“Libraries work because we do” is a popular saying in the library world on National Library Workers Day. As the director of this library, I’m amending the statement to “The Attleboro Public Library works so well because the APL staff make magic happen!”
While much of the public thinks staff sit and read all day, I’m here to say that this staff is one of the most hardworking teams I’ve been a part of. I keep a copy of the latest APL Year in Review above my desk as a reminder that there were 97,406 library visits in this building last year. APL staff offered 444 programs to the public for free. 13, 396 reference questions were answered (this does not include “What are your hours today?” or “Where is the bathroom?” if you’re wondering.) Behind all of these questions and visits and programs there are stories of library patrons asking questions, wondering out loud or demonstrating some kind of need AND there is a library staff member making sure that the question gets answered and the need is met.
We are so fortunate to be working in a city that values access to both information and entertainment, full of residents making frequent visits to the building for every reason you can imagine – and then some! The next time you visit the library, please stop and say hello to one of the fabulous library workers who are here just to help you. I can promise you you’ll be glad you did!
