Library A Week

Arcola Public Library District

2010 no. 24

Library Profile

Library Name: Arcola Public Library District Location: 407 East Main, Arcola, IL 61910 Type: Public Mission: To serve the people of the district, individuals of all ages, organizations, schools, businesses, churches and other libraries. LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/aan.html LTLS Member Since: 1966   An interview with Director, Cheryl Switzer.

What is unique about your library?

We have a bronze statue of David, (from David and Goliath). Dr. and Mrs. Polk purchased the statue in memory of their son. It was originally part of the Italian art exhibit at the world’s fair. In 2004 we finished an addition on the original Carnegie building. Although the addition cost more than the construction grant, we raised the funds without a referendum, and have paid off all loans. One of the Eagle Scouts in our community recently raised money to add a flag outside the library in memory of a soldier from Arcola who died in Iraq. We also have a few spots outside the library for horse parking, since we have several Amish patrons in our district.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

Our main goal is to serve our patrons’ educational and recreational needs.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

The Rotary Club always donates money for our summer reading program. They do fund-raising and literacy grants in the name of the library. The school district uses the accelerated reader program. Recently, we have labeled all of our books to match the school system, so that when students come in, they can easily find books to meet their needs. A patron has donated a quilt to the library that we are going to raffle off. The money from the raffle will go towards microfiche. Another Eagle Scout recently worked with us to set up a book-recycling program. Our patrons use LTLS and OCLC interlibrary loan.

Tell us a story about your library.

Before the renovation, the Women’s Club kept a piano in the basement. This was before my time, but legend says that many times after hours, or when no one was downstairs, piano music could be heard. The library piano playing ghost was referred to as Charlie. No one has heard him play since the piano was moved to a new home for the renovation.

If money were no object, what services would you add?

Our non-fiction section could almost be wiped out and completely redone, especially the 500s and 600s. If money were no object that is one of the first things I would do. I would buy new computers and more of them! Our computers are always in high demand. I would also pay my staff higher wages.

What is popular in your library?

Our Christian fiction is very popular. The new fiction books are always circulating. DVDs, especially children’s DVDs are always checked out.

How does your library use online tools to connect to your users?

A few patrons use LINC to request books from home, but most users come into the library to request books. I would like to help my patrons get more comfortable requesting from home. We don't have a website, but we put library news in the paper to communicate to our patrons what is happening at the library.

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