Notes From the Director

Updated June 9, 2009

Welcome to Beth Carpenter, the new director of the Kimberly-Little Chute Public Library! Beth's first day will be July 6 and I am looking forward to having about 10 days with her to "show her the ropes" before my last day as library director.

I've set my retirement date. The link I've created here lists the number of days, hours, minutes and seconds until the last second of my last day. Feel free to check it out and have some fun keeping track with me! "R" Date is now less than six weeks away and the Library Board has gone through the very interesting process of selecting the new director. They have chosen Beth from a slate of well-qualified candidates and I know she will bring a new sense of excitement, skills, expertise, and experience to our library.

Remember that the public library is here for you in tough economic times as well as the good times. The library's collections are all available for no additional costs and can help individuals or families stretch their dollars for general reading, viewing, or listening resources. The library subscribes to newspapers and magazines and purchases books to read or listen to as well as movies and music. It's a great place to use a high-speed computer or bring in your own laptop and take advantage of the library's wireless access. People who find themselves temporarily unemployed may take advantage of the library's many job-related resources and resume-building skills as well as applying for jobs online or building job-related skills through online tests.

The public computers now have a new feature installed that will allow people to monitor their own time on the computer. Called "timeout" software, the computers will automatically count down the allotted time available once a person types in their library card number and password. People who are traveling and simply want to check their e-mail can get a temporary login and password that will make it easy to stay current. Folks who are doing research, or resumes, or simply need a longer time may be able to have the time of usage extended. But people will no longer have to stop at the desk, turn in their library card and then be timed-out by staff now that this program is installed. If all available computers are busy, it is possible to sign onto a waiting list for the next available computer. An Express computer station is also available for people who only need 15 minutes or less to check e-mail. Homework stations that do not require Internet access are also available with no time limits set.

The Friends of the Library (known as FOLKS for Friends of the Little Chute & Kimberly Libraries) continue to be active in providing new opportunities for our libraries. Membership in the group is open to all interested individuals, families, and organizations for reasonable rates. As a reminder, an individual membership is $5.00 per year; a family membership is $10.00 per year; a corporate membership is $50.00 per year; or a lifetime individual or family membership is $100.00. The Friends continue to sponsor on-going book sales at both library locations and periodically offer a 1/2 price sale or "buck a bag" promotions. In addition, items that have been on the sale shelves for six months will be changed to a "free" status with the addition of a star on the item. Starred items are created in order to get the items out of our inventory and can be another great way to stretch your dollars.

As always the Library Board, staff, and I thank you for your continued support, not only during good budget years but during the bad times as well. It is people like you who make our jobs easier and we are very appreciative.

We want the site to be useful to you. Let us know your suggestions for additions and improvements to the site as well as suggestions for improvements to the physical library. You may send an e-mail to me at either library's address. If you want a response, let me know, and provide your e-mail address.

Enjoy your vist at our virtual library. Come back again and again...