Tuesday, Jan. 21, quietly marked my 10 year anniversary as Director of the Bay Minette Public Library. My how the time does fly! As I look back over the past several years, I am excited about the many changes that I have had the privilege to usher in during my tenure here. Everything from transitioning to newer technology – VHS to DVD, from cassette tape to CD and from print to digital – to the addition of several new online databases and bringing beloved storybook characters to life on the walls of the children’s room.

When you walk through the doors of the library the sound of classical music can be heard playing gently throughout the library and adding, I hope, a welcoming ambience while exposing patrons to a genre of music many might not otherwise have occasion to hear. Thanks to funding raised by the Friends of the Bay Minette Public Library the sound system was one of the first additions I implemented when I began this grand adventure in enriching the patron’s experience.

Another welcome addition was the expansion of our large print section. For those with poor or failing eyesight, encompassing more and more of us as we age, large print books are a godsend, allowing many to continue their enjoyment of reading across a wide range of topics. In order to make room for an expanded large print section, I removed the VHS section (in favor of DVDs) and added two end-of-range bookshelves which are the tall and skinny shelves that flank the built-ins. With the expansion, we also added a continuous order plan of large print titles including westerns, Christian fiction and mystery titles, assuring an ongoing variety of choices for everyone.

With the removal of the VHS section came the transition to DVD and the change from books on cassette to books on CD. This was a welcomed change as it gave us the opportunity to expand these sections into underutilized floor space. Shelving and turn racks were added to the lobby/circulation area giving patrons plenty of browsing space as well as expanding these popular formats. Our DVD section has become more and more popular with the decline of the movie rental brick and mortar businesses and the recent tough economic times. Our audio book section is increasingly popular with commuters and those who like to listen while they do other activities, such as gardening or exercise.

During my tenure here, I have started two book clubs. The Flip Flop Book Club meets the second Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the Bay Minette Senior Center and the Bay Minette Browsers meet the third Monday at 1:30 p.m. in the library program room. We read a variety of titles and authors in both clubs and welcome anyone who would like to join us in exploring and discussing interesting, diverse titles and authors. We have interesting group discussions about everything from favorite characters to the meaning and impact of cover art.

Another point I’ve worked at emphasizing and expanding is the number of patron computers available for public use. Thanks to grant monies, we’ve been able to not only upgrade the five existing machines but add five additional computers, doubling our capacity to serve a growing need and interest among patrons. The latest addition came thanks to a Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grant through Auburn University. Our computers are very popular, averaging 1,675 sessions per month.

Another nice addition has been our on-going book sale. The library took the book sale over from the Friends of the Library when they no longer had a place to store all the books. The library has an on-going book sale in the Program Room which is currently overflowing with used books in excellent condition and a few audio books on cd as well. Books are added on a regular basis. When the Foley Public Library was remodeled a few years ago, the former Library Director Donna Soto was kind enough to give us the nice double sided metal shelving unit that now runs nearly the entire length of our Program Room, making it easier to display and for the patrons interested to peruse the wide range of available titles.

My happiest achievement as Director has been the transformation of the children’s room into a treat for the eyes and imagination of our youngest patrons, thanks to the murals painted by incredibly talented local artist Tena Powell. After a visit to the Linn-Henley Research Library in Birmingham and seeing the fairytales and world mythology painted by muralist Ezra Winter, I came back with the ambition of providing a similar inspiration and environment for our children’s room. I wanted to help bring books to life and encourage an atmosphere of joyful reading for the many children who come through our doors. The response from parents and children and the knowledge that this work should continue to inspire and add to happy hours spent here for our future leaders and valued community members long after my tenure has ended is immensely satisfying.

So, 10 years have come and gone. Ten years of personally rewarding service to what was once my new community and has become my home and the home of my family, of my 2-year-old son, Jack. Ten years to get to know and appreciate so many of you who make this community a wonderful place to live and work and raise a family. I wonder what the next 10 years will hold for all of us. If the past is prologue, I can hardly wait to see it. Thank you, all of you, for your continued patronage, friendship and support. I appreciate it and so does your library.

Joanna Bailey is the director of the Bay Minette Public Library. She can be reached at baileyvolumes@gmail.com