Library According To Su

WAITSBURG - New library manager Su Alexander has plenty of new ideas in store for the Weller Public Library, in downtown Waitsburg.

Alexander, who took over as manager after Jan Cronkhite retired in October, has plans to make the library new and improved while retaining its historical aspects.

Taking a page from her own personality, Alexander would like to make the library a nice, laid back place, where people of all ages can come, get cozy, read and relax.

Her first line of action will be to modernize the library. She recently bought an electronic gadget that will make the job of checking out books much quicker and more efficient, she said.

Alexander's enthusiasm for the library is topped only by her vision. She recently returned from a meeting in Tacoma where she learned about a grant for new, top-ofthe line Internet access.

The grant originates from the Gates Foundation and federal stimulus money. If Waitsburg's library receives the grant, Internet will be hooked up completely free to the city. The system is fiber-optic and would provide the city with the fastest service available, she said.

Alexander is also looking into other grants to buy newer computers that would be faster and more efficient. She has raised $600 and is also looking into Walmart grants.

"We get about 20 to 30 new books a month," Alexander said.

She is always filling the shelves with different types of books, including a wide selection of new books for the whole family.

"I'm always looking for requests," she said. "Anything that is appropriate and price worthy."

Alexander also hopes to create a space comfortable for reading. She has already started by recently adding bean bag chairs in the children's reading section.

She's looking for different ways to use the space she has to work with - which isn't a lot - making more space for places to read and adding more shelves. Additionally, Alexander is looking into expanding the library hours. She plans to do so after the board hires a new worker.

The board will review applicants for an assistant. A decision will be made after the first of the year. Job descriptions and applications are available at Waitsburg City Hall.

Alexander has been around the library since she moved into town four and a half years ago with her husband and two kids.

"Jan was retiring after 32 years on the job," she said. "I just happened to be around and wanted the job. It's just how it happened to worked out."

Cronkhite herself trained Alexander before she retired.

"I still call Jan for questions all the time," said Alexander. "Jan will always be the biggest supporter of the library."

Alexander's goal is to get people into the building again.

"We have such a low circulation," she said. "I'm going to talk to other small libraries and find out other ways I can make the library better for the community."

If she can just get people to come into the building, she believes circulation will improve.

"They won't know what I have to offer until they come by," she said.

Alexander is also working on bettering the summer reading program. She worked on a few changes last summer and has more ideas on way to keep kids coming.

"Even if they are coming for the food and prizes, it still gets them in the environment," she said.