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Show PG Gets New Librarian and ArtsCulture Director p i aaaagggM i i i i i ,. i. .... m. i, .ii. i... j,,,. ,3IBBipil iXEYtl , - d by Geri Taylor While change is often difficult, it brings with it new possibilities and opportunities for growth. Librarian Sheri Britsch comes to Pleasant Grove with a vision of embracing the improvements of the past and building on the library's evolving role in the community by . recognizing and implementing ideas to stay current with the times. Bfftsch' received " her Master's in ESt ' at B YU' and a Master's in Library and Information Science from the University of Hawaii. After graduating from UH, she returned to Utah and was hired at the Springville Library over Adult Services. At the time, the Library was in the old city building which was in fairly bad shape. She helped form a committee to determine if the community would support a bond for a new Library and then spearheaded the effort to get the bond passed. One benefit for her efforts was the opportunity to work with the architect in planning the new library, a valuable experience she hopes to draw on in Pleasant Grove. Although the Springville Library had expanded from 8,000 sq. feet to 43,000, it was soon evident the 25 to 30 employees would not have added help in the larger building. Britsch created a new service model to compensate for the shortage of staff, making their numbers not only sufficient but efficient as well. But after several years of being the unofficial director, Sheri desired a new challenge and "Library" continued on Page 5 Librarian Sheri Britsch comes to Pleasant Grove with a vision of embracing the improvements of the past and building on the library's evolving role in the community. , , . , Photo courtesy of Gen Taylor "Library" continued from Page 4 the opening at the PG Library was just the adventure she was looking for. Having experienced what an increase of open area can accomplish, Britsch understands the positive effects of more space for patrons as well as books. There is an ongoing weeding process as old, worn or seldom read books are taken off the shelves and sold or recycled. Outdated books on tape were also removed to make room for CD's and MP3 players. Britsch noted that having more room on the shelves not only has an aesthetic appeal but actually makes it easier to pull out a book and not damage the spine. A fortunate acquisition of shelves from a going-out-of-business sale has created a new and appealing look in different sections. For instance, the first thing a patron sees when entering the Library, is the display of newly released books, an area that has made the latest works easily accessible. Bringing these books up to eye level also has a positive effect on customer involvement. The weeding opens space on shelves to exhibit featured books from the front, especially those in the teen and children's section. One idea Britsch is incorporating is the use of bins for children's picture books. With ten or so books facing forward in the bin, it will be easier for children to look through them without having to pull each book out. This not only saves on wear and tear, but according to the library where Britsch saw this concept, twice as many books get checked out when books are in bins. Another acquired book shelf showcases books for teens and is changed at regular intervals to highlight different subjects. Again, some of the books are front-facing and draw the attention of inquisitive minds. New furniture has been ' ordered for the teen area that will compliment a planned facelift for that section. The plan to better utilize the lower floor of the library has been in the works for a number of years, but physical and logistical problems prevented its implementation. With the addition of a book elevator (a project by the Mechanical Engineering students at BYU) from the main floor to the basement and a separate office for the children's librarian, the lower floor will effectively be turned into the children's library which will open space and create a colorful and fun area for the youngest participants. Britsch notes that the role of a library changes constantly which is one of the beauties of its evolving responsibility in the community. It is a place to learn skills, use modern "Library" continued on Page 6 "Library" continued from Page 5 technology and be more productive. There are classes on a myriad of subjects from beginning computer, financial literacy, birthing classes, a professional writing series, to how to use your electronic gadgets. There are also many online programs that can only be accessed with a library card. The possibilities are numerous and the opportunity for growth limitless. Sheri Britsch's vision forthe library is to see thecommunity and those in leadership, value the library through financial support and by using it. She wants the public to be aware of, and participate in, the many programs and offerings that are free to the residents of Pleasant Grove. Last year 24,228 patrons participated in the 620 programs (many are repeats of individual courses) offered during the year. The goal is to increase attendance and make the library more than just about books. Timing is everything. It takes time to gain the trust of fellow workers as well as that of the community, especially when the predecessor is a well-loved well-loved icon. Sheri expressed appreciation for the retiring librarian, noting that April Harrison had left her with an excellent staff, a desirable gift for any new manager. She knows communication is important and plans to share her vision during staff meetings and through the other media outlets, including the city newsletter. |