Patriot Ledger: Quincy Library Director Interview July 19
The July 19 Patriot Ledger had an interview of the Quincy Library Director Ann McLaughlin who is approaching her 40th anniversary at the library this coming January:
QUINCY —
Ann McLaughlin has been working in Quincy libraries since she graduated from college in 1971, spending the last 17 years as library director.
As her 40th anniversary, in January, nears, she is as enthusiastic as ever about libraries.
“We are the keepers of the stories of humanity,” she said. “Libraries are like the eternal flame. They need to be kept lit.”
The main library, designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, is a place she has loved since since she was a child. Walking through it, McLaughlin spoke about some of the changes, joys and challenges she has seen.
Any other popular categories or changes? And how do libraries help fill a void?
Romance is making a big comeback, and they are not the silly romance novels of old. Lauren Willig, Eloisa James.
The publishing industry is very market-driven, so small publishers have a hard time getting noticed. Libraries can provide a place for all the other work being published which has not made it to the Oprah show.
How have libraries changed as community resources?
They are certainly noisier. Libraries are now built with quiet areas, because the general library has a lot going on. They have always been community gathering places, a place for newcomers, and our literacy program is part of a fine tradition.
Technology has changed the library dramatically. Quincy libraries have 95 public computers, used for 9,000 sessions each week. Our website had 15 million hits last year. The staff spends a lot of time teaching the public how to use technology.
For the whole article:
Posted by Rich
