LETTERS: Library account
To the Editor:
I was appalled when I read the comments from the city commissioner's about wanting to take over the library checking account, bookkeeping, and have the city officials give the library approval vouchers.
Mayor Mueller said we misunderstood and that the city doesn't want to take over, yeah right! What do you call it if you have to get approval vouchers for every purchase that is made, other than "in control?"
Why do we need a middleman to get approval for any purchases that is made for the library? We have a library board that is doing the exact same thing and a librarian that is doing a wonderful job. If proper records are being kept and audits are being completed with no discrepancies being found I can't see any reason for the city to be overseers of the library's money. This money has been raised thru donations, memorials designated for the library, and fines that have been collected, all intended for the library, not the city. The amount of money left in the library's checking account is there because of wise decisions and good money management that has been done by the library board and librarian and once again not by the city.
I can't imagine anyone spending as many hours or working as hard on any project as Janet Marler has. After doing such a wonderful job with the renovation of the depot into our new library you should be proud of the job that has been done instead of saying you want to take control now. I know it said the commissioners thought it would be a money-saving effort, but what expense are we really talking about, the amount that is paid for a bookkeeper and the expense for a separate account is so minimal it's offensive that you would even suggest such a plan as a money-saving device.
How many of the city commissioners have been there working alongside all the volunteers at any of our fund-raisers? I don't mean as a member of your church, I mean as a city official taking the time for a well worth project and pitching in and working. I'm not positive (I am getting older and tend to be getting more forgetful) but I really don't remember seeing any of you in the kitchen at the benefit dinners, at the book sales, selling food and drinks in the park at summer events, or selling bricks. Or how about when it was over 90 degrees several weeks ago when we were moving boxes of books from the old library to the new. Where were you guys then, but now you want to oversee the money and how it is being spent and have the librarian receive your blessing each time a purchase is made??? Give me a break. Back off and let the library board do the job they were intended to do and have been doing and quit trying to micromanage.
The money that was raised was a community project. And thru lots and lots of hard work and wonderful people in our community pulling together for a worthwhile project that will affect more people in our community than anything else I can think of is becoming a reality. The dream of renovating the old depot into a new library is finally becoming a reality. It looks great and I'm excited about the prospect of taking my grandchildren to discover the new facility.
I think we should commend Janet Marler, her family who backed her mission, and the library board for all their countless hours they have spent and for a job well done. Thanks to all of you for making a dream become a reality.
Joan Winter
Marion
