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| Mattoon Public Library |
2009 no. 7
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| Library Profile |
| Library Name: Mattoon Public Library Location: 1600 Charleston Avenue, Mattoon, IL Type: Public Mission: Currently in progress. Website: http://www.mattoonlibrary.org LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/mtn.html LTLS Member Since: 1980 |
An interview with Director, Ryan Franklin.
| What is unique about your library?
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| The library still looks like a Carnegie library. Even though an addition was built in the mid 90s. It still has the look and feel of a hundred year old building. The same quarry that was originally used for the building provided stone for the addition. Close attention to detail was used to match the woodwork of the original building with the trim in the new addition. The library has a very historic presence in the community. |
| What are the primary goals and objectives of your library? |
| The library’s number one goal is to serve patrons with the materials that they want and need. The collection is continuously updated so that the materials reflect what is being requested. It is a top priority to make sure that materials are easy to find in the library. The libraries objective is to be a friendly place that showcases the collection and makes it easy for patrons to access what they want. |
| What cooperative efforts are you currently doing? |
| Patrons often make requests through LINC to get materials that aren’t at the library. Mattoon’s materials are also requested by other libraries. This really benefits the library since we can’t buy everything every patron wants. The library also partners with different community groups like RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program). Many of the RSPV members join the friends of the library to volunteer during the library’s book sale |
| Tell us a story about your library. |
| Just last week as someone was walking out of the library, a small dog walked right in. He was dirty and unkempt but was the sweetest beagle mix. He walked around the library and said hello to everyone before he was caught and contained in the historical archives. Animal authorities were called in hopes of finding his owner, or a good new home. He spent about an hour and a half in the library and it was a pleasure having him. Everyone who met him that day wishes him the best. |
| If money were no object, what services would you add? |
I would love to add more programming. Our children’s and teen programming are going pretty well, however we don’t do as much for the adults. I would like to see more computer classes and book clubs for adults. More staff would really help with that programming hole. We would also add more electronic materials such as DVDs and video games. |
| What is popular in your library? |
| DVDs are probably the most popular circulation. Although the library buys DVDs monthly, most of our collection is donated from the community. This has made the collection very eclectic and very popular with the patrons. |
| How does your library use online tools to connect to your users? |
| The library has a website that is still new to many of the patrons. On the website are several different book lists, including the NY Times book list and my own Ryan’s reads. The great thing about these lists is that you can look at them and then go directly to the catalog and request the item. Patrons can also sign up to have the list emailed to them as they are updated. The library has just opened a Twitter account, which is updated weekly with news about what’s happening in the library. The library publishes an electronic newsletter, and also has a Facebook page. |
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Request a visit to your library If you would like to set up a special date for us to visit your library contact LTLS Consultant Michelle Ralston Library of the Week is published by Lincoln Trail Libraries System, 1704 W. Interstate Dr., Champaign, IL 61822 217-352-0047 - ltls@lincolntrail.info Executive Director: Jan Ison, Editorial and Design Team: Michelle Ralston and David Lottes |
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