At the Library: A word from Ellen Hampe Alexander

By Ellen Hampe Alexander

Hello Washington! It was so great to be back for the 10th anniversary celebration of the new library building last week. The town looks wonderful, and there have been many exciting changes since I was last there, not the least of which is the growth of library space and services. I was the Washington Public Library Director from 1997-2000, and current staff asked me to say something at the anniversary celebration. I wondered what of interest I could possibly have to say after twenty years. I thought of how much has changed. The landscape of libraries and information is vastly different. You all have been through planning, fundraising, building and moving into the gorgeous new space.

When I was hired, the library was cozy at 120 E. Main. We were aware that the days of the building were numbered. Spaces for programming, growing and changing collections, and technology were all stretched to the limit. The roof leaked, and umbrellas were involved in checking the book drop. We received a donation of artwork that we had nowhere but a converted janitors' closet to house. And yet, I thought of how profoundly my time at WPL shaped my understanding of what is truly important in a library: the staff, community engagement, and personalized service. I came to this job straight out of library school, and the staff quickly taught me the importance of these qualities. It felt like we were the heart of the community in that crowded rundown building because staff genuinely cared about and were in touch with the community. I watched astonished as staff placed holds on books for people before people knew they wanted to read them, answered reference questions at the grocery store, and planned and executed story time after story time after story time.

I moved on to work at the Coralville Public Library in 2000 but have kept in touch through the network of Iowa libraries and more recently, through social media. I love seeing how far this library has come: the victory of the new building with much-needed genealogy space and a grand piano! I am so impressed by the huge growth in community engagement and the number of unconventional, exciting programs I see being offered: a sleepover for RAGBRAI, the party in the alley by mural, and so much crafting!

Ultimately, I realized that what fundamentally makes it the WPL is the amazing dedication of the staff (many of whom are still here!) and the community love and support of the library and its staff. It was so much fun to see and hug many of you and to bask in that love again for a few hours.