Southeast Kansas Library System

Coffeyville Public Library is part of the Southeast Kansas Library System. SEKLS is headquartered in the Iola Public Library. It serves fifteen counties of southeast Kansas. Most services are offered to and through local libraries like ours. Membership in SEKLS is held by 54 public libraries, 41 school districts, 7 college/university libraries and 2 special libraries.

SEKLS provides many services to its member libraries. During 2009, 23 workshops or other continuing education events were offered. A total of 528 people attended these workshops. SEKLS also proves Interlibrary Loan, Cataloging and Rotation Book services.

A consultant from SEKLS maintains patron contacts, distributes informational materials, visit patrons and institutions to implement the Special Needs Services. Related services include Talking Books, BiFolkal kits, Descriptive Video Services videos, Braille/print/picture books and recreational therapy aids.

2009 was the fist full year of SEKnFind, a regional shared integrated library system (ILS). SEKnFind libraries, including Coffeyville, share a common catalog, facilitating resource sharing in the region. User can search all collections simultaneously, place holds on books regardless of their location, make comments on books, make purchase requests, renew books, review their reading history, and their current circulation status. SEKnFind currently has 16 active members and 5 additional libraries who are in the process of joining, These libraries exchanged 14,716 items among themselves during 2009.

A Youth Services Consultant assists libraries in improving children’s programs, collections, and services.

Coffeyville Public Library receives an annual allocation (grant) from SEKLS. During 2009, SEKLS awarded a total of $22,687 in Equipment Grants and $60,972 in Material Delivery Grants to offset the cost of interlibrary load shopping expenses.

SEKLS provides great individual help and advices to member libraries as needed. SEKLS staff made consulting 774 visits to member libraries during 2009.

Technology consultants help our library in acquiring and using computers and other technology. They also solve computer programs, etc.

SEKLS is funded largely by a property tax on property not already being taxed to support a local public library and by state aid. In 2009 the mill levy was 1.225 mills.

To find out more about the Southeast Kansas Library System you can visit their website at www.sekls.lib.ks.us