Library traffic up

Hazlehurst librarian Sandra Johnson reports that the traffic at Covington Memorial Library was 1,382 last month, which included about 200 more patrons in December. Johnson updated the Board of Aldermen on the library’s activities during the regular January board meeting.

After 2 p.m. the library is mostly used by kids, but as the collection grows more older patrons are returning to the library, Johnson reported. The library meeting room is used weekly by five different groups. Many more people are bringing their laptops in to use the wireless internet connection – a service that was popular with many over the holidays, Johnson added.  The library system is adding equipment to the portable computer lab and redesigning its website as well.

Johnson also reminded patrons of the half-day Wednesdays schedule in January while staff attends training.

In other business, aldermen declared a 2001 Crown Victoria patrol car surplus and authorized advertisement for bids.

Tyrone Clark resigned from the sewer department.

Three were hired in the street department on contingency: Edgar Ray Dickey, David Lee Dickerson, and Carlos Lorenzo Smith.

The Blues Trail marker ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 31.

The board paid bills before adjourning.