GROUP FORMED TO HELP LIBRARY

When Jackie Clark thinks about Cape Girardeau Public Library she envisions a building full of books and a whole lot more.

Clark is part of a new organization at the library that was established to raise money for the library. Money will be used to expand access to information -- a library's central goal.

The new organization, the Friends of the Cape Girardeau Public Library Foundation, will work to make sure money is available to keep information channels open.

"The library is such an exciting place," Clark said. "There is so much happening. People don't always realize all the things that the library does."

To introduce the new foundation, a "Lift Off" celebration is set for Oct. 4. Apollo 13 astronaut and author James Lovell will speak.

Lovell will sign books and talk with youngsters at the library from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reservations are required. He will speak at 7:30 p.m. at Academic Auditorium. Tickets are available at the library. He will sign books at a reception following the speech. Tickets for the reception are required.

With funds raised by the foundation, the library hopes to update and expand the book and magazine collections, add computers and software and update other resources. In addition, the library wants to work more closely with schools in developing curriculum.

The library hasn't had a tax levy increase for nearly 30 years. In fact, in 1986 the levy was rolled back from 20 cents to 16 because of the Hancock Amendment. Voters said no when the library board of trustees asked to reinstate the 20-cent levy.

"The library board believes that the people have spoken, and they are committed to not asking the voters for an increase in taxes," said Trish Stahly, president of the new foundation board.

Rather than ask for a tax increase, the Friends of the Library and the board of trustees opted for a new foundation to raise money for programs and long-term financial support.

The Friends of the Library, an organization that has supported the library for years, changed its bylaws to encompass the foundation. The expanded organization will continue the year-to-year support of summer reading programs, a homework and literacy center and other programs. In addition, it will help build an endowment for the library's future growth.

Membership in the foundation is open. Various levels are available ranging from $15 to $500 a year.

"Libraries are the only places in the world that offer all people the opportunity to improve themselves, their education and their standard of life," Stahly said.

Foundation board members are Stahly, president; Becky Richey, vice president; Toni Zimmer, secretary; Phyllis Jackson, treasurer; Pam Spradling, membership committee chairwoman; Clark, income development committee chairwoman; Martha Kinney and Don Drews, volunteers committee chairpersons; Nancy Bray; Phil Davis; Walter J. Ford; Steve Green; and Tracy Blattner.