Libraries are the heart of every community and the Scott County Public Library values our community connections. Each day people gather in libraries to seek, find and share resources. Last year, over 1,700 meetings were held in our community rooms, our staff responded to over 13,000 reference questions, and over 407,000 items were checked out.

     I'm very proud of the community partnerships our library has developed - some long-standing, some new. New this year is our partnership with the very successful Ed Davis Learning Center and their "Buddy Up" program. The Center invited us to introduce a new activity - stemming from the Library's "Books & Best Friends" program where children read to certified therapy dogs. For over seven years,

the Pawsibilities Unleashed Pet Therapy organization partners with us to provide their dogs and dog handlers. The group now visits the Center monthly during "Buddy Up" reading time. "This partnership is valuable to our Parks & Recreation Department and the Center," said Director Ed Maynard, "because our kids are really excited about their visits. It is a catalyst toward helping our program grow." Maynard appreciates the hands-on help of both Director Arnett and library employee Stephanie Sawyer, who attend each week.

Trustee Talk--Duane Mills (cont.)

   Duane Mills retired as a full Colonel in the U.S. Army after 25 years, and as a recently appointed library trustee, brings a diverse array of skills and qualifications to the board.   Mills, in his plain-spoken and direct manner, defines his responsibility as "analyzing services needed or required, and providing assurance the community's service needs are met and future needs are analyzed."

     During his military career, Mills learned the value of troubleshooting when "the plan you planned on is not working," and this flexibility is helpful addressing the variety of issues trustees handle for public libraries each month.

     Married for 47 years, Mills and his wife have a son, daughter and five grandchildren. After relocating to Georgetown, Mills visited the library and was "impressed with the facility and the extent of its collection and resources." A Friends of the Library volunteer for four years, he served as President, obtaining non-profit status for the organization during his term.

     The Mills family moved 17 times during his career, and he served two tours at the Pentagon. Recalling those years working and raising a family, Mills emphasizes the free resources offered by the library would be prohibitively expensive for individual purchase. Borrowing books, movies and other items from the library helps stretch tight family budgets. "And you can pop some popcorn at home," says Mills with a smile. And for this trustee who served his country for a quarter of a century - there is no better place to witness democracy at work than in your public library.