Less than two months ago, the Emmons Community Library was described as a mess. Now, the library is still messy, but for the right reasons.

Two months ago the library needed more books for adults. Today the library is nearly full of books and videos, with separate sections for children and adults.

Two months ago the library had a couple of outdated computers. Now, it has computers that will possibly be connected to the Internet and a brand new printer.

&uot;Things have been going very well,&uot; said Wendy Bidne, who, along with a committee of seven, is putting the finishing touches on the library, located in the former Emmons school building.

According to Bidne, the community has displayed great interest in the library, which opened on Oct. 2. Residents and the Lake Mills, Iowa, public library have donated books. The community helps with school yard maintenance. Businesses provided computers and printers. The school district pays for the building’s electricity.

Feedback has been mostly positive. &uot;Many hope that (the library) will last forever,&uot; Bidne said.

The library is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with most of its traffic ocurring in the afternoons and on Saturdays when many people do not have school or work. On Tuesday mornings, a group of preschoolers visit the library.

&uot;People are excited to have the option,&uot; Bidne said. The closest library is in Lake Mills, which is over five miles away, too far for young children to regularly visit.

Numerous methods of publicizing the library were utilized. There was a grand opening ceremony. The committee distributed flyers and brochures and even went door-to-door. The advertising has helped. During this 20-minute interview, one person returned a book she had read and another person called to volunteer her time to the library.

&uot;We’ve had quite a few volunteers,&uot; Bidne said. Until the library is completely organized, though, the committee will supervise the library.

Some things that still need to be completed are organizing books, installing the computers, and making sure that the lending procedures are agreed upon. The library should be fully functioning by Jan.1, Bidne said.

(Contact Benjamin Dipman at ben.dipman@albertleatribune.com or 379-3439.)