REFLECTIONS

I have always enjoyed visiting the Round Lake Public Library. It feels like walking back into history. The Town of Round Lake is beautiful. Through my numerous visits and conversations with staff I learned how much work goes into making the library an informative and enjoyable place for patrons to go to. The staff takes the time to get to know each patron and what they come to the library for. I also learned that its important not to provide too much technology that can scare off patrons and make the library seem like work. Patrons come to the library to socialize, learn, talk, read, listen and learn. Understanding who your patrons are and their specific needs is NUMBER ONE.

I learned alot about the computers and what it takes to provide them. I learned that technology doesn't mean the same thing to each person. Some patrons embrace technology and some do not. Paper copies of newspapers, books, magazines still line the shelves and will for a very long time.

I learned that the Round Lake Library focuses on the needs of the people its serves. They care about the requests of their patrons and try very hard to meet those needs by purchasing items specific to their interests. They sometimes will have only one person using a recently purchased items but if the one person is happy that is all that matters.

I really liked the contrast between the two locations. The smaller, more victorian charm of the Round Lake location and the more modern version at the Malta location. It felt like two different worlds that fit together really well. The best of both worlds has been created.

Hope you get a chance to visit both of these libraries some day!!!!!!!!!!

Lynne