Reed City Public Library

Library Showcase:

The reasons and ways that people come to work in libraries is varied and unique and contain many different circumstances. But, the choice to become a librarian is often inspired by a library or special library staff member. I (Holly) grew up in Reed City and my hometown library was the Reed City Public Library. The library impacted my life is several ways and they are one of the reasons that I love working with libraries.

Because of their story hours, Summer Reading Program, and book selection, I made several trips a month to the library. Until I was seven years old, I lived just two blocks from this class three library. Mrs. B. (known as Dolores Bolyard to the adult population) organized exciting and fun story hours. We each had our own round cushion to sit on and there was often a guest puppet that came to the story hour. Story hours continue to take place and are now organized by staff member Candy who reads books and organizes activities.

Another reason I loved visiting the library was because of the Summer Reading Program. For each story that I read I had to give an oral report to a library staff member which increased my reading comprehension. The title of the book and my name was written on a theme shaped paper and hung from the ceiling. It gave me a feeling of accomplishment to walk into the children’s room and see my name next to a book that I had read. In addition to displaying the titles of books read, prizes were given in the form of a free book or trinket. For each story read I drew from a container and if I picked the specially marked paper, I won a free paperback book. The book was then stamped and written on that I had received the book from the library. For several summers I read furiously and increased my chances of winning books. If I didn’t win a book, I was able to pick from the Treasure Chest that held trinkets. Many of the books that I earned during the Summer Reading Program line my children’s book shelves today. This well planned and motivational reading program still takes place each summer in much the same fashion.

By the time I reached my teenage years, the library had remodeled and nearly doubled their square footage from 1,600 square feet to 3,000. As a result, they were able to add a meeting room and a reading area. A few years after they remodeled I began to work at the library as a Page. I listened to oral reports during the Reading Program and I continued to take books off the shelves to read, but also put books back into their place.

Some of the staff has changed since I worked and was a patron at the library. Dolores Bolyard has retired as the Director. After her retirement the Assistant Director, Phyllis Obermier stepped in as Interim Director and has held that position for 10 years. What has stayed the same is the staff’s commitment to serving the town of Reed City with a positive and motivated attitude.

Since my youth, their collection has adapted to the needs of the patrons. The library is now purchasing DVDs to add to their movie collection. They have books on CD and audio cassette. Three public access and 1 word processing computers are available and the library collection is automated. The library recently has started sponsoring a book club and a F.O.L. group is forming. The group has applied for 501 c3 status and their first fundraiser will be a book sale in January.

New within the last 10 years, each October the library has a themed Halloween Open House. This year’s theme was Mexican and the library was decorated with Chilli Pepper and Cactus lights and hand carved pumpkins. Over 700 people came to the library this Halloween to warm up, fill-up on the treats, and use the town’s one public bathroom.

Children continue to be high priority for the library. The library just wrapped up a $1,500 grant for youth non-fiction and fiction books from the Osceola County Community Foundation. During the school year, staff sets aside new children’s books. Then, in May, as library tours are given to students, they have the opportunity to read and look at the collection of new books. The books are then placed into the collection and read during the Summer Reading Program.

I learned many things as a child using the library. I realize now that books were not the only reason that I kept coming to the library. I enjoyed being greeted with smile and not having to tell staff my name because they already knew it. By using the library I was not just learning and having adventures through books, I was learning about building relationships. Some of the play mates that went to story hour with me have become lifelong friends and I still interact with many of the staff members that worked at the library when I was young. Some of you may have had the opportunity to see several generations walk through your library doors through the years. I serve as a testament to the fact that libraries mean a great deal to those we serve, young and old.

We salute the Reed City Public Library for all they have done for their community and are proud to have them as a member of the Mid-Michigan Library League.

Mid-Michigan Library League- 210 1/2 N. Mitchell- Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: 800-968-0046 Fax: 800-968-3297

Website design: Holly Mercer
Last Update: March 29, 2007