Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw Community Public Library staff plans to participate in the Veterans History Project by conducting interview with area military veterans who served in overseas conflicts or with civilians who contributed to war efforts.
According to a report given before the library board Monday by assistant librarian Joni Brookins, any veteran in the county is welcome to come in and reminisce.
Sen. Richard Lugar's office is coordinating the recordings in Indiana, which will be preserved at the Library of Congress and in WCPL archives.
Brookins said it may be possible to go to some veterans' homes if they cannot travel to the library. A committee regarding the project is to meet next week.
Library director Ann Zydek said she will apply for a grant from the Esther Pfleiderer Charitable Trust to benefit the genealogy collection. The trust was established to assist charitable organizations in the county in improving the quality of life. Applications will be accepted for charitable purposes, preservation of family genealogies, church preschool programs, human services, recreational, educational, arts, civic enhancement and public safety endeavors.
Officers for 2003 were elected, remaining the same as last year: Larry Chamberlain, president; Tony Etienne, vice president; John Yingling, secretary; Ruth Jones, treasurer; and Mark Morrison, assistant secretary-treasurer.
In other business, the board:
• Heard the State Board of Accounts returned an "unqualified" financial report to the library, covering the last three years. Such a report means there were no errors or items the SBA found to question. Business manager Renee Sweeny prepared the report.
• Heard Ann Lindquist checked out the 500,000th item at the library Dec. 30, setting a new record for circulation. The library ended the year with 504,308 items circulated: 287,443 books, 150,510 videotapes; 41,782 sound recordings; 14,368 periodicals; 7,333 software items; 2,686 realia (interactive toys and games); 95 pamphlets; and 91 skill kits.
• Heard library card holders may choose to be notified via electronic mail instead of by postcard. The person is remains responsible for all fines and fees incurred on the card even in the event an e-mail notice or postal notice is not received.
• Heard from John Yingling, who heads the technology committee, that a technology plan for the next three years is being developed.
• A library book sale is set for Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Weeding Room.
• Approved a bond payment of $15,000 for treasurer Ruth Jones.
• Set Feb. 10 for a library board retreat, following the regular meeting. A staff retreat is set for Feb. 21, and the library will close March 14 for an in-service day with the staff.
Library board of trustee members are: Larry Chamberlain, Tony Etienne, John Yingling, Mark Morrison, Ruth Jones, Joel Curry and Paulette Sauders.
