Scranton Library: Where You Belong!

Last fall, I attended a lecture given by R David Lankes, Associate Professor at the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University.  Professor Lankes posed the following question to the hundreds of librarians in the audience: "What do we call them, those people that aren't us in that building?" After listing all the common, yet problematic, monikers we all use: “patrons,” “customers,” “users,” or worse yet “information consumers,” Lankes recommended we call them simply "members.” Reminiscent of Oprah Winfrey’s famous “aha moments,” the collective gasp of agreement from the audience was deafening.  After twelve years of using the other terms, referring to library users as members still feels a bit awkward and forced; however, I am committed to making this semantical change at the Scranton Library because it best defines the relationship between the Library and the residents of Madison. 

Scranton Library membership requirements are simple. To quote Lady Bird Johnson:

 “Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest.”  

Regardless of age or socio-economic status, when you walk through the doors of the Library you automatically become a member entitled to the many benefits we have to offer.  You get computer and internet access, the latest issues of newspapers and magazines, educational and entertainment programs for all ages, amazing art exhibits and meeting spaces for community groups.  Register for a library card and you can borrow the latest bestsellers and DVDs, download ebooks and audiobooks, borrow passes for free or reduced admission to local museums and attractions, get multiple copies of books for your book club, and participate in our online summer reading program.  Thanks to your tax dollars and generous donations, we are able to offer these benefits at no extra cost to our members. 

April 8 – 14th is designated by the American Library Association as National Library Week.  The idea of library users as “members” fits nicely with the 2012 theme “You Belong @ Your Library.”  Whether you have yet to join or have been a long-time member, I encourage you to stop by the Scranton Library this week.  We have a wonderful exhibit of artwork by Madison school students each complete with a fascinating explanation of the artistic concept being explored.  On Friday, April 13th the Friends of the Scranton Library are sponsoring a noontime lecture to mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. 

As the new Executive Director, I plan over the next weeks, months and years to get to know as many regular and hopefully new members as possible.  And remember, as members, the Scranton Library belongs to you.  I have been fortunate enough to have been chosen to be its caretaker but it will be the implementation of the vision and ideas of our members that will ensure the Scranton Library benefits the residents of Madison for many years to come.