By Monica Tidyman
The library recently lost two big supporters; Eleanor Hatfield and Carolyn Ekstrand. Eleanor Hatfield was a part of the library building committee back in 1990’s for the new building. The first time I presented a report to the Stromsburg Women’s Civic Improvement Club she asked me how I was taking care of HER library (and that was not the last time she asked me that.) Eleanor was very proud of her contribution to helping with the new building project. Eleanor visited the library as recently as this spring.
Carolyn Ekstrand was an avid user of the library and an ardent supporter. She regularly checked out materials from the library, donated items to library displays, used the libraries die-cut machine to make May Day baskets for the Telehealth children from Cross County Schools and every so often she would ask, “Have you made any plans for the basement?” She kept her finger on what was happening at the library and attended most of our adult programs.
As we lose ardent supporters and friends of the library like Carolyn and Eleanor I want to encourage others to get involved at the library. Our Friends of the Stromsburg Public Library could use more active participants and someone willing to take on a leadership role. The Stromsburg Public Library Foundation, a separate group, is needing two more board members. The Foundation meets just once a year right now and holds special meetings if I have requests that come up during the year. The Friends of the Library meet as needed, volunteer for library programs and support the library through donations. If you have questions about either of these groups please talk to me.
While we lose supporters, we also gain. The library has handed out 16 new library cards just this summer. With the growth of book focused accounts on both TikTok and Instagram the interest of younger people in books and libraries is experiencing great growth.
The library is still looking for an Assistant Librarian, stop by the library for a job description and application. Sunni’s last day will be Tuesday evening, we are sad to see her go and wish her well in her new venture.
