Two libraries in Berrien County are joining forces to improve service to residents while increasing efficiency.
Eau Claire District Library Director Cindy Casper tells us the Sodus Township Library has struggled for a few years to find adequate staffing. So, a deal was reached between the two back in December for Eau Claire to take over some of the management duties in Sodus. It’s been working well, and Sodus Township voters will be asked next year to formally approve joining the Eau Claire district.
Casper says at a time when resources are scarce and costs are rising, it’s logical for the two to work together.
“Instead of duplicating services, duplicating staffing — we’re both very small rural libraries — and just trying to hire a director in both locations, the overhead for that is quite a lot,” Casper said. “So why not have one director oversee both places?”
The Eau Claire District Library currently serves about 7,000 people across Eau Claire, Bainbridge Township, and Pipestone Township. Casper says adding the Sodus Township Library to the district and bringing in its roughly 2,000 residents will make both libraries stronger.
“By joining with them, we’re able to expand access to books, to materials. We can strengthen our staff because we have more people.”
Casper has been serving as the Sodus Township Library Director since September and would continue to do so if it joins the library in Eau Claire. That can’t happen until Sodus Township voters decide because the move would raise their library millage from .45 to .71 mills. The proposal is expected to appear on the August ballot.
Casper says people seem supportive of the proposal, adding the change should produce great results once the details are all worked out.
