While many think of the library as a place to just check out books, those closest to it know it is so much more. The opportunities to engage and empower those in the community are limitless, which is reflected in the theme for National Library Week, "Unlimited possibilities at your library," which will be recognized April 12-18.  

In honor of this special week, The Splash interviewed three people closely connected with Liberty Lake Municipal Library - Linda Dockrey, Cindy Jonz and Shardé Mills - to hear their thoughts on the future of the library, as well as its value to the community. 

Dockrey has served on the board of trustees for six years and was involved with the Friends group before that. Cindy Jonz, a retired English teacher, has been a library volunteer for over five years. Shardé Mills, who has been working as adult services and research librarian since December, is one of the newest faces at the library.

Dockrey: The library puts out surveys, and the board talks about the results. While we're not in the library on a daily basis, we do interact with patrons. When we see something that needs tweaked, we try to move on that. That's what drives our decisions.

Mills: As the adult services librarian, I respond directly to library patrons' needs. I purchase adult books and DVDs, with suggestions from patrons and with the community's tastes and needs in mind. I also assist people with research, finding online resources and books that meet their interests, as well as provide assistance with technology. One of the best parts is planning events and activities, like author readings and craft nights. If you have any suggestions, send them my way!

Jonz: I'm an avid reader and a retired English teacher, so if people come in and say they're looking for a good book, I enjoy telling them what I recommend. I enjoy conversations with patrons.

Mills: I'm amazed by the efficiency that goes into operating the library. Every day we pull books from the shelves; they are processed and then shipped across 26 libraries! We track everything, from how many people walk through the door to which books are requested most. A lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff is doing our best to provide excellent service and find out what people like.

Jonz: The staff is incredibly busy. They rotate through manning the main desk, and there are other personnel working on book binding and cataloging. From children's programs and book clubs to helping people on the computers or researching problems, the library caters to all in the community. 

Dockrey: The board deals a lot with policies. People probably don't realize how much we struggle over these policies. The budget is another a big thing. We have a five-year plan, and we're trying to look into the future to see what people want. We spend hours and hours deciding how to allocate the money in the best way. We put a lot of effort into these decisions.

Jonz: Computers. With the proliferation of the e-readers and Kindles and Nooks in the past five years, you can now download books from your home with a computer. The staff has to be on top of that. 

Mills: The most significant changes can be directly linked to technology and neighborhood involvement. We see people daily who are interested in our free eBooks and eAudiobooks, using our computers, and getting assistance with technology. There is also a strong sense of family and community at the library, with families and individuals attending library programs and events.

Dockrey: The library is busier every year. It's being used as a community center with all kinds of clubs meeting there. Our patrons are interested in classes - cooking, gardening, etc. - so the library has become an educational center. People have come to expect that all kinds of services will be available. 

Mills: I really see the future of the library as a place of education, both fun and informative. ... We provide services that open a world of literature, free online classes, and community oriented programs and events. This is the direction I see the library going, providing access to important life skills, especially through technology, and creating community-oriented programming that is educational and entertaining.

Jonz: I would like it to continue to be a viable part of the community. I think just staying up to date and current with what's going on. 

Dockrey: We need more room. We've outgrown our library; there's virtually no storage space. I don't know if we need a new building, but I would like for us to reach our potential. I'd like to see the library open on Sundays. Personally, I would like to see a creativity room - with a 3D printer or music opportunities. The sky's the limit with libraries these days. It's amazing the creativity that happens in libraries all across the country. 

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