SEARCH FOR NEW LIBRARY DIRECTOR IS IN FULL SWING

More than 20 applications have been received by the Cape Girardeau Public Library for the director's position, which became open when Terry Risko resigned in June after 18 months as director.

Patricia Stahly, a member of the Cape Girardeau Public Library Board of Trustees, is chairman of a screening committee for the process of selecting a new librarian.

Also serving on the screening committee are board officers: Janet Ruopp, president; Dale Gerecke, vice president; Marilyn Ritter, secretary; and Don Zimmer treasurer. Others named to the committee were Betty Blacke, assistant librarian; Alice Irvine, president of Friends of the Library; and Phyllis Jackson, administrative assistant at the library.

The screening committee is advertising for a director in a number of library journals, including Library Hotline, Library Journal, Show Me Libraries and American Libraries, and in the Southeast Missourian.

"Candidates have until Oct. 30 to apply," said Stahly. "The candidate list will be narrowed to three or four candidates, which will be interviewed by the entire board of directors.

Another supervisory position was filled recently at the library when Sandra Simmons was hired to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of reference librarian Rhonda Chamley, who has accepted a position at the Paducah, Ky. Public Library.

Simmons, who previously worked at the Cape Girardeau library, was hired in a temporary nine-month position.

"We think the new library director should have an opportunity to hire a reference librarian if he or she so chooses," said Stahly. "The hiring of a para-professional for a limited time will permit this."

Simmons is taking the job with that understanding.

The library will start its winter Sunday hours next weekend.

"Sunday hours were well received last year, and we have many requests to renew them this winter," said Blacke. "We'll be open from noon to 4 p.m. each Sunday through April."