This is the second of a four-part series on the history of library services in Logan County by retired regional librarian Evelyn Richardson. To see the first part, which appeared on The LoJo Tuesday, click on http://www.theloganjournal.com/Stories.aspx?Article=guests207
The problem of poor parking conditions continued to be discussed by the Board as the problem continued to be heard about from patrons. In February 1998, the Book Drop was relocated near the bookmobile carport so patrons could return books without getting out of their car to help the situation somewhat. In November, the Board voted to hire architects Pearson, Bender & Associates of Lexington to discuss renovation of the building and property to meet service needs.
The library’s location in a closely populated residential area severely limited options for expansion, especially parking space expansion. Therefore, the Board began to look for other sites.
The first plan (2006) acted upon for relocation was to rent the vacated Walmart building on West Ninth Street. A conversion design was prepared by architect Jeff Pearson of Pearson & Peters architectural firm, including the Literacy/Adult Education and Workforce Training Program, then housed in the former Regional Office at the library. Excitement was growing until the owner of the property (not Walmart) revealed the long-term rental contract conditions, previously understood to be much less costly. In disappointment, the Board abandoned this plan.
The Board then turned its attention to looking for sites on which its own building could be constructed. Many sites within the City and on the northern bypass were looked at and evaluated over a period of months, the Board evaluating each on a multitude of factors essential to providing the best service to the largest number of people.
A 5.43-acre lot on Armory Drive was purchased from Ismael Leon in 2008. Environmental testing on the potential site prior to purchase showed no problems. Architectural schematic drawings were on display at the library by August 2008.
“Breakin’ New Ground” was the forward-looking theme of the 2008 Tobacco & Heritage Festival. Encouraged by the Chamber of Commerce, a groundbreaking ceremony for the new library was conducted Oct. 8, 2008 at the selected site. A load of sand was brought in, and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, local dignitaries, and children lifted shovels of sand in anticipation of a new library facility.
Grant applications were pursued and other funding sources were sought. The timing unfortunately coincided with tough economic times, delaying the realization of a new building. Grants normally available were not there. When it became evident that funding for a combined facility (with Adult Education) was not available, plans were scaled down and redrawn. The architect informed the Board in early 2012 that construction could begin within two months of the availability of funding.
In July 2012, the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation awarded the library $500,000, setting the stage for this to happen. On a separate page is a financial planning summary that was prepared upon announcement of this enabling grant to inform anyone who needed or wanted to know how the building project would be funded.
Ownership of the Sixth Street library building by the City of Russellville was an arrangement made in order legally to use funds for construction from the deGraffenried bequest to the City “for the education of the people at large therein.” The deGraffenried Building would house the Logan County Public Library. The Library Board would be totally responsible for its maintenance and operation.
While this was an innovative idea, the arrangement has later proven to be a disadvantage in financial respects. The Board has no equity, limiting the borrowing of money. More importantly, grants from the State Department for Libraries and Archives for building expansion and repair and for a variety of materials and service grants require that the Board own the building. The Department “bent the rules” many times for Logan County, but as money became tighter, the competing counties that fully met the requirements have received the grants.
Librarians
Library directors were called “the librarian” or “head librarian” at the time Logan County Public Library came into being. A first order of business for the new Library Board was to hire a Librarian. The position opening was announced in the News-Democrat,applications were received and reviewed, and interviews with selected candidates were conducted at the courthouse in early May 1966.
Personnel from the State Department of Libraries were close advisors to the local Board throughout the process of creating the Library District and all that followed. Present during the interviews was Roy Mayes, Senior Extension Librarian for the western part of Kentucky.
The Department of Libraries was creating library “regions” across Kentucky in which a public library in each region would serve as Regional Headquarters. It had been decided to offer this advantage to Logan County as the nucleus of a new region, first called Logan County Region, that initially included Logan and Todd Counties. A Regional Librarian, employed by the State Department of Libraries, would be needed to serve out of an office provided within the local library.
On May 12, 1966, the Board hired Lillian Rhea Noe (Mrs. Tom A. Jr.) as Librarian. The Board further employed Evelyn Bailey Richardson (Mrs. James) as assistant librarian but with the recommendation that she accept the Regional Librarian’s job, which she had been offered, if she preferred it. Mrs. Richardson did accept the Regional Librarian offer and was officially hired after passing the required test and supplying education records supporting her degree in library science. Although she did not begin receiving a salary until March 1, 1967, she was involved in many of the activities associated with the new library prior to its opening.
Other applicants for the position of Logan County librarian who were interviewed in the Fiscal Court Room at the courthouse were Mary Byrne (Mrs. Browning) Gorrell, Bettie J. (Mrs. Marvin) Denison, and Elizabeth Stagner.
Mrs. Noe began taking library science classes at Western at the next opportunity to prepare her for the job ahead that she approached with great anticipation and enthusiasm. She officially began work on Jan. 1, 1967.
Mrs. Noe’s dedication to her job was unequalled. Daily decisions were ever present as her responsibility and she carefully weighed all factors to be sure that the library was on the right course. She was extremely diligent in purchasing books and materials that reflected all sides of an issue, ensuring a freedom-to-read environment that the public library personified.
Professional in every respect and caring about the staff and patrons is an apt description of her commitment. She worked relentlessly until a retirement plan for staff was in place and often recommended staff for annual raises while keeping her own salary at the same level.
Mrs. Noe’s professionalism and abilities were recognized right away in state library circles and in 1970, she was elected vice-chair and chair-elect of the Public Library Section of the Kentucky Library Association. In June 1989, she was appointed to serve on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Libraries.
Mrs. Noe announced her retirement as Library Director to take place at the end of December 1989. An advertisement for director was placed in local and area newspapers in September 1989. Seven candidates from the applications received were interviewed. Rita Perry of Central City was employed Nov. 13, 1989, to begin work part-time Jan. 1, 1990.
Mrs. Perry was completing her degrees in early childhood education and library science and was a student teacher at Stevenson Elementary School when employed. Mrs. Noe agreed to remain on staff as semi-retired and Mrs. Perry worked part-time until May when she assumed full duties as Director.
Mrs. Perry was an enthusiastic, community-oriented, and capable director. She gave the library a new look by purchasing some new chairs for the reading area, rearranged part of the collection, created a genealogy room in the former audio visual room for quiet research, and made a staff lounge in a former storage room. She served well until her personal circumstances changed and she and her family moved from Muhlenberg County to Union County in the fall of 1991, officially leaving the position at Logan County Library on Dec. 16, 1991.
Advertisement for the position of Director was prepared for the media and was circulated to counties in the region to post in their libraries in October. Tom Hicks of Owensboro was hired from among the applicants and he began work Dec. 9, 1991. He had experience working in the Kentucky Wesleyan college library and had just completed his Master’s degree in library science from Indiana University. Right away he began to write grant proposals, and the E. R. Carpenter Company responded with a grant of $10,842 to cover the purchase of two computers, a microfilm reader-printer, and a typewriter.
Although well qualified, Mr. Hicks did not exhibit a “fit” for this position within the six-month probationary period, a policy that had been instituted by the Board following Mrs. Perry’s departure that would apply to the Director. In fairness, the Board on June 15, 1992, extended his probationary period to Dec. 31 that year, but he submitted his letter of resignation and it was accepted by the Board, effective July 31, 1992. The last day worked was July 3.
Evelyn Richardson, Regional Librarian for the Barren River Region, had announced in December 1991 that she probably would retire in November 1992. When Mr. Hicks left, she officially told the Board that she would be retiring at the end of November. She suggested that a Team Management Plan could be set up and she would coordinate this arrangement until a director could be found. She had the first informational meeting with the staff on July 7, preliminary to implementation of such a plan.
On July 20, 1992, the Board approved an Interim Management Plan (outline is included in this history) which required, among other guidelines, weekly meetings of staff and Board representatives to make plans and to review any issues that needed to be discussed and decided upon.
As her retirement date neared and a Director had not yet been found, Mrs. Richardson agreed to continue to coordinate the Management Team on a voluntary basis after she retired until a Director could be hired. She presented a proposal to the Board on Nov. 16 that was accepted and she began December 1, 1992 serving in this capacity. She wore a hat that day with a sign on it that read “A New Hat.” Her only monetary compensation was $100 per month to approximately cover travel expenses, rounded up by the Board from the estimate that she had calculated and requested.
Because of a conscientious and capable staff, daily operations went smoothly. Money was saved because no director’s salary was being paid, and the library’s financial situation became somewhat more secure.
By April 1995, budget projections appeared to be adequate to cover annual expenses. The Board advertised for a Director, his/her employment to begin July 1. The probationary period was changed from six to twelve months. Three viable applications were received and interviews were planned for June 7, 8, and 9.
Linda Kompanik was hired, and the second continuous period of growth in library services for Logan County began. She saw automation as a priority and computer installations for automation were in place by Aug. 1. By October, Info Trac was in use—an online magazine database that provided articles needed for research. In addition, by mid-November, a data processing computer for typing documents had been installed, making two for public use.
A book leasing program was subscribed to as a means of putting popular titles in the hands of readers more quickly at less cost, and the overall budget was adjusted to put more money in the book budget. Her recent study in the field of library science helped her to see many possibilities for progress.
In early 1996, a major weeding and inventory were conducted; hours were extended in May to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; overdue fines were reinstated; she began a movement to reopen the Auburn and Lewisburg branch libraries. These and other management practices resulted in an increase in circulation; there had been a downward trend in recent years. A special note in the minutes of July 15, 1996 commended “the inspiring work of Ms. Kompanik in leading the library forward in many areas.” Automation was in place and training of staff was conducted in August 1996.
Recognizing staff development as a key to good service, Ms. Kompanik pushed continuing education, and by the fall of 1997, all full-time staff were certified except one, who became certified the next spring.
Active in the Kentucky Library Association, Ms. Kompanik was named chair of Kentucky Library Association/Public Library Section (KLA/PLS) Legislative Committee in 1997; was elected chair of KLA/PLS in October 1999; was secretary to the KLA Board in 2003-04; president of KLA 2004-05; served on the Board as Past-President the next year; chaired the KLA Library Awareness Committee from 2005-10; and has held a number of other leadership positions in the organization. She served as an American Library Association Councilor in 2006-07. She was awarded the Outstanding Public Library Service Award in 1999. At the fall conference of KLA in 2011, Ms. Kompanik was recipient of the James A. Nelson Advocacy Award.
Her association with KLA enhanced her awareness of ways to find and secure benefits for the local library and libraries in general. For example, she led the Kentucky delegation to Washington, D.C. seven times, to encourage support for libraries, especially the channeling of stimulus money to the Department for Libraries and Archives for public library development and e-rate funding for enhanced computer access. In August 2011, Logan County Library received 18 new computers for public use, purchased with stimulus money matched by a grant from the Gates Foundation—at no cost to Logan County. This was the second grant from the Gates Foundation and one of several grants received for computers and technology, the first being the Carpenter Foundation automation grant in 1996. In early 1998, Logan County Library was one of 24 counties to receive an Empower Kentucky grant for computer purchases for public us. In 1999, the first Gates Foundation grants were awarded and Logan County received 12 stations.
Increased use of the library has accentuated the long-time need for more parking spaces, and evolvement of services has dictated a building design that would be more efficient. Thus the need for an expanded facility became a prime goal of Ms. Kompanik, supported by the Board.
Following is a list of Librarians/Library Directors with dates of service:
Theodocia Graham July 1, 1942 – Dec. 1970
Lillian Noe May 12, 1966 – May 1990
Rita Perry May 1990 – Dec. 16, 1991
Tom Hicks Dec. 9, 1991 – June 1992
(No Director, Team Mgmt.) Dec. 1, 1992 – June 30, 1995
Linda Kompanik July 1, 1995 – Aug. 28, 2013
King Simpson Dec. 9, 2013 --
Personnel determine the effectiveness of any service. Credit goes to a long list of employees who, teamed with the librarian/library director, have worked to make Logan County Library a vital part of our community. Each has brought his or her own contribution and dedication. Here we list employees who stayed/have stayed on staff for ten years or longer:
Wanda Gower, Peggy Vick, Laurette Smotherman, Geraldine Hodges, Sherry Appling, Beverly Terry, Monica Edwards, Mark Griffin, Ruth Mazour, King Simpson, Shelly Turner, Carole Ann Faulkner. At the branches: Wilma Green, Geneva Quesenberry, Jessie Meguiar, Carol McKinney, Erdine Hughes, and Pam Stamps (branch and main).
Thomas Malone took care of maintenance in the early years, followed by Eddie Washington.
Branches
The original library promoters were strongly committed to serving all of the people in Logan County. Countywide support for the library would be needed to get the tax passed, and in the mid-1960s, a campaign was begun to educate the public concerning the benefits of a modern public library. Promotional leaders gave informational talks to leadership groups wherever they could. The Lewisburg Lions Club was a driving force in that community.
As a selling point, it was promised that a branch would be opened if the community would support the tax and the town would provide a facility. The county Library Board would pay utilities and salaries.
A corner of the Community Center in Adairville housed their books until Burton Estep, president of Adairville Banking Company, made available the building adjacent to the bank on the south side of the Square. The original Logan Telephone office became the Auburn Branch. Lewisburg Branch was housed in a frame building next to the Lewisburg Bank, once the office of Dr. W. B. Gilliam, osteopath. All branches opened the week of Nov. 5, 1967—Adairville and Lewisburg on Monday, Nov. 6; Auburn on Tuesday, Nov. 7—approximately three months after the main library began operation.
The branches were equipped with shelving from Hedges Office Equipment in Russellville and desks were sought from federal surplus.
Librarians at the branches have been as follows:
Adairville—Geneva (Mrs. James) Quesenberry, Carol (Mrs. Ray) McKinney, and Sharon Fuller. Teresa Morrison has worked valuable supplemental hours.
Auburn—Betty (Mrs. Keith) Kensinger, Christine (Mrs. Ellis) Rowe (who became Bookmobile librarian), Glenda Bennett Hall (who became Bookmobile librarian), Jessie (Mrs. Hedley) Meguiar, Geraldline Hodges, Julia Wilkerson, and Erdene Hughes. Mary Stamps (a Green Thumb Program worker) and Pam Stamps have worked regular and supplemental hours.
Lewisburg—Wilma (Mrs. Lawrence) Green, Geraldine Hodges, Cheryl Corum, Kathy Pyeatte, and Jerry Long served as Lewisburg Branch librarians.
The comparatively low circulation at the branches has never justified their cost of operation from an economic point of view, but has been carried out as a service to the people of the outlying towns. In September 1976, Mrs. Noe began to have quarterly meetings with the branch librarians as a means of sharing ideas that might increase usage. In 1977, the Board held their monthly meetings at the branches—Adairville in June, Auburn in September, and Lewisburg in October—to have a firsthand look at their facilities and services.
In January of 1980, R. C. McReynolds Jr., president of Lewisburg Banking Company, gave notice that the bank was to buy the adjoining building housing the branch library.
Because of low usage, the Board authorized reducing the branches’ operation from three to two days after the 1981 Summer Reading Program was completed. The cost of over $7,000 was not justified by their use, as calculated by the Board. There was no reaction to this change when it took place. However, Wilma Green urged that the Lewisburg Branch be closed (not just hours reduced) because of low circulation and lack of interest. It did close January 1, 1982. In February of 1982, the Board voted for it to remain closed pending (1) a permanent location and (2) sufficient interest to justify reopening.
The building on the south side of the Square housing the Adairville Branch in 1981 developed problems and the owning Adairville Banking Company wanted to demolish it. The Adairville Chamber of Commerce paid for a trailer belonging to the Board of Education to be moved adjacent to the fire station to house the library in May 1982, and it was moved right away. By April 1988, the trailer was leaking. The City then provided the back portion of the old doctor’s office on the northwest corner of the Square facing Church Street for the branch library. The branch moved into this location in August 1995 and held open house Sept. 17. In later years, the front room was also made available for library use.
The building on Main Street in Auburn owned by the Logan County Telephone Cooperative served as the Auburn Branch Library’s location. The LCTC notified the Board that it would need the building for storage in 1989. The Board voted to close the branch at the end of January, because of this circumstance as well as low circulation, and to institute expanded Bookmobile service in the Auburn area beginning March 1, 1989. All books had been removed by the February Board meeting.
Adairville was the only branch operating in 1990.
When Linda Kompanik became library director in 1995, one of her goals was to reopen the Auburn and Lewisburg branches and extend the hours at Adairville.
Auburn secured a location in the former Minit Mart convenience store and Laundromat building on the south side of West Main and the branch was reopened in 1996-97. Auburn and Adairville were automated that same year.
Lewisburg would occupy the building on Front Street known as the office of Dr. K. P. Sutton, owned by the North Logan Historical Society. Mayor Gwyneth McKinney secured a grant from the Carpenter Foundation to help fund the branch. It opened on June 30, 1998, closed for a period, and had a grand re-opening April 13, 2003.
Geraldine Hodges served as librarian at both of these branches—Auburn on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and Lewisburg on Tuesday and Thursday until she retired in July, 2001. Cheryl Corum (June 2001-2003) Kathy Pyeatte, and Jerry Long (2004- ) followed as Lewisburg branch librarians.
Use of the Lewisburg Branch never gained the level to make that outreach service practical, so the branch ceased operation Aug. 30, 2006 and the Bookmobile began visiting downtown Lewisburg in September every other week on Monday and Wednesday from noon-3 p.m. The Bookmobile was sparsely used there, so the Bookmobile added five stops in the Lewisburg area to serve the regular users.
A group of Lewisburg supporters appeared before the Library Board on Oct. 17 with a petition bearing 870 signatures of persons wanting the branch to reopen. After thoughtful consideration, the Board saw no assurance of history not repeating itself a fourth time and did not vote to reopen the branch.
Supporters then turned to creating a community volunteer library, and the grand opening of Lewisburg Books to Go Library was held on Nov. 4, 2008. Services continue with volunteer personnel and funded through donations. Logan County Library director Linda Kompanik has offered the Books to Go Library volunteers the opportunity to select from surplus books that accumulate from time to time.