State Funding for Library Operations Still A Major Concern
by Teresa P. Haymore
 
With the great news about library construction comes some bad news also. The Governor is still proposing a 5% cut for all state agencies (public libraries included) for fiscal year 2005, beginning July 1st.
 
The Mountain Regional Library System has already suffered a loss of over $46,000 in state funding over the past 2 years. Another $46,000 will be lost in fiscal year 2005, if these cuts are sustained. Serious ramifications are expected to take place regarding library service to our citizens if funding is not restored, including the loss of ALL book and magazine purchasing funds, fewer hours of operation and fewer services such as PINES lending. Please notify your legislators of these dire consequences affecting YOUR library.
 
Library Legislative Day
by Teresa P. Haymore
 
On the morning of February 12th, five dedicated library advocates traveled to Atlanta to speak up for our library system. Members of the Fannin, Towns & Union County FOL's, trustees of the library board and library staff members spent the day voicing our concerns about the recent and proposed budget cuts that have and will affect our services to the public. Over 200 citizens were in attendance for this important opportunity to communicate with our legislators "face to face". We were able to present a list of library issues and a copy of the drawing of the proposed new Fannin County Public Library to those legislators we were able to talk with (David Ralston, Bill Stephens, Carol Jackson, Charles Jenkins and Jack White). They maintained that the upcoming year will be another tough one. We are facing VERY serious reductions that WILL affect library service and PINES. Visits to the Capitol are important, but please take a moment to write to our legislators and tell them the value of our public libraries in Georgia. It does make a difference!
Meet Our New Librarian
by Jean Graig
 
Friends of the Library is proud to be working with Susie Brendle, who is now the head librarian of Union County Public Library. Susie is full of life and vision for the library. Since Susie has been working at UCPL for some time before she became the head librarian, she probably already knows most folks. Friends of the Library partially supported Susie with the Wilma Ash Scholarship Fund for her school tuition when she was studying library science. If you have not yet met Susie, please stop by and introduce yourself! You'll be glad you did for she will reward you with her beautiful smile and helpful spirit!
Wilma Ash Retirement Reception
by Jane Thompson
 
The Friends of the Library gave Wilma a retirement reception in the multipurpose room of the library on December 27, 2003. (Photos are posted on our web site.)  The FOL presented Wilma with a special donation to SAFE House in her honor and John Nichols, chairman of the Mountain Regional Library Board of Trustees presented her with a plaque commemorating her forty years with the State of Georgia. and the library system.
 
Wilma began her library career at the Mt. Regional Library and came to the Union County Public Library Feb. 6, 1989 and remained until her retirement. We will all miss Wilma, not only for the good job she has always done but for her loyal dedication to the library system and willingness to work. She will continue to work part time at the Mountain Regional Library.
 
Many thanks to Virginia Felker and Fran Scanlon-Sills for hosting this lovely affair and to the many Friends who helped by providing the refreshments for the event that was well attended by family, friends, and co-workers.
 
Congratulations to you, Wilma....Enjoy your well deserved retirement.
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