Susan Daly is a lifelong resident of Boone County who began her banking career at age 18. She started as a teller, moved up to teller trainer and, in 1982, became trust supervisor. During her tenure, she’s earned two certifications, as a retirement plan specialist and also as a fiduciary and investment risk specialist. She is now vice president senior trust and compliance officer for Bank of Missouri.
What do you like about living in Mid-Missouri?
I like that it is centrally located between St Louis and Kansas City. I also love the seasons, especially early spring when new life shows up around us—flowers bloom, trees leaf out and the birds return. And, I also love the fall with its cooler temperatures and colors.
What three words do you think best describe the library?
Convenient: When you want to read something, you can get it online or check out “real” books at the library or bookmobile.
Current: Our library staff are on the cutting edge of what our patrons want with online services like Hoopla, drop boxes and Library-To-Go lockers.
Strategic Planning: So many projects have been completed during my tenure on the board. The strategic plan keeps us focused on the needs of the library and our patrons. It also lets us plan for future enhancements.
What has surprised you most about serving on the board?
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the results of the surveys the library conducts and the consistently high ratings patrons give our staff and the services we provide.
What do you wish other people knew about the library?
So many people think of the library as just a place to check out books. I wish more people would look through our quarterly program guide and plan to attend an event or class. I’d also like people to realize how many services are available online, like movies, eBooks and magazines. Plus, I’d like people to know that we offer meeting rooms for nonprofit clubs and organizations to use at no cost.
How is the library different today, than it was 10 years ago?
The library services have kept up with changing needs, even when it means staff must think outside the box. For example, in Hallsville, we couldn’t build a library building, but offering Library-To-Go lockers was a good alternate solution.
I invite anyone who has not been into the library in a while to stop by and be amazed by all there is to see and do.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Prior to joining the library board, I had not participated in One Read. I mostly read mysteries by a handful of authors. The One Read program has let me experience new authors and types of books. For the last few years, board members have participated in a One Read book discussion, and it’s been interesting to hear from other readers about the book and the author.
Each library board member serves on his or her own district board as well as on the regional library board, which is the governing body responsible for policy-making and fiscal oversight.