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An interview with Kathy Smith.
I took the drive out to San Manuel's library, a beautiful local library in Pinal's Eastern bend. There I met Kathy, the director of the branch. She reached a milestone, working with the county for 17 years. We set up in a corner of the library for the interview.
You've been here for 17 years, correct?
That's true. As of March 2nd it's been 17 years. I've been here longer as a volunteer. I started volunteering in '99.
What got you started in library work?
As a child I used to visit libraries often, and when I started a family libraries were pretty important to us. I used to visit this library when my children were small. Once my youngest was enrolled in preschool, the volunteer asked me if I wanted to volunteer. And since I had all my kids in school it was a good opportunity.
I started out as a desk volunteer, and after some time the board asked me if I would like to run as a board member. I did sit on the board for awhile, I was a secretary at one point. When the director was ready to retire, I was asked if I would slide into her position. I was incredibly naive, to think that I could do it.
We break into a laugh here. While many won't admit, naivety is something we all experience. Of course, that doesn't stop us from being able to learn. After a brief pause we continue.
But at that time, it was all volunteers and so I shadowed [the director] as much as I could and stuck with it.
What are some of the major changes you noticed in your time here?
There has been a lot of technology changed. When I first started we actually still had the physical card catalogue and we also had two gateway computers for the public. It was the early early infancy of public computers. We had two of them at the time. As time progressed, they started to introduce DVDs and audio. At one time, the DVDs were under lock and case when we first started the collection. You had to get keys to retrieve the items. That's how long it's been.
A few more bouts of laughter over realizing how far we have come. Which is an easy thing to do, laugh, around Kathy. Her personality is conductive of joy and smiles. A clear reflection that she is able to do what she loves, a trait that has surely only grown over the years.
Has the physical setup stayed the same?
No, that was one of the things I learned along the way. Because I was enthusiastic and a bit ambitious, I started making changes immediately and it didn't go over so smoothly. It took a little time to build trust. I had removed shelves, changed collections, I pursued new furniture, all that kind of stuff. It took some time, but the board also changed during the time. Some that were hesitant, moved on and others replaced them that were a little more progressive. They did take a little time warming up to [the] technology. Of course traditional books are favored, but the media started coming in. The community was in need of it, wanting it, so we slowly moved that way.
The biggest and most significant has been Princh. People love coming in with their own device. The fact that they can come in, not download an app, [not having to] take up space on their phone, they like the scanning [feature]. That's the service that has drawn the most different community members. From young to old, if you need a print and its on your phone, they really appreciate the service.
What are some of the things you've grown to love?
I was very hesitant on taking on programming. Especially when there's an expectation of participation or the amount of programs you need to put on during a year. I was hesitant at first, but when I put on my first reading program, naively, when I took that one on I was so excited about it because there wasn't one. The state offered all the materials and resources, that's when I started falling in love with programming, because the resources were out there. I still remember the first one was Dragons, Deeds and Daring Dreams. They've always had their own theme. It's always a bit fun. Dragons are always fun for kids.
At this point, we went on a side tangent off the record to talk about this year's Summer Reading Program theme, which revolves around dinosaurs. Of course, we will cover that when we are closer to the programs starting.
If you could give yourself advice 17 years ago, what would you have told yourself?
I would tell myself that libraries are destined to evolve. Through time, depending on the needs of the community, there will be changes. In the collection, technology, programming. Libraries are set up to evolve.
Do you get people from outside San Manuel that come in? And if so, what is something you hope they take away when first visiting?
We do get people that are either visiting or looking for a home to buy. I think most people remember that they are surprised of all the services we are offering. As you know when you drove up and you look that we are sitting in a residential area, that you are not really sure its a library even though it says it on the building. Yes [the building] was a two bedroom home but overtime it's been converted into the library and we continue to grow, not in the floor space, but with the collection and services.
Most people that walk in are really surprised we have digital media, a fax machine and a printer. The building doesn't quiet reflect, on the outside, what's happening on the inside. The most important thing is [the library] is operated with volunteers. There are five volunteers that sit on the governing board that get elected, there are volunteers that sit at the circ desk and volunteers that help with the programs. So it it truly a volunteer based organization.
I like that you mentioned that the building outside doesn't match the inside. It makes you think "don't judge a book by its cover".
Absolutely. We would definitely fit into that category.
What's something you would like to say to the community?
Our volunteer organization is here for your needs, and we will continue to [foster] life-long learning. I invite you to come in, and visit the library. Hopefully obtain a library card and maybe one day become a volunteer.
What's something you would say to fellow library staff across Pinal County? Any advice to them if they are looking to make library work their long term career?
When you get into the library system, there is so much joy and so much to learn. I think it would be very hard to look at anything else the same. The comparison isn't there. There is quiet a bit of reward when you're in the public service. Especially when you are in a rural area and there is nowhere [else] to conduct business, get entertainment like your movies if you don't have the means. Being here in a rural area its very rewarding that you are able to provide services and needs to your community.
Public libraries [are] very fascinating because you are working with multi-generations. You have programming for kids, and then you turn around and have something for adults and seniors. It becomes a passion. Sometimes you forget its a job, its kind of who you are. At least in my case, the accidental librarian.
This elicits a laugh again from both of us. Because like Kathy, and I am sure many others here, I sort of stumbled into the library world. And like Kathy and myself, I am sure those who stumbled into it also fell in love. I pivoted to more lighthearted questions. Favorites, which is always hard to narrow down.
What's your favorite book that you read within the last year?
I'm more of a non-fiction reader. Educated by Tara Westover. It's about about the survivalists. She's raised in a home where they live off the grid. It's a really good story.
Favorite movie?
I'm a movie buff, and I am a binger. I like to finish everything in like a weekend. I really don't spread it out. This is like saying what's your favorite child. I guess my all time favorite, going back to childhood, was Stand By Me.
I know some of our younger readers might be curious. What is your favorite Marvel/Disney movie?
My favorite Disney movie is Mulan. Favorite Marvel would be Iron Man.
Do you have a favorite song in Mulan?
Make a man out of you. I can already hear it.
At this point we both break into singing the song. We veer off topic and begin talking about making library themed parodies of songs. Eventually, I remember that I am doing an interview and, like the professional reporter I am trying to embody, return the conversation back on track.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am very proud of what we are doing here. It's exciting to have the district office in the county help us move forward with providing services to our non-incorporated community. It does make a difference when you are not a town. We are not like the town of Mammoth, the town of Superior, the town of Kearny. We are unincorporated. There is no town council. So it's a pretty big deal to have a governing board.
In its infancy the library wasn't open as much as it is now. The hours were extremely inconsistent. That discouraged patronage, because they would say "well we don't know when you're open".
Looking forward, what are some things you hope to be able to have happen/be a part of?
I'm hoping we can continue to offer the services and expand the services. It would be nice to be in a position where we have a bigger space to provide more programming. Meeting spaces like in the other libraries where you can book the room for business and things like that.
I'm also looking forward to collaborating with some of the other libraries and some other resources that are available. Right now I am collaborating with the master garden program out of U of A. Once a month, they put on a garden show for us which is expanding into a food program.
We thank Kathy Smith for her years serving the community and for allowing us to interview her. If you have not yet visited San Manuel Library, we recommend you do so. It is a testament to how important libraries are to a community, and how resourceful librarians can be. And while you're there, if you happen to see Kathy, we encourage you to say hi and congratulate her on 17 amazing years of service.
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