Wellfleet Public Library, MA: Thinking of the Library as an Inspired and Inspiring Place
RSSElaine McIlroy, Library Director -- Library Journal, 02/15/2009
I think our service model is based on thinking of the library as an inspired and inspiring place, knowing our community and having friendly, responsive customer service at the heart of our work. Nothing is more important than making people feel that the library belongs to them and providing the spaces, resources, and services that meet their needs and dreams. Our operative word is “Yes.” We have great working relationships with the trustees, the Friends of the Library, the town, and our network (CLAMS). We have used grant opportunities to stretch ourselves and our services. We have had a video studio offering classes, cameras to borrow, and editing equipment ever since receiving an LSCA grant in 1976! We have just carved out a new Teen Space with Equal Access and LSTA grants. One of our most popular programs, Toddler Town, a story time and play space that takes over our meeting room on Fridays has been funded by a state grant for the past ten years.
Our statistics are also influenced by the fact that we are a resort community for two months of the year and the summer people treasure the library as much as the year round community. We stretch again to offer additional programs and services during the summer months that reach out to the seasonal population and incorporate their talents and interests into our activities.—Elaine McIlroy, Library Director
