News : Kelly Henkle, Vinton Public Librarian speaks to area Kiwanis Club

Kelly Henkle the new library director, addressed the Vinton Kiwanis club on Tuesday. She shared a bit about herself. A Vinton native, she has a husband Luke and three children Graham, Carmen, and Loren.

She had formerly been working at Virginia Gay Hospital for the last eight years. She also holds a Master's Degree in Health Science from Johns Hopkins University, a Bachelor's Degree in Math, Psychology, and English from Drake University, and is currently enrolled in courses through the State Library of Iowa that will give her a Silver Directors Endorsement.

She also shared a little of the library's history. The Vinton Library while it is a Carnegie Library the first library was introduced to Vinton on Thursday, March 27, 1902, over what was known as Bill & Son Jewelry Store. The short article from the newspaper reads:

"Library House-Warming"

Public Reception at the Library next Thursday Evening.

The public library association will have a "house warming" next Thursday evening, March 27, in the library rooms over Bills' jewelry store from 7 to 11 o'clock. The associations has arranged for an excellent musical program and in addition to this Miss Tyler, secretary of the state library commission of Des Moines, and Miss McCrory, of the Cedar Rapids library and Miss Fordyce, of the Cedar Rapids high school will be present and give short, informal talks on the benefits of a public library. There will be no charge made either at the door or for the refreshments which will be served during the evening. The association gives every citizen of Vinton an urgent invitation to be present for at least a portion of the evening."

In 1903 the library received $10,000 from Andrew Carnegie to build the library which was completed in 1904. A later article said that Virginia Gay also donated $1,000 with the final cost being $11,510.23 for the building. The library outgrew itself 1991 a bond issue was passed, the addition was finished in 1993.

Henkle shared that Virginia Gay also donated the first literature collection and the first US history collection was made by George Horridge of the Horridge House. Funding for the library comes from the city, county and state as well as other funding sources.

She shared the Library's Mission and it reads as follows:

The goal of the Vinton Public Library is to provide the community it serves with free and open access to all its collections without prejudice or judgement, thereby encouraging personal, professional, and educational growth.

The priorities of the Vinton Public Library are as follows:

• Literacy
  • Ensure community members have access to materials and programming that support literacy skills
• Community Outreach
  • Keep the library visible and relevant
  • Design the library as a place to gather and interact
• Facilities
  • Keep the facility well-cared for, aesthetically pleasing, and staff well-trained

The library currently employs two full-time staff members and three part-time clerks. There will be a new children's librarian on board in a few weeks, so the library will be fully staffed again.

In addition to a collection of books, magazines, audiobooks, and DVDs. The library also has a reading group section that provides multiple books of the same title for groups wanting to read a certain title with a book club. Right now that boasts about 20 different titles.

The digital collection is operated through Hoopla which is a subscription that the library pays into and Bridges is operated by the state of Iowa.

Don't forget about the interlibrary loan program. If the library doesn't have a title that you're looking for, they can get it for you!

The library also offers the use of five computers, free internet. For a small fee you can use their printers in either black and white or color, and even a fax machine if you need one.

Other Fun!

-Book Clubbing is a different sort of book club. Rather than reading all the same book, a topic is chosen and everyone finds a book on that topic.

-The preschool story time will also be gearing back up.

-The Vinton Voyagers will be stopping in to teach anyone who wants to learn how to make friendship bracelets

-There will be two different trick or treating events

-Book reviews (which you can see on Vinton Today)

-A Friends of the Library chapter will be starting in Vinton. Friends of the Library is a nonprofit program.

-There is a Locals section at the library with books by Vinton residents as well as books written about Vinton. Some can only be used in house because of their rarity, but most can be checked out.

Henkle plans to work with other departments in the community. She's seeking ways to partner with Vinton Parks and Rec, the Historical Society, the Palace and so many other resources in Vinton.

Library Hours are:

Monday 9-5

Tuesday 9-6

Wednesday 9-5

Thursday 9-6

Friday 9-4

Saturday 9-Noon

Sunday Closed

You can find the library on their website HERE, on Facebook HERE