It didn't take more than a few moments for the Russellville City Council to unanimously approve Item 8 on the agenda at the council's February 3 meeting.
There wasn't any discussion about Item 8 as it was approved, much to the satisfaction of members of the Russellville Library Board who attended Monday's meeting.
But the importance of approving Item 8 permeates across the community, as it helped to ensure the continued success of the Russellville Public Library under the leadership of librarian Ashley Cummins.
Last week, Russellville Library Board members asked the council to vote on a pay raise it recommended for Cummins, from $12.50/hour to $13.50/hour. While not a significant increase, it was a step in the right direction to keep the library moving forward under Cummins' leadership.
Last year, the Russellville Public Library was honored by the Alabama Library Association (ALLA) with its Bronze Level Standard Award for Public Libraries. It was the first ALLA award for the Russellville Public Library and was a goal Cummins and her staff had worked toward for several years.
In addition to Cummins, the library staff includes Perla Martinez and Peggy Harrison, along with a host of volunteers.
City of Russellville officials have come a long way the last 30 years in recognizing the invaluable asset they have with their public library. Through the years, the Russellville Library Board and Friends of the Russellville Public Library have advocated for increased budgets for the library and better pay for its employees.
It wasn't too long ago when the librarian wasn't even a full-time position, and efforts to change that were met with resistance from some elected officials.
By approving Item 8, the council did more than just approve a $1/hour raise. It sends a message that city officials realize and appreciate the importance of a vibrant public library in their city.
The Russellville Public Library offers more than just books available for checkout. Public computers are available for Internet usage, often the only Internet access some residents have.
The library staff hosts a variety of events throughout the year, both for children and for the community.
You may be surprised to learn that prospective Russellville residents often visit the public library in advance of making a decision whether to move here.
“The library is often one of the first places a visitor to Russellville calls on as a resource," Russellville mayor David Grissom said. "It's an important part of our community, and we appreciate the job our library staff is doing."
Major advances in technology haven't obviated the need for a public library. Actually, they've enhanced it, as the library provides access for all to that technology.
It's a source of history, recreation, education and summer activity for kids, as well as a source of pride for the community. At least, it should be.
With the City of Russellville, our leaders recognize this, and they should be applauded for following the lead of the Russellville Library Board in working to say a small thanks to the person entrusted with this valuable city asset.
Well done!
