Generous patron helps build Library of the Year

Citation

Fitzsimons, E. (2002), "Generous patron helps build Library of the Year", The Bottom Line, Vol. 15 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/bl.2002.17015aab.002

Generous patron helps build Library of the Year

Generous patron helps build Library of the YearKeywords: Public libraries, Gifts, Library users, Librarians, Managers, Local government

In July 2001, the Wisconsin Library Association named the West Bend Community Memorial Library the Library of the Year for 2001. Any library would be proud of such an honor, but Director Michael Tyree was particularly excited at the overwhelming success brought about by the cooperation of dedicated library users, municipal and county government support, and a creative staff. "I think this is an award for the community and the county," was his response.

There was a time when this modest library that serves West Bend, a community of 30,000 in the Milwaukee area, was far from a growing organization, let alone the best of over 900 libraries in the state. For years, the future of the West Bend Community Memorial Library was the subject of community debate. There were many who pointed to the declining circulation rates as justification for not expanding services. Bookstores were supplying the reading needs of the community. On the other hand, there were those who knew that a library is so much more than a place to borrow books – and so the discussions continued for almost 15 years.

Finally, the library's guardian angel appeared. An anonymous library user, impatient with the reluctance to commit to library development, donated $5 million. This allowed the library to expand its one-storey building from 18,000ft² to 60,000ft² in January 1999. There were certain caveats: the donor wished to remain anonymous, and there were to be absolutely no attempts to find out who had made the gift. This was a donor who had no interest in any naming rights; West Bend Community Memorial Library would keep its original name.

To supplement this generosity, the library board knuckled down to serious fund-raising. They contacted the community leaders who were in a position to make sizable donations, people who typically had sponsored hospital wings and YMCAs. They received $1 million in pledges, which was further augmented by the promise of $1.5 million from city tax funds. Tyree kept in close touch with the county and city governments to ensure that the joint funding would come through.

Besides its supportive city and county governments, the library also had some stellar programming. It had already begun a greatly appreciated outreach program to homebound seniors and nursing home residents. With the additional funding and library expansion, they were able to build this program to what they wanted. Before the grant, a local auto dealer had offered generous terms on a lease for a General Motors Corporation van for the outreach services – the dealer's name appears only in the smallest of print on the door. The library is still leasing the van. In addition to bringing books, videos and other library media to those unable to come to the library, West Bend Community serves as a sort of community center. There are programs for developmentally delayed adults. The bilingual books and the high-interest/low reading-level collection are a drawing card for the demographically mixed patrons in West Bend. A variety of programs find a congenial venue in the library; for example, this hitherto little-known library lent its support to the sponsors for a nationally known storytelling festival that took place in West Bend.

Tyree is quite clear about good fortune smiling on his library. He had a supportive city, a supportive county (the library is the county's resource center), and a benefactor right out of a fairy tale. But, it is also clear the library had a mission to persevere whatever its circumstances. Tyree, his predecessor and the library staff (38 including students and custodians) had supported the senior outreach program even before it was a showcase program. So, when there was a need for money and someone had money available there was also an appealing outreach program in place. It was a library someone would be eager to give money to.

Sherlyn Stiewe, a county supervisor and member of the county's library services board, is quick to acknowledge Tyree's role: "He's tremendous: his spirit, enthusiasm, and ability to work with people is just outstanding." Tyree, however, could not be persuaded to take credit for this prestigious award. "I really did very little. My predecessor deserves the credit. And the people. The dedication of the people; the staff and the people who use the library are amazing."

If the West Bend Community Memorial Library is any indication of how to become a prizewinning library, it is clear that not only good fortune and dedication, but also people working together, respecting one another's contributions, and appreciating the role of a strong community library can lead to financial success.

This column is based on an interview with Michael Tyree, 15 October 2001. See Milwaukee Journal Sentinal online: http://www.jsonline.com

Eileen FitzsimonsFitzsimons Editorial Services