Du Quoin library mulls help for college-bound locals

<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Betty Eastman, chairman of the library's promotion and publicity committee, had something important to say when it was her turn to give a committee report Monday night at the Du Quoin Public Library Board of Trustees meeting.<br /> "I have been giving this a lot of thought, and I believe the library needs to provide more services, more help to our local college-bound high school students," she told the board.<br /> "I've been to the high school and talked to Principal (Matthew) Hickam about this. I asked how we could help, how we could supplement what assistance the high school provides," she said. "He asked that I bring back all of our ideas about just how we can help."<br /> Almost every board member and Library Director Kristina Benson had suggestions that included encouraging students to apply to more universities, exploring the financial aid available at each one and getting a job on campus because it comes with "preferential registration" at most universities.<br /> "Of course we can offer extra time on computer to study," Benson said.<br /> "I've asked Mr. Hickam if obtaining and offering preparation manuals and/or specific software would help," Eastman said. "He's going to check with the guidance counselors."<br /> Eastman mentioned the online Khan Academy as a good source for lessons and practice tests. Benson reminded board members that there is no charge to use anything on the website at khanacademy.org.<br /> What followed were a few board members' stories as college freshmen, followed by a brainstorming session.<br /> Benson said she could put together a program or "crash course" on how to get the most out of a college library.<br /> "I will talk to some academic librarians that I know," she said.<br /> Larry Underwood mentioned a vocational interest test that helped him hone his focus when he started college. Eastman talked about a course she took on reading for comprehension, lessons that "I still use to this day," she said.<br /> Underwood said students considering careers should check the 10-year job projections on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.<br /> Benson said just knowing how and where to buy books can save college freshmen a lot of money. Other ideas included a program on study skills, inviting local college students to answer high school students' questions, and helping students with their cover letters and personal statements.<br /> Eastman reiterated her commitment to the proposal, promising to make more trips to the high school to gather information and to talk to college-bound students.<br /> "I want this to stay on our agenda," she told the board. "This is important." </span></span>