County Community College. 'Linda A. Aumick, who was hired shortly before Mrs. Gaines, was given "carte blanche" to develop this department.Mrs. Aumick, and by extension, Thrali Library,
received great newspaper coverage when a reporter for the Sunday
Record wrote a full page article, with picture, featuring Mrs.
Aumick's skills in answering difficult reference questions.67
Mrs. Gaines and Mrs. Aumick shared a concern about the
problem of adult 11teracy in Middletown. Like many 11brarians
before then they would assume leadership roles in promoting 11teracy. After researching several accepted methods of
teaching adults to read Mrs. Aumick became affiliated with the
Literacy Volunteers of America. Along with her reference responsibilities Mrs. Aumick was director of this volunteer
literacy program. She guided it and saw it grow and become an independent incorporated entity with its own officers and board of directors. In 1988 she applied for a state grant to enlarge the program. Much to her surprise she received a $25,000 renewable grant from the state which enabled her to hire one paid coordinator. This money relieved Mrs. Aumick of the almost daily
responsibilities of administering the program, training the
volunteer tutors, and matching tutors to students. Today LVA
runs itself. But students still meet one-on-one at Middletown