Library board hires development director

The James River Valley Library System Library Board hired a development director to raise funds for a new library building.

Bill Kennedy was hired on a 40-hour-a-week contract for $34 an hour. His wages will be paid with money the library already had set aside.

“We’ve sat and not been able to do anything for at least two years, and unless we get someone to help us, we’re going to sit for another two or three years,” said Char Freeberg, library board member.

The Library Board unanimously approved the contract, pending some clarifications and attorney approval.

“The public wanted a joint library. That’s what they wanted,” said Roger Parsons, a new member of the library board recently appointed to represent the city of Jamestown. “And now we need to move forward. Let’s do this.”

The library system was recently pledged a donation of half a section of land, valued at approximately $900,000.

The Library Board learned Wednesday that in order to accept the donation for the purpose of building a new library, it would have to get approval from the Jamestown City Council and the Stutsman County Commission.

“Because the donation is being given with the condition that we buy that property, therefore we have to have that approval,” said Joe Rector, library director.

Dale Marks said the library board would likely attempt to get more donations prior to requesting approval from the other bodies.

The next library board meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. April 8 in the Alfred Dickey Public Library.

Sun reporter Kari Lucin can be reached at 701-952-8453

or by email at

klucin@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, library