One of our greatest joys at WiLS is hearing our members tell the stories of the big and important work they are doing – interesting new projects or initiatives, or even interesting and new approaches to old projects. And, in addition to hearing about it, it makes us even happier when we can share those stories with other members. Each month, WiLS is proud to feature an interview with one of our library members. This month, we interview Carrie Portz, Director of the Spring Green Community Library.
Why did you, personally, choose to work in libraries?
I love helping people! It took me a while to realize that I really get energy from being with people, especially kids. I started out in landscaping growing nursery plants and moved into management and bookkeeping. I had worked at a couple libraries as part-time jobs when I was younger. Later, I was home part time when my oldest daughter was very young. I started volunteering at my local library a few hours a week. I realized, “This is what I am supposed to be doing!” A couple years later, the director’s position opened up and I was hired.
What is unique about the culture of your library? How do you influence it?
I try to be very patron-focused. I want every visitor to be greeted, feel welcome, and get prompt responses. I hate fines and all the antiquated “library rules.” I think they perpetuate the negative stereotypes some have about libraries and keep us in the Dark Ages; it’s not a good long-range plan! I think we should be as easy to work with as a business. We want people to want our books, right? Why make it difficult?
I am also willing to go the extra mile for patrons – I’ve given rides, done troubleshooting at midnight, home delivery…. I do it because I can, and I want to help. But I also think it builds long-term support for the library.
What do you think is important to know about the patrons or community you work with? What helps you understand those needs?
You need to know what’s important to your community and what their big issues are before you can work to address them. You can’t be in your office figuring it out! For me, I need to be out front, on the desk. The more I help on the front lines, the more I learn about the patrons and what they need. But I am coming from a small library perspective, where that’s possible.
It’s also important to get out of the library, so you can learn about the non-users, too. In my first two months here, I went to the Chamber of Commerce, the food pantry, the Village board meeting, and a couple businesses trying to learn more about the community. Because I am new to this library, I feel acutely the gap between my ideas and knowing the people who will help!
What big ideas are being worked on at your system or member libraries? What problems are being solved?
I am trying to release my patrons and staff from the pressure of tight control, dated policies, and overcrowding. The policies need a face lift and so does the building! All that, plus heavy weeding, oh my!
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These interviews are part of a series of interviews with both WiLS library and vendor partners. Your feedback is appreciated. If you have any to offer on this article, or suggestions for upcoming interviews, contact Andrea Coffin at acoffin@wils.org.