By Audrey Posten
Although needs and use continue to evolve, the Guttenberg Public Library remains an important place for community resources and connection.
“Landscapes of libraries are changing,” acknowledged director Katey Simon. “It’s funny because, up until I became director, my experience with libraries was as a patron. I frequented it. I would use the computers, the copy machine, check out materials, that sort of thing. But when you step into this roll, then you start learning more.”
Simon has been director for 4.5 years and operates the library along with library assistant Nancy Ruzicka, who focuses on youth services.
“In the next couple months, I’ll be hiring for an open position we have,” she said. “We’re kind of a two-woman show right now.”
The Guttenberg Public Library currently has a selection of regular and large print books for adults, as well as children’s books and materials for juniors and young adults. It’s shelves also contain resources on local, county and some state history, in addition to periodicals.
The app Libby, which lets patrons use their library card to check out and read eBooks or listen to eAudiobooks, remains popular. A subscription to Freegal allows people within the city of Guttenberg, rural Clayton County and other cities the library contracts with to listen to 24/7 music and download three free songs each week.
Although library circulation has decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic, “libraries are becoming something different,” according to Simon.
While materials remain a key resource, patrons also rely on Wi-Fi, computer access and faxing, copying and printing services. Staff can even assist with test proctoring.
The library meeting room is a frequent gathering space for community members. Library programming attracts people too.
With Clayton Ridge’s adoption of a four-day school week, with no classes on Mondays, the library has moved it’s children’s programming to that day in order to meet the needs of students and parents.
“Not every Monday of the month, but two to three depending on schedules, we’ll have a program geared more toward younger ages and some older ages,” Simon said.
Last Monday, for example, was a popcorn day program. A library board member donated ears of popcorn and children enjoyed shucking and air popping it, then adding different flavoring to the popped kernels. Ruzicka also read some books about the process of growing popcorn.
STEM activities feature heavily in the Monday programs.
“In February, we have a winter Olympics STEM activity planned,” Simon noted.
There are a variety of programs for adults as well, including a monthly book discussion on the first Tuesday of each month. A dedicated group plays mahjongg every Thursday at 1 p.m., and Fridays at 1 p.m. feature board games—most often Scrabble.
On the first Thursday of each month, at 7 p.m., the library hosts writer’s open mic nights. Simon said the event formed when a local mom sought a venue for her daughter, who is an avid writer, to share her work.
“There are groups that meet in Iowa City and stuff, but those are really far away. She goes, ‘Can we do something here?’” Simon recalled. “It’s just inviting people who write—and it could be anything from poetry to novels to even if they have a report they’re doing or a speech they’re giving and want to present it. As long as it’s original, they can come and share.”
The public is also welcome to listen without the requirement of participation.
“It’s really cool because we have a couple people who are working on books. Now, we’re caught up into it, like ‘What’s happening?’” Simon shared.
The director hopes to grow library programming and welcomes partnerships with other organizations or individuals.
“I want to build it up, but there are also these other things going on and you only have so many staff to do everything. That’s where I’m really looking to partner with different organizations or individuals moving forward,” she said.
In addition to these programs, the library occasionally hosts speakers, who share on different topics. The library foundation, which Simon described as similar to a friend’s group, sponsors spring and fall programs for adults along with the summer reading program for children and the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative.
The non-profit foundation also supports operations by purchasing items on the library’s wish list.
“You’ll notice we have a dramatic play area. It just got switched over and Nancy put up a post office. It was previously a bakery and coffee shop,” Simon said. “The foundation purchased play donuts and bread and a little play espresso machine and stuff like that. They also buy some games that we have. They really help in supporting us that way.”
The Guttenberg Public Library is in the process now of developing a five-year strategic plan, according to Simon. A community survey last fall gathered valuable input to help steer the library.
No matter what, connection will remain a key component of the library’s mission.
“It’s a space people can meet and gather. We build relationships,” Simon said. “It’s even more important now because, with technology, I think some of that personal connection might be getting lost.”
She didn’t coin the phrase, but Simon appreciates one that describes libraries as the heart of the community.
“Then, someone else is like, ‘Well, actually, communities are at the heart of the library. We’re here to serve our community. That’s why not every library is going to look the same. Collections are going to look different, programs are going to look different, resources that are offered are different,” she explained. “When people start questioning ‘Why do we need a library? Why are libraries important?’ It’s because we provide services people maybe don’t have. But also the connection.”
The Guttenberg Public Library is located at 603 S. Second St., in Guttenberg. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The library is closed on Sundays.
Learn more at www.guttenberg.lib.ia.us or follow “Guttenberg Public Library” on social media. The library can also be reached at (563) 252-3108 or librarian@guttenberg.lib.ia.us.
