New Mt. Olive Library Board receives rave reviews

MOUNT OLIVE (2/25/08) – What a difference a year makes!

       For the three previous years the library board was a main source of disagreement between the then mayor and township council.  The news state-of-the- art library had been built, dedicated and opened but there was constant friction between both bodies concerning possession of funds and construction of handicapped parking spaces.

       Among his first actions as a newly elected mayor, David Scapicchio replaced four board members and appointed Suzanne Jeska, who was elected president; Stephanie Sherman, vice president; Stanley Miller, treasurer; Judith Hirky, secretary and Christopher Kenny, the mayor’s alternate.  

      They joined Joan Young on the board with standing members Schools Supt. Dr. Rosalie Lamonte and the mayor. Noreen Risko continued as an alternate for Lamonte and Scott Ireland has been appointed Scapicchio’s alternate. Kenny is now the secretary. Rita Hilbert remained library director.

     This week the board, after a diligent, year long effort made an impressive presentation to the Township Council.

      The board reported that the number of banks the library had been dealing with was reduced from five to two and nine accounts were reduced to two making for much less complicated and sometimes confusing banking practices.  One of the banks, Wachovia, is now paying competitive interest and allows on line bank for the payment of bills….at a considerable saving in postage.

     The board also conducted a community wide survey (see sidebar article Library Board Town wide Survey)

      After spending months to gain control and oversight of the library finances, the year 2007 ended with a bank balance of $322,539 on hand, less $57,241 in encumbrances.  There also was a $21,020 obligation for construction reimbursement, less $110,000 for a one month reserve so that this year started off with $176,318.

      In 2008 the board proposes several initiatives to expand services and increase building utilization by spending an estimated $112,800 for new audios, books, DVD’s, additional computers, installation of automatic front doors, moveable walls in the gathering room, finalizing the construction close out costs and re-grading the parking lot.

      They also are in the process of obtaining quotes from architects to conduct a feasibility study for optimal building and grounds use.  They would explore accessing the basement of the building for more meeting rooms, a Friends Bookstore, a teen area and an internet café and landscaping the grounds.

      Jeska said the board will continue to look for ways to cut costs through sharing services with the board of education and the township. Working with the school board  has already saved the board money, she said. The board’s lighting specialist, Andy Roberts, replaced several burned out light bulbs using the board of education’s lift. Originally the library board got a price of $26,500 to do the work but by utilizing the school board’s labor and lift it only cost the library board $500 for the cost of the bulbs.      

   The board plans to explore hiring school maintenance personnel for repairs, to utilize school purchasing power for supplies and to seek assistance in hiring a custodian.

       Library staff has started what will be on-going meetings with all school librarians to brainstorm sharing services.

        The library director also has been instructed to start exploring the feasibility of implementing nine additional library hours.    

        Council President Ray Perkins and the other Council members were visibly impressed with the report and cited what a great job the new board has been doing.