For years, the Whitesboro Public Library has been a valuable community resource, but new Library Director Christine Swiler hopes even more residents will discover everything it has to offer.
Having worked at the library for the past couple of years, Swiler recently stepped into the director’s role and is focused on making the library a welcoming, active gathering place for people of all ages.
A lifelong reader who has been married to her high school sweetheart for more than 30 years and raised three children, Swiler says her favorite part of the job isn’t the books—it’s the people.
“My mission is to make sure whoever I’m talking with feels seen and heard,” she said. “I want people to know this library is a safe place for people of all ages.”
Visitors may already notice some changes. One of Swiler’s first projects was creating a more open and inviting atmosphere by removing the glass barrier and swinging doors around the front desk and opening window coverings to bring in more natural light.
“We wanted to make the library feel more accessible and welcoming,” she said. “Everyone should feel comfortable walking through our doors.”
Additional changes include reorganizing collections to make them easier to browse, creating a children’s activity area and adding hands-on games and activities that encourage families and friends to interact.
The improvements come as the library prepares for one of its busiest seasons of the year.
The seven-week Summer Reading Challenge is underway, giving children entering kindergarten through fifth grade the opportunity to complete reading activity packets and earn Library Bucks that can be spent at the Library Store. The store, stocked through donations and support from the Friends of the Library, offers books, toys, games and other prizes.
“The store teaches a lot of skills, like patience, budgeting and goal-setting,” Swiler said. “The kids really enjoy working toward something they want.”
The library is also offering Teen Reading Bingo, Adult Reading Bingo and a “Guess How Many M&Ms Are in the Jar” contest, with participants eligible to win gift cards.
Families can continue to enjoy Preschool Story Time each Wednesday at 10 a.m., while special summer events include a Kona Ice party with lawn games on July 1 and an ice cream social on July 24.
Community involvement has become an important part of the library’s success. A Summer Needs Board in the lobby allows residents to donate supplies for programs and activities, and local support has been strong.
“The community support has been amazing,” Swiler said. “When you start doing things, people want to be part of it.”
Beyond its collection of 30,000 books and materials, the library offers free use of meeting rooms, computer and internet access and serves as a gathering place for numerous community groups. Card players, musicians, the Shoots & Sprouts garden club and the local Special Needs Dayhab program all regularly use the facility’s Community Room. A book club for adults with regular meet-ups is also in the works.
“This isn’t a quiet library,” Swiler said with a laugh. “We’re having a lot of fun here, and everyone is welcome.”
The growing activity has led to expanded staffing (there are now two full-time employees and three part-time workers) and extended hours. Beginning June 20, the library will once again be open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Whitesboro Public Library is located at 308 W. Main Street and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 903-564-5432.
