There have been several changes at the Jewell Public Library in the recent months. One change being the three new faces on the library board. Jane Pahls, Erica Boughton and Charlene Nonhoff are now part of the seven-member board, replacing the retiring members, Marilyn Griest, Cindy Traump and Pat Willmeth.

The three join Heather Matter, library board president, Rita Rogers, vice-president, Jami Underwood, secretary and Pat Zentz, treasurer.

Pat Willmeth was a long-time board member having served two different times for a total of some 16 years. Willmeth was the treasurer of the organization before her retirement.

Cindy Traump was active on the board for ten years, serving as president for several of those years. Her time on the library board is nearly equal to the time she has lived in Jewell. However, Traump is moving back to Texas and has had to resign her board position. Marilyn Griest also chose to retire after her years on the board.

Another change at the library is Marsha Ericson moving into the head librarian position after the resignation of Crystal Peters. Marsha had worked as assistant librarian for some time and looks forward to the challenges of directing the library.

The board has hired Katy Jacobs for the position of assistant librarian. Jacobs has lived in Jewell for about five months. She and her husband, Andrew, moved from Alaska. “Drastic” is how Katy described the change. Their home in Alaska was totally surrounded by mountains. But Katy enjoys reading and believes her position fits her well. She is a fan of science fiction and fantasy.

On Tuesday, May 18, there was a reception honoring the retiring members and thanking them for their service.

You are invited to come to the Jewell Library, check out a book, view the special exhibit of Jaci Novak’s photography and visit with Marsha Ericson, head librarian, or Katy Jacobs, assistant librarian.

The Jewell Public Library is open Mondays from 1 to 6 p.m .; Tuesdays from 2 to 7 p.m .; Wednesdays from 1to 6 p.m .; Thursdays from 1 to 6 p.m. The library is closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday