New Bloomington library director prepares for new challenge

Bloomington Public Library
The Bloomington Public Library. (WJBC file photo)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – The new director of the Bloomington Public Library is ready for a new challenge in her career.

Jeanne Hamilton was hired by the library Board of Directors on Monday. She told WJBC’s Terry James Bloomington has a lot to offer.

“They have a great staff team, a lot of resources, and a larger population than I’m in right now,” said Hamilton. “I think that I can make an impact there.”

Hamilton has been director at Charleston Carnegie Public Library the past five years. Her first day in Bloomington will be June 1.

She said she’s excited about the fact Bloomington has a book mobile.

“I think that’s certainly something that we’ll be looking at,” said Hamilton. “I know that the staff now has been doing a survey. I’m sure that I’ll be looking at that survey and trying to incorporate the things the community wants.”

Hamilton added libraries are about more than just books in today’s world. She sees them becoming a community space.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…