ROGERS -- The Library Board declined Tuesday to partner with Christ For the World Church in an after-school food program for at-risk children.
The church is approved for the food program through the Arkansas Department of Human Services, according to Amy Webb, department communications director.
Board members expressed several concerns regarding the program.
Caroline Smith, board member, said it was her understanding of library policy the community room couldn't be reserved by an organization on a regular basis.
Judy Casey, library director, explained the after-school program could only be held one day a week at the library.
"The community room is popular, and it would be difficult for us to book the room for more than one day a week. The community room usually isn't booked between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. That's the only time the room would be open," Casey said.
Judy Tobler, board member, was more concerned with who would be responsible for the program.
"Would we be responsible for checking whether or not the children are in the at-risk category?" Tobler asked.
Casey said the church would be responsible for making sure the children are in the at-risk category, bringing the food, serving the food and cleaning the community room.
Kevin Jensen, board chairman, said he had a problem with partnering with the church.
"I have concern about a partnership because a food program is not related to the library. It sounds like a great program, but it doesn't mesh with our mission as the library," Jensen said.
Casey said it appears board members have too many questions about partnering with the church.
"The church said they needed an answer by the end of the month. After this discussion, it sounds like the board doesn't want to participate. I will call the church and explain we don't think it's a program in which we can be involved," Casey said.
There was also a discussion about a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization charging members and guests to attend some programs held in the community room.
"They only charge enough to pay their expenses when they have a speaker," Casey said. "Our community room policy is no group or organization can charge for an event."
Smith said she was comfortable with the policy and there should be no exceptions, even for a nonprofit group.
"I think it is a slippery slope. We need to stick to our policy," Smith said.
NW News on 09/17/2014