Relationships

Positive Connections Matter
We welcome home Sgt. Brent Annen from his second tour in Iraq. He is the husband of our Adult Services Director, Alexandra Tyle-Annen. And we bid farewell to long-time employee Mary Woolley who retired from her position in Outreach Services.

We nurture relationships - with our family, friends, colleagues, and with our customers. They are important. When welcoming new employees or recognizing the dedication of ones that leave I find myself continually noting the *family* we have created among our staff and acknowledging how it comes back to the relationships we initiate and foster, at every stage in our lives. Whether bidding farewell to a retiree or teen employee now leaving for college or welcoming new staff, customers, or friends coming home - making positive connections matter.

Known for our personal and friendly service, Homer Library has mostly long-time staff. I think this says something very good about our library. With proactive management and supportive trustees we have created a wonderful *team* who enjoy their jobs, look forward to assisting customers, and has great synergy with fellow colleagues and community members. There is a saying, "walk in our door and you are a friend" and that is true at Homer Library.

Changes
Change has led to wonderful growth at Homer Library. You will see expanded services and additions this coming year as we use grant awards, sponsorships, and Friends funding to develop a new *teen scene* nook, wii area, add or update computers, and begin our newest collection of DVD movies. We're listening to our users - that's you - and building more relationships, so you will find even more value @ your library this year.

Your Support is Needed
Please note that our space issues have not changed - we need a new building and the funding to support it soon. We are tax-capped and have lost more than one million dollars in funding over the past ten years. The library is tight in space for people and books, there are parking limitations, etc. So yes, at a future point in time we must address a referendum question. That is a certainty. And with your support we will continue to provide the best for you and the fast-growing Homer community.

p.s. Your donation of any DVD to help build the new movie collection will be greatly appreciated!