by Lizzie Gburek

Library Director

director@lwjlibrary.info

August is underway, and summer has moved along so fast! The summer reading program ends August 2. Thanks to all of our sponsors for donating and all of our participants for reading. It has been a wonderful summer and a great pleasure to see all of our bright young readers have a lot of fun with reading this summer.

As some of you know, this spring, I graduated with my Master’s degree in library and information studies. I am leaving the library in mid-August to pursue a full-time opportunity in a school that will allow me to pursue a career path that I have always wished to follow. I want to thank you all for being so welcoming over the past year and a few months. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, and I wouldn’t trade this time for anything. I feel that I have grown so much, and I will always appreciate this community and this library. It has been a pleasure getting to know you all. Thank you all so very much for your kindness. With that being said, the Lettie W. Jensen Library needs a new director, and you’ll find details elsewhere in this issue. Please apply if you are interested or share the news with anyone you feel may be a good fit for the job.

August’s book club meeting is at 3 p.m. at the library on Wednesday, August 16. August’s book is The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. The publisher’s summary of it is:

“Author Erik Larson imbues the incredible events surrounding the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair with such drama that readers may find themselves checking the book’s categorization to be sure that ‘The Devil in the White City’ is not, in fact, a highly imaginative novel. Larson tells the stories of two men: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect responsible for the Fair’s construction, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor.

“Burnham’s challenge was immense. In a short period of time, he was forced to overcome the death of his partner and numerous other obstacles to construct the famous ‘White City’ around which the Fair was built. His efforts to complete the project, and the fair’s incredible success, are skillfully related along with entertaining appearances by such notables as Buffalo Bill Cody, Susan B. Anthony, and Thomas Edison.

“The activities of the sinister Dr. Holmes, who is believed to be responsible for scores of murders around the time of the Fair, are equally remarkable. He devised and erected the World’s Fair Hotel, complete with crematorium and gas chamber, near the fairgrounds and used the event as well as his own charismatic personality to lure victims.”

Lego Night is scheduled for August 9 and August 23 at 6 p.m. Please feel free to join us at the library and build some amazing creations.

Please remember that the library has implemented the Physical Literacy Lending Program, where we offer outdoor recreational equipment for library users. If you are interested in the program, please stop at the library and we can check out some amazing equipment to you.

Thank you all again for being an amazing community to work with; I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you.

Help Wanted:

Library Director

The Lettie W. Jensen Library of Amherst is seeking a dedicated, creative, and energetic person to be our next part-time Director.

Our community-centered library serves a village population of 1,100 and a service area of 3,500. We focus on service to our patrons and strive to create a welcoming experience for readers of all ages. The Village of Amherst is located in Portage County between the cities of Stevens Point and Waupaca.

The applicant selected will be responsible for all management tasks related to the operation of our rural library. It is recommended to have completed 54 college semester credits and be eligible or willing to take the required courses for Grade 3 library certification in the state of Wisconsin.

Candidates must have: Knowledge of preparing and implementing a budget; ability to supervise a small staff; a demonstrated commitment to professional development; proficient technology experience; excellent organizational skills; interpersonal oral and written communication skills; enjoy developing programs for residents of all ages; maintenance and safety of building and grounds; and be dependable and flexible. This position is paid hourly, 14 to 18 hours per week (not to exceed 20 hours per week), and pay will be dependent on experience and certification. Availability on Mondays (9 to 5 p.m.) and Wednesdays (1 to 8 p.m.) are required with this position, with some flexibility to cover other positions as needed (ie: occasional Saturdays). Limited benefits are available with this position.

To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter addressed to the Library Board, résumé (must include education), and three professional references to:

Library Director Position

Attn: Aralda Bell

P.O. Box 204

Amherst, WI 54406

Email: babell@wi-net.com

Position is open until filled.