Selection adds a West Plains voice to Spokane County Library District
By JAMES EIK
Staff Reporter
Medical Lake's Mark Johnson is the newest member on the Spokane Library County District board of trustees.
Johnson, who began work with the board a couple of weeks ago, said his children were a large factor in his decision to apply for the position.
“I saw the opening on their website and thought about it,” he said.
Although he had only been a library user before his application, he said he's quickly becoming acquainted with the numerous other aspects of the library's functions.
“I just want to help in whatever fashion I can,” he said.
Thus far, Johnson said it's been quite the learning experience. He said the library's other community functions, planning elements and numerous working personnel all factor into the job.
“It's been a bit overwhelming,” he said.
Johnson said he's been around libraries throughout his life, and his family is well aware of the effects they have on communities. He pointed to an experience his wife had, growing up in Oregon where one of her community libraries closed down. It changed the dynamic of the community.
The vast array of items at the library, he said, are easy to access, making the Spokane County Library District extremely user-friendly.As a result, Johnson and his wife are able to satisfy their different tastes at a single location.
Tim Hattenberg, chair of the board of trustees, said the five-member board wanted to make its representation geographically balanced, despite it not being required.
“It gives us a new face from another area,” he said.
Five candidates applied for the opening, marking the first time Hattenberg has seen more than two or three people seek out the position.
“We hoped they had someone from the Cheney or Airway Heights area,” he said.
The board currently has two members from Spokane Valley, one from north Spokane and one from the south side of Spokane.
Once a month, the board meets to tackle a laundry list of items. Johnson's first meeting was Tuesday, Feb. 21.
This year is proving to be a busy one for the library district, and for Johnson, as he becomes acquainted with the different aspects of the library district. Last December, director Mike Wirt announced he was stepping down after leading the district since 1979; his replacement will be Nancy Ledeboer, the director for Pima County Public Library since 2005. The exchange will take place March 1.
In addition, the board will meet a few times throughout the year to discuss property acquisitions.
“There's a lot to it; a lot of things that happen behind the scenes,” Hattenberg said. “People see the front desk, but there's a lot more that goes on.”
Johnson said he's seen the libraries embrace technological advancements, particularly with e-books and expansion in the audio-visual area as well.
“E-readers have done a lot of good work,” he said.
Johnson said he's looking forward to getting familiar with the various different aspects of the library, and the people who help it run successfully every day. As a result, each area's library is a community hub, an element that brings a great asset to residents.
“The library is a safe place for people to go,” he said.
James Eik can be reached at [email protected].
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