Here's a Gal who's been in libraries for awhile. Many of us know her from a variety of meetings over the years because she is active and very involved. But Kay Larson has just recently stepped up to become the director of the Spencer Public Library and we'd like to take this time not only to say "Welcome" but also to get to know her a bit better! She took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for us:
Did you have any other libray experience before you came on board at your present library?
Way back in the dark ages(like 1973) I worked as a volunteer at the Cattermole libraryin Ft. Madison for Rose Reynolds. We were living on a farm while I worked for DuPont Paints. Years later, I applied for the director's job at the Peterson library because of "all" my previous experience. They must have believed me or been desperate because I got the job in 1987. From 1987-1994, I was director at Peterson, learning all about library work from my PLM courses and the continuing ed offered by the Regional and State libraries. in 1994 I started working at Spencer Public Library and moved from part time clerk to the director in March 2008.
Think back to your first day of work at the library, or your 2nd 3rd or more...what surprised you, or wasn't exactly what you expected?
When I started at Peterson's library I was aghast that there was not a card catalog and that the nonfiction books were not shelved in Dewey order. I quickly found out that people in a town this small just asked the librarian where a certain book was and she got it for them because she had been working there for 20 years. Of course, I had no clue where anything was in the library. I did a lot of looking for the first few months.
Share a funny, fun story with us about getting oriented as a library director.
Although I have been the director for about 4 months, the other day I introduced myself to someone as the Assistant Director. Old habits die hard, I guess.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? Do you have any thoughts about where you would like to see your library go in the future?
My biggest challenge here at Spencer Public Library has been to find the time to learn as I go and keep the work done at the same time. It is very easy to just keep doing my "old" job instead of training someone else to do it.
Tell us something about yourself, i.e. your hobbies, family, favorite books/authors..
My husband and I live on a farm about 25 miles from Spencer so the commute can be nasty in the winter. My husband has been on the NWLsa bord for 12 years and is back on again. I have lots of cats outdoors and a couple of spoiled ones indoors also. When I read for fun, I usually like mysteries althought I was surprised how much I enjoyed "water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. I like to garden but hate kitchen work so my garden has been gradually taken over by perenial flowers. Last year I got my amateur radio license but I have't been on the air yet. This job keeps interfering with my hobbies!
What other Questions can we answer?
Sure, when is the quiet season in the libraraies? LOL!
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