Board Members to Visit, Staff Bios & Money!

Don't panic! Board Development is requesting that all Board members visit the library and meet some of the staff. They want to find out more about the staff as individuals and more about the nuts and bolts of our jobs, how things really work.  Jud says, "This is a great opportunity to 'open the eyes' of Board members to the good work you do and the challenges you face. The visits will be informal and friendly. There's no need to feel like you're in the hot seat.We have a great group of Board volunteers. They are seriously interested in learning more about how staff feel about the work they do."

The BPL is a great place to work.  The proof is in the number of people who have stayed here for years-- even decades.  People are the heart of any organization and we have some of the best right here. This is our chance to show our stuff a bit.

Along this same line,  Mr. B. asks that everyone write a brief biography to be used in some of our library publicity. It doesn't have to be too long, about 200 words or so.  This is just a way of letting people know about the real us, not just warm bodies behind desks.  (Although in winter at the Reference Desk in front of the automatic doors, finding a warm body is quite the challenge!)  It doesn't have to be elaborate, just something simple and friendly.  "My name is Bunny, I like long walks on the beach and pina coladas--"  oops, wrong bio.  Just tell a bit about your job, how long you've been here, what you like best, your hobbies, favorite book or movie,  that sort of thing.  Email your bios to Kathryn at kathryn@bristol-library.org or if you don't email, you can just write out what you want to say.

And now, what you've all been waiting for: written confirmation of our "additional compensation," aka bonus money!  From the City of Bristol, Virginia memo of November 30, 2010:

"The one time employee additional compensation will be issued on December 10, 2010, as a separate check, with taxes withheld.  Anyone that is on the City's payroll December 10th will receive the compensation.  Full time employees will receive $500.00; part time employees will receive $250.00."

There is another notation of interest about the payroll for December 24:
"Regular payroll will be in the bank on Friday the 24th, not Thursday the 23rd as some banks choose to deposit early."

Finally, the staff Christmas Party will be at Michelle's house this year!  Mark Saturday, December 11 on your calendar and show up about 6 pm.  Sign up to bring a dish for the festivities. Meat and drinks (tea or coffee) will be furnished.  The address is 1025 Highland Avenue, Bristol, Virginia.  In case you didn't get Michelle's email with directions, here they are:  from the library, turn onto Commonwealth toward Euclid.  Go past the Marathon Station and cross a set of railroad tracks.  Turn right onto Highland Avenue (this is just before the EVERYTHING GOES furniture store) and go up the hill 2 blocks.  The house is on the left on the corner of Highland and Prince Streets.  It's a light green/blue house with cream trim, fence around the yard and lots of trees.  You can park on Highland or Prince.