Library Board Recognizes Day for Volunteer Service

Members of the Effingham Public Library Board Monday recognized Mary Jane Day, who is retiring after more than 15 years of work as a volunteer.

Library Director Amanda McKay said Day started the Homebound Program, now known as the Outreach Program. The program serves those who can't travel to the library for items.

McKay said Day, a retired teacher and Unit 40 administrator, approached then library director Amanda Standefer and said such a program was needed, so Standefer told her she could begin it, and she did.

McKay said Day would travel to assisted living facilities when someone indicated they'd like works by various authors or various categories of publications. She said staff members are now handling the program, although she said she'd love it if another volunteer wanted to take over the service.

The desire for another volunteer for the Outreach Program is part of a planned overall effort by the library to beef up the volunteer effort there.

Also this week, the library board delayed action on the tax levy since they haven't received the EAV from the county, approved a change to the fees policy, and went through a board training to enhance the library's non-profit activities.

The Board also welcomed Kathy Pals to her initial meeting as a library board member.