Matt Teske: Geneva Library 2011—Looking Forward

In light of about the library, I wanted to set forth some facts and thoughts from my perspective.

Right off the bat, it needs to be clarified that the library does not yet own the As is stated in “Land Purchase Q&A”, the process of purchasing this land has been started but has been complicated by the fact that the bank we are purchasing the property from did not complete the foreclosure process on all of the parcels. That process must be completed before the library can conduct an and finalize the sale.

I would hate for anyone to think that the library is not aware of the changes that have come about due to the Internet or electronic books. I also think it is difficult to assume that libraries will become more “virtual” and less a place where people physically visit. We at the Geneva Library are well aware of the need to strike a balance between traditional library services and new methods of service.

What’s next for libraries? That question has been taken on by the Geneva Public Library District and is being thought and acted upon every day.

Many still rely on getting physical books from the library, while others have jumped on the e-reader bandwagon. Many do both. A community generally is not completely “on the same page” with how it uses the library. The library needs to serve all groups.

We circulate more than 600,000 books, magazines, CDs and games a year. But eBook and eAudiobook usage from the LIBRARY is up, as well. EBooks (and eAudiobooks) are currently available from the library and have been for more than a year. Patrons downloaded 664 titles this June compared to 223 in June 2010. That number will no doubt continue to grow.

The Internet is a game changer in how people get their information, and the library has taken advantage of it. We have more than 90 electronically accessible products that offer business, academic and career search information from trusted, reliable sources. Google is good for much of the information one may seek, but the library’s electronic resources are from sources that users will feel confident in utilizing for academic or business purposes.

Libraries are a physical and virtual commons for the community, one of the few places that really offer something for every age and walk of life.

Working and studying in groups has become pervasive in the last few years in American education. Yet the current building offers the community little as far as places where group collaboration can take place. Multiple small conference rooms would encourage this collaboration while keeping the noise down for the rest of the library’s users.

Speaking of noise, a dedicated quiet space would also be something a new building would offer to those who desire a truly peaceful environment to read or study in.

However, we can’t make any plans for a new building if we have not secured a site. We are not doing the community a service if we do not plan for that. Our purpose in new library construction is not to build a dinosaur but a vibrant building that will be heavily used by the community for years to come.

I and the board welcome anyone to contact me or the board with any questions about present or future library activities.

Matt Teske
Library Director
Geneva Public Library District