Deborgia's library continues to grow

For Marilyn Wood, working as the librarian at DeBorgia’s Library is more of an adventure than work. Ever since it opened back in December, the library has continued to grow and expand.

“Word is getting out,” Wood said. “I’m getting nothing but favorable comments. People are glad to see us and the variety that we have to offer. All I hear is we like what’s happening at the library.”

 Wood said that she sort of was just asked to come in and do what she could with the library. She said that originally she thought it would be just a couple hours a day a few days a week, but it has turned into nearly a full time job.

“But I’m just having a ball,” Wood said. “I’ve not enjoyed doing anything this much in a long time.”

The small library is located in the tiny building that used to serve as a post office. It sits near the DeBorgia Schoolhouse. Despite the small size of the building, Wood said they have about 5,000 books to offer to patrons.

“And we have something in every category imaginable,” Wood said.

Not all of the books are on the shelves as they are packed full. Lots of books still remain in boxes and some aren’t even at the library as there’s no space for them. The library is also starting a collection of DVDs and VHS tapes for patrons as well.

Wood said that there are also lots of other ideas in the works as well including possibly doing some expansion so they can have more room. She said that they want to do some cleanup outside the library to put in a rock garden and maybe a play space for kids. They will also be making some additions to make the building access more user-friendly for older folks and a couple of readers that have some physical disabilities.

“The project just seems to keep snowballing,” Wood said. “And it’s wonderful to have the support and the go for it attitude coming from the Happy Homemakers whenever I come up with an idea.”

Wood said that she has just been flabbergasted by the response from people within the community and within the county.

“I think that one of the unique things about this library is that we haven’t really had to invest a dime,” Wood said, “other than a few things. I think that’s unusual. This has all come together from nothing but donations from a lot of people in the community and from around the county. I think it says a lot about them.”

The library received a large amount of books from the library in Superior. Just recently, Wood journeyed to the local flea market as she had made the decision to purchase a computer. Knowing there was one down there, she went with full intention to pay for it.

“And when I told them I was going to get it for the library, I was told it ‘already belongs to you.’ The donation came from an anonymous donor,” Wood said.

The computer is going to be a big help, too. Wood will be able to list all the categories and their titles and a short description on the subject matter. She said that she has a goal to have a Web site online where folks can check and see if they have a book they want to read and also see what the library has available.

“This convenience will open us to being more efficient and attract more readers to the library - especially with the number of travelers that are in the area for business or recreation activities,” Wood said.

Attracting people to the library has also been a goal of Wood, who placed out a sign when people are coming into DeBorgia that warns to watch out for fuzzy bunnies in the neighborhood. Underneath that, another sign reads, the library is open.

“I had quite a few people come in to the library the first couple of days I had that out there,” Wood said. “And I don’t know how, but we are getting people stopping by who are just on their way through.”

Another good thing is that the library is carrying copies of the local newspaper, the Mineral Independent. It was another idea of hers so people on the West End can get a copy as before they didn’t have a way to get the paper when it comes out every Wednesday. She said that they sold all the papers that were left with them.

“Folks are very happy to have it available this close to home,” she said. “So again, I think we’re onto something else.”

Wood said that folks can stop by the library from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Saturday, they can drop by between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.