The public library is usually deemed a quiet, peaceful retreat, and the same holds true for the Bay Minette Public Library, but beneath that peaceful facade, the library is alive with programs, volunteers and a variety of books, visual and audio products.

Library Director Joanna Bailey said the library has been visited by record numbers of people in the last few months, noting that between April and July, 182 adults and 141 juveniles obtained new library cards.

According to library records, during the week ending July 12, the library had 1,483 visits. The next week, ending July 19, the library had 1343 people visit. “Since April 21, 15,203 items were checked out, 6,057 items were renewed and 2,132 holds were processed,” Bailey said. “Compare that to the same time period last year, when 12,673 items were checked out, 5,171 items were renewed and 1,781 holds were processed.”

She said the library’s summer program saw a large increase as well, with an average of 136 people per show. “Our numbers for preschool storytime have been steadily increasing. We have been averaging 57 people per storytime,” she said.

Bailey said she could not account for the increase, other than the idea that gas prices may be keeping people at home and encouraging them to find less expensive entertainment venues.

“I contribute some of that to the economy. People are looking for economical ways to find entertainment. We have videos and DVDs, and a lot of people are reading more,” Bailey said. “It’s a great thing.”

She said many people may be opting to stay around town rather than going on vacation because of the increasing gas prices.

Residents can make their money go farther at the library by checking out the library’s ongoing book sale. The sale is upstairs in the Program Room and includes books, videos and even audio books. Hardcover books are $1, soft cover books are $.50, children’s books are $.25 and audio books and videos are $.50 each.

In addition to all the new patrons, the library boasts new programs. Bailey has instituted a new book club, the Bay Minette Browsers. This group will meet on the third Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the library. The first book, to be discussed at the Aug. 18 meeting, is One Thousand White Women, by Jim Fergus.

Also new to the library, and responsible for several of the new programs, is Children’s Librarian Victoria Barnett. Entering the children’s area is like entering the hole in Alice in Wonderland. The walls and ceiling are painted with characters from books and history, a small shelf holds games, toys and coloring sheets, while computers beckon young people to play educational games and bookshelves lure them with tales of adventure and curiosities.

Bailey said the idea for the muraled walls came from a trip to the Alabama Library Association Convention, held in Birmingham. “I visited what used to be the Birmingham Public Library before they built the new one across the street - there is  catwalk linking the two. I walked in and there was this mural with all the storybook characters, including Little Red Riding Hood, and I thought ‘wow!’.

“I thought, ‘what a great way to get kids and parents drawn into the library,” Bailey said.

She said she thought the same could be done here at home, so she gathered some funding and contacted local artist Tena Powell.

“She has done paintings and murals for elementary schools in Pine Grove and here, and I think in Perdido,” Bailey said. “I was familiar with her work and I knew she had done some children’s illustrations. I was just impressed with her work so after I found some funding, I got with her and told her what I wanted.

She would check out books for ideas, and she made a few changes here and there, but it has evolved into this wonderful creation,” Bailey said.

She said the goal was to make the room inviting, but also to make it alluring to patrons, particularly young boys. “We’re trying to draw more boys in. They’re reluctant readers,” she said.

Another draw is the new Children’s Library Volunteer Program, implemented by Barnett. Youth who are at least 10 can volunteer to serve at the library. Volunteers help clean and organize, shelve books, assist patrons with finding things or just keeping little ones engaged in coloring or a story or even a game.

“We have seven volunteers right now,” Barnett said, as two young girls armed themselves with the magical “super dusters,” and began dusting shelves. “They’re very dedicated and take it very seriously.”

To find out more or to volunteer, pick up a permission form from Barnett.

Another new program Barnett is excited about is the Homework Hangout, which will begin Tuesday, Aug. 12.

“The Homework Hangout will be on Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m.,” Barnett said. “It’s open for everybody and they can come up here and work on their homework and get help if they need it.”

Barnett said older students who finish their homework and are willing to help younger students with theirs can earn service time if they are in a civic club such as Key Club.

Story time is a big time in the children’s library, taking place every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Barnett said that it is not unusual for 35 or more children to show up for story time.

Barnett began her service with the library in June, having served as the children’s director and a preschool teacher at the First Baptist Church here in Bay Minette. She said prior to that she had served 10 years as a teacher with the Mobile County School System.