Tuesday, the Poplarville Board of Aldermen heard from Pearl River County Library System Director Carol Phares, who introduced Poplarville’s new librarian.
According to previous Item coverage, in March Poplarville Librarian Cynthia Hornsby retired after 22-years of service.
On August 19, Eden Nitcher will assume that role, Phares said. Nitcher will assume a dual role, as she will also serve as assistant director of the Pearl River County Library System.
Nitcher is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi where she earned her master’s degree in library science, Phares said. Since May, Nitcher has been training at the Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library in Picayune since May.
An open house will be held on Wednesday, August 19 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Phares also informed the board about some projects the library system is working on, which includes extending both libraries hours into the evenings and figuring out ways to afford eBooks.
She also spoke about some challenges the library system faces.
Since the installation of fiber optics, the Internet bill has doubled, she said. The long-distance bill has “gone through the roof” because many patrons use their cell phones as a means of contact, she said.
Phares also announced the 2014 circulation results compiled by the Mississippi Library Commission.
“The Poplarville Library placed in the top quarter out of 235 branches in the state,” Phares said. “The library is only open 21 hours a week, but circulation numbers are up there with libraries open twice as many hours. The Crosby library placed 13th in the state. The county population is using their library.”
In other action:
–– Poplarville Police Department’s Capt. Jimmy Steinkamp presented the board a plan for traffic enforcement in subdivisions. In order for the department to patrol more aggressively, Steinkamp requested the placement of adequate speed limit signage and information regarding the dates, times and locations where most of the traffic violations are occurring.
–– Poplarville Fire Chief Jonathan Head informed the board that there are about 25 more fire hydrants to test. He also told the board that some need to be repainted.
–– Poplarville Public Works Director Sam Hale gave the board an update on the city’s splash pad. To date, more than 480 yards of clay have been added and four and six inch drain lines have been installed down to the lower walking track. There are a few items left to complete including pouring six feet of sidewalk in front of the pad and the placement of sod and topsoil, Hale said. Poplarville Mayor Brad Necaise said the city recently received a donation of $2,000 from a local donor to utilize in the purchase of topsoil.
The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 4 at 5 p.m. in the boardroom at City Hall.