The Peru Gazette

L-R Pat Andrews, Rocky Divoll, Becky Pace, Tracy Orkin, Kara McBrayer, Sandy Divoll

L-R Kara McBrayer, Sandy Divoll, Holly Heller-Ross, Diane Haight

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Free Library Board of Trustees chose Diane Haight as a new member and elected its 2016 officers at its Wednesday, January 20^th meeting. Board Vice-President Kara McBrayer, who chaired the meeting, submitted her resignation after serving on the board for six years.

Holly Heller-Ross was elected as 2016 board president, Sandra Divoll was reelected as treasurer and Merry Gwynn was elected vice-president. Diane Haight was elected secretary. The other board members are Tracy Orkin, Patrick Andrews and Rocky Divoll. Kara McBrayer said more community members are welcome to serve on the board. New ideas and assistance are always welcome.

Librarian Becky Pace’s State of the Library Report noted that 2015 was the library’s centenary year. Highlights included front room renovations, the gift of a Schonbek chandelier, new all-in-one computers and adoption of a contemporary library logo. The logo symbolizes the library’s progressive energy conservation initiatives. Other notable changes included introduction of an electronic newsletter and the employment of Stacey Bousquet as assistant librarian. Numerous events were held in celebration of the library’s 100^th anniversary including art exhibits, children’s programs and a memorial concert.

Becky Pace ended her report stating, “Our library has never been as healthy or as well used as it is today. Our children’s room is busy with preschoolers and their moms and dads. Homeschool families visit on a weekly basis. Our computers are frequented by young adults retraining through on-live courses to advance their careers.” She also stated that the library is being used for tutoring sessions on an almost daily basis and that its circulation is one of the highest in the three-county area. Her complete report appears below.

State of the Library Report 2016