KINGDOM CITY, Mo. - North Callaway schools are thinking outside the box when it comes to serving residents.
According to district librarian and media specialist Justin Hamm, the district will open its school libraries to help people gain internet access and more.
"As far a libraries are concerned, we have none in any of the communities that North Callaway serves," he said. "Daniel Boone (Regional Library system) does awesome things for our county, but we need more access."
The district went to a four-day, Tuesday through Friday schedule at the beginning of this school year, meaning the four libraries in the district's four schools are available on Mondays.
Hamm said school libraries will be open on a rotating schedule, rather than being open every Monday. The program will begin Sept. 25, and hours will be 3-6 p.m.
"We're really, really trying to reach out to our communities, and be hubs for our communities," Hamm said. "This is a trial run. If we are are successful, we will look at opening up the schedule."
The program is being paid for by an after-school program grant, and will allow for library aides to get a few more working hours.
"They've really been positively behind the whole thing," Hamm added.
Residents will have to register and abide by rules. They will be monitored, just as students are monitored. There will be a sign-on created for computer use and filters in place, as well as aides who will monitor all computer use from a main screen.
"From a security standpoint, students do not cross over with the public during these open library hours at all," Hamm said. "They all take place on Monday when our schools are not in session. Any students who attend will be accompanied by an adult."
Individuals will be able to access databases the school district subscribes to such as ancestry research and job seeker sites. They will be able to study for GED and other classwork as well.
While school-owned books cannot be checked out, school officials have found an expert helping hand. Hamm said he met with Daniel Boone Regional Library officials Tuesday, and this new effort will be partnered by them.
"They are going to provide books in our libraries for these dates and they are going to provide numerous adult education programs for us, as well," he added.
The schedule is :
High school and Williamsburg Elementary: Sept 25, Oct. 9, Oct. 30, Nov. 20 and Dec. 11.
Hatton and Auxvasse elementaries: Oct. 2, Oct. 23, Nov. 13 and Dec. 4.