Norman Delegation Tours New Arkansas Libraries

A delegation of 39 representatives from the Norman Community traveled to Arkansas April 6 to visit new public libraries in Fort Smith and Fayetteville.

The group included members of the Norman City Council, the Mayor’s Ad Hoc Committee for Libraries, the Norman Public Library, the Pioneer Library System and library supporters.

“We were interested in seeing how two communities that are very much like Norman have incorporated new library facilities into their development plans,” Gary Kramer, Pioneer Library System spokesman, said.

At both locations Norman’s delegation took guided tours of the buildings and received information on topics ranging from funding to facility design to economic impact on the community.

Both facilities have experienced tremendous increase in usage, Kramer said. In addition, members of the public in both communities have been very enthusiastic about new services the libraries have been able to offer, he said.

Kramer said both libraries also have followed the nationwide trend of libraries becoming exciting community cultural centers.

Among those who made the trip were Jim Adair, Lori Brooks, Rachael Butler, Sharion Detwiler, Theresa Dickson, Gane Diers, Susan Frantz, Susan Gregory, Kip Guthrie, Harold Haralson, Mary Hatley, Christine Hefner, David Hopper, Chris Kennedy, Mark Krittenbrink, Barbara Laufersweiller, Mary Lewis, Richard Massie, Jo Mustoe, Janis Rasnic, Cindy Rosenthal, Wanda Searcy, Mary and Don Sherman, Jim Stanley, Richard Stawicki, Paulette Stowe, Anna-Mary and Charles Suggs, Don Symcox, Bob teeter, Lyntha and Charles Wesner, Fariba Williams and Don Wood.

Mary Sherman, Pioneer Library System director, expressed appreciation to the Friends of the Norman Public Library for making the bus trip possible.

Kramer said the trip was part of a process city officials started in 2002 to develop a library master plan, which contemplates building another location either to replace the library’s current location at 225 N. Webster Ave. or as a second branch.

To find out more about the library plan or the Mayor’s Ad Hoc Committee for Libraries, call City Hall at (405) 321-1600 or visit the Pioneer Library System on the Web at www.justsoyouknow.us.