The Kalona Public Library needs a little help from the countryside. With the recent resignation of Mary Marek from the board, the library is a member short. Specifically, it needs a rural representative, which means someone who lives in Washington County, but not within the Kalona city limits.

The position needs to be filled because Kalona, as well as Wellman and Washington, receive funding from the county to provide service to county residents. And there is a 200-year old tradition in this country that taxpayers receive representation.

The Kalona post is a non-paying job whose only official duty is to attend a monthly board meeting. Unofficially, you can do anything you want for the library. Considering that the board is in the midst of planning for a new library, it could be a very good time to join us. Getting in on the ground floor, more or less literally.

The project has reached the stage where an architect needs to be hired, something that will not take place until next year. Therefore, the new board member would have time to become acquainted with the planning and assist in the project’s further development.

Then, there’s the regular operation of the library to consider, and lately that’s been rather fun, thanks to a grant here and there. Especially the recent one obtained through the Kalona Rotary Club that has transformed the Children’s Room.

For more information call the library, 656-3501. If you’re interested in the position, just leave your name.

The next meeting is January 6, at 7 p.m. in the library. You can’t miss it, it’s the only building in town that takes 17 steps to get into it.