Check out that art: Henderson libraries go beyond books
The library isn’t just a place to find a book, use a computer or check out a DVD. It also serves as a community space that allows people to find volunteer opportunities, grab coupons or even get a piece of art.
“Libraries have always tried to be relevant to the community,” said Tom Fay, the executive director of the Henderson District Public Libraries. “I think most (library) systems try to address the flavor of the community.”
In 2011, 1,812,475 items — including books, magazines, CDs and DVDs — were checked out, and about 41,000 people attended free programs offered at a library branch, according to Henderson Libraries. Programs ranged from seminars on résumé building and career enhancement to book clubs and sessions on health.
In addition to materials and seminars, the library district has been offering other amenities such as a community coupon board and the ability to check out art.
Stephen Platt, the branch manager of the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway, said the idea came about when the staff started collecting an abundance of Sunday coupons.
“We usually put them in the staff room,” Platt said. “We were collecting a lot more than we could use. Then we thought, ‘Let’s start a coupon board.’ ”
It has been ongoing since December.
“People have said they are very glad to see it,” he added. “It’s essentially cash hanging on the wall. It has helped people save money.”
The board is put together by library volunteers who clip coupons each week to update the selections. The library goes through about 100 to 150 coupons per week, Platt estimated.
“There is no limit (to how many people can take),” he said.
Coupons are arranged in categories such as pets, cars, restaurants or groceries.
“The most popular ones are restaurant coupons,” he said. “They usually go right away.”
Henderson Libraries has also been allowing patrons to check out art pieces for six weeks.
Platt said there are about 60 pieces to choose from, ranging from impressionism and cubism to contemporary from artists such as Gustav Klimt.
He said the library district contacted an online art poster company, had the pieces framed and then added a barcode to the back to track check outs.
Patrons can go through the computer list to see which pieces are available. For the most part, there hasn’t been a waiting list for any particular piece.
“People generally check out more colorful pieces,” he said , “ a lot of Western pieces and landscapes.”
Platt said he likes the idea of checking out art.
“Maybe you are having a get-together and want to put up something nice or different,” he said. “This way, it doesn’t cost anything.”
The library district’s mission, Platt added, is to educate and entertain, which is what these programs are doing.
He compared the coupon board as another avenue in which the library can educate people on being better consumers.
“Or if you’re interested in a certain art piece, you might want to learn more about the style,” he said.
In addition to going to a library to learn about the artwork or artist, people would also have the opportunity to see the style by checking it out.
“Education takes many forms,” Platt said.
Patrons share what they know with the library, too. The Green Valley Library’s Community Exhibit Display accepts patron and staff collections for a display in a case. The library has shown had everything from Civil War artifacts to a collection of snow globes. The Community Exhibit Display has been offered since Henderson Libraries took over the Green Valley Library.
“It’s a fun communication with the community,” said Cristi Burroughs, adult services specialist. “There’s been all kinds of things. It gives people the whole month to see the display. It’s a fun thing that we do.”
The trend of offering more than just books has been seen in other library districts around the country.
Platt said he has heard of libraries in California that let people check out tools.
Fay even read an article about one county library that offered hog butchering lessons.
“Is that appropriate for the Henderson community?” Fay said. “Probably not. But in the area (that town was in), it probably was.”
Henderson Libraries has offered other community boards, such as a posting for nonprofits seeking volunteers, or a confession board, which allows patrons to anonymously write secrets that are then posted publicly.
Platt said the library district takes any suggestion people might offer.
“We are always trying to talk to folks to see what ideas they have,” he said. “We always look at what is feasible.”
Fay added that the library staff also contributed many ideas that shape the programs the library offers.
“A lot of staff come up with some pretty interesting ideas,” Fay said. “I’m pretty open to ideas.”
For more information, visit www.mypubliclibrary.com.
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Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 702-387-5201.
Library offerings
The Henderson Libraries provides tutors for students of all ages online from 1 to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Henderson Libraries patrons can get live job coaching from 1 to 10 p.m. seven days a week with online résumé assistance and tips on job searching and test preparation.
Henderson Libraries offers delivery of library materials to patrons who qualify for the Homebound Services program. Call 702-207-4275 for more information or to apply.
Henderson Libraries patrons can reserve a computer up to seven days in advance.
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