A: Libraries have been long time promoters of literacy, education, and information access. Research has proven that early literacy initiatives (reading, listening, and creative playing) for young children are essential to educational success. We are an active supporter (with the Middletown Community Foundation) of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, promoting kindergarten readiness by supplying books to children ages birth to 5 years old. Our libraries also promote youth literacy daily with professionally planned story time activities, lessons, and activities that promote their school readiness. And, thanks to our summer reading programs, we offer ongoing incentives to fight the "summer slide" and keep student's reading skills sharp during the summer months.
Q: How do you see libraries changing over the next, say 5 to 10 years?
A: Libraries have shown remarkable ability to adapt and evolve with the times. Think of all the technology and formats that have come and gone (typewriters, paper card catalogs, cassette tapes, filmstrips, VHS), those that are declining (music CDs, DVDs), and evolving digital access (ebooks, streaming music, movies). Libraries have evolved and continue to find new ways to deliver access to patrons' reading, listening, and learning needs. The next five to 10 years will see more of the same, with our efforts to deliver excellent and responsive customer services adapting to the needs of the communities we serve.
Q: What has been the largest change you have seen in your career? There probably are people who haven’t been in any library in years.
A: I started my career in libraries at the age of 15 as a shelver. If you had told me then it would be a career, I would not have believed you. It did not take long for me to find I thoroughly enjoyed the work and appreciate the value of our services to all ages, demographics, and abilities. There have been a number of changes in that time, so it's difficult to pick just one, but I will say that technology as a whole has been amazing to witness.
Q: The library system recently opened a new library at Mount Pleasant in Monroe. What role do you see the library playing in that community?
A: In the last year, MidPointe Library System has completed two building projects. One is an expansion of our Trenton location. After several decades in a small house-front location downtown, we have moved into a larger, fully renovated location near the Post Office. The other is a brand new location, our first new location in over 40 years, in the City of Monroe near Mount Pleasant. We are delighted to expand library services in both locations, providing recreational reading materials, computer access, programming for all ages, and educational support to families, teachers, daycares, and schools.
Q: When you step inside the library, and see all of the customers, what goes through your mind?
A: Public libraries have a long tradition of public service, and as a librarian it gives me great pleasure to see our locations busy with patrons of all ages using the library. This demonstrates that we have earned our patrons' ongoing support and are delivering a quality product for all to enjoy. We do not take this lightly though, and know that we must continuously strive to improve and deliver excellent services daily.
Q: How would you describe the current financial state of the library system?
A: The MidPointe Library system passed an operating levy in May of 2015, which, combined with continued state funding, has left us in a stable financial state. We look forward to new opportunities to enhance our current services in return for the generous community support we have received, while remaining careful stewards of public money.
Q: As director, what do you see as your role?
A: As the library's director, I am the CEO of the organization responsible for day-to-day operations and executing the directives of the Board of Trustees. But at heart, I am a librarian and will continue to promote the library's role in meeting our patron's recreational, educational, and informational needs. I thoroughly enjoy meeting our patrons when working at our library service desks.
In particular, the MidPointe Library’s two recently completed building projects reminded me of this. In both the City of Monroe and City of Trenton, the library was able to expand and transform our services. The awed and excited reactions of patrons entering these new spaces for the first time are memories that I will cherish forever. They proved to me that libraries are essential for healthy communities and our services are appreciated by all, regardless of demographics.
Q: Since you were hired as director of the library, what has been your impressions of Middletown and the surrounding communities?
A: Since joining the MidPointe Library as director in August of 2015, I have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic support for libraries in Butler County. The residents, patrons, and staff of our locations in Middletown, Monroe, Trenton, and West Chester have been most welcoming.
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