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January 9, 2009

Brehm Library receives funding for music

By VANESSA WELCH

vanessa.welch@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Elvis’ rock and roll music, disco hits from the Bee Gees, and the Footloose soundtrack are now available at C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library.

A total of $5,000 worth of new music is being purchased through funds received from a lawsuit against makers of compact discs for violation of antitrust laws. Fines paid by the defendants were to be distributed as grants to qualifying Illinois library districts to enhance their music programs. These libraries were given a choice of taking the grant, and remaining money was then offered as smaller grants to city libraries.

“We had just started looking into updating our collection and then this came along,” head librarian Marilyn Konold said. “I thought, ‘Wow, we can really buy a variety of CD’s with the money, and people should get a lot of enjoyment from them.’”

Konold said that staff members reviewed Top 100 lists and selected music from categories including country, popular, rhythm and blues, jazz, gospel, Christian, folk, rap and hip-hop, holiday, children’s and soundtracks. Since the library received a grant from the Schweinfurth Foundation a few years ago for classical music, Konold said other areas will be focused on in the following months.

“We’re trying to get a wide range of music,” Konold said. “We have all ages on our staff so we’re able to get a nice variety from their recommendations.”

Konold noted that she and her husband enjoyed listening to bands and singers on television stations to help choose artists in the selection process.

The library is also taking suggestions from others. Konold said Beach Boys music has already been purchased based on the recommendation of a local resident.

Some of the CD’s are currently available on the first floor of the library. Patrons may browse through copies of CD covers arranged by category, and can check out music by bringing covers to the Circulation Department.

“The music we’re buying is really for enjoyment,” Konold said. “With the economy the way it is, we have seen an increase in the number of people coming here because they can’t afford to buy books, Books on Tape, magazines and music.”

Konold said that two CD players and headphones will also soon be available to library patrons on the second and third floors.

The library is required to order all music by September, and Konold estimated that more than 350 CD’s will be purchased.

If you would like to make a music recommendation, visit the library or call 242-6322.

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