Security is top item on Spicewood Community Library’s wish list
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
SPICEWOOD — Jim Lamar, president of the Spicewood Community Library board, didn’t hesitate when asked what he wants from Santa in regard to the all-volunteer facility.
“We’d like a small security system,” he said. “The volunteers would feel a lot safer with one. And our patrons would also feel safer with one. We’re out in the country, so the extra security would be nice.”
A group of Spicewood residents formed the library about seven years ago with the doors opening six years ago. The organization operates the small library, located at 1011 Spur 191 next to the Spicewood Elementary School.
“We’re not a part of the Burnet County Library system,” Lamar said.
That means the library relies on fundraisers, donations, a few grants and volunteers to keep the facility up and running.
“We’re 100 percent volunteer operated,” Lamar said.
Without the Spicewood Community Library, local residents would have to travel west to Marble Falls or east to Lakeway for the nearest library.
Lamar said a security system of three or four video cameras that record would be a nice addition to the library.
Another thing the library association would like is the money to pave the parking lot.
The library also offers English as a Second Language classes, something that’s seen a steady increase in demand in the area.
“We have a good Hispanic population in the community, and many would like to learn English or at least improve their skills,” Lamar said. “We could use teaching tools like workbooks.”
Access to online ESL resources also would be welcomed.
The library is open 22 hours a week and depends on the volunteer workers to make it happen. More volunteers are always appreciated.
The library hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, 2-6 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
Local residents also can find 24-hour, seven-day-a-week access to Wi-Fi at the library and in its parking lot.
“We were the first place in Spicewood to offer 24-hour access to Wi-Fi,” Lamar said. “You can just pull up in the parking lot and use it.”
People also can support the library by shopping at its thrift store located behind the facility.
Go to www.spicewoodlibrary.org or call (830) 693-7892 for more information.
daniel@thepicayune.com