50 Libraries

Over the last three years I’ve toured 50 different libraries across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota. I started off with a goal to visit four surrounding locations and donate copies of my latest book. What happened next was an adventure that changed my life.

I’d like to start off with how surprising it was to discover that all 50 libraries (both public and school) each had their own look and unique cultures. Some buildings were smaller than expected while others appeared recently remodeled. Staffing levels, hours, and programs varied.

I’m also thankful to point out that I felt welcome at all but two locations. The two exceptions weren’t terrible experiences, yet they definitely could’ve been more positive with just a little added customer service.

Meeting people passionate about literacy and community development continues to inspire my hope for our country’s continued educational growth and creative nourishment.

I spent a good amount of time over these three years conversing with locals, volunteers, and library staff. I saw firsthand how coffee hours, art shows, book clubs, film festivals, puzzle nooks, farmer markets, photography clubs, and even cake pan collections can enrich our lives.

Last November I had a special opportunity to visit and sell my books at an author event at the Council Bluffs Public Library. It felt like a homecoming of sorts due to spending the majority of my childhood in Council Bluffs. I enjoyed participating in their event and seeing the “new” building (built during my college years), but couldn’t help missing the former building I knew so well. However, I’m happy the old building has been repurposed into a fantastic railroad museum.

I’m particularly fond of the Lied Lincoln Township Library located in Wausa, Nebraska. I first heard of this town when I was asked to cover their annual Smorgasbord event when working for The Cedar County News. It wasn’t until six years later that I would be googling the library’s hours and finding myself “lost” in their small town. My son and I eventually found our way to what we thought was the front door. Unfortunately, the door was locked and the lights were turned off.

I remember getting back into the car and feeling discouraged when my son said, “We should drive around the block.” I’m glad I listened since his adventurous advice revealed an entirely different entrance. We still joke how this fancy new building magically appeared like something out of a fairy tale.

Three years have come and gone since I first walked into that library and was amazed by the cleverly artistic decorations, incredible selection of materials available for public use, and activities for all ages! I’ve met magicians, learned about art and illustration from a children’s author, grown seeds in a garden, learned how to do 3D printing, witnessed a solar eclipse, played around with virtual reality, painted on tiny canvases, taught my son about circuits and coding, watched classic monster movies, and been inspired to help form a board game club for their community.

I credit a lot of these great experiences to their librarian, who understands her community’s needs, challenges them creatively, and sincerely wants to provide a positive environment where all are welcome to improve their lives.

Tell me about your favorite library experiences. Was there a librarian that made a difference in your life? What sort of programs do you wish to see at your local library? Please share your thoughts below.