Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library

N E W S

L E T T E R

LIBRARY NOW!

Volume 1
Number 3
January 2000

A Communications Tool for Members of Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library
at 502 South Jackson Street, Jacksonville, Texas 75766
http://friends.jacksonvillelibrary.com

PARTICIPATION IN FRIENDS OFFERED

NETLS

The Texas State Library system is divided into geographic areas. Along with libraries in 32 other counties -- libraries ranging in size from Dallas Main to Bullard and Honey Grove -- our Library is a member of the Northeast Texas Library System (NETLS).

Besides being a source of grants and funding, NETLS offers workshops for library directors, library staff, and support groups. It funds scholarships for librarians wishing to continue their education. Through its newsletter and web page, it publicizes a host of grants, awards, and scholarships in a variety of fields such as children's literature, research on Texas topics, and outstanding library project.

NETLS makes materials available to its members at low or no cost. An example is its film/videocassette collection of over 5,200 items for free loan to NETLS members and, through those libraries, to the patrons that they serve.

Evelyn Bailes is the Library's lay representative to NETLS. She and library director Barbara Crossman attend the NETLS meetings and cast the Library's vote on issues brought before NETLS.

To learn more about NETLS, visit its web page at http://www.netls.org. Among the offerings is an assortment of clip art related to libraries, books, and other materials found within a typical library.

With the arrival of a new year, the current members of Friends' board of directors invite the active participation of members. Bylaws of the corporation permit the three original board members to name additional directors. If you are interested in serving on the board, please contact Frances Whiteside at 589-8253. Terms are for one year, two years, or three years. The current directors other than Frances are Barbara Greig and Claudine Mellinger.

If you do not wish to be on the board but want to work on specific projects, please contact Frances with that information. The projects for the year will be selected by the board, and it is likely that one of them will be the annual book sale. If you would like to participate in planning or executing the book sale, your efforts are welcome.

At its next meeting, the board will discuss projects and budgeting. Your suggestions for supporting the Library are solicited.

In early 2000 NETLS will offer a work- shop on "Revitalizing, Retaining, and Managing Friends' Groups." If you would like to be notified of the specific date and time with an eye to attending, please contact Frances at 589-8253.

MEET YOUR LIBRARY STAFF

A regular feature of Library Now! will be a profile of the staff members. This month, meet Ann Clampitt.

How long have you worked in the library?
Since June 1990.

In what area do you usually work?
Technical Services, cataloging the books.

What are you currently reading?
Season of Angels by Debbie Macomber.

What book do you recommend?
Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody.

What web site do you recommend?
bookfinder.com

What do you do in life beside work at the library?
My husband Don and I own a music store in Jefferson. Each weekend I go to Jefferson to see Don and work in our business.

What is your "dream wish" for the library?
An increase of patrons' usage -- and new carpet!

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A TOWN'S TREASURE: ITS LIBRARY!