KAYSVILLE -- It's "Better Together." That's the theme of the Davis County Library's campaign intended to educate and lure Kaysville residents. The county and Kaysville City libraries will merge July 1, 2006, based on action early last month by the Kaysville City Council. A small four-sided brochure is being distributed to residents as a way to alert them to additional services and offerings -- available now and in the future. For example, Kaysville residents are reminded they can stop at any county library branch to sign up for library cards for all family members.

By doing so, Kaysville residents will have access to 575,000 items, including 520,000 from the five county libraries and 53,000 from the city library.

Those working or frequently visiting Weber County can sign up for a Weber County library card, gaining access to more than 400,000 items. It's thanks to a cooperative borrowing agreement.

Those obtaining a card can explore the county library's online catalog on the Web at www.co.davis.ut.us/library. In addition, new card-holders can register their e-mail address with the library and reserve items from home, as well as renew items online.

Many online databases are also available through the county library's Web page. More features are coming, such as the "Gale Science Resource Center," due to be available next month.

Kaysville residents are also urged to "visit any branch, get to know the staff and the collection and try wireless access" available at Central in Layton, North in Clearfield, Syracuse/

Northwest and South Branch in Bountiful.

Looking to the future, myriad changes/improvements should be in place for what will be the Kaysville Branch of the Davis County Library, July 1, 2006, and after.

Interior remodeling of the Kaysville Library is planned, at a cost of up to $100,000.

It's due to include 600 square meet of additional public space, as well as changes to the circulation desk up front and addition of more book storage shelves for intralibrary loan from other branches.

Books and other items will be added at a faster rate than previously, with a county materials budget projected at $60,000 compared to $25,000 currently at the Kaysville City Library.

As part of the county system, Kaysville residents can access many new books and materials, with the county's projected materials budget of $850,000 for 2006. These and other items can be borrowed by visiting any county library or through intralibrary loan.

The brochure emphasizes that the LeConte Stewart Gallery will remain in the Kaysville library. Stewart was a well-known Kaysville artist.

To obtain a library card, Kaysville residents are asked to bring a picture I.D. such as a driver's license or military I.D. Also, proof of address such as checkbook, utility bill or receipts is needed.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com