Library Board Sets Non-Resident Fee for New Fiscal Year

The Effingham Public Library Board has set for the annual fee for non-residents for the fiscal year beginning May 1.

The fee will be $139 per household. The charge is an average of what in-town residents pay each year in taxes.

The Board agreed to be a site for the annual summer lunch program in Effingham. The program has been offered each year at West Side School, but the organizers have decided to make it available at more locations to reach more kids. The program will be offered in the children's programming room upstairs at the library.

Three board members are up for re-appointment. Two have indicated they'd like to serve another term: Dannielle Harden and Charlene Topel, but John Latta has asked not to be re-appointed. Latta is wrapping up his third term on the board.

Library Director Amanda McKay reported on the canvass being done around town to see what residents would like to see happen in Effingham. The first round of canvassing is to end April 8, but further surveying is planned later in April. McKay said the library canvass is taking place at the same time as a survey by the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce. She said the two groups are sharing information.

There was discussion about an idea from a library patron to establish a "blessings box" at the library. The "box" would be located outside on the library grounds and would be a place where people could drop off non-perishable food items, diapers and the like, and those in need could then pick up those items. Library board members decided the program might not work well at the library, but are trying to touch base with a church or another helping agency to make the service available.

There was also discussion about the proposed Federal budget and its lack of allocations for libraries. McKay said they are monitoring the situation.