Northwest Branch Library scrapbook, volume 1 (1983-2009)

2. from Reference Librarian to Assistant Librarian. The resulting opening was filled by Terri Stephens on the first of June. During the 3 months we were short the work pressure was considerable. However the staff works well as a team, there is minimum absenteeism and a consistent effort to give quality library service. Therefore a smooth transition was effected. PROGRAMS Northwest has continued to have a good response to programming. Programs on small business and financial planning have been consistently successful. Craft programs are always popular. But the best attended was a family program "Make Your Own Kites" which drew 94 people! Our publicity has been primarily through posters in the library, the Harris County System Flyer and a mailing list to 30 sub-division newsletters. We have had difficulty getting articles published in the community paper The 1960 Sun. VOLUNTEERS Northwest is fortunate in having some dedicated and talented volunteers. Over the year 14 ladies gave approximately 916 hours of service. They shelve, type, file, clip newspapers for the vertical file, telephone, tell stories, and generally save the staff countless hours of work. Jackie Davis has done a good job organising this crew. In September the staff gave a luncheon in appreciation and presented a book in honor of each volunteer to be added to our collection. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY This outstanding hardworking group has continued to support and financially assist us in many ways. In addition to purchasing books, they have provided monies for a puppet show, an adult speaker, craft programs and vertical file materials. During the spring of 1985 a major door to door fund drive netted $16000. Two book sales brought in $2000. In addition they co-sponsored workshops given by the Museum of Natural Sciences. This was a fine community service and well received. In December they helped decorate the library for the holidays. We feel most grateful for such a supportive and generous group. The Су Rotary Club, Lakewood Forest Garden Club, the AAUW, and Matzke Elementary PTO have also given us substantial financial help this year. THE COMMUNITY The community surrounding the Northwest Library is a combination of single family homes and a number of apartment complexes. Income would appear to range from moderate to affluent. Nearby is Jones Road with increasing numbers of shopping centers and professional buildings. Because of these characteristics we have a wide variety of patrons. Young families, older families, elderly persons, young singles, business men on their lunch hours and of course many students. The branch is within a 5 mile radius of 2 major intersections, FM 1960 and Jones Road, and the Willowbrook Mall area. According to the Rice Center Forecast 2000, censustracts in the Willowbrook Mall area will have a growth in population from 54,428 in 1980 to 77,681 in 1990, and 102,005 in the year 2000. With this demographic character we would assume our numbers of patrons and circulation will increase . BUILDING Through 1985 the building was still subject to some "new building" problems. The temperamental telephones and air-conditioner, leaking windows, and a raveling carpet were slowly taken care of during the year. After two people fell down the