MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon City Schools administration is rethinking library operations after losing one of two certified librarians.
At May’s board of education meeting, the Mount Vernon City School board accepted the resignation of Laura Rochte, a certified librarian at Mount Vernon Middle School.
The district had two certified librarians, one at the middle school and the other at the high school. Superintendent Bill Seder said at Monday’s meeting that each library also has an aid.
Seder showed the board library circulation data, showcasing a stark contrast between middle school and high school usage.
From November to April, Mount Vernon Middle School library circulated 4,221 books, according to circulation data, compared to 334 at the high school.
All six elementary school libraries circulated over 4,000 books, with Twin Oak reaching 8,902.
Seder said as he understands the high school library is used mostly as a study space for students.
“I do think it’s prudent for us to consider keeping our one certified librarian, focusing his major efforts on the middle school,” Seder said at Monday’s meeting.
Seder also recommended keeping the two current library aids — one each at the middle school and at the high school.
If circulation improves at the high school, the district could look at partnering with Knox Public Library for its wide array of available books, Seder mentioned.
Board member Mary Rugola-Dye said she liked the idea of working with the public library, but the high school library should remain open.