"Sharing books...touching lives"

Our new logo really encompasses the history of libraries.  It tells of the past when we were just about the sharing of  books, but now libraries are so much more.  They are a means of transforming and touching lives in our community where we are embedded.

As an avid reader, I always had a lifelong love for libraries and, immediately upon moving in (each of the 27 times!), I found the local library and signed up as a loyal patron.

But, until I started working as a librarian and working with the talented staff of the SD State Library, I had no idea of what was possible when librarians are challenged to create centers of lifelong learning...a place that is "more than just a book warehouse!"  

Just one example.  (I could give LOTS more if I had a couple of hours!)  A class in database training led in our community library by one of the state librarians for our trustees and other area librarians has evolved into so much more.  Our library staff now works with homeschooling parents, our teen group, job seekers, genealogy enthusiasts, and one-on-one with patrons to share the vast wealth of resources that can be found in our state databases.  

The other day, a database trained teen shared that she had helped her instructor find information for her class about SAT and ACT practice tests.  When asked how she knew about it, she replied that she had learned it at the library.

Very cool!

I have blogged before about the professionalism and enthusiasm that the staff at the State Library in South Dakota exhibits.  They truly lead us to become more than "just a library" but a place for the future for our community.  Because of these people, libraries are not dying institutions, but something that is growing and alive and connected to the community.