Thoughts

These ponderings were included in my presentation to the Union Rotary Club, 15 April 2008.

My name is Nancy Rosenwald and I am the Director of the Union County Carnegie Library. Thank you for this opportunity to speak…it is always an opportunity to speak to Rotary.

I am here to talk to you about a vibrant community gathering place that needs your help and support…a place where people learn, think, plan, dream, and grow.

Yes, that place is the library, your Carnegie Library. I need you to know, we are here to change the picture you have of a library…you know, that silent place run by a shushing bun-headed librarian who seems intent on keeping your hands off those books. For many of us those images still come to mind when the word library is used.

Libraries have changed dramatically over the past ten years and the Carnegie Library is transforming, too. We offer musical programs with classical guitarists and wonderful singers like Bill Strong, basket makers, storytellers, theatrical groups, and even a rock band on the library steps! People from our county come to read, chat, think and fill out job applications on line. Libraries have moved far away from those old images of imposed silence and active spaces have replaced them.

Briefly, I want to discuss the mission of the Carnegie Library, approved by the Board of Trustees this year. Our mission reflects what we do.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Union Carnegie Library is the learning center for our community and is the place people choose to explore ideas, the power of information and the pleasure of reading. Our collections, programs and services reflect community needs and requests, which are offered in a welcoming, convenient and responsive manner.

We accomplish this mission through service, service, service.

Perhaps more important is our vision—what do we hope to be in the future? Where are we headed?

VISION STATEMENT

The Union Carnegie Library will be a modern twenty-first century public library that satisfies community needs through outstanding collections, dynamic programming, and exceptional public service. Our connections to our customers, commitment to professional growth, and responsiveness to changing needs will make our library buildings vital public spaces and our website a dynamic virtual destination for all county residents.


Lots of words…lots of hope…lots of work to be done.

As the Director of the Carnegie Library, it is my job to ask the question what does Union need? From my perspective, we need:

1. Strong support for learning of all kinds, for all ages, for all people.

2. Ideas that result in jobs, economic development, and an array of opportunity.

3. Serious efforts to preserve Unions important and unique history.

4. A sense of pride in Union’s assets and its sense of community.


My goal and my promise to you is this:

The Carnegie Library will grow, will continue to expand its services and collections to meet the needs of this community, now and into the future. We won’t just be that beautiful old building down on South Street but an organization that seeks excellence by listening…responding…and exceeding your expectations.

Thank you for listening.