Frances Fairchild, Chazy Public Library director, with the new library's stained glass installation
(01/25/12) These are tough times, as libraries grapple with changing technology and shrinking budgets. But librarians in Clinton County say their work is more important than ever. Sarah Harris talked with Stan Ransom, Frances Fairchild, Betsy Brooks, Eva Jankowska and Jacqueline Madison, all librarians in Clinton County.
Stan Ransom: "There’s a great
pleasure in being a librarian, the feeling that you help people. this is what
my mission is: to help people improve their lives by the use of the things that
we have at the public library."
Frances Fairchild: "Oh the people that come in. People who read! People who read are the nicest people."
Betsy Brooks: "And now
if you go to one of our libraries where people can bring their well-behaved
dogs and there’s a fire in the fire place, even though the collection isn’t
huge you can get any book in the 3 counties delivered there in a week—it’s the
best of both worlds."
Eva Jankowska: "My dream library is a library that’s a community center."
Betsy Brooks: they are
always places where there’s great hope for transformation—transformation in
life.
Eva Jankowska: "My dream library
is a library that’s a community center."
Jacqueline Madison: "I
would say take advantage. It’s as good as having a good education and it’s your
second education, really."