Names of the new library commissioners have been
posted on the library
department website.
In addition to Bettye Webb and Helen Boyle who will continue on the commission,
new commissioners are (drum roll, please):
Rudolph Ruggeri, a library activist since 1995 when he joined the "Citizens
Information Network," formed in reaction to the threatened closing of all
branch libraries and then became a key member of the Library Action Group, the
group of citizens taken to the woodshed by the Springfield Newspapers in 1997
for having asked once too often for specifics about what was being done with
the city appropriation to the SLMA. He is a 16 Acres resident.
Janet Denney, director of Catholic Charities, and a member of the Library Study
Committee. She is from Brightwood.
Janet Edwards, owner of Edwards Books in Tower Square, a member of the Library
Action Group, and enthusiastic library supporter. She lives in East Forest Park.
Barbara Garvey, former city councilor who was hounded from public office by
the Springfield Newspapers for having tried to help the Library Action Group
get answers to their questions about how the city's appropriation to the SLMA
was being used. She lives in East Forest Park.
Vera O'Connor, eloquent public spokeswoman for libraries. She lives in 16 Acres.