Member Votes Finalize Amigos/MLNC Merger

Amigos Library Services announces that its members have voted to approve the merger of Amigos and the St. Louis-based Missouri Library Network Corporation (MLNC). The results of the vote were announced during the organization's Annual Amigos Member Business Meeting held May 9. The Amigos member vote follows a similar vote taken by MLNC members last month and paves the way for actions that will culminate in the formal uniting of the two organizations July 1, 2012. With the completion of the merger, the new organization – which will retain the Amigos name and maintain an additional facility in the St. Louis area – will become the largest library network west of the Mississippi River, comprised of libraries and cultural heritage institutions in 22 states.

"This is a special day for the members of both networks," said Amigos President and Chief Executive Officer Bonnie Juergens. "We can now say 'We are one' as we roll up our sleeves and work together to meet the needs of both sets of members. I applaud the foresight of members of both Boards in creating this union."

MLNC Executive Director Tracy Byerly said, "MLNC is energized by the positive vote from Amigos members! Providing new resource and service opportunities helps us meet our desired end result as we entered into merger negotiations – to best serve member libraries and fulfill our public purpose."