Author Archives: Cheryl Dobbs

When you visit the library in the coming days you may see construction going on at our waterfall, and we wanted to give you an update about what to expect. Our waterfall was installed in 2008 and has been very well loved by our patrons and especially by the children of GPL.  Of course this waterfall is not just decorative. It was created by the family of Dr. W.J. “Bill” Fisher in his honor. Dr. Fisher was a veteran, civic leader, and father of three who loved  reading and visiting the library. The family wanted something that would honor the memory of their dad and  enhance library visits for the community, and the waterfall area has the perfect way to do that. We have been so grateful to the Fisher family for their generous gift.

Sadly, the waterfall has been deteriorating for several years and its maintenance costs have continued to mount. In spite of several major updates our water feature now needs a complete renovation. In the coming days you will see work begin to renovate the area. The new area will feature a large “bubbling boulder,” as well as a natural seating in the form of rocks and benches, a stone patio, and some new plantings. The new garden area should also prove to be sturdier for the exploration and curiosity of our children, but do keep in mind that the bubbling water will be treated with chemicals to prevent algae, just like all public water features you encounter. We know that library users of all ages will enjoy this new water feature.

Incredibly, when we talked with the Fisher family about the need to remodel this area, they were excited to once again honor their father by generously funding this new project. So the Dr. Fisher memorial garden will continue to be a beautiful space for our community in his honor. I hope that when it is  complete you will take a moment to sit and enjoy the space, read the plaque in Dr. Fisher’s honor, and enjoy watching the children explore the natural setting. They may not realize that “Pop” Fisher is behind all of this bubbling magic, but we will never forget.

Sometimes, my sweet husband can be a little grumpy. And he would definitely admit to that. He’s also a huge reader, but using the library’s e-books and e-audio books has been something that has made him a little grumpy. He does prefer to read electronically most of the time, so that has meant that he’s been BUYING books. And he’s married to a librarian! Recently I decided it was time for this to change. When libraries first began offering e-books, I will admit that it was not for the faint of heart. You practically needed a computer science degree to make it through the complex, multiple-step process. But fortunately, as with all technology, it has gotten much, much easier. When I tried telling this to my very techy but very grumpy husband, all I got was complaints and resistance.

For the last few years I’ve been reading in all formats. Print, ebook, e-audio, and even the occasional ebook on CD. I admit that when ebooks were new on the scene, I viewed them with a bit of suspicion. After all, how could anyone stand to lose the feel of fingering the corner of the pages as you get ready to turn a leaf to the next passage? Without paper pages, could you still flip to the end, just for a minute, to see if a beloved character’s name was still there? What if there was a map? Or a character list? Or a timeline? I just didn’t believe that e-books could offer the reading experience I loved. Years later, my suspicions have been put to rest as I find myself reading in different formats for different purposes. I read non-fiction in print. If I need to speed read, I get my hands on both the print and the e-audio so that I can read both in the car and at home. If I’m relaxing, it’s print. If I’m on vacation, it’s as many books as my heart desires – all electronic. The variety of formats has allowed me to have books with me all the time, wherever I am. And that is never a bad thing!

And so one Saturday my husband and I trekked to our local library in Avon and renewed his library card (more grumbling about cards that expire). After only a few fits and starts, he was off and reading – but now with more options. Not only are we saving money on his reading habit, but the grumbles (at least on this subject) have stopped as he is too busy reading to complain. Have you ever noticed that reading improves your mood? It sure does in our family. No Saturday morning is complete without a book, a dog, a cup of coffee (for Mark) or a Diet Coke (for me) and some good music. One of these days, we’ll work on streaming free music through Hoopla. But I think we’ll have to take this one step at a time.

Tonight the Trustees of the Greenwood Public Library had a rare opportunity to see the Teen Advisory Board in action. They showed up, stood up, and spoke to a room of adults about service projects that they planned and carried out at GPL. One group split into two teams and made videos to promote GPL services. Another underwent training so that they could become “Reading Buddies” for young children who need encouragement in reading. Still another group provided Steam programming to engage kids and adults alike in science and technology.

I’ve seen college students who would not have done as well. As the kids left the room, the comments from the Trustees included, “Maybe there is hope for the future after all,” “What a great group of intelligent young people,”  and “There are our future . . . engineers, lawyers, architects . . .”

So, on a cold March evening, this was an event I had to share with all of you. Just in case you think libraries are irrelevant. Just in case you think teens don’t care. Just in case you had a bad day. Here are the faces of a positive future.

It turns out that libraries did not die out with princess telephones and bell bottoms. And we didn’t just survive, dusty vintage curiosities decorated in avocado green and burnt orange. Instead, we are thriving. And we are thriving because we have embraced change early instead of late. Technology, e-books, and online resources are as common today as pencil stubs, catalog drawers, and type-writers used to be. I have worked in libraries off and on for over 30 years and I know that some of them didn’t make it. There are libraries stuck in time, exactly as you remember them from your childhood. But most of Indiana’s libraries are proof-positive that libraries not only still have a pulse, but we are light on our feet and ready to dance.

Last Thursday night we celebrated. At our donor event, Booked for the Evening, we celebrated what public libraries can do for their communities, and what our community has done for us. It is one of my favorite nights of the year, because I love the chance to talk about this library. I love it almost as much as I love watching people come into our library for the first time and seeing the look on their faces when they find the last thing they expected: a vibrant community center. Who knew libraries had survived the internet?

Evan Wright is a self-possessed teen who grew up going to GPL and who is now a leader in our Teen Advisory Group. At 17, he has the poise and presence of someone much older. As he spoke at our event last Thursday, he told us about a time when he was 12 years old, and he found out the library was in financial trouble.

“Several years ago, we had to consider what life would be like without the library. I still remember how I felt when I learned that the library was having financial problems.  It had never occurred to me that GPL, who had given so much to the community, needed the community’s support in return. So I made a decision.  I decided to help the library to the best of my ability.  I asked my family members to donate to GPL for my birthday, and I donated my savings.  I couldn’t stand to think that no one else would be able to grow up with GPL the way I have.”

I was and am amazed at the children and teens in our library and how well they understand the connectedness of it all. Evan was not the only child who gave of his own money to help his library five years ago. Today those children are growing up with an understanding that they can make a difference, too. Because of them, because of you, GPL is still here to give children and adults what they need to succeed.

It is hard to find a place in today’s society where one is not merely a consumer to be marketed to. But here at the public library we truly serve everyone, regardless of their economic, social, or political status. In a sense we are Sweden. Without hidden agendas we can provide public space for civil discourse, resources, and access to materials needed for personal growth and decision making.

As we do this work we ask for your help. And you have given it – your time, your talents, and your investment. I hope you know that your investment is paying off. The dividends are clear for all to see. I want to share with you a letter I received from Chris, mom to one of our families who have been very involved at the library – they wanted to let you know that your investment has made a difference for them.

“From our very first visit, they (the staff) made us feel welcome. They have offered encouragement, given hugs, taught, laughed, conspired, and made us feel at home. Due to job changes, my husband took a position in Chicago. GPL is one of the reasons that we decided, as a family, to have Matt live ‘up north’ while we stayed here for an extra year. An extra year of classes, movies, volunteering, coaching, teaching, games, snacks, crafts, and love. We miss being together but have not once regretted our decision. The staff here at GPL shows us with every single visit that they are here to help and guide anyone willing to step through the doors and ask.

Then, there is the love. It’s not hard to enter GPL and see and feel the love. Love of books. Love of research. Love of order. Love of community. Love for each other. Love. They love this library and it is absolutely impossible not to love them and it right back.

My thanks to the board and donors (past present and future) that have also worked hard to make this library the wonderful place that it is for all who walk through the doors. If you ever wonder if GPL is “doing right” by your donations of time or money, open the doors. Walk in. Look around. When a steady stream of teenagers walk through the doors to hang out in a grand room set aside just for them, know GPL is “doing right.” When a parent asks at the children’s desk how many books they can check out at once and a small child squeals with glee at number, know that GPL is “doing right.” When a kid borrows the letter carrier outfit and mailbox and plays with new friends for an hour, know that not only is GPL “doing right” by your donations, but they do it happily, knowing that you have their backs and will step up and help them continue to do it each and every day.”

If you have invested in us, I join with Chris and Evan in thanking you. If you are interested in finding out how you can invest with GPL, please contact me or Jane Weisenbach via email or a phone call. Or, better yet, come in and chat. My door is always open.