County, schools may expand library options

San Juan County is considering a proposal to eliminate bookmobile service and create small satellite libraries at communities throughout the county.

The first effort may be at the Monument Valley High School library.

County Library Board Chairman Georgiana Kennedy Simpson discussed the proposal with the San Juan School Board on November 12. The county proposes to open the school library beyond school hours to make the collections more accessible to community members.

The expanded hours and expanded school collection would be possible through contributions by the county library system.

Bookmobile service costs roughly $80,000 per year. The expenditures could be spread among the newer community libraries. Facilities are also considered in Bluff, La Sal, Montezuma Creek and Navajo Mountain. Some facilities may be in local schools, while others are considered in family learning and community centers.

The school board expressed interest in supporting the concept. The Monument Valley school would be a test run to see how the concept works.