Library A Week

Vance Township Library

2011 no. 3

Library Profile

Library Name: Vance Township Library Location: 107 S. Main Street, Fairmount, IL 61841 Type: Public Mission: Our mission is to be a popular materials library.  We endeavor to offer current, high demand, high interest materials in a variety of formats to people of all ages in the Vance Township community. Library Website: www.vancetownshiplibrary.shutterfly.com LTLS Directory Page: http://www.lincolntrail.info/fan.html Member Since: 1966 An interview with Bonnie Gilbert.

What is unique about your library?

The Vance Township Library is housed in a building, which is over 100 years old. It was originally built and used as a family residence. Later it was used as a doctor's office, and then a dentist's office. In 1943 it became the home of the Vance Township Library. Visitors are pleasantly surprised to see how much our small library offers to the public and often comments are made about how cozy it is and how it brings back fond memories of their childhood library.

What are the primary goals and objectives of your library?

We strive to serve our community with materials they need and desire.

What cooperative efforts are you currently doing?

The Vance Township Library is one of the seven libraries that make up the East Central Illinois Cooperative. We have worked together on, and received, grants as a cooperative. We also collaborate with two local school districts, labeling all our books, which are on the school's Accelerated Reading lists. We partner with a local church as an outreach to the surrounding communities, sponsoring the Angel Food Ministries. When our local historical society disbanded, many scrapbooks were put together and are now housed in the library.

Tell us a story about your library.

This is a story I'm sure many can relate to, especially small libraries. We are small enough that only one employee is working at the library at any given time, with duties ranging from ordering, processing, carpentry, janitor, Everything! ... Wait, I don't do plumbing or electrical work. Following a recent remodel in our "Tribute Room" one of our adult patrons made a comment about how nice and inviting the room looked with our two comfy chairs near the fireplace. She said that someday soon she would come in and we could sit and read together all day. When I told her I would love for her to do just that, but I could not, she said "What! You're the librarian and you can't sit and read." When I told her this was my workplace and therefore, no, I could not sit and read she replied, "I can't believe you're the librarian and you can't sit and read all day!" After a short pause she then said, "Well then, what DO you do all day?" I guess my duties as a librarian bored her...she was out the door before I could get past duty #5.

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

Going online with LINC would be number one on the list if money were no object. Adding more staff would be great, enabling us to provide more programs for our patrons. I would also like to extend our library hours.

What is popular in your library?

Current best selling adult fiction books, particularly suspense seem to be the most popular. Children's books are always popular, as well as magazines, audio CDs and DVDs.

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

A website for the library has just been developed:  www.vancetownshiplibrary.shutterfly.com We are currently in the process of cataloging our inventory with OCLC. Our local newspaper encourages us to share all our library news and programs with the community, even publishing pictures I send for the paper. Occasionally a patron will e-mail me with a request, but 95% of the time our patrons just walk into the library or simply use the phone.

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