| DM Jul-Aug 2006 |
Message from Library Director Carolyn Rawles-HeiserJuly / August 2006Recently the Library Board underwent a Sunset Review, which all City boards do periodically to determine if they are still needed. The Library Board is an advisory body which reviews library policies and practices, takes public comment on library services, gives staff a public perspective on the library, and advises City Council on matters pertaining to the library. The Board plays a vital role in encouraging citizen involvement in the Library and takes this role seriously. They were instrumental in the Librarys recommendation to City Council about Internet filtering and held a number of meetings to gather public comment. When budget cuts loomed, they prioritized potential library service reductions to help the Budget Commission know what was important to the Library. They have helped develop library policies on everything from meeting rooms to materials selection. This volunteer body has five members each from the City and County. There are also liaisons from City Council and the Board of County Commissioners, and a student member appointed by the County. Those presently on the Library Board include Mohammad Saeed, Chair; Bonnie Helpenstell, Vice-Chair; Karin Frederick, Phoenix Ries, Phyllis Mix, Jacque Schreck, Mary Lee Seward, Cliff Trow, Chuck Wicks, Tom Wogaman, student member Lauren Higdon, Linda Modrell, County Commissioner, and Hal Brauner, City Councilor. The Board meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 at the Corvallis Public Library. All meetings are open to the public. |
