The head Librarians from each of the libraries in Cass County appeared before the Board of Supervisors Wednesday morning to present their annual report and request for Fiscal Year 2014 funding. Vicki Christensen, Librarian/Director at the Anita Public Library, represented the Cass County Library Association (CCLA).

She said “Changing times call for flexibility and adaptability….”and the directors feel that’s what their facilities practice on a daily basis, with the goal of “Enriching everyone’s daily lives and enhance their personal and intellectual life-long development.” Christensen said “Without the financial support of the cities, county, state and local entities, none of [their] endeavors would be possible.” To that end, the CCLA requested Fiscal Year 2014 funding as follows…the Anita Public Library, $10,900; Atlantic, $13,000; Cumberland, $8,700; Griswold, $10,400; Lewis, $8,700, and Massena, $8,900. That is the same amount they requested for FY 2013. The Board will consider the request when it comes time to prepare for the budgeting process.

Christensen said also, libraries in the County are providing more and more free databases for the general public to access anytime, anywhere, by mobile device or personal computer. Information provided during the meeting indicates a total of 426 programs were provided by libraries in the County to patrons, including those related to wellness.

Kristen Templeton

In other business, the Board of Supervisors heard from Kristen Templeton with Unity Point at Home &Cass County Public Health, with regard to an effort by the Cass County Child Abuse Prevention Council, to bring the “Scary Guy” program to each school district in the County, next fall. She says the Council is ready to declare the 2014-2015 school year as “Violence Prevention.” Templeton says The Scary Guy (his legal name), is from the U-K, but he is originally from Minnesota. He would be in the County for about 10 days. His mission is “The total elimination of Hate, Violence and Prejudice Worldwide.” That includes bullying.

He began his effort in 1998 and since then, has worked with over 10-million people around the world, promoting peace through the teaching of his core theories on “Awareness, Understanding, Acceptance and Love” of all people. He will travel to the U-S along with his wife, once there is enough money to retain his services. The total cost of his visit is $26,300. Templeton says they’ve received several donations so far this year to help bring The Scary Guy to Cass County. That includes funds from the Lion’s Club. The Rotary also donated funds from its auction/raffle. The Crisis Support Network/Salvation Army, Zion Recovery and the Schools have also pledged their support.

$12,000 has been raised so far. The Council needs $13, 150 as a retainer by the end of December, in order to bring The Scary Guy to the area. Templeton didn’t make a request for funding from the Board during her presentation. Instead, it was intended to be informational only at this point.