Library Board Approves Agreement w/Unit 40 Regarding After School Program

The Effingham Public Library board has approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Unit 40 school district regarding the library's after-school program.

Under the agreement, Unit 40 will transport district students participating in the after-school program. Also, the library will receive use of the Hearts Rock Cafe at Effingham High School three times per year for events. In exchange, the library will give school district teachers and staff members that don't live in the city and their families cards allowing free use of the library and its services. 

The library board also discussed their next step in their strategic planning process toward a goal of expanding the library service area. The Board is seeking grant funds to help finance the cost of a consultant to assist in the process. 

Library Director Amanda McKay said they are looking at conducting one-on-one and small group conversations. McKay said they want to find out what are the respondents views as both opportunities and challenges facing the Effingham community, as well as how the library could help address those issues.