Stretching dollars is nothing new for the staff of Athens-Limestone Public Library. But expanding programs have stretched the confines of the library to the limit.

The Library Foundation is currently exploring ways of building a new library or renovating an existing building to accommodate the growth.

But in the meantime, the library is reaching out to serve as many residents as it can.

People on a home computer can visit www.athenslimestone.lib.al.us and have many services at their fingertips, according to Librarian Susan Todd.

“The Web site has programs with links to the Alabama Virtual Library, information data bases researched and compiled by authoritative, reliable companies on health, science, school reports, consumer reports, biographies, full-text newspapers and homework help for grades 4th and up, just log on by subject,” said Todd.

Online services also include: patron account access; library materials renewal; check due dates and fines owed, and catalog searches.

“And something new we have is the downloadable books,” said Todd. “We’re encouraging our patrons to call (232-1233) for information on this new program.”

By now, regular users of the library are familiar with the services and collections contained within its walls, such as Internet access, fax and photocopy machines, children’s programs such as the four-times weekly preschool story time, book discussion group, author discussions, chess games, bestsellers, audio books, videos and DVDs, electronic books, electronic audiobooks and book-by-mail.

But a new and little-publicized program serves those without computer or ability to visit the library.

“In our Books-by-Mail program we are partners with the Senior Center,” said Todd. “Anyone on the Meals on Wheels route can get delivery of a book (with their meals). They can request specific authors. Jean Huber coordinates this program and knows what her clients like and she keeps track of what they have already read. The only qualification for this program is that they be homebound.”

Also, library staff members are reaching out to other segments of the community.

“We go out and speak to groups who invite us,” said Todd. “We recently went to the Department of Human Resources for a class on helping people looking for jobs. We spent some of the time sharing resources we have available , such as on how to write a resume or cover letter, and occupations and work conditions. We will go out anytime someone asks. Recently, we visited Head Start and told stories.”

Todd said that while library programs and services are continually expanding, the facility works within its budget and cuts back in some areas to accommodate the new.

Currently, the library receives $106,246 from the city of Athens; $71,500 from Limestone County; $35,000 from TVA in-lieu-of-taxes funds; $77,500 in state funding, $86,000 in interest from a trust, plus a few thousand dollars from fines, and photocopying.

In its quest for a new library the Foundation has taken their case to the city, county and public. Todd recently told the Athens City Council that the Foundation must move quickly or lose out on the purchase of the old Kroger building.

While the Foundation has said it could purchase the property, the big question is on the $5 million cost of renovating and equipping the building. Athens Mayor Dan Williams has said that the debt service on a $5 million bond issue would be some $300,000 a year, a cost neither the city nor county is willing to pay.