Imagine More @ Your Library

Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence in Services to a growing community

Public libraries have evolved dramatically over the years. As we celebrate our 25th year of service we encourage you to ASK @ Your Library for what you need to enhance our value to you. Homer Library continues to strive to be user-centered and stay essential and meaningful to you. This means encouraging your participation and dialogue, reaching out to new users in new ways, and creating community. Your communication will ensure that we are on track with our goal to be a vital and convenient community center. As our management team and trustees undertakes long range planning we continue to ask: What do you want to see here? How can we make the library a destination point for you? How can we assist you better in the area of remote access? What programs, collections, services, etc. would you and your family benefit from? Help keep the user at the heart of library services - community conversation is essential for this to happen.

ASK @ Your Library
More than ever the library continues to be a gathering place and a safe haven where information can be accessed by every person in our community. Our commitment continues to provide the opportunities that enrich the quality of your life with educational programs, inspirational materials, entertainment, information and essential services. We urge you in 2008 to take advantage of everything we have to offer @ the Homer Township Public Library!

We'll see you at the Library!

What Do You Do For a Living? The Librarian's Challenge

I often attend business networking events, community meetings, evenings with friends, and what we used to refer to as "cocktail parties" but today are more relaxed social get-togethers. All are excellent opportunities to meet new people, network, and have an interesting discussion on topics of the day.

Invariably, one of the first questions faced upon meeting someone is, "What do you do for a living?" In the past I would simply answer that I am a librarian. And what was the typical response to that? It was often like seeing a shutter drop over someone's face. Can you say "stereotype?"

It became my personal challenge - to NOT be labeled in a split second or reduced or dismissed in any fashion because of the word "librarian." I am a librarian; passionate about libraries and community service. It is a shame that some people (even today) have no clue about what we do as librarians. It is a challenge librarians face.

A Librarian's Pride
Recently, I gave a presentation at the Homer Township Chamber of Commerce Business Luncheon. I told them the story of how people reacted when told my profession. I used the opportunity and asked the business members to consider this:

What if I had responded that I am the Executive Director of a $1.6 million dollar business, open seven days a week with 30 employees, serving 600 customers daily? Impressive, yes? Well that is what I answer today. I am proud to be a librarian, information specialist, and library director.

By stating my occupation with more description I believe some stereotypes are erased and people are more open to understand exactly what I do. I have been approached more by businesses since that presentation, and my library has coordinated new opportunities and partnerships where previously none existed. Homer Library is my business!

Stereotypes
Challenge or erase someone's stereotype of what a librarian is today. Have your library become a member of the local Chamber of Commerce. Encourage your staff to become involved. Attend community networking events. Be a presence, become a member of a committee, run for trustee, and bring your library to the table. Every librarian needs to be more proactive in our communities and advocate our roles. You won't be sorry you did.

p.s.
To the people who do understand our profession and are advocates for libraries today: THANK YOU!

Grant Awards Stretch a Tax-capped Budget

We are excited. And happy. And proud to announce that the Homer Township Public Library has just received three LSTA grant awards, totaling $108,900.

241 Illinois libraries were awarded FY08 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants totaling $3.9 million. Our library submitted three grant projects that received funding. We extend our appreciation to Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White and to our state officials who continue to recognize the value and importance of LSTA funding for Illinois Libraries. Read Secretary of State Jesse White's press release here. Library pictures are posted here.

Pictured: Sara McCambridge (Assistant Director), Sheree Kozel-La Ha (Library Director), and Alex Tyle-Annen (Adult Services Director) holding three grant checks at an Illinois State Library reception.

Tax caps equal 'less' for Homer residents
Grants supplement our tax-capped budget. Homer Library has lost more than one million dollars in revenue due to tax caps over the past ten years. That's correct, over one million dollars! Think of how that money could have benefited citizens, both young and old, who use the library (600 daily) for their educational and recreational use. It's quite a significant loss. Homer Library has never had a tax rate increase in our 25-year history. In fact, tax caps continue to erode our current rate.

Grant Funding - why it helps...
Grant funding allows us to go that extra mile for our customers, to try new and innovative programs, and to provide more in collections and specialty programming. Through grant support we have initiated programs to fund family art projects, supported children's literacy with reading to therapy dogs, developed a new collection of Polish and Spanish materials, purchased a bookmobile, and much more. Great community services that we envision can come to life. Library staff pro-actively seeks outside funding. The truth is- we write successful grants to provide the best in services, programs, and collections for you.

YOU are the heart of library services
We seek your input and are listening to you - our customer. The Library continues to evolve and change. Our goal is to keep the library essential and meaningful to you. This means encouraging your participation and dialogue, reaching out to new users in new ways, and creating community. We need your communication to ensure the library remains vital and convenient.

We continue to ask: What do you want to see here? How can we make the library a destination point for you? How can we assist you better in the area of remote access? What programs, collections, services, etc. would you and your family benefit from? Help me keep the user at the heart of library services - community conversation is essential for this to happen.

Celebrating Life's Changes

I watch my children change and grow daily. Time goes by so fast, in both our personal and professional lives. I have been a librarian for many years and observed many innovations. The phrase, "you aren't in Kansas, anymore" comes readily to mind when I think of what libraries used to be and where they are headed. My Homer community, once quite rural, and my local library have seen intense change, including staggering growth. Homer Library celebrates 25 years of excellence in service this year.

Roles Add Meaning to Our Lives
The past shapes us. Roles that I enjoy (some past, many current) include: library director, writer, art teacher, consultant, neverending student, public librarian, grant teacher, mentor, synergist, Chamber of Commerce president, Nature Foundation board member, ILEBP trustee, blogger, mother, wife, partner, and friend.

All of these responsibilities, opportunities, and achievements have molded and placed me at this exact moment in my life. I feel great contentment and delight in each day. As the director of a pro-active public library we remain cutting edge even with a flat budget. Creative and dedicated staff makes the difference along with strong partnerships and outreach; all support our goal to provide the best in services. Just like my children constantly amaze and make me proud, so too, does my library staff and my positive work as director and community advocate.

Find Your Passion!
I am happy and satisfied on so many levels, both personal and professional. Each day comes to me as an opportunity to help others. I enjoy my children, family and lovely friends, and work hard at a job I simply love. Life is about choice and finding your passion. Surround yourself with work you enjoy, people who matter to you, who care about you in return, and take good care of them and of your extended community. This is a gift I give to myself daily and a responsibility I take seriously.

Be Happy & Put Yourself Out There
I hope you have your own moments of reflection. I am a better person for my community service efforts and for the time that I give to others, to simply share my own personal bounty and joy. As a parent, librarian, colleague and friend, I am proud that I can make a difference, and that I do. Isn't that what life is all about?

Four Communities Read Together!

BIG READ Grant Awarded

Four libraries: Homer Township Public Library District, Orland Park Public Library, Frankfort Public Library District, and the Tinley Park Public Library, with the Daily Southtown News as partner have joined together and will receive a grant to support BIG READ programs. Funded by the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) these programs will be held in September and October 2007.

We plan to create a fun "community vibe" by offering unique programs based on the book, The MALTESE FALCON, and the mystery genre. We encourage you to read this classic book and enjoy the many exciting events. We have something for everyone: kids, teens, adults, and seniors to enjoy and participate in. Check out more details on the BIG READ web site which Homer Library staff created. We are proud to be a key grant writer of this successful proposal and pleased to work with our neighboring libraries in coordinating this program.

The BIG READ, launched nationally in 2006 by the NEA, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Arts Midwest, encourages literary reading by asking communities to come together to read and discuss a single book. Our four community libraries have coordinated programs to enhance the “one book, one community” feel.

Mystery Night on Sept. 28

Each community will have a featured mystery event and Homer Library kicks it off with an interactive mystery night on September 28th at 7pm. Someone will be murdered....by ? Join us for a great evening! This is a limited event so call (708) 301-7908 and reserve your tickets today!

Events for Everyone!
Other BIG READ events include:
** performances by The Mystery Shop at each library as kick-off events;
** a keynote by Julie Rivett, granddaughter of author Dashiell Hammett;
** exhibits from the Hammett Archive, including first editions;
** book discussions at a variety of locations and languages;
** author events with mystery writers such as M. Black, J. Hyzy, etc.;
** an Amateur Mystery Film Festival created by high school students;
** a visit from mystery children’s author Carole Marsh;
** a live CLUE! game for teens; and
** a mystery bookmark and creative writing contest.

The Maltese Falcon Movie Event

In a final program for the BIG READ, the classic film The Maltese Falcon with Humphrey Bogart will be shown twice at Marcus Theaters in Orland Park with an introduction by Daily Southtown film critic Josh Larsen. We hope you will join us! Book discussion, mystery nights, author programs, writing contests, boomark contests, exhibits and more @ Homer Township Library!

Teen E*N*E*R*G*Y* Leadership Academy Receives Award

The Homer Township Library is proud to receive a Young Adult Library Association (YALSA) Excellence in Library Service to Young Adults Award for our Teen ENERGY Leadership Academy.

This project was designed by the Homer Library Adult Service Director Alexandra Tyle (pictured at left) and consisted of ten months of quality, educational (and fun!) programs, workshops, and events designed to promote young adult leadership. The teens attained skills that will be utilized throughout their life, including undertaking a component of community service hours.

We have seen a dramatic increase in youth using the library and we are both proud and pleased to receive recognition through YALSA, as well as in our local press for our pro-active teen programming. Congratulations to Alex and to the Homer Library Staff for their dedication to this exciting new program for young adults in Homer Township!

I am In the News!

Triblocal has just run an article about "Get to know...Sheree Kozel-La Ha!" Read all about it here. Our many customers are loving Tribune's new online home news, which also gets combined into a weekly paper edition for customers. Thank you for the press, Triblocal!

Roadway Improvements on 151st Street

Several months ago, I represented the library at a meeting with local officials including the Village of Homer Glen and our neighbors Homer Township, the Highway Department, and Woodbine Golf Course to discuss improvements to 151st Street. There are several roadway areas designated to improve and 151st Street was discussed as a priority. With the commitment and collaboration between all of us, these improvements are now underway.

151st Street changes include widening the roadway in front of the Homer Library and the addition of new turning lanes into both the Library and the Township/Sports Complex road. These lanes will greatly reduce the traffic congestion on 151st Street, especially during peak after-school hours and during busy Saturday sport activities and library events.

LEADERSHIP & COLLABORATION

We thank the Village of Homer Glen, Homer Township, and the Highway Department for coordinating the planning and work effort that provides such a direct benefit to our residents, including library customers! This is a wonderful example of various community entities working together to improve a roadway issue.

Bookmobile receives "Best Impression" Award

Homer Township Public Library District bookmobile made the "Best Impression" and won the award at a bookmobile roundup.

Nine bookmobiles from Chicago area libraries were on display at a meeting held at Indian Trails Public Library in Wheeling.

The Homer bookmobile was noted for its eye catching exterior graphics, the bright and welcoming interior, as well as its neatness and cleanliness.




Books on the Go!
Bookmobile Manager Jody Olivieri (pictured at right) was pleased to represent the Homer community and to receive the award.

Congratulations to Jody and the Homer Library team for their hard work and commitment to provide the best in outreach services to the growing Homer Community!

Happy Independence Day!

The Homer Library Bookmobile was featured in the Homer Township and Homer Glen Independence Day Parade.

We were honored to have the local Home Depot team create a giant book float that showcased the library improvements (pictured left). Although it was a rainy day, smiles were evident and we enjoyed participating!

PR for the HOMER HORIZON NEWS
And lastly a shout out to the local Homer Horizon newspaper, which is now proudly on the web! Jenny Korb the editor notes, "you can not only read and search stories and photos (which will be updated almost daily), and view videos, you can also post your own calendar listings, news, features and sports stories/briefs, photos and videos, chat on message boards/reader forums, etc. "

So if you have a moment, please check out the new Homer Horizon Web site at http://www.homerian.com/, and also feel free to start posting-the more interactive we are with the Web site, the better it will be. They will pull stories and photos from the Web site for use in the paper, so it will gain your event, story, photo or opinion even more exposure-and the Web site is also a great way to let residents know about events or listings that couldn't make it into their print version by deadline.

My Baby Turns 1!

Happy Birthday Bookmobile!

We are celebrating the first year of bookmobile service at the Homer Township Public Library! This exciting outreach initiative brings library services and materials directly into our extensive Homer community. Happy first birthday Bookmobile!

Check out the fun pictures we have been posting of customers celebrating on the Rolling Library Branch.

Grants bring more to our community!
The Homer Library received a $150,000 grant award and the process of building a new state-of-the-art bookmobile bus began. Grant funding is a high priority. Successful grants fund new services, collections and programs for our fast-growing community. This is especially important as your Homer Library continues to operate at the original tax rate established 25-years ago, without any tax increase, ever.

I write many grants. Amazing things come from grant monies, including funding for: eight computers loaded with educational software, a Senior Health and Financial Fair, new Polish and Spanish materials, outreach to local businesses, free business and computer classes, and many more wonderful programs, books, and services. The bookmobile has a special place in my heart and is a fine example of an innovative service that without grant support could not have been undertaken. Our bus is simply amazing and I hope you will see (and enjoy!) it first-hand.

What's new on the bus?
Bookmobile Manager Jody Olivieri and library staff have done an outstanding job to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Rolling Library usage continues to rise thanks to all of YOU. New this summer the bookmobile will be featuring Stories in the Park and a Summer Reading Club. Other Summer Fun weekly events include: Wear Your Crazy Hat, Sports Fans, Bring Your Pet Aboard, and Christmas in July!

Come aboard to see what we can do for you.
And always feel free to tell me what's on your mind. I'd love to hear from you!

An Open Letter to Homer Residents

Internet @ Your Library
We live in a global information society and the Internet offers a world of information online. It also poses challenges and concerns. The Homer Township Public Library has developed many policies and procedures with the goal of patron safety in mind. Recently, an Internet filtering bill - House Bill (HB) 1727 - has garnered much discussion.

Parents make the best "filter"
Our library does not employ technological filters. Our Internet Use Policy requires the best possible filter of all: monitoring by a parent or legal guardian. Children under age 13 are not allowed to use the Internet without a parent or guardian present. Every child under age 18 must have a parent/legal guardian come into the library and sign an Internet use permission form. To ensure a positive and productive experience we encourage parents and their children to explore the Internet - and Library - together. We consider that the best way to protect children.

What is HB 1727 and why is it important?
Whether we choose to use filters or not- HB 1727 would give the state the power to over-ride the decisions of those you elect and require all libraries to use filtering technology. The Homer Township Public Library - which serves 30,000 patrons - has a duly elected Board of Trustees comprised of residents in our community. Local library boards, such as ours, make informed decisions. Policy and procedures are thoughtfully discussed, carefully drafted, and put into place. Those you duly elect and all library staff are vigilant about online safety.

This topic can be an emotional one. While I believe professionally that we operate safely and effectively without filters, many of you may not share that opinion. Filters do not work perfectly. They are effective in blocking content from legitimate and valuable sites as well as inappropriate ones. They can be compromised. Other bills such as HB 660 and Senate Bill (SB) 1472 would mandate schools to teach Internet safety to students. Isn't that a better option?

I ask you to consider these questions:
-By adding filters would children truly be more "safe" than the policy we currently enforce?
-Would filters help or hinder information access?
-Would filters offer a false sense of security?
-Would an educational initiative - funded by the General Assembly - be a better alternative?
-Do you want laws blocking information access or private filtering companies choosing for you what information is best for you to see?

What do you think, Homer Residents?
We have displayed posters and bookmarks about filtering talking points for the IL library community at large. We want to extend community awareness of this proposed state law and the possible negative impact here at your library. Whether we filter or not, we've made a commitment to continue to offer training on how to navigate the Internet safely and responsibly - for parents, teens and youth. Programs assist parents to be more tech savvy, as well as to help educate youngsters on how to evaluate information and choose wisely when online.

Tell us what you think about the topic of filtering and HB 1727. I invite you to contact me directly by email, phone (708) 301-1078 or attend a library board meeting.
We value community comment and the opportunity to discuss important issues, so please take a moment and give me your view.

Sincerely,
Sheree Kozel-La Ha, MLS

CICADAS...They're B*A*C*K!

The Cicada Project
In anticipation of the 17-year cicada bug invasion we have two unique initiatives underway. The first documents cicada stories on our new cicada blog. The second is a contest series on a new cicada flickr site. We need your help!

In a land far, far away...
The Homer Township Public Library has visitors! Nine jade cicadas have made the long journey from Hong Kong to our library. Their special trip to Homer Township was made to meet new friends and greet their Illinois cicada pals as they emerge from living underground. It has been a long seventeen years since they have seen their friends! They have much catching up to do!

Our Hong Kong visitors are using our library to research about their red-eyed winged periodical cicada pals. They're also using our library computers to email their family back home! Help our Hong Kong cicadas document their vacation by taking pictures of their periodical cicada pals!

Tell us your cicada stories and send us your pictures!
Visit thecicadaproject.blogspot.com/ and tell us about your very first cicada siting, or any cool story that you have about cicadas.

Email your photos to homerlibrary@gmail.com. The library will post your pictures on The Cicada Project flickr photo site located at http://www.flickr.com/photos/thecicadaproject/
All photographs will be considered for the Cicada Awards!

CICADA AWARDS
Win one of the following categories and you'll have a chance to take one of our jade Hong Kong cicadas home!

Best Photo
Most Unique Location
Funniest Photo
Most Terrifying Photo
Most Cicadas on a Person
Best Pose
Funniest Location
Grossest Photo
Most Cicadas

Please do not hurt any cicadas during the creation of your photographs. If the information is available, provide us with the date and place of the photograph, plus any other interesting information. Join the fun!

Food for thought: where will you be in 2024, when they return again?

Breakfast with Mayor Jim Daley

Welcome Mayor Daley

We have a newly elected Mayor for the Village of Homer Glen.

Mayor Jim Daley, in office for only seven days, was guest speaker at today's Homer Township Chamber of Commerce breakfast event. Almost 60 Chamber members, as well as library administrative staff, were in attendance to welcome Mayor Daley. He gave a well-received message about making positive connections with all Chamber and Township members.

The Homer Township Library has been an active chamber member for many years. I am a current Chamber Trustee and served as Chamber of Commerce President in 2005.

The Library has developed a great relationship with both the Village of Homer Glen and the Chamber of Commerce. Through effective collaboration we offer more to our fast-growing community with quality programs and classes.

We officially welcome Mayor Jim Daley!

Library Passion or Experience?

Which would you choose to hire, someone who is passionate about their work or someone with experience?

I am sure the responses will be mixed. As a library director I have hired both types of people. What I have found is that people with a passion for what they do often go that extra mile. The passion or energy they feel for their work helps them to assimilate more easily what the may need to learn. I now rate passion (or enthusiasm, zeal, excitement, etc.) as equally necessary as someone with solid skills. Boring resumes that tell me only of past experience leave me cold. I want to see powerful statements and ownership of career choices. I want a glimpse into future plans.

One applicant's statement simply said, "I feel great passion for books, libraries and the people who read and use them. I want to make a difference." Wow. That was what I was looking for. And the person matched that statement and did an excellent job. She was a favorite among both client and fellow staff.

Gaming
My son is a perfect example: Brent is passionate about gaming. With anything new he jumps right in and learns as he plays because of his enjoyment for the game, even though it may be difficult. He excites his friends to join the play and is popular because of his enthusiastic nature. You want to be around him, join in, and assist him. This creates a wonderful domino effect, a creative synergy of fun and learning. He has helped to capture my imagination with gaming, too. I now have a persona called Sparo. She is a most daring and inventive warrior!

I am lucky to have a staff who love what they do. They bring a positive energy to all that they touch and it shows. So the next time you hire... ask something more of your candidate. Ask what they feel passionate about in their life and career. And listen closely.

Welcome Heather!
I welcome Heather Colby to the Staff of Homer Library. Heather is our new reference librarian and we are most pleased that she brings such energy and enthusiasn to our excellent team (pictured below). Be sure to stop in soon, say hello and introduce yourself to Heather during your next visit.

Library Staff of the Homer Township Public Library District - 2007

Quote of the day: Find something you love to do and you will never work a day in your life. --Harvey MacKay

Amazing Makeover at the Library!

Wow - what an exciting week! The library had a makeover, courtesy of a great partnership effort with our local Home Depot store.

They have a corporate "community giving" policy that translated into the donation of materials from nine Home Depot stores. More than 37 expert volunteers, (over the course of two days) completed many necessary projects in the public areas of the library. The library looks wonderful and our 600+ daily visitors are so pleased!

EXCITING CHANGES
So what was undertaken? Newly painted interior areas brightened up the library, oak flooring replaced a terribly stained community room carpet, new cabinetry added needed storage, new upholstery replaced torn children's seating, new paneling was installed on the damaged circ desk, etc. These are a few of the many improvements that were completed.

Take a look at the before and after pictures here.

THANK YOU SPONSORS

Local sponsors donated breakfast and lunch items for the many expert volunteers. We thank Costco, Dunkin Donuts, Dominick's Finer Foods, Founders Bank, Jimmy Johns Sandwiches, Starbucks, and the Timber Restaurant at Woodbine for their generosity to support the workers on this project.

TEAM DEPOT - Building Better Communities
And a huge shout out to Home Depot for their courtesy and help. Their slogan "Team Depot - Building Better Communities" says it all. We appreciate their support and commitment to the Homer Community and Homer Library, which serves as the epicenter of information for the community. This project created synergy for a positive community initiative and is a fine example of the wonderful collaboration that abounds if you just seek it out.

Although the library was closed for safety issues on March 1, our bookmobile was on site to serve a steady stream of customers. Library staff also took this opportunity to review and inventory collections. Everyone gave 110% and it shows!

We appreciate Home Depot, their staff, volunteers, and library staff, who donated such energy, time, and commitment to participate - and coordinate - this amazing project. Your library and community Thank You!

E*N*E*R*G*Y* Teen Leadership Program

Our lead program for the Teen Energy Leadership Academy was a resounding success! Participants enjoyed a relaxed "meet and greet" with a DJ, music, loads of activities, and contests to kickoff this innovative academy. Check out the great pictures here.

Energy is the brainchild of Alex Tyle, our Adult Services Director (pictured at right). She has created a unique and energetic program for Homer youth and enthused it with her own vitality. Kudos to Alex. Her positive energy and enthusiasm is quite contagious!

What's next?
Program activities are ongoing for the next several months. A wonderful community element has teens involved with mentoring and assisting in leadership roles in our community. Interested in learning more? Check out the Energy program brochure and event schedule or contact Alex directly.

Recognizing Excellent Staff

I love my job. And I enjoy the people I work with. Their energy and enthusiasm keeps all of us "teamed" in a successful way.

Recently, we lauded all staff and noted those who reached key milestones in their educational life. It is amazing what growth comes from taking a simple class or program, and what synergy it can create. There is some amazing energy that filters among class participants. Our library has been lucky in that our staff brings that positive synergy back to their daily jobs. They listen, network, make suggestions, and point out programs or ideas they gather. New ideas come forward and we all learn a little more and benefit, as does the community.

Thank you Homer Library Staff
Staff step up on a daily basis to do their best for our community. Each person who enters our building gets that personal interest and customer service touch. I read a quote that simply stated: "Walk in our door, and you are our friend." That really applies here at the Homer Library. And it is due to an exceptional staff who simply, "get it!"

New graduates pictured at right:
Pam Lira - BA, Lewis University
Bonnie Lewandowski - LTA, JJC
Carol Wroblewski - LTA, JJC
Carol - MBA, University of Phoenix
Mary Kate Milarczyk - BS, GSU

Congratulations to all of our wonderful staff.
More photos are on our flickr site here.

Synergy
Synergy is the Illinois State Library Leadership Program. This innovative year long program (I am a 2005 graduate!) offers a truly wonderful learning experience. It is life-changing.

Congratulations to Sara for attending and expanding her knowledge base. She is a true leader!

Pictured at left: ISL Synergy Graduate Sara McCambridge, Assistant Director

Resolutions for 2007

We all make them. With the New Year we pledge or promise ourselves to achieve or do more. Set a goal, be specific, and above all be accountable - those are the basic steps of a resolution. Accountability is perhaps the single most important element for success along with taking the time to reflect, review, and get input. Be true and honest in your assessments. If you don't have a community or team behind you, create one. And be accountable to them. Creating a team effort for support is essential.

The Essential Ingredient
Libraries must take these steps, too. We are accountable to the communities we serve. Directors, managers, supervisors, clerks, pages, trustees, volunteers - all of us are "the team" behind making customer service and library goals successfully happen. Like the ingredients in a recipe, we are all necessary.

And what is essential in this recipe for success? Your input. Increasing the community and library dialogue is key; we need your thoughts, comments, and feedback. We want to be more convenient, efficient, and to find ways to serve non-library users. We invite your participation in this process of self-examination. We need your assessment of what we do, and just as important, what we don't do, but should.

Be Our Partner For Success
As we continue our long range planning I urge you to provide input. What do you need, what do you use, what services or programs would serve you well? Maybe you don't use the library. Tell us why or what would specifically help to increase your library visits. We bring the best to the Homer community; help us to expand this role. Your input, conversation, and collaboration will keep Homer Library connected to the community. With your help we will reach out to new users in new ways, and stay vital. Be our partner for success.

Tell me what you really want or think the library should be.
Pick up the phone or email me...as Nike notes: Just Do It!