Little by little, the Austin Public Library is regaining its previous losses.

A new director has been hired, along with a 20-hour librarian, to help out in the reference desk area. Also, a current employee has filled the 30-hour vacant position.

At a Monday meeting, the library board approved the hiring of Chyeral Stohlmann to fill the a second 30-hour vacant position.

In aims to provide previous services, the library is looking to find someone from the community to volunteer for teaching basic computer skills. Current interim director Gayle Heimer said she was in the progress of contacting a candidate and classes would resume as soon as schedules allowed.

Other items on the agenda

The Austin Page Turners received a $2,500 grant from the Hormel Foundation. The Turners, which are now in their second year, is a group that encourage and promotes community reading. The program developed from an idea of Mayor Bonnie Rietz and former Austin Public Library Community Service Librarian Maggie Snow.

n Remodeling of the sorting room began Monday and it will take one or two weeks to be completed, reported Heimer, the library's interim director. The remodeling will provide more room for the staff to sort and store books. "I think it will be a good improvement," Heimer said.

n Clean up on a vandalism incident was completed. Paintballs were thrown on to the glass of the library. Heimer reported that police had reported similar incidents in the city that same day. The paint was water soluble.

The library board will meet at 3 p.m., Feb. 10.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com