You are familiar with the Jacksonville Public Library (the "Library") and one of its support groups, the Friends.

Another vital support group is the Jacksonville Library Association (the "Association"). The Association was formed at the time the current library building was constructed. Its purpose is to administer funds and serve as a fiduciary for the Library.

Like Friends, the Association is a nonprofit Texas corporation. The current officers are John Allen Templeton, president, Judge Robert Adamson, vice president, and J. E. Brown, treasurer.

The purpose, structure and functions of the Association were explained to the current members of the Library board at their November meeting by Mr. Templeton and Judge Adamson. A sample function is holding funds donated as memorials until they are spent on appropriate books.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA!

Stuff your friends' stockings with Friends stationery! Available only at the library for $3 per set on 10 are sets of notes and envelopes with a sketch of the Jacksonville Public Library.

LIBRARY ACTIVITIES DURING DECEMBER

Bring your children to the library from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, December 9, to share a movie evening and story time. Children's librarian Jo Jones will have special films and books on hand for all ages to enjoy.

Storytime will continue each Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. Children are invited to bring a canned good for donation to the city's Christmas dinner drive.

In observance of the holiday, the library will close at 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 23, and re-open at 12 noon on Monday, December 27. It will close at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 30, and re-open at noon on Monday, January 3.

READ FOR 2000!

Between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., they intend to have read, collectively, 2000 books!

Adult volunteers are needed to read to individuals, small groups, or classes.

You may bring your own books, or librarian Sandi Jones will have books on hand for you to read. You may come long enough to read one story, and you may read from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m..

If you would like to support this project, call principal Mary Sue Bruno at 586-5165 to sign up.

At its November meeting the Library's board of directors approved a technology plan recommended by director Barbara Crossman. The plan will run through September 30, 2002. Its goal is to make a library patron's retrieval of information faster and more extensive.

The plan calls for purchases of new computers and printers, some of which will be networked and some stand-alone.

Funding will be sought through grants, line items in the budget, and requests to the Library Association and Friends. Maintenance will be a line item in the budget.

MEET YOUR LIBRARY STAFF

A regular feature of Library Now! will be a profile of the staff members, starting with director Barbara Crossman.

How long have you worked in the library?
Since 1976, first part-time (1976-1984), then full-time (since 1984). I have been the director since 1992.

In what area do you usually work?
Management -- writing budgets, grants, policy. Choosing books and helping patrons are the most enjoyable tasks.

What are you currently reading?
The Victorian Internet; Tuesdays with Morrie

What do you do in life beside work at the library?
Watch my granddaughter grow; garden, read, listen to classical music. I am a member of Kiwanis.

What do you find satisfying about work at the library?
Helping people. Continuing traditions of librarians before me, yet bringing library up to speed in technology and information.

What is your "dream wish" for the library?
More space, more staff, more seating areas for patrons

MEET YOUR DIRECTORS

Claudine Mellinger is chair of the board of trustees.

What is your term on the board?
October 1998 through October 2001

By which councilman were you appointed?
In 1995 by Dale Jamerson, reappointed in 1998 by Richard Starr

What are you currently reading?
A "bargain book" called Everyone is Entitled to My Opinion by David Brinkley

What book do you recommend?
I make it a habit not to recommend books unless I know a person's taste well. I recently enjoyed Jan Karon's series about Mitford.

What do you do in life beside serve on the library board?
I do not work any more, but from January 1985 until July 1994, I worked at the library. I started as a part-time circulation clerk and was circulation supervisor when I resigned. For several years, I was president of the now-defunct Cherokee County League of Women Voters. Now I stay at home and enjoy it. I spend time with my granddaughter and do various cross-stitch projects. And I read, when I get a chance.

Why do you serve on the library board?
I think we have one of the best libraries for our size town. It is better than the branch we were using when we moved here from Houston. I am very proud of our library and like being in touch with the director and staff.

What is your "dream wish" for the library?
Now that we have reached the capacity for which the building was designed, I wish we had more space and a larger budget.