January 2026
January 2026 Standard News article
Gaylee Harris, Director
Montgomery City Public Library
Do you think librarians read all day? That working at a library is easy? Let me take you through a typical Monday at the Montgomery City Public Library. We had an average of 56 patrons who visited on a Monday in November. Once we arrive and unlock the front door, we turn on all the lights, computers, and the digital sign. We retrieve the books in the closet that were returned over the weekend in the book drop. Next, we check the book’s condition, clean each book, and check them in on the main computer. The books are then returned to the shelves.
I set up and lead the 10 am Storytime Adventures program for babies and preschoolers. During the storytime, you might hear stories, singing, rhyming, laughing, and maybe even some animal sounds. Many children and their caregivers like to play before or after Storytime Adventures. You’ll hear little voices talking, laughing, and imagining while playing in the Children’s Department. Luanne, the other Monday librarian, stays busy at the front desk while I have fun with the little ones.
Throughout the day, we tally the patrons who enter the library. We help patrons register for a new library card, tour the library, search for books, place holds on items, and check in/out their books. The returned books get scanned, cleaned, and shelved in their appropriate places. Other duties include checking the restrooms, answering emails and the phone, making copies, laminating items, sending faxes, scanning documents, and setting up reservations for the Reference Room or the Community Room. There are times when we assist people using the computer or their personal devices too. The MCPL website (www.mcplmo.com) and the library’s Facebook page get updated regularly.
When kits are checked out or returned, we inspect the kit to make sure the correct items are present and in good condition. We have STEAM to Go for children, Memory Matters kits for seniors or those with dementia, and the new Healing Library kits for children, teens, and adults. Please come look at these kits, and you just might find something that your family could use.
Other duties include setting up patrons with Creation Station equipment like the Cricut machines and heat presses. Some patrons already trained on the equipment can use the equipment by themselves while others schedule time to be trained. We also prepare for the Inter Library Loan pick up on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. We have to find the books or DVDs that other libraries want to borrow, scan them, and keep track of what is going out or being returned. Then the items are bagged, boxed up, and labeled up according to the receiving library. Cleaning keeps us busy too. Besides cleaning returned books, we disinfect the children’s toys when no one is playing with them and organize them on the shelves. Computer keyboards and mice are also disinfected regularly. Restrooms are checked as well.
Furthermore, we plan for displays and programming like MCPL’s monthly programs and summer reading. Both require time to research ideas, find or purchase materials, and organize the display or program. I also complete grant applications and write grant reports, but you already read about that in last month’s article.
Although it’s a busy day, we have many bright spots. This might be getting hugs from preschoolers or a smile from a baby, help a child find just the right book, or putting the Sorting Hat on a patron who finds the hidden picture of Lego Harry Potter. Harry Potter must be wearing his Invisibility Cloak because we haven’t seen him in a long time. One of our favorites is just talking with our patrons. Many have become friends over the years.
Our closing procedures include straightening the shelves, shutting down the computers, checking the restrooms, checking in any leftover books from the book drop, making sure no one is left behind, turning off lights, and locking the doors. Although we would love to read all day, you can understand that we just don’t have time for it. Please visit MCPL, especially if you’ve never been before. You can check out books and more on any busy day. We will always find time for you!