By Kate McCardell

Published: March 27, 2008

The Jackson County Public Library system has gained new allies in its efforts to enhance its offerings to area readers.
The recently-appointed Jackson County Library Board met Thursday afternoon in its second meeting to discuss its role as a board that will make recommendations to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners as representatives of the local library system.
Currently, the appointees to the board are: Glenda Sue Bradley, president; Nadine Standland, vice-president; Pat Simpson, secretary; Faye Chandler, treasurer; Pam Kitching; Henry Smith; and Tina VanFleet. JoAnn Roundtree, director of the library, serves as ex-officio member of the board.
The board’s current agenda includes the development of a Historical Heritage Reading Room at the main library branch in Marianna on Green Street; a possible book sale; and reviews of the Book Mobile and volunteer programs.
With input from BOCC liaison Pam Pichard, the group set a date to appear before commissioners at the April 22 commission meeting, where they will request funding to continue flooring improvements at the main branch.
The state budget cut was a noted setback at the meeting, meaning the board may face the challenge of less funding for book purchases and no funding for new programs.
While funding for basic necessities for the library is a responsibility of the county, explained Jan Pollar, funding for “extras” such as children’s programs will be bolstered by the Friends of the Library, of which Pollar is the chairperson.
The Friends is a volunteer group that faded off for a while, but is now back, with four board members recently stepping up to the plate, she said.
The group is hoping to have 25 members by June, and 100 members by the end of the year, with membership dues collected each January.
Those interested in joining Friends of the Library may call the main branch, at 482-9631.
Meetings of the Jackson County Library Board, which are open to the public, will be announced in the community calendar of the Jackson County Floridan and other publications.