Library A Week

Marshall Public Library

2010 no. 37

Library Profile

Library Name: Marshall Public Library Location: 612 Archer Avenue, Marshall, Illinois  62441 Type: Public Mission:Marshall Public Library was created to serve the citizens of our community and endeavors to place the best interest of its patrons at the heart of every decision. Website: http://www.marshallillibrary.com LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/mln Member Since: 1968 An interview with Library Director, Nancy Claypool.

What is unique about your library?

Our library serves two library districts - Marshall Public Library and Marshall Area Public Library District.  Marshall Public Library is a municipal library connected to the City of Marshall, while Marshall Area Public Library District is a district library that surrounds the City of Marshall and encompasses nearly the remainder of the Marshall school district.  The Area District was formed in 1995 and contracts library services from Marshall Public Library.  The district pays the library 90% of their tax receipts and uses the rest of their funds to help with library projects and special expenses.  The Library Director is the liaison between the two boards of trustees.  Each spring both boards meet together for a Board Planning Breakfast to share ideas that will benefit the patrons of both libraries.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

The purposes of Marshall Public Library are: -to acquire, organize, preserve, and provide access to books and related educational, recreational, cultural, and informational material in a variety of formats to meet the needs and interests of the community and to enable them to make informed decisions; -to provide qualified staff to assist patrons in the use of the complete range of library resources in a gracious, friendly, efficient, and impartial manner; -to provide an avenue for patrons of all ages and backgrounds to become life-long learners by offering materials, services, and programs that will enhance the quality of life; -to offer information and programs related to business, careers, work, entrepreneurship, personal finances, and obtaining employment; -and to foster cooperation among the various agencies and institutions of our community to meet the needs and promote the well being of our patrons.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

We cooperate with many local entities!  We have an especially satisfactory cooperative relationship with our school district.  Each year we invite the entire 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades (separately) to the library for a fun and educational program funded by the Friends of the Library.  We work with second grade teachers to make a success of our "I Can Read @ Marshall Public Library" program, in which parents of 2nd graders are encouraged to bring their child to the library during the month of October to register for a library card, read a short book, and receive a book and a backpack full of items reminding the child to use the library.  The schools loan us a copy of every text book for student use in the library when the school is closed.  We work with teachers and school librarians cooperatively to bring a children's author to the schools and library for two full days each year, culminating with a public book signing at our library on the last evening. And recently, the school included us in a large technology grant which will garner us four laptop computers loaded with adult basic education software. The Clark County Historical Society, Marshall Main Street, Marshall Antique Study Club, and other organizations provide interesting displays and help with programs, while we participate in their activities.  We do outreach activities with the local nursing home, retirement village, day care center, Head Start, girl scouts, and boy scouts.

Tell us a story about your library.

Alex is an energetic golden retriever who loves children.  He is a service dog for his owner, Phyllis, who recently relocated back to Marshall.  The two of them had previously volunteered with kids at a children's hospital, which Alex missed very much.  Phyllis approached us about working with children at our library and we jumped at the chance to pair such a lovable animal with children who have special needs.  We began a small program in May in which Alex and Phyllis read with a child for a period of time each Saturday.  The sessions start with free playtime with Alex and end with play as well if the child accomplishes a reading goal.  The children have a variety of disabilities including blindness, hyperactivity, extreme shyness, and major injuries from a car accident.  Each child has blossomed from the affection shown by Alex, and Alex has recently earned his Therapy Dog badge.  We hope to continue this program as long as Alex keeps begging to come to the library.

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

We would double the size of our library by adding an elevator and remodeling the second story of our building, which is currently unused.  With the extra space, we would add a large computer lab, a second meeting room or small auditorium, and a very large genealogy room to accommodate the entire Clark County Genealogical Library.  We would also like to open earlier. Of course all of this would require much more staff time.

What is popular in your library?

Graphic novels are the items with the fastest growing demand currently.  MyMediaMall is getting a great deal of attention these days, as well. However, our programs and computers are the most popular things at our library.  People come from all over for many of our programs and author appearances, while the national exhibits we host are very popular and highly recognized.  It's funny though, that we spend much time and energy on elaborate plans for programs, and yet our new practice of keeping a jigsaw puzzle out for patrons to work on seems to have captivated many of our regular patrons nearly to the point of obsession!

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

Even though we are a small library, we have embraced the world of online communication.  We recently updated our web site and now have BookLetters, a widget that lists and shows covers of newly purchased items and connects patrons directly to the online catalog.  Patrons email us from our web site and register for a Friends of the Library membership.  The tool that has been the most beneficial recently is our Facebook fan page, which patrons are using to ask reference questions, circulation questions, program questions, and more.  This tool seems to reach them more quickly and efficiently than any other.  We also connect to our patrons through email a great deal, sending notifications of upcoming programs and our bi-monthly newsletter.  The new self-registration on the OPAC is a handy tool for our patrons, as well, and we hope our patrons will catch on to using the state's E-Pay service on our website.

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