Thirty-Four Years of Service

Thirty four and a half years ago, a young woman walked into the Raymond Branch of Pocatello’s public library to begin a new job. This woman, whom we all know as Kathy Watson, or The Book Lady, found her niche in the library world and has been a fixture of the public library ever since. Now, after being the face of the library for so many people, Kathy is shelving her final book and taking her leave. No doubt that she will continue reading and laughing and learning in her next adventures, but certainly after so long a time, she deserves a rest.

Kathy calls herself an “accidental librarian.” That is, she did not intend to spend the greater part of her life shelving books, taking books to homebound patrons, and interacting with the many visitors of the public library. Kathy originally went to school to become an elementary/special ed teacher. But after some upheavals in her life, she found a spot in the library and felt that she had come home. Indeed she has made the library a kind of welcoming home for many, many people over the years. As Kathy said, “I probably know half the town if I can remember who they are!”

Some of Kathy’s responsibilities have included her first station in the long-gone Raymond Branch; Outreach librarian, Circulation Supervisor; and most recently, Associate Director. Of those different titles, each has been great in its own way, Kathy said, but the time she spent doing outreach, taking books and library materials to homebound patrons, holds a special place in her heart. “It was a chance to visit with dear friends in their living rooms and enter their lives,” Kathy said. “If you like reading and people, what better job is there?” Kathy recalled Cliff and Birdie Foster, one of many of her outreach families that became as close as her own family. “And so many other people,” she said.”My life has been greatly blessed by the people I have met.”

People, both those she worked with at the library and the members of the public that Kathy met during her long tenure, have been the source of her greatest joys. Kathy’s reach stretched far outside of Pocatello as well. After being involved for years with the Idaho Library Association, including serving as chair of the Idaho Book of the Year Award committee, Kathy mustered her courage and ran for president of the Pacific Northwest Library Association, an organization spanning the states of Idaho, Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Montana, and the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. She was elected and served as president in 2008-2009.

Now Kathy’s thoughts are bittersweet. “When I think about retirement,” Kathy reflected, “I wonder who I will be. I’ve been The Book Lady for so long, I think it’s time to try something different. How about Kathy Watson, author?” Indeed, Kathy loves to write and is, as she reports, working on a book right now. We look forward to reading her words in years to come!

When asked if she had any parting words, Kathy, with a watery eye, said, “I want to express my appreciation and thanks to those who have made my years here the happy ones they’ve been. It’s been a great ride!” Thank you for those happy years, Kathy. We will miss you!

Older Job Seekers Roundtable Discussion

Peggy Morgan from the Department of Labor will lead a roundtable discussion for older job seekers at Marshall Public Library on October 21 at 10 am.

This free and informal discussion is for older, experienced workers who are looking for a new job or are re-entering the workforce. Many experienced workers are returning to work or are looking for new jobs due to the state of the economy. Older job seekers offer skills and expertise to potential employers but they also face particular challenges. If you would like to participate in this roundtable discussion, please bring your questions, concerns, and tips on job seeking to the library on October 21 and join in this important discussion.

Amy Campbell, Reference Librarian

From the YA Desk

Banned books week concluded on Saturday, October 2, 2010 and I wanted to share a blog entry posted by Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy Series) that pretty much summed up the whole week. Please check out this link: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/137902.Richelle_Mean/blog
for her September 29 entry.

We will be celebrating TEEN READ WEEK, October 17-23, 2010, with our first ever "Hungry Library Games"! This event will be a take-off on the popular series The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and will include team survival games, food, and fun. You may register to participate by going to our calendar online at http://www.marshallpl.org or calling us at 232-1263 ext. 28.

See YA soon at the library-

Kath Ann Hendricks, Young Adult Librarian

New Faces in Circulation

The circulation staff would like to welcome three new employees to our staff, Becky Mitton, Jamie Bunn, and Greg Grasso. They all started working at the library in September. MPL also has a new custodian, Stephen Glenn, who started in July.

Stephen was born and raised in Pocatello. He has 2 children and 6 grandchildren. He like to read and listen to audiobooks about history. In his free time, he likes to fix things.

Becky is from Pocatello and has lived her most of her life. Along with a wonderful husband, she has 5 children and 6 1/2 grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is one of her favorite books. Becky also reads a wide variety of action, suspense, romance, and children's books.

Jamie is from Burley but has lived in Pocatello for 8 years. She enjoys crocheting hats, toys, and Nintendo-themed items. She is the owner of a rescued cat named Asphalt. Jamie's favorite series is the Dark Tower books by Stephen King. She likes to read realistic fiction along with horror. Jamie also helps out in the youth department by monitoring the KaBam! book group for children.

Greg has lived in Pocatello for 20+ years, but is from Stamford, CT. He is the owner of 3 cats and 2 dogs. You can often find Greg reading suspenseful fiction, military history, and covert ops. His favorite author is Nelson DeMille. He is an amateur chef and enjoys cooking and entertaining for his friends in his spare time.

We are very excited to have Stephen, Becky, Jamie, and Greg among our staff here at the library and are looking forward to getting to know them better and seeing them share their knowledge with the public. As you meet them, please feel free to welcome them to our staff.

Becky Hadley, Readers Advisor

Free Computer Classes

Beginning in August, Marshall Public Library will again offer computer classes for beginners. It will be a series of five classes. The first class will focus on initial introduction to the computer, including instruction on how to use a mouse to point and click, and the following classes will increase in difficulty. The second and third class will familiarize students with Microsoft Word, the fourth class will address using the Internet, and in the fifth and final class the students will create an email account.

The computer classes are geared toward adults over 50 who have little to no computer experience. You may attend all, one, or any combination of the classes. Classes are free and open to the public but registration is required.

The first class will be held on Wednesday, August 11 at 9 am. The same information will be repeated on Thursday, August 12 at 7 pm. Space is very limited so please call John or Amy at 232-1263 ext. 21 to register.

KaBam! Children's Book Group

KaBaM! is THE book group for all youth in Grade 6 and younger. KaBaM! celebrates the wide selection of children's literature available by creating a fun and open atmosphere for children to read and discuss a diverse assortment of stories. KaBaM! has had an active summer discussing pirates, princesses and superheroes.

Starting this fall, KaBaM! will be meeting once a month to talk about the Young Reader's Choice 2011 Nominees (Grade 4-6 Division). Each month, book group participants will read and explore a new title. The monthly meeting will include discussion of the book, an introduction to similar titles, and an activity related to the themes of the book.

KaBaM! is currently seeking feedback from potential participants for a convenient day and time to hold these meetings. All feedback may be sent to the book group coordinator, Jamie, at kabambookgroup@gmail.com.

Free Rides to Library for Children & Seniors

Pocatello's Marshall Public Library is pleased to announce the return of the Reading and Riding Pass. The pass, which was discontinued last year, will begin on August 1st, 2010. Individuals age 18 and younger and those 60 and older with a valid library card can ride the bus to and from the Library for free.

The program was designed to assist children and seniors who may find it difficult to get to the library otherwise.

"We are thrilled to once again offer this popular service to the community, and we are grateful to Pocatello Regional Transit for making it possible," said Kathy Watson, Associate Library Director. "Our goal is to make it easier for children and seniors to take advantage of the wonderful services the Library offers."

The program is a collaboration of the Pocatello Regional Transit (PRT) and the Marshall Public Library.