Metropolis Public Library Coffee Break – President of Board of Trustees Rhonda James and Interim Director Colby Kennedy – WMOK Metropolis 3.7.24

WMOK – Metropolis · Metropolis Public Library Coffee Break – WMOK Metropolis 3.7.24

(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – The Metropolis Public Library joined WMOK this morning for our regularly scheduled Coffee Break.

Board of Trustees President Rhonda James gave us the history of the Library which was started in the 1800s as a women’s book club. In 1913 Andrew Carnegie had a new library built for Metropolis.

James and Interim Director Colby Kennedy discussed the Metropolis Public Library After School Program and library programming going forward, as well as employment opportunities and board openings/appointments.

James spoke regarding how folks can become involved in the library board and discussed recent board business. In follow up to recent board business we did ask James if the 6 Month book log had been turned in by Baxter before her termination and she advised that it had not.

We discussed recent statistics regarding book orders, genre and percentage of “diverse” versus “non-diverse”. James didn’t have the statistics on hand but will share them with us upcoming.

We discussed Library Cards and the digitalized material that is available to cardholders.

James told WMOK about her appearance to the Meeting of Massac Democrats’ meeting following a January 16 Library Board of Trustees Meeting

The Massac County Democrats made a call to action to the community via social media:

“At our meeting on Thursday evening, we learned there is an effort underway by a local Christian religious organization to privatize our library. There have also been reports of censorship and a reluctance to follow the diversity guidelines issued by Governor Pritzker and the Illinois State Library Association. These issues are of great concern in maintaining democracy in our community.”

Community members gathered to make their thoughts known. Video of February 20 meeting is here.

February 28th Special Meeting – here

Monday, March 4 Meeting – here

As we finished up the Coffee Break we talked about their desire to resume the activity in the Genealogy. They remind patrons that the Genealogy Department is available and building Both James and Kennedy expressed that they are anxious to hear feedback from patrons going forward to help create a space that is welcoming to all.

James ended by saying “We had to till up the soil, that was hard work – but now we’re gonna plant the seeds and let it grow.”

WMOK Coffee Break Schedule: March 2024

Monday, March 11 – Rolling In Faith – Hadley Stephens – Event on Friday

Tuesday, March 12 – Massac County Sheriff Chad Kaylor

Wednesday, March 13 – Massac County Unit 1 Superintendent Jason Hayes

Thursday, March 14 – Joppa-Maple Grove Principal Wendy Wear

Wednesday, March 20 – Metropolis Animal Control and Abatement Officer John Roman

Thursday, March 21 – Metropolis Mayor Don Canada

Wednesday, March 27 – Metropolis Police Chief Harry Masse

Coffee Break airs following the 8am WMOK News Check

93.7FM 920AM and streaming worldwide at 920wmok.com

You may text us with questions for our guests at 618-524-9209