Rotarians Learn About Carmi Library
The Carmi Rotary club met on Thursday, and had a very informative discussion about the Carmi Library.
Stephanie Dennis, the director of the library, was on hand to explain about this valuable resource we have in our town. Stephanie told the group that she took a part time job at the Library 32 years ago, and has been there ever since.
The Carmi Public Library moved in to their current location on Main Street in 1998. At that time, they moved in to a one million dollar building that was completely paid for. Stephanie explained that the library is under the authority of the city of Carmi, which is why our library is a “city” library, not a district library as they have in Norris City, Fairfield, and many other neighboring towns. All this means is that anyone who does not live within the Carmi city limits is asked to pay a thirty-five dollar per year fee for their entire household, while Carmi residents can check books out for free.
The Carmi branch is part of the Illinois Heartland Library Service, which connects our town with nearly 500 other libraries across the state. Any library can borrow from any other library, and the Carmi unit does every week. Being part of this service also means your Carmi library card allows you to check out books all over the state.
Stephanie spent a few minutes talking about how much has changed in her 32-year career. When she started, the library primarily loaned books, and was a place for people to come read the newspaper. Now, the library rents e-books, audio-books, offers fax services, copier services and of course, the biggest thing next to books – computer services.
The library is wrapping up the Corn Day book sale, which will conclude on Saturday. Locals are urged to stop by and get some great books at truly great prices, which in turn will help out the Library.
Stephanie explained that the library’s funding comes primarily through the local property taxes, but is supplemented with events such as the book sale, and the Friends of the Library Pecan sales, which will be kicking off sometime in November.
Stephanie concluded by saying how good the city of Carmi is and has been to the library. She also told the Rotarians that many times people thinking about moving to Carmi stop by to check out the library before they make the move. Another reason to support the Carmi Public Library.
In club business, Andy Williams won the 50/50 drawing but could not pull the pink ball from the bucket, meaning the cash pot rolls over once again. A few more weeks and the Rotarians will have to rename the drawing the “Rotary Mega Millions”.
Kent Armstrong was named as the day’s phantom.
The Carmi Rotary Club’s next big event will take place on Saturday, November 3rd, when they host the Fall trivia contest. This year’s event will be at the American Legion on Oak Street, and the first question will be thrown out at 6:00pm. Cost for a four-person team is only forty dollars, and there will be plenty to eat and drink and cash prizes to the top three teams.
The Carmi Rotary club meets every Thursday at noon at the First United Methodist Church on Main Street in Carmi. Anyone wishing to learn more about this civic organization is welcome to attend a meeting or speak with any Carmi Rotarian.
