**Summer Reading Program Update**

BE CREATIVE, the Livingston County Library summer reading program was completed on Wednesday, July 29 with the Big Penny Drawing. Nine penny jars and eight book bags were awarded. The winners were contacted by phone and most have been in to collect their prizes. The penny winners were: Cameron Moore, Week 1--237 pennies; Marissa Surber, Week 2--441 pennies; Jessica Moore, Week 3--775 pennies; Quentin Cranmer, Week 4--592 pennies; Landon Winder, Week 5--786 pennies; Chloe Wenzel Week 6--998 pennies; Ariel Ogle Week 7--698 pennies; Annabelle Baker, Week 8--752 pennies; and Jaxon Burns, Week 9--345 pennies. The BE CREATIVE logo book bags were won by:  Faith Robinson; Alexis Williams; Elysabeth Martin; Drew Minnis; Adria Forck; Brooke Horton; Devon Holtel; and Fisk Miller.

Congratulations to all who participated this summer during the challenging conditions of the renovation.

 

BE CREATIVE, the Livingston County Library summer reading program, will end at noon on Wednesday, July 29 so it is important that readers get to the library before then to finish up their penny/book count and collect their stickers. Each of the weekly penny jars will be awarded to a registered summer library program reader with a drawing. Since there is no space for a large gathering, winners will be contacted by phone and mail.

 

The book count for Week 7 is a total of 698 pennies in the weekly jar. It is not unusual for the count to be down during fair week as many families are so busy then.

A new record for the summer of 2009 was set last week as 998 books were reported read to and by children involved in the Summer Reading Program at Livingston County Library.

Week 5 of the Summer Reading Program at Livingston County library resulted in the biggest total of books read so far this summer. There were 786 books reported read. The creatively decorated weekly penny jars are on view in the Picture Book room.

The Ellison Cutter is being used often and patrons are pleased that it remains available to the public. Preparation for Vacation Bible Schools, 4 H projects, and summer school account for some of the activity and a few early bird teachers are getting ready for the start of school in August. Although all the dies were moved, there is room for only two of the four cutters and two of the work tables so patrons need to plan a little extra time to share. 

New Staff Member In Children's Library

In December, 2008, Amber Hughes was hired as a full time staff member at the Livingston County Library. She has been hired to fill the position of Assistant to the Children’s Librarian recently vacated when Phyllis Harkness, who held the position since July 1989, retired. She will work full time in the Children’s Library doing a variety of jobs including processing new library items, working with the patrons to find books, movies and information, creating displays, and purchasing DVDs and supplies. She joins Judith Cunning Shoot, Children’s Librarian, and part time workers, Marsha Batye and Angie Fore.

Amber is a 1997 graduate of Southwest R-1 in Ludlow and completed her associate’s degree from North Central Missouri College in 2007.  She lives in Dawn with her husband Matthew, daughter Julian and son Lawrence.  She particularly enjoys picture books because of their beautiful illustrations and likes The City of Ember series by Jeanne DuPrau.

Teen Read Week bookmark design contest

The Livingston County Library sponsored a bookmark design contest during Teen Read Week, October 12-17. Area teens submitted original art on bookmarks and judges chose the winning bookmarks in two age categories. Area merchants and the Friends of the Library donated prizes for the contest. Copies of the first place winners’ bookmarks are available to the public at the Library. All of the bookmarks entries are on display at the Livingston County Library.

First place in the 12-15 age bracket was Jerica Lenk and first place in the 16-19 age bracket was Alisha Ashford.

Other winners include:

12-15 2nd place- Laura McNally 3rd place- Morgan Shirley	16-19 2nd Place- Bekah Anderson 3rd Place- Jessica Boyer
Honorable mention:
Lexi Truong Caitlin Mitchell Ashley Mason Caleb Stull Canaan Bigelow	Amber Kieffer Marlois Mason Corie Donoho Clayton Daley James Graves

Zoo Program

The Livingston County Library will be hosting Journey to Survival brought to us by the Kansas City Zoomobile. This is an interactive program and will feature destinations in Australia, Africa, and the Amazon. Journey to Survival is designed to expand the participants’ knowledge about endangered animals. They will be bringing a representative animal from each continent for the public to interact with. The Program is for 4th Grade and up due to the extinction geared content. Please join us Thursday November 13, 2008 at 4:30 for this exciting program.

Bond Issue Passes
By CATHERINE STORTZ RIPLEY
C-T News Editor
Livingston County's library, a reflection of Chillicothe's past in historic downtown, is now slated for massive renovations this year after voters Tuesday gave a resounding "Yes" to a proposed $3.4 million bond issue to help stabilize the structure for many years to come. The countywide issue needed a 57 percent (four-sevenths) approval rating but
ended Election Day far exceeding the minimum with a whopping 71 percent (nearly five-sevenths).

In all, Tuesday's election had a 21 percent voter turnout with 1,892 people casting ballots. All but 2 percent going to the polls voted on the library question. The issue received 1,305 'yes' votes and 544 'no' votes. Built by the federal government at a cost of  $135,000 in 1915, the stately tan brick building at the corner of Clay and Locust streets has been in continuous use since its construction. It was first built to house a post office and federal court. In 1913, a local newspaper reported that the structure was anticipated to be one "of beauty and which the people will point to with pride."

The federal building continued to serve as a post office until 1966. That year, the library left its home at the corner of Jackson and Washington streets (a building now occupied by Investors National Bank) and relocated
to the federal building.

About 40 people were at the Livingston County courthouse Tuesday night to watch election returns. Among those gathered were 15 to 20 supporters of the library issue, including Library Director Robin Westphal. "We are very excited that the community has supported the library through this project, not just with this vote, but have supported the facility for years," Westphal said when the final returns were posted. "I am pleased that the voters felt the board made the correct decision to proceed with renovations."

"This shows that the community values the services we provide and the facility we have," Westphal added.  The library issue carried throughout the county, with the lowest margin of approval being 59 percent in Chillicothe and Rich Hill townships. The next smallest margin was in Fairview and Grand River townships where 62 percent of the voters cast "yes" ballots.  The measure's biggest support came from Chillicothe's 2nd Ward, with 77 percent of the 297 ballots cast supporting the measure, followed by Chillicothe's 1st Ward with 76 percent of the 338 voters in support of the
issue. Chillicothe's 1st Ward also had the largest voter turnout in the county with 26 percent. Eighty-one percent of the 120 absentee ballots cast were in favor of the bond issue.
Long Time Planning
About five years ago, the Library Board began talking about making significant improvements to the library system. They considered two options to place before voters: renovate the new facility; or, abandon the aging three-story structure and construct a new library elsewhere. After careful consideration of the costs involved in both options, the value of maintaining a historic building, and the library¹s current location, the board moved forward on a proposal to renovate the existing structure.  "It would be completely unaffordable to build a bricks and mortar building somewhere else," said Bruce Brodmerkle, a Library Campaign Committee member. Also, he speculated that some type of a metal prefabricated building might not stand the same test of time as a bricks and mortar building and that a metal building would have less aesthetic value. Abandoning the historic federal building, which is said to be structurally sound, would leave its future in question. "This building has already lasted nearly 100 years," Brodmerkle said of the old federal building, adding that the improvements voted on by the public will help the structure continue for 100 more years.
Brodmerkle was hopeful of the bond issue passing.  "If the issue didn't pass, the library would operate as status quo," he said. "The building would not get the needed repairs and the top two floors would be without water. It would not be user friendly. With its passage, we should be able to transform and repair the library and make it a full dimension better," he added.  Brodmerkle said the library's services have expanded through the years.  "It used to be that libraries were just books," he said. "But, the library has added more things and it is not just books anymore. Passage of the bond
issue gives us an opportunity to provide more for the people."
Making Improvements
Passage of the bond issue means increased functionality as well as improved energy efficiency and ADA accessibility.
Among improvements will be replacing the plumbing, electrical and heating and cooling systems to allow full use of all four floors, creating independent work areas with seating, placing electrical outlets and lighting to maximize use of wireless capability and laptop computers, installing restrooms on all four floors, including a new child-sized toilet and sink in the Children's Library, addressing moisture issues in the basement level Children's Library to improve air quality, and moving the teen area to a larger, more visible area. The bond issue will also allow the facility to have a new HVAC system and replace window air conditioning units and space heaters. The lighting and windows will be replaced with improved energy efficient systems.  Safety issues will also be addressed with the placement of new front steps,
ice guards on the roof, a stairway between the Children's Library and the second floor to provide an additional means of egress, improved outside lighting and emergency and exit lighting inside. Security cameras will be added to the second floor and staff offices on the third floor will be inaccessible to unauthorized persons.  All of the necessary improvements will be achieved with the goal of preserving the integrity of the historic 1915 building, Westphal said. The
exterior facade will not be dramatically changed. Window choices and step repair will be made with continuity in mind and the interior renovations will retain the historic flavor of the building. Recent foyer renovation will serve as a guide for the first floor enhancements, the director said.  ADA accessibility also will be enhanced with a redesigned ramp access, an ADA restroom on the first floor, an upgraded elevator system and ADA furnishings.
Paying for the Project
With Tuesday's voter approval, the library project will be funded by a bond that will be no longer than 20 years and will cost property owners approximately 14 cents per $100 valuation, which means about $26 annually for a $100,000 home, based on projections by the Library Campaign Committee.  Case Contracting and Creal Clark and Seifert comprise the team working on this project.  The project, Westphal said, will begin in late summer and take about 15
months to complete.
A ceremony will be planned once the renovation is ready to begin, she said.

03 13 08
City Council voices support for library bond issue
Chillicothe City Council members approved several contracts for the coming year, approved a bid for improvements on Trenton Road and endorsed the proposed countywide tax levy for renovating the Livingston County Library.

Library Director Robin Westphal presented information about the proposed April 8 tax levy bond issue that would fund an extensive $3.4 million renovation project at the library. Westphal asked the council for its support of the proposal, stating that renovating the structure (first built as a federal building about 100 years ago) not only preserves an element of history, but keeps the library in the center of downtown Chillicothe and would be about half the cost of building a new library.

The council was unanimous in their support for the ballot measure and 4th Ward Councilwoman Pam Jarding told Westphal that the group should be commended for wanting to renovate the existing business. Others present with Westphal representing the library were Dale Wallace, Inger Young and Barbara French. The proposed tax levy is $0.14 per $100 valuation to last no longer than 20 years. This translates to about $26 annually for a person owning a home valued at $100,000; or about $13 for a person owning a home valued at $50,000.

The issue needs 4/7 (57 percent) approval to pass. The bond question gives broad authorization for the board to direct funds toward the payment of renovating, repairing, improving and equipping the existing Livingston County Library. Infrastructure improvements include new plumbing, upgrades to the electrical system and HVAC units to heat and cool the whole building. Also included in the proposed renovations are measures to improve the functionality of the building including restoring restroom facilities on the second and third floor, improving the teen area and< increasing the availability of independent study area.

The Livingston County Library is supported by a current property tax levy of 26.73 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. A small amount of funding comes from the State of Missouri. Donations from the Friends of the Library and individuals also assist in the funding of the library. In 2006, an architectural firm completed a feasibility study which showed that renovations could be made on the current library building. During the review of the library¹s structural issues, ATA Architects found that the building is sound and worth saving and that it was valued at $2 million.

03 10 08
The book sale on the second floor of the Livingston County Library features thousands of books in every genre as well as DVDs, videos, audio cassettes and even a few encyclopedia collections. The annual event raises funds for the Friends of the Library and will be open to the public Monday through Saturday next week. Friends of the Library members are getting a sneak peak today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday).

02 01 08
Board Predicts 14-Cent Levy for Library Bond Issue
Published: Friday, February 1, 2008 Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune

The tax levy for the bond issue that would fund an extensive $3.4 million renovation project at the Livingston County Library was predicted yesterday (Thursday) by the Livingston County Library Board of Trustees. The tax levy for the renovation is projected to be about $0.14 per $100 valuation. These figures are based on current interest rates for a 20-year bond. “A person who owns a home valued at $100,000 would pay approximately $26 a year for these improvements,” Robin Westphal, library director explained.

In January, the Livingston County Library Board approved a resolution calling for a bond election for the library renovation. The bond issue will be placed on the April 8 ballot. The vote would need 4/7 (57 percent) approval to pass.

The bond question gives broad authorization for the board to direct funds toward the payment of renovating, repairing, improving and equipping the existing Livingston County Library.Infrastructure improvements include new plumbing, upgrades to the electrical system and HVAC units to heat and cool the whole building. Also included in the renovations are measures to improve the functionality of the building including restoring restroom facilities on the second and third floor, improving the teen area and increasing the availability of independent study area.

The Livingston County Library is supported by a current property tax levy of 26.73 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. A small amount of funding comes from the State of Missouri. Donations from the Friends of the Library and individuals also assist in the funding of the Library.

In 2006, an architectural firm completed a feasibility study which showed that renovations could be made on the current library building. During the review of the library¹s structural issues, ATA Architects found that the building is sound and worth saving and that it was valued at $2 million.

At that time, the Livingston County Library Board of Trustees made the decision to make renovations to the building.If passed by voters in April, renovation would likely begin in late summer, Westphal reported.

The Livingston County Board of Trustees are: Linda Beetsma, president; Dale Wallace, vice president; Karen Nichols, treasurer; Marion Harter, secretary; and Inger Young, board member.

01 18 08
Library question to be placed on April 8 ballot
Published: Friday, January 18, 2008 3:37 PM CST Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune

A bond issue that would fund an extensive $3.4 million renovation project at the Livingston County Library will be placed on the April 8 ballot.

The Livingston County Library Board of Trustees met yesterday (Thursday) during a special meeting at the library and unanimously approved the resolution calling for a bond election.

Just prior to the unanimous vote, Dale Wallace, vice president, commented that the idea of renovating the historic building is not a new one.

“This has been a topic of discussion ever since I came on the board six years ago,” Wallace noted. He added that when the board hired director Robin Westphal two years ago, the board charged her with the task of proceeding with the idea of possible renovations to the building.

Renovating the historic building, Wallace says, is long overdue. In fact, aside from some cosmetic changes to the library in the past few years, an extensive renovation project improving its infrastructure - i.e. the plumbing and wiring, has never been done.

“And that's where all the major problems are,” Wallace said.

Meeting with the board were attorney Toni I. Stegeman, with Gilmore & Bell, PC, Kansas City, Mo.; and Michael L. Hartmann, vice president of Commerce Bank, Columbia, Mo.

Prior to the resolution vote, Stegeman and the board examined the language involved with the bond question and Hartmann advised the panel on bonding issues.

The question gives broad authorization for the board to direct funds toward the payment of renovating, repairing, improving and equipping the existing Livingston County Library. Those practices would include extensive plumbing and electrical improvements, installation of central heating and air, technology improvements, renovations and restorations providing public meeting rooms, restrooms and administrative space, other improvements required for safety and handicapped accessibility, enabling full use of all levels of the building.

01 16 08
Library board considering levy to renovate building
Published: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 2:58 PM CST Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune

The Livingston County Library Board will meet in a special meeting tomorrow (Thursday) to vote on a resolution calling for a bond election for the renovation of the library.

According to Robin Westphal, library director, the bond issue would cover renovation of the library including repairing infrastructure such as plumbing, heating and cooling and wiring.

“Those are the main components of the renovation,” Westphal said, adding that if passed, there would also likely be cosmetic changes and updating at the library.

If the Livingston County Library Board passes the resolution for the bond election, the issue would be placed on the April ballot for approval by the voters. The vote would need 4/7 (57 percent) approval to pass.

The current levy for the library is 0.2673. The renovations would be paid for through an additional levy, with a 15 to 20 year bond.

01 11 08
Fewer sites available this year to obtain paper tax forms
Published: Thursday, January 10, 2008 3:48 PM CST Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune
Increases in the number of home computers and public access to the Internet have impacted what has been considered tradition and this year, Uncle Sam is continuing to make adjustments in accordance with a greater demand for online services.

While taxpayers have been able to obtain federal tax forms via the Internet for the last several years the government agency has traditionally made forms available at several locations within Chillicothe. This year, however, there is only one site - the Livingston County Library - at least so far that has some of the more common tax return forms available.

The federal forms arrived on Monday; however, none were delivered to the courthouse or the post office which traditionally have been pickup sites.

“More and more people are filing electronically,” said Michael Devine, a spokesman for the IRS in St. Louis, noting that the number of locations where the paper forms are available has dropped in general as paper filing has declined.

As the popularity of electronic filing soars, the number of paper returns from Kansas and Missouri has dropped 10 percent since 2004, the IRS says. This year, an estimated 60 percent or 1,583,000 Missouri returns will be e-filed.

Taxpayers can file their returns electronically one of three ways: through their tax preparer; through over-the-counter software; or through IRS Free File. The IRS will start accepting electronically-filed forms on Friday.

Devine said that electronic returns are less likely to contain errors as opposed to paper returns and that paper returns have around a 20 percent error rate, especially when completed close to the tax filing deadline.

“Electronic returns have less than a 1 percent error rate,” Devine said. “They are faster, more accurate and secure.”

Devine also noted that if returns are filed electronically and the taxpayer chooses to have refunds deposited directly into a bank account, deposits can be made in as few as 10 days whereas if filing by mail, refunds can take four to six weeks.

10 01 07
Missouri Photo Workshop
A steady stream of people flowed through the old courtroom on the second floor of the Livingston County Library Saturday to view more than 400 photographs of Chillicothe's people and places. The photographs represented the culmination of a week-long Missouri Photo Workshop which is a part of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Each of the 40 photo stories may be found on the internet at www.mophotoworkshop.org. For more information, click here.

08 28 07
Library Gets Grant for Seniors Programs
The library has received a grant from the Missouri State Library Discoveries: Programs for Seniors in the amount of $1,777.72 to be used for four different programs focusing on basic computer use for seniors. Four classes will meet weekly beginning September 10, 2007. Those interested are urged to contact the library to register.