Iolans learned how the Southeast Kansas Library System functions at Friday’s See, Hear Iola. Roger Carswell, system director, was guest speaker. In other news:
The library system is made up of 15 counties in the Southeast Kansas area. It is stationed inside the Iola Public Library but is a separate entity. Carswell, who moved to Iola in 1992 from Pittsburg, said the library system has many services for its 104 libraries.
“We have a rotation service which rotates books to different libraries in the Southeast Kansas area,” Carswell said.
Ten boxes of books travel to libraries during the rotation.
If a library doesn’t have a book at its facility it can loan it from another library in the system. This comes in handy for smaller libraries. Carswell said they strive to keep the librarians educated on new techniques and technologies. Consultants visit libraries to help librarians with things like youth services and summer reading programs.
Carswell said having the SEK Library System in Iola is a benefit to the community. SEK Library Systems has conferences stationed in Iola which brings outside guests.
“When they come here they are spending money in Iola,” he said.
The library system has 18 employees and also spends $817,800 in rent.
— Amanda Moyer was the commercial speaker for See, Hear Iola. She talked to the crowd about the community theater production of “Shout!” Moyer said auditions for “Steel Magnolias” are at 7 o’clock tonight at the Iola Community Theatre Warehouse.
— Shelia Lampe, Chamber of Commerce director, talked about upcoming events in March. She said the Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner will be March 21.
— City administrator, Carl Slaugh, said a strategic planning meeting for the city will be at 5:30 tonight at Allen Community College.
Carswell gives a look into SEK libraries
