the scanner. This will allow patrons to search and view historical photos that have been scanned by library staff.

It may be surprising, but the El Dorado Hills Library will be twenty years old in 2026. When the library was built, funding for the land and some of the building came from Parker Development. El Dorado County assumed ownership of the land and responsibility for its maintenance via an agreement with Parker Development. The agreement included a clause about the maintenance of the Library’s signage. Sadly, over the years, the sign has fallen into disrepair. Consequently, there was a need to repair or replace the sign. With funding from the Serrano Men’s Book Club, which has been a very generous donor and partner of the Friends of the El Dorado Hills Library, the County and the Friends agreed to replace the sign. The County will contribute $7,800. The Friends will contribute $22,136 to cover the remainder. $11,700 was already received by the Friends from the Serrano Men’s Book Club. You should see a new sign soon.

Additionally, last year, someone pointed out that the furniture in the Library had started looking worn. The Friends decided to reupholster the couches. But once those had been upgraded and looked much improved, people noticed the chairs had started looking shabby. So, money to reupholster the chairs will be voted on in September, and if the vote passes, the money will be allocated to reupholster the chairs, too.

Friends of the El Dorado Hills Library invested in the Imagination Library this year and will next year as well. This program provides children aged 0 to 5 with a book a month when their parents sign them up for the program. This program is offered at the County level, so all children in El Dorado County can take advantage of it.

In addition, the EDH Library site supervisor, Reesa Osterhoudt, requested additional funding for resources such as books, e-books, magazines, periodicals, and other items. The money is needed to allow the library to make purchases to support summer programs in advance of the normal allotment provided, and the Friends agreed.