What’s New at the Library?

Well, lots of things are new at the library. Of course we are getting new books, audiobooks, movies, magazines, and newspapers to add to our collections all the time. Besides all of our new materials, we are also making changes in the places where our collections are displayed and the people who serve you.

People: You have probably seen or heard by now that the library has a new director after the retirement of Vicki Myron, the library’s leader for 20 years. I am the new director but I am not new to Spencer Public Library. I started working at the library 15 years ago as a part-time clerk at the front desk. Since then I have worked full time as a clerk and assistant director, but most of you have known me as the computer lady. I have taught computer classes here and fixed computers for many years. Starting as the director for the Peterson library, I became certified by the State Library of Iowa and learned the many duties of running a library. I grew up in Storm Lake and have a B.S. degree in chemistry from Iowa State University where I met my husband. Life-long learning is a concept that is very important to me. One can learn about almost anything without formal classes and libraries play a very important roll in that process. Most of my knowledge about computers has come from reading and a little trial and error. Learning and sharing ideas and knowledge through discussion can keep a person’s mind active. So my curiosity and the library are a natural combination. Working in a library has been a great second career for me and one that I hope to continue for several more years.

Because I have moved from assistant director to director, my old job has been vacant for several months. I am happy to announce that Paula Brown has been appointed to the position of Assistant Director. Paula has worked at the library for eight years in various positions, most recently as a cataloger and the Young Adult librarian. She has a B.A. from Buena Vista University, is certified by the State Library, and taught English in high school for several years. She will be studying for her Masters in Library Science over the next several years. Paula will remain as the Young Adult librarian and also assume new duties in administration and the technical departments.

Collections: You have probably noticed that we have been moving some of the collections around in the library over the last several months. The audiobooks on cassette tape and CDs are in two cabinets and along the wall to the right of the front desk. You are welcome to open the drawers and pick out your own selections. The teen collection has also been moved to the area to the left of the front desk. With some new furniture to come and a larger area for this collection, we hope the teens will be able to enjoy spending time at the library. Our Iowa and reference collections have been moved to the first isle across from the front desk, just behind the new book shelf. A lot of the reference books have been put into the circulating non-fiction collection so that you can take them home to read. We are still purchasing new Iowa materials like the book, “From Six on Six to Full Court Press”, which is a history of girls’ basketball and the subject of an IPTV program. If you do find a book in the reference collection that you can’t check out, we will be glad to make copies of any information that you might need. Another collection that we have moved is the adult Spanish language books. They are now located across from the mystery shelves. Soon you will be seeing new signs locating the various collections. Hopefully these moves will help to make better use of the shelf space available. Please take a look at these areas. You might find that there are some materials that you missed checking out when they were new. If you are having any trouble finding what you want, just ask at the front desk. We will be glad to help you locate anything that you might need. If we don’t own it, we will try to get it for you from another library or purchase it for our collection.

I want to thank all of you who offered congratulations to me on my promotion. I hope I can fulfill your expectations for this great community resource.

Kay Larson
Director

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