Library A Week

Goose Creek Township Community Library

2010 no. 30

Library Profile

Library Name: Goose Creek Township Community Library Location: 220 North Highway Ave, DeLand, IL 61839 Type: Public Mission: To serve our patron’s need in a variety of formats. LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/den.html LTLS Member Since: 1970   An interview with Librarian, Melinda Del Mastro.

What is unique about your library?

Our current building was formally a bank. We moved in late 2009 to make the library more accessible. The Carnegie building’s stairs were becoming a problem and moving was more reasonable. Our new space allowed us to have a separate children’s space, and new computers. We have our 100th anniversary coming up in 2012 and are preparing for that.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

We are starting the automation process so that our community will have easier access to LTLS materials. We try to be aware of the growing, changing community and keep up with their needs and wants so they will continue to use the library. We want to address both educational and recreational needs. My personal goal is to make the library a community center and to foster relationships with the community.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

Most of the cooperation that I am doing now is through LTLS. I am new to the position and haven’t done as much outreach because I have been focusing on the library’s relationship with patrons first. My board is very cooperative and supportive of my efforts. We also participate in DeLand Homecoming.

Tell us a story about your library.

Each year the library makes a float for the DeLand Homecoming Parade. This year’s theme is “Around the World.” The school picks the theme each year and the librarian, board members, and volunteers from the community get together to make the float. This year at the DeLand Homecoming there will also be a raffle, “Under the Covers” sponsored by the library. One of our board members sisters donated 4 quilts. Each day a patron visits the library; they receive an entry to one of the quilts of their choosing.

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

Since we have moved into our new library, we feel grateful for the space and services we are providing. It would be great if we could lengthen library hours to be more accommodating to our patrons, mainly later evening hours. I would add money to the materials budget to make sure we are keeping up with the needs and wants of our patrons. I would also do everything I could to make our library a green building.

What is popular in your library?

The computers are very popular and heavily used. DVDs and movies have seen an increase in circulation. We have quite a bit of requests for arts and craft books. It seems that what is popular is always changing. One week it is Christian fiction and the next it’s the best seller that just came out.

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

We do get email requests once in awhile, and soon we will be automated with LTLS. Right now, we do all of our marketing in the Piatt County Journal Republican.

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