The  Lackawanna  Library  System  Gains  Success  Through  Innovation  

By  Joe  Renza  

In  a  world  that  continues  to  be  shaped  by  technological  advances  and  carried  by  instant  results,  the  Lackawanna  Library  System  is  doing  more  than  keeping  up  –  it’s  thriving.  

The  Albright  Memorial  Library,  located  on  Vine  Street,  remains  intact  with  the  same  woodwork  and  windows  it  started  with  in  1893.  Although  the  building  has  stayed  the  same  over  the  years,  the  programs  and  services  within  the  building  have  kept  coincided  with  the  technology  and  resources  patrons  need  and  want.  

How  does  The  Albright  Memorial  Library  in  particular  continue  to  draw  in  customers?  According  to  Martina  Soden,  Head  of  Reference  Services,  the  answer  is  simple.  “You  have  to  keep  up  with  the  times.”  

The  Albright  Memorial  Library  has  found  success  with  a  simple  formula  –  knowing  what  the  community  wants  and  giving  it  to  them.  The  Information  Technology  (IT)  staff  and  digital  services  staff  installed  new  computers  last  year,  allowing  patrons  to  work  with  updated  technology.  With  a  good  number  of  younger  staff  members,  classes  offered  on  smart  phones  and  tablet  use  are  more  informative,  embracing  the  idea  that  the  generation  brought  up  through  this  new  technology  should  be  the  ones  to  teach  it.  

With  staff  on-­‐hand  for  over  65  hours  a  week,  Albright  proves  why  the  best  ability  is  availability.  “As  a  staff,  we  are  here  to  answer  every  question,”  said  Soden.  “If  patrons  can’t  come  in  one  day,  we  happily  answer  questions  over  the  phone.  We  do  our  best  to  accommodate  the  needs  of  all  of  our  patrons.”  

Local  businesses  also  have  found  resources  at  Albright  when  they  are  trying  to  make  a  profit.  “Our  staff  continues  to  aid  businesses  in  research,  both  in  person  and  over  the  phone,”  said  Soden.  “In  the  world  today,  you  need  to  familiarize  yourself  with  more  than  just  Google  and  Facebook.  The  Microsoft  Suite  programs  such  as  Word,  PowerPoint,  and  Excel  are  all  vital  to  a  company’s  success.  We  have  a  full-­‐time  computer  teacher  who  uses  a  lab  in  the  library  to  give  computer  classes  teaching  these  programs.”  Albright  also  features  several  databases  for  patrons  to  utilize.  For  example,  Morning  Star  Investment  Research  Center  provides  businesses  with  news  and  stock  information,  and  West  Law  features  legal  research  information.  

Younger  patrons  also  find  value  in  Albright’s  programs  tailored  specifically  for  each  different  age  groups  keeping  kids  and  teens  coming  back.  The  Children’s  Library,  located  right  next  door  to  the  Albright  Memorial  Library,  uses  not  only  books,  but  interactive  games  and  toys  to  educate  children  through  fun  activities.  “Our  story  time  is  a  big  hit  among  the  younger  children,”  said  Soden.  “Parents  bring  their  children  and  engage  with  sing-­‐alongs,  enjoy  a  story.  Many  of  the  children  ask  questions  while  the  story  is  being  read.”  

But  perhaps  Albright’s  biggest  challenge  goes  hand-­‐in-­‐hand  with  one  of  the  economy’s  largest  obstacles  –  how  to  make  teens  think  what  you  do  is  “cool”  enough  for  them  to  participate.  “The  teens  are  definitely  a  dynamic  and  challenging  group,”  Soden  said,  laughing.  “Luckily,  we  have  a  special  librarian  who  can  truly  relate  to  this  age  group  and  provide  interesting  and  fun  programs  for  them.”  Some  teen  activities  include  game  nights  and  play  performances,  where  parents  and  families  can  come  watch  the  show.  

Albright  also  plays  a  very  active  role  in  the  community  through  hosting  events.  The  biggest  event,  Swinging  On  Vine,  held  in  May  each  year,  raises  money  for  programs  and  materials  in  the  library.  Aside  from  larger  events,  the  library  hosts  a  children’s  program  every  day,  offers  movie  events  and  showings,  and  a  Maker  Monday  program,  where  patrons  are  introduced  to  various  arts,  from  cheese  making  to  home  brewing,  paper  crafting  and  wood  turning.  

Through  innovation  and  a  dedicated  staff,  the  Lackawanna  Library  System  has  proved  vital  for  the  community.  Through  various  programs  and  willingness  to  help  patrons  learn  about  the  times,  Albright  and  the  other  member  libraries  within  the  community  continue  to  be  a  model  for  libraries  everywhere.  

For  more  information  about  The  Lackawanna  Library  System,  visit  lclshome.org.