Have you ever connected with a person who makes your day brighter when you talk to them, even if just briefly? This article highlights two employees at Warren County Public Library who fit that description perfectly. They epitomize service with a smile, they regularly go above and beyond, and their on-the-road service brings light to many patrons along their way.
A former teacher, Elizabeth Rheaume began her career with the WCPL ten years ago. She loved the challenge of helping people find information and making book recommendations, which served her well in the reference and circulation departments. However, her background in elementary education proved to be a great asset when a Youth Services Librarian position opened up a couple of years later and she switched to that. For seven years, she conducted engaging storytimes and hosted creative programs for children at the Bob Kirby Branch, developing an ardent following among the 10-and-under set. But once the COVID era hit, the library was forced to restructure how services were provided, and when its outreach program expanded, Elizabeth chose to embrace a new challenge.
Starting last year, Elizabeth hit the road with the Feed and Read Mobile Library, delivering books and library media to patrons living along Megan’s Mobile Grocery Bus route. This partnership project, made possible by the Housing Authority of Bowling Green, serves city residents with transportation barriers and economic challenges. During that time, she has worked with a wide range of ages and has gotten to know a large number of senior citizens and young children, becoming well acquainted with their needs. Her big heart and love of helping others radiates when telling others about what she does.
“Being out in the community allows me to learn about needs that exist that I was unaware of when I worked in the library,” said Elizabeth. “It’s been really fulfilling, since we have been able to meet some unique needs, like placing laptops at Hilda’s Hospitality House (the Housing Authority’s Senior Center) and providing free notary services to those who can’t get to the library. I have also gotten to do fun and somewhat unusual things, like become the unofficial pet photographer for the Housing Authority folks, since all pet-owner applications require a printed photo of the pet, and folks there don’t all have access to a camera or printer.”
Elizabeth shares stories about the appreciation she has for the job as well as the positive responses she gets from those she serves. “Most patrons become regulars, and I have the opportunity to get to know them personally. My favorite part is being able to find just the right book or movie they are looking for or recommending a new author based on what they’ve been reading.” She was shown just how much of an impact she makes when two of those regulars built a replica of the vehicle she drives and presented it to her during the holidays, a true labor of love.
Lora Gill is another enthusiastic employee who takes library services on the road to those unable to get to the library on their own. With her background as a veteran, an artist, and mother of five, Lora brings a number of skills to her job. She has worked as a librarian for eleven years in a number of capacities. An avid artist for the past two decades, Lora’s work has been showcased all over the state, including at the Capitol in Frankfort. She has taught art classes at the library, and she coordinates art displays at the Bob Kirby and Smiths Grove Branches. While only working part-time, her primary responsibility is delivering library materials to a patron base made up largely of senior citizens, some who live at home, some in independent or assisted living, and others in nursing homes.
About her work, Lora said, “Doing the Home Delivery brings joy to my spirit. I love my job and being able to bring a part of the library to my patrons. To me, it’s more than delivering library materials; it’s a way to reach out and show people they matter. I have made many friends and have developed very special relationships over the five years I’ve been in this role.”
Lora also helps her patrons obtain assistance from other community resources when needed, and one situation included her getting a patron set up and established with Hospice of Southern Kentucky. Connecting with an aging population to provide services is something that has been and will become increasingly important as that population increases in number, as it is predicted to do in an unprecedented way in the next 20 years.
“A tender word, a smile, and a listening ear can make a difference. I keep a list of all my patrons who have passed away and made a memory garden in my backyard as a way to keep them alive in my heart. I feel blessed to be able to serve my community and to have the chance to make a positive difference.”
We appreciate Elizabeth and Lora for playing a vital role in delivering positive library experiences to so many in need. As evident in these stories, the library is more than a place or a collection of books; it’s a network of service provided by people like Elizabeth and Lora, who make the community brighter and better by all they do.
If you or someone you know would like to be considered for Home Delivery Service, email lorag@warrenpl.org or leave a message at 270-781-4882, ext. 116. Find out more about the library and its services at www.warrenpl.org.
-submitted by Warren County Public Library
