"A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people." Andrew Carnegie
I spent an hour volunteering at the WDM Library Concierge Desk recently. As President of the Board of Trustees, this is just one way that I am able to directly engage in the work of the library. Although the Board of Trustees meets every third Tuesday of the month, to transact important business, connecting with the day-to-day operations of the library is important to understanding more fully what goes on inside the walls at 4000 Mills Civic Parkway.
As a mayor-appointed position, my service on the WDMPL Board of Trustees is guided by an obligation to understand the mission and vision of our public library. That is why it has been my honor and my pleasure to lead this seven-member Board of passionate and highly competent individuals. We are committed to the growth and well-being of all the members of our library community. Our interests lie solely in the interests of others - the library staff, the Director, our patrons, and the City of West Des Moines. We are faithful stewards of the library, responsibly cooperating with the Director in determining and adopting policies governing the operation and program of the library and assisting in the preparation and seeking adequate support for the annual library budget.
I will be back at the Concierge Desk this week. Then after the 6-8 week closure for the final stage of renovation, I look forward to extending a "welcome back" to patrons. Until then, like you, I will be using curbside service - and feeling very grateful to be able to continue to enjoy the many library resources available to entertain, inspire and inform.
Mary Brooks, President, Board of Trustees
West Des Moines Public Library