Shhhh – Turlock librarian shares secrets to free reads, classes, book clubs and more

Libraries, once just the repository of dusty tomes, have joined the digital age, and the stereotype of the shushing librarian needs an update, too.

Turlock librarian Diane Bartlett spends her days trying to keep up with reader requests in the bustling rooms of the Minaret Avenue branch, not trying to keep them silent.

The Stanislaus County Library’s one-eighth-cent sales tax brought her to the stacks the first year after voters passed it, 1995. Bartlett was one of several new hires that year as the library expanded its hours to serve more people. She has worked as a children’s librarian in Modesto, branch manager in Oakdale and in Salida, and since 2002 has spent most her time in Turlock.

The Bee caught up with her to ask what’s new and noteworthy at the library this summer.

Q: Libraries have housed books since they were papyrus scrolls. But this is the computer age – how have libraries adapted?

A. It has been fun to observe the changes in electronic services over the course of my career. The library in Stanislaus County strives to “foster the love of learning and open the doors to knowledge.” We accomplish this mission in the best way possible, which could mean finding a print copy of a classic, or an electronic copy of the latest bestseller, or performing an Internet search to find the most reliable report of a historic event. We are continually adding to the electronic resources we have.

In addition to offering access to databases which provide great information for school and casual research, we offer e-books through the 3M Cloud Library; magazines through Zinio; and audio books, movies, TV programs, music, e-books and graphic novels through Hoopla. We have the language-learning program Mango, through which you can learn any one of over 60 languages at your own pace. We also offer tutorial classes on using these resources with your device.

Q: About what percentage of your customers come in to check out paper books? What are other popular services?

A. Print material is definitely in demand. Turlock library has the second-highest circulation numbers in the county; only the Modesto library circulates more print material. DVDs and audio books on CD are high-interest items. Our customers check out stacks of picture books for children. We created a special section of informational text for the younger learner, which is a perfect accompaniment to learning through Common Core.

We have special collections for holiday books, concept books (ABC’s, colors, counting, “things that go” etc.), and popular series in the Children’s Library. Thanks to the Friends of the Turlock Public Library, we are also able to offer some sensory learning stations in the children’s area.

Q: What are summer programs and activities the library offers?

A. Thanks to the Stanislaus Library Foundation, we are able to offer a Summer Reading Challenge for all ages. There are three challenges: a 30-minute challenge for ages 0-8, a 7-hour challenge for ages 9-18, and a challenge for adults. Just stop by and pick up a reading log (ages 0-18) or review form (adults) to complete and you will be eligible for fabulous prizes.

During the month of July, we have events for families every Tuesday and Wednesday at 4 p.m., including Marshmallow Towers, Shark Week and Lego Day. Our Wiggle Worms Story Time (for children under age 3) is at 10 and 11 a.m. on Wednesdays and the Preschool Story Time (for ages 3-5) is on Thursdays at 10 and 11 a.m. through July.

Our dedicated children’s librarian is busy planning our August events, so check our calendar of events at www.stanislauslibrary.org.

The library offers a crafting class for teens and adults on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. During this class, we will work on various crafts “As Seen on Pinterest.” Our July activity will be glass etching. We host a book club for adults that meets the first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m.

Q: What advice do you have for teens considering a career at the library? What skills or credentials do they need today?

A. I would say that no matter what your interests are, you use that knowledge in your role as a librarian. If you like to investigate and learn, this job is for you. If you like to act and tell stories, you might want to be a children’s librarian. If you like meeting and helping people, you will have ample opportunity to do so working at the library.

There are many kinds of libraries: public, school, academic and special libraries (law and medical, for example), all of which have a different focus and appeal to job seekers. Teens can ask about volunteer opportunities, but they can also simply talk to us about what we do. I have had students shadow me during a workday, and that is always interesting.

To work in a public library as a librarian, you must have a master’s degree in library and information studies from an accredited school (the name of the degree varies by school). Your undergraduate degree can be in any discipline. Not every person who works in a library is a librarian. A library assistant is usually someone with some library experience and/or college education. A library page need not have any library experience, but must be old enough to obtain a work permit.

Q: What do you dream of, envisioning a wonderful future for libraries?

A. To me, library means community, and I am so excited to see the current focus on services to the local community in libraries nationwide. I see the library as a community center for learning and a venue where people can share their love of reading. Whether it be checking out a book, or using a database for research, or learning how to use computer code or attending a class on how to best enjoy chocolate, the library should be able to offer the space and resources to meet local interests.

As a former children’s librarian, I see the library as a fun and innovative place, where stories come alive, and where the community joins together to foster a love of learning and reading from an early age.

This story was originally published July 5, 2015 at 4:44 PM with the headline "Shhhh – Turlock librarian shares secrets to free reads, classes, book clubs and more."