Anyone who has visited a library has discovered a sacred and wondrous place. The library can be a refuge, a resource, a community center, a place that feels comfortable, warm and light. You can find books, music, movies, information, and even a friend. Libraries are places where people are welcomed. Warner’s Pillsbury Free Library is all of this and more – and if you’ve ever ventured into Warner’s library, chances very high that you’ve met and been welcomed by library director Nancy Ladd. Nancy has guided Pillsbury Free Library through expansions and changes in technology and has managed all of the details seamlessly. She has gathered a wealth of information about Warner’s past and present, and has developed a group of dedicated, helpful staff. Under her leadership the library has grown to become a place that is serving more residents every month. Thankfully, Nancy found some time in her eventful schedule to be interviewed for this profile.
How long have you lived in Warner?
I was born in Warner, and then my family moved away when I was three. My parents kept their house in the Mink Hills until I was a teenager, and my Grandparents also had a summer place here since the 30’s, so I became a summer visitor for a while until I moved back to Warner full time in 1978 after graduating from College.
How did you become the Pillsbury Free Library Director?
I had been teaching for a few years but was interested in finding some part-time work closer to home so that my husband and I could focus on building a house. It was pure luck that Mrs. George chose that year (1985) to retire after 30 years at the Library, and so I applied and was fortunate to be chosen as the new Head Librarian, as it was called then. At that time, very few towns in N.H. had Librarians with a Library degree, but the State had a certificate program through the School for Life-long Learning, so I attended classes and completed the Certificate. Over the years, the Library’s hours gradually increased, and the building grew in size and staff, so in 1996 I decided it was time to get more in-depth training. I enrolled at University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Library and Information Studies (which also offers some classes at UNH- Durham), and took three classes a year, graduating with an MLIS in 2001.
What has been the most exciting development during your tenure at the library?
One of the best things about working in a library is that there are always new technologies to try or services to add, but the biggest development would have to be the completion of the building’s addition in 1994, which more than tripled the space available. This created enough space for computers, children’s programming, tutoring for adults, and a good-sized collection of books, magazines and audio-video materials. Before the addition we were so tight for space there were books in the basement boiler room, and we had to turn sideways to squeeze between some of the furniture. As the population of Warner and the collection continue to grow, the new space is beginning to feel tighter, but we are still more fortunate than many other N.H. towns.
What are some lesser-known aspects of the library that residents should be aware of?
I think more people could be taking advantage of our home delivery service, which is offered to anyone who cannot get to the library, for whatever reason. I know New Englanders hate to ask for favors, but they should remember it makes the librarians and volunteers feel good to be asked! Surprisingly, not everyone realizes that we do more than lend books: they can also borrow magazines, videos on VHS tape and DVD, books on tape and CD, and our newest service is free downloadable audio books – over 1600 titles are available online. We also help people learn to use computers, give homework help, and have a free tutoring program for adults who want to learn to read, or to pass an exam such as the G.E.D. Some parents and grandparents don’t realize that even children as young as 4 months can enjoy the music, books and story times that we have available in the Children’s room. Modern-day children’s library spaces are not the “shushed”, boring places they used to be!
Tell us about PFL being named Library of the Year for 2006.
Each year the N.H. Library Trustees’ Association chooses a winner from nominated NH libraries, basing their decision on evidence of strong community support, improved or expanded services, and cooperation with Town organizations and Town Government. We are very proud of the support the Pillsbury Free Library has from all sectors of the community, and were happy that the NHLTA Awards committee recognized this great community relationship as well as the level of services that Warner supports, by picking Warner in 2007 to receive the 2006 award.
What new directions do you for see for the library over the next few years?
Technology will certainly continue to change how society communicates and gathers information, so we will be adapting to each new phase. For example, we plan to add at least two webcams for use on the public computers, which will be especially useful for people who want to use sign language when in chat rooms or instant messaging. MP3 format downloadable audio and eventually video will be added to the existing materials available, and the library web page will be upgraded to include more interactive features such as a blog, RSS feed, and perhaps live chat with a librarian. People still read books for pleasure in our community, so that will continue to be a major part of our collection, but we have seen a shift towards more video and audio items, so those collections will continue to expand faster. More and more people tend to do their research on the Internet, but when home finances get tight, we see more people using our computers, when they cancel Internet access at home, or their computers and printers don’t get replaced as quickly. We may need to increase the number of public computers, possibly with some wireless laptops. The N.H. State Library also helps to make online databases available to us. A new direction we are currently working on is a family literacy initiative, working with the local schools and Doctors’ office to get more books into all homes, and to encourage people of all ages to improve their reading skills.
What makes Warner a unique community?
Many, many people volunteer or belong to community groups even if they have full time jobs. There is a wonderful mixture of people of different ages, skills, and backgrounds, all working in a variety of ways to keep town traditions going. At the same time Warner residents are not afraid to grab new opportunities or try forward-looking innovations such as a recycling station (the first in our area), actively conserving farm and forest land, or starting an Energy Committee or an art festival.
What hobbies, activities and interests do you pursue when not at work?
Besides reading? (Just kidding). I coordinate the Warner Food Coop and am a member of the Warner Woman’s Club. I help a little with Warner 4-H Club. When I have time, I love to garden, hike, canoe or do anything outdoors, and I love to travel, especially with my family. I’d like to have time to do art, and more volunteering.
