KC salutes Salem library for assistance during Ed Center repairs
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Sentinel Photo/DENNIS ROSENBERGER
HELP APPRECIATED — Kaskaskia College officials honored Bryan-Bennett Library for their help during recent repairs to the education center in Salem. From left are KC Vice President of Student Services Amy Zanton, Bryan-Bennett Library Director Jodi Trinkle and KC President George Evans.
SALEM — During a community engagement meeting on Thursday, Oct. 2, Kaskaskia College (KC) officials thanked Bryan-Bennett Library in Salem for providing space for some classes while repairs were being made over the summer to the Salem Education Center.
KC President George Evans noted that the flooding that hit Salem and the surrounding area earlier this year saw water get into the education center on Whittaker St. and cause some damage to the floors and lower walls in some of the rooms.
The center was closed for repairs following the flooding in April, heading into the summer semester, and locations had to be found for the classes that the center would have normally hosted during the late spring and summer time period.
“We had some water damage to the northern part of the building at that time and we had to shut down to replace carpet, we had to replace some furniture,” said Evans, who explained that the insurance claim for the damage from the spring flooding was around $300,000.
While the repairs took some time, Evans noted that the Salem Education Center is back up and running, hosting classes this fall. But he wanted to take a moment during the community engagement event at the Salem Education Center to recognize the cooperation of the library in Salem, which hosted a number of classes during the summer.
KC Vice President of Student Services Amy Zanton joined Evans to present a certificate of appreciation to the library for their service to KC.
“When we were displaced after the flood, we had to very quickly pivot with our students and for many of our courses, we were able to move them to the main campus and accommodate the students there,” said Zanton. “But our adult education program serves a more vulnerable population, and being able to have proximity to those classes here locally was very important for those students.”
She noted that when the college reached out to Bryan-Bennett Library about the possibility of holding the local adult education classes there, library officials were very hospitable.
“They housed us, free of charge, and helped us to not miss a beat, when it came to serving that adult education population of students,” said Zanton. “So, we wanted to formally express our gratitude and present this certificate of appreciation on behalf of the college.”
Evans echoed Zanton’s sentiments.
“What makes KC and this community so wonderful is the regional partnerships that we have,” Evans said. “We owe our gratitude to Bryan-Bennett Library for not batting an eye when we asked for help. They were there for us.”
