Osceola Public Library Board focuses on the future of the community

You’re probably reading this on a mobile device or your computer, but if you think about the first book or the first truly engaging reading experience you had as a child, it likely took place in your local public library. While technology has posed some unique challenges to libraries, Osceola’s public library board has been making changes to help strengthen their connection with the community and build a stronger future for everyone in Osceola and Clarke County. In an upcoming November vote, you can help, too.

Aric Bishop, Osceola Public Library’s new Director, sees these challenges precisely for what they are: challenges. “If history proves anything about the value of libraries,” said Bishop. “It’s that reading creates connections and connections create community. And that’s a big part of our library board’s vision.”

Bishop, who has been director for just under a year, has been an integral part of much of the recent activities directed by the library board. From scheduling events focused on giving children full days of fun throughout the summer to hosting meetings for local organizations and developing interesting, educational functions to engage all ages; he knows the library needs to be a center-point of community, communications, and education. But he’s quick to admit, the strength of the Osceola Public Library and the decades of impact it’s had on the community lands squarely on the shoulders of the tirelessly driven library board members and volunteers.

Osceola’s current library board consists of five members; President, Mike Boldon, Vice President, Terry Jacobsen, Secretary, Deb Adams, Treasurer, Carrie Danley, and Todd Thompson rounding out the team in an At-Large position. In addition to the official members of the board, four ex-officio representatives also help with carrying out the organization’s directives. Those representatives are Linda Emary, Barry Mateer, Beth Oshel, and Diane Shough.

“I can’t emphasize enough the value these nine have to the library and its future,” said board president Mike Boldon. “Without them, much of the progress made for our library and our community wouldn’t have been possible.”

One of the most impactful changes Boldon spoke of when reflecting on the achievements of the team during his tenure was the development of the Jimmy Dean Children’s library which required considerable independent fundraising and coordination from the board to make possible. In the 1990’s, when federal guidelines for ADA compliance were enacted, the library board jumped into action to make sure accommodations including handicap parking and accessible drinking fountains throughout the library were addressed. Funding these updates required over $250,000 which was made up from grants and donations, again, raised through the board, ex-officio members, and the dedicated efforts of past Library Director Joyce Turner.

With the formation of the Osceola Library Foundation, donations and gifts made to the library were given formal management and direction to help fund a future library building. But that, too, requires member commitment and officers to manage. With the existing five-member board, the required commitment of each member becomes quite involved and makes the ex-officio and volunteer involvement more necessary than ever.

Boldon went on to emphasize the value of the extended involvement of the ex-officio positions as community representatives in library activities, especially as representation for rural Clarke County.

“We know our library means a lot to the city of Osceola,” said Boldon. “But making sure our service reaches as far into our rural community as possible is important to its future success.”

In November a resolution to change the structure of the Osceola library board will be put up for a community vote. This resolution will officially change the structure of the existing five-member board to include the ex-officio positions, making a nine-member library board.

“While the resolution seems like a minor issue,” said Boldon. “The vote helps restructure our ex-officio member involvement with the library officially adding voice and value to our growing community.”

For decades, the library has been operating with a team that has proven its worth in leadership, progress, and growth, positively impacting the entire community. In November the Osceola Public Library Board members are looking to the community to vote for a resolution to make that team a full and permanent force for the future of the Osceola Public Library and the future of the community.

If you have questions pertaining to the Osceola Public Library board activities or the upcoming resolution, you can reach out to the Osceola Public Library board President, Mike Boldon, at 300 S. Fillmore St. Osceola, IA  50213, Phone: 641-342-2538, or E-Mail: osceolalib@osceola.lib.ia.us.