Much Appreciation for Library Circulation Staff!

L to R: Eloise, Christal, Jessica, Maria, Carine, Stacie

To inform the public about Ashe Library’s staffing updates and news from various departments, this post is the first in a series of “Behind the Scenes” stories.    There are many things taking place “behind the scenes” that library users may be unaware of.   This month’s featured story focuses on members of the circulation team, who strive to give the best customer service in assisting patrons with their needs. One particular highlight this month is National Library Card Sign-up Month.  Carine Mattix, department manager, visited WKSK’s Happy Time Show to promote the importance of having a library card and invited everyone to take advantage of FREE library resources available with membership registration.  Along with the privilege of borrowing books, magazines, and DVDs a library card will allow access to a wealth of databases and the library’s eBook / eAudio collection.  All that is required for a library membership is proof of residence or property ownership and a photo ID.  Stop in today and register for your card!  As an extra incentive, the Friends of Ashe County Library have donated a book store gift card to be selected by random drawing from those who register during this sign-up campaign ... three days left!!  But remember, cards can be easily obtained throughout the year.

Carine also keeps a budget to track supply expenses for the library and informs the county maintenance department of facility needs. Maria Holman, Assistant Circulation Manager, is in charge of seven county “Twigs.”  For those who don’t know about our Twigs, these are Little Free Libraries located in rural areas of the county.  Maria coordinates staff and community volunteers to keep the Twigs stocked by putting together baskets of donated books and program flyers each month.   She also updates our information board located in the library’s foyer with program information and flyers for community events.  

 

Other members of the circulation team include Jessica Weaver, Christal Blackburn, Eloise Shepard, and Stacie Liddle.  As a result of efficient management, these girls work extremely well together and are well organized in maintaining daily routines that keep everything running smoothly.  When taking a closer look at the mechanics of circulation there are many tasks that aren’t recognized.  There is more to the job than just checking books in and out.  Librarians in this department hear about good (or not so good) books first-hand from patrons and are always ready to offer advice to readers.  Marketing programs is another big part of a circulation assistant’s job; in particular the 2015 Reading Challenge.  This popular program helps to diversify reading by exploring new authors and genres.  Other duties of circulation staff include rotating new books, assisting with weeding, providing a current list of New York Times Bestsellers, keeping track of transit books, sorting mailings, coordinating volunteers, and managing the Friends’ Coffee Program.