Austin Public Library Director Ann Hokanson is planning a reorganization of some of the sections in library.

Hokanson said Monday at the library board meeting that in order to make room for the ever-growing children's area, the adult non-fiction area would be condensed and shifted, adding shelf space for more children's books. The movement would also create more space for the young adult non-fiction and the Spanish language collection.

Another part of the reorganization will be a splitting of the fiction section to identify more genres. Adventures, thrillers and classics as well as Christian/inspirational fiction will all be a part of the division.

"(Christian/inspirational fiction) is the fastest growing genre in books," Hokanson said.

Also as a part of the director's report, Hokanson said Pharohs, the computer system that regulates computer and Internet usage among patrons is installed and working well. She said the system has not required users to type in their library code and PIN, but that is going into effect. With a code, the system can make sure children have parent permission to use the system and also check for outstanding materials and fines.

"Now that we have it, we can see more things that we want it to do for us," Hokanson said.

She hopes to use it for the children's computers and the four 15-minute Internet computers in the main section of the library.

The self-check machines, which allow patrons to check out their own materials, should be in place by mid-July, Hokanson said. One machine is already in the library. That one will be moved to the check-out desk along with a new machine to help ease the duties of librarians.

Hokanson asked the board to approve her request for a grant from the Hormel Foundation for a new self-check machine as well as new computers for the children's section. The board was not sure about having a quorum, so they simply concurred with the recommendation rather than formally endorsing it.

The grant requests go through the city. City officials rank requests from different agencies and submit them to the Hormel Corporation.

"The higher our proposition is ranked, the more likely ours will be funded," Hokanson said.

Although she is not yet sure, she estimated the costs of the project to be about $35,000.

Two board members resigned because they are leaving Austin. Maria Acosta and Father Paul Nelson leave two vacancies on the board, which will be filled by the city. The board has sent forward a few names to be considered.

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com