Monday, December 3, 2007

People you should Know

The next time you visit the Library, you might ask yourself such questions as who designs the book displays or who keeps the web page current? The wonderful services provided at the Library through its programs and resources whether books, CDs, etc. don’t just appear on their own. It takes a special group of people to run the Library operations, prepare the material one can check out, prepare programs for the youth/children, maintaining the computers in to provide Internet access, etc. These are just a few important things this special group of people does.

In this article and with the Christmas season starting, I wanted to brag about the Wabash Carnegie Public Library Board of Trustees and the staff here. The Board of Trustees recently received recognition for their dedication and hard work. The Indiana Library Federation recognized each of the Board Members for their continuing efforts to enhance library board effectiveness and as an outstanding Library Board of Trustees in Indiana. I want to thank each of the Trustees for their continued service to the Community of Wabash.

The staff at Wabash Carnegie Public Library "wear many hats" depending in terms of their responsibilities during the day. One of the most rewarding aspects as a Director is working with a group of people who do outstanding work, particularly as a team. The staff at Wabash Carnegie Public Library is no exception. It is the staff’s team and welcoming attitude that makes this such a special place.

One of the greatest joys as Director is hearing whether verbally or in writing how helpful a staff member has been to a customer. On a frequent basis, I hear from you on how helpful and friendly the staff is here at Wabash Carnegie Public Library and it is a pleasure to convey these compliments to staff. In fact this morning, I received a letter from a gentleman at Ball State University to the library that concluded with complementing a staff person on the staff person's help with research.

On behalf of the Wabash Carnegie Public Library and its staff, we wish a joyous and safe holiday season! Visit Us Soon!

Ware Wimberly
Director

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Value of libraries

How long has it been since you last visited your hometown library? Whenever it was, was your library experience a valuable one and did it make you want to come back? Did the staff, including the Director, assist you in a friendly and welcoming manner? Was the library able to help you find what you needed or provide another avenue for you to acquire needed information? You see, these questions are ones I think about frequently. As Director of your Wabash Carnegie Public Library, you could say that it is my business to think about these questions.

As someone fairly new to the position of Director of the Wabash Carnegie Public Library, I have tried to be visible and introduce myself to people in this community. I am starting to appreciate your pride and love of Wabash. Wabash Carnegie Public Library has been in its present location since 1903 and a well-know institution in this community.

Even in the age of the Internet and instant information access, public libraries can still play an important role in a community and be a vital partner. We live in a society where retrieving information and communicating is necessary for everyday life and success. For many in our community who lack Internet access at home, the library provides a window to retrieve information electronically and communicate electronically too. For example, need to found out the most updated information on a company’s stock you are thinking about selling or buying? You can visit the Wabash Carnegie Public Library and use our computers to access the latest information on line.

Public libraries promote reading and communication of ideas. Whether reading for pleasure or particular purpose in mind, reading and literacy is a crucial element for a healthy community that public libraries are consistently providing regardless of age. There are many examples here at the Wabash Carnegie Public Library of our staff carrying our mission of literacy and education.

Everyday I observe Nancy Synder, April Nicely, and Polly Parman of our Youth Services Department promoting learning, reading, and sharing in the youth of Wabash. For children and their parents, learning to read and enjoying what reading brings at a young age is crucial for one’s development in life. It is also evident from the reaction of the youth that the library, through its staff, creates an environment where youth are comfortable and excited to learn.

The Wabash Carnegie Public Library and other public libraries also provide a place for the community where one can just relax and be in a conducive and welcoming environment. Where can one grab a book or magazine and find a quiet place to sit and read? The answer is at the library. The Wabash Carnegie Public Library within the context of its patron behavior policy strives to be an environment where one feels welcomed and relaxes a little during a stressful day.

Is the Wabash Carnegie Public Library providing the best service possible to you? How can the Wabash Carnegie Public Library be the best partner to the taxpayers, the community, and the various institutions? These are questions I consistently ask myself as Director and welcome your feedback to these questions. I believe the Wabash Carnegie Public Library is a vital and essential part of this community.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Career Resources at the Library

With the closing of the GDX plant here in Wabash, Wabash is losing a major source of employment that will hurt this community. Sadly, for many people, this involves losing jobs. As residents affected by the closing look for new employment, the Library can provide resources to help one in his or her search for new employment.

The Library has many resources in print on careers, resumes, strategies to land a new job, interview strategies, etc. Through its computers, the Library also provides access to websites that have job postings and where one could, possibly, send a resume or cover letter electronically. Our Internet access also provides an opportunity to learn about new careers and how to determine a possible new career.

If you have any questions about resources the Wabash Carnegie Public Library has on careers or job searching, we can be reached at (260) 563-2972. Even better, visit us at 188 W Hill Street.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Interested in doing genealogy and don't know where to start?

Are you interested in starting to doing research on your family tree or ancestors? The Wabash Carnegie Public Library can help you get started. On October 27th, the Library is offering a free Beginning Genealogy Class from 9:00 to 11:30. There is a sign up at the Circulation Desk at the Library. There is a limit for the number of people that can sign up, so get a seat soon.

The Library is also having a second book discussion on October 18th in its 2007 Fall Book Discussion Series. The second book is entitled by Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. We had a great discussion on September 20th lead by Phyllis Downey on the book The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. There is a sign up at the Circulation Desk.

These are some of the events happening this month at your Wabash Carnegie Public Library. If there are ways the Wabash Carnegie Public Library can better serve Wabash, I welcome you to share those ideas and suggestions with me. Hope to see you at the Wabash Carnegie Public Library soon and often. I can be reached at (260) 563-2972 or email me at warew@wabash.lib.in.us

See you at the Library soon,


Ware Wimberly III
Director

Friday, August 31, 2007

What Makes Wabash Special?

As the Director, I have met so many people in the community of Wabash whether he or she lives in the city or county. Wabash is a special place! I knew Wabash was extraordinary before becoming Director. By living in Wabash and meeting so many people, I have began to appreciate HOW exceptional Wabash is. Wabash is a vibrant and energizing community with people who truly love their community. There are some wonderful institutions and landmarks in Wabash (city and county) such as the Honeywell Center, Wabash County Historical Museum, Stockdale Mill, etc. Yet, it is the people of this community and their love for Wabash that make this place special.

I invite you to share your thoughts or comments on what makes Wabash special!

Also, how can your Library (Wabash Carnegie Public Library) help to make this community even better?

* If you want to add a comment or response and you do not have a blogger account, you can do the following to post your comments/responses. One clicks on the "Anonymous" circle to check and then click on "Publish Post" once you have finished your comments/responses. Any questions, talk to or call us at the Wabash Carnegie Public Library (1-260-563-2972).

Thanks for participating and look forward to your comments,


Ware W. Wimberly III
Director
Wabash Carnegie Public Library

Monday, July 23, 2007

Ware W. Wimberly III
Director
Wabash Carnegie Public Library
188 W Hill Street
Wabash IN 46692


Hello,

My name is Ware W. Wimberly III and I am the Director of the Wabash Carnegie Public Library in Wabash, IN. The purpose of the this blog is to allow patrons of and visitors to the Wabash Carnegie Public Library to communicate questions or concerns to the Director. It will also allow myself, as Director, to gain feedback from you on ideas for providing the best service possible to our patrons. So, I invite you to participate and help us serve you better.

I do have a few questions to start out:

What are your fondest moments or memories at the Wabash Carnegie Public Library?

What are things in the future that you would like to see at Wabash Carnegie Public Library as part of its service to the citizens of Wabash?

Look forward to your responses and input, Ware