The very busy Boone Area Library, 129 N. Mill St., Birdsboro, is seeking three to four people to fill seats on its Board of Trustees.
Library Treasurer Susan Davis, who represents Amity Township, told the Amity Township Board of Supervisors on Oct. 1 that the library board needs three people from Amity.
There is also one vacant seat for a representative from the Borough of Birdsboro. Davis said one of the three Amity vacancies would be her seat when she retires soon.
Matt Lamm, a resident of Oley Township, has been representing Amity Township for about two years and is also ready to resign from the library board.
Davis said the Boone Area Library is working to increase visibility among all three of its municipalities: Amity, Birdsboro, and Union Township, and that visitation has increased.
‘The library is the place to be,’ said Davis, adding, ‘People are coming in for the programs, and they’re coming in for the community.’
Children’s programs include a Lego Club on the first Tuesdays, a ‘Crafty Kids’ group on the fourth Thursdays, and Storytimes on most Mondays and Wednesdays.
A Fall Fun Day is scheduled for Oct. 25, beginning at 10 a.m. It will include votes for the best Storybook Pumpkin, kid’s goodie bags, and ‘Johnny Appleseed’ will make homemade apple cider.
The day before, on Oct. 24, the library will participate in the TriCounty Celebrity Auction at Sunnybrook Ballroom in Pottstown.
The Live Celebrity Auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will include sports celebrities David Akers (former kicker for Philadelphia Eagles), Bill Clement (former center for Philadelphia Flyers), and Rian Wallace (former linebacker for Pittsburgh Steelers), as well as Cherri Gregg, community affairs reporter for KYW Newsradio. Fifteen other local nonprofit organizations will participate in the TriCounty Celebrity Auction.
The library’s adult programs include Basic Computer Classes every Wednesday, Mahjong every Friday, the Eagle’s Eye Book Group the second Tuesday, and ‘Sit and Knit’ every Thursday.
Davis said the library recently raised $22,000 in local fundraising efforts, which includes obtaining a $5,000 grant from the Pottstown Health & Wellness Foundation.
The funds will be used to purchase health materials such as fitness books and DVDs. Library Director Wayne Lahr said the library is seeking to increase its visibility with an Open House and a ‘Meet & Greet’ scheduled for Nov. 1 from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
He said local business owners are invited to visit the library that night and learn more about everything that the library offers to the 22,000 people in its service area.
Lahr, who has a master’s degree in Library Science from Drexel University, Philadelphia, was hired in January after that population figure was revealed by the 2010 census.
State law required that the library hire a director with a master’s degree. Lahr previously worked as high school librarian for eight years and a music/band teacher for 11 years in the Boyertown, Upper Moreland and Saucon Valley school districts.
‘My goal when starting was to keep the ship steady and see how things were running,’ said Lahr.
‘Adding programs increase costs. We’ll see how much community support from the upcoming Annual Campaign, but there is a possibility of an adult book club and a regular G to PG-rated movie night. We have a new sound system from the Women’s Club of Birdsboro.’
He also recently completed a grant application to receive up to $15,000 in funds to increase broadband activity and additional access for wireless activity.
If the library is approved for the grant, Lahr intends to replace the library’s 22 computers, which are more than 10 years old. Lahr said the Board of Trustees usually meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
In December, it will meet Dec. 8 and in January, on Jan. 12.
‘Meetings typically last for one to one-and-a-half hours and include reviewing the previous month’s income and expenses, active committee reports, new and old business, and brainstorming new fundraising ideas.’
He said candidates for the trustee positions must have a passion for public libraries.
‘They must have a passion for public libraries and the services they provide to the community. Important character traits would be a strong desire to see public libraries expand their programs and expand their outreach and someone with fundraising experience, strong organizational skills, and a willingness to help out — especially with fundraisers.’
‘We need people willing to meet and talk to people about the library, promote the library and its services, and what it offers to the community.’
He said volunteers recently represented the library at Boscov’s East, Reading, during a library fundraising event.
People interested in serving on the Boone Area Library Board of Trustees can call Lahr at 610-582-5666 for more information, or the Amity Township Office at 610-689-6000.
