The James V. Brown Library Board honored a long-term member for his service at its meeting Thursday afternoon.
William E. Nichols retired from the board after 50 years of service. To thank him for his time, the board unanimously voted to make him a trustee emeritus.
That title gives him the opportunity to be a non-voting trustee member for life, Barbara McGary, library director, said.
"(Nichols) has made significant contributions to this board," board President Harold D. Hershberger said, "most recently, the children's wing."
Hershberger said Nichols could foresee situations and plan for them.
Nichols retired on the appropriate day because Thursday was "his" day at the library, McGary said, referring to the library's Own a Day program, where patrons can donate money to sponsor a day of library service.
In other business, because the library's summer reading program has been so successful, a winter reading program will begin next year, said Melissa Rowse, district consultant.
Any child up to sixth grade can participate, and the kick-off is Jan. 2. Students will receive a free ticket to a Williamsport Outlaws ice hockey game.
Rowse expressed hope children will use the tickets during the James V. Brown Night at Bowman Field on Jan. 12, where people will get a chance to go on the ice and meet the players.
"Dress warm," she said.
The program will continue through Valentine's Day week. Any child who completes the program will receive an additional prize at the end.
The board also reviewed year-end funding at the meeting.
"There's a bit of a surplus at the end of the year," McGary said.
Finances are looked at monthly to determine if anything must be adjusted.
McGary announced the Williamsport Area and Loyalsock Township school districts have committed to financially supporting the library by donating $1 per student.
The board also welcomed Linda Schramm as the incoming chairwoman for the Friends of the Library.
