By INTRODUCTION
Chartered in 1893 by the State of New York, the resource center offers a vast collection of books and periodicals as well as electronic data bases, films and other cultural materials. Enrichment programs and activities are also high on the priority list of Andrea Simmons, who has served with distinction as Chief Librarian and Director since 2003.
Once upon a time, when the property now known as Brookside was a posh resort rather than a history museum, Washington Irving carved his initials in a window sill before departing for his next destination. It might thus be said that the author of such classics as The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle literally left his mark on Ballston Spa. Then there was the time when James Fenimore Cooper, best known for penning The Last of the Mohicans, set during the French and Indian War in the 1750s, drew inspiration for some of the heroes and villains of that novel while he was spending time in Ballston Spa amidst the socio-economic climate of the 1820s.
Whether you’re interested in learning more about these early American writers or virtually any topic in the universe, there’s no better place to begin your research than the Ballston Spa Public Library. Chartered in 1893 by the State of New York, the resource center offers a vast collection of books and periodicals as well as electronic data bases, films and other cultural materials. Enrichment programs and activities are also high on the priority list of Andrea Simmons, who has served with distinction as Chief Librarian and Director since 2003.
Prior to establishing a permanent home at 21 Milton Avenue in 1959, the institution existed in various locations throughout the village. As the community’s population grew during The Baby Boomer Era, an addition to the original Milton Avenue structure was completed in 1971. The landmark’s interior was remodeled in 2005, with an elevator being installed three years later that made the two-storey structure fully handicapped accessible.
But the true beauty of the Ballston Spa Public Library transcends mere brick and mortar. The ambiance is one that combines hometown hospitality with Library of Congress professionalism. Ballston Spa Living Editor Ann Hauprich could think of no better time than the start of the Summer Reading Season to conduct a Q & A with the longtime leader of the local library whose card-carrying members include not only those with Ballston Spa addresses, but also many who reside in the nearby townships of Ballston, Charlton, Galway, Malta and Milton.
I guess an appropriate book title for this period would be: Making Lemonade Out of Oranges finding our purpose and serving our public beyond the library walls.
A: Once we closed down we were all able to work from home as much as we could within the constraints of our allotted hours. Without directly helping patrons, we were able to focus on other tasks like continuing education, learning new technologies (Facebook live, Zoom, You Tube, Libby etc.). Some of the staff flourished while others floundered. I guess an appropriate book title for this period would be: Making Lemonade Out of Oranges finding our purpose and serving our public beyond the library walls.
Q: How difficult was it to close the library’s doors indefinitely in mid-March after States of Emergency after The Village of Ballston Spa declared a State of Emergency in March?
A: There was a lot of anxiety associated with the looming closure. So much news was being released about the risks of working with the public and just being out and about in general. The staff and I were nervous as we all had family members who relied on us who were elderly or very young. We worked without patrons for one week then the village closed us up once the NYS directive came through on March 22. The mechanics of closing weren’t hard necessarily. It was more emotional for us. How to work mindfully and productively from home. That took time to get into a routine.
As the weather got nicer, the staff would hold weekly meetings outdoors in the parking lot which I affectionately called the library ladies who lunch. It was important that we stayed connected as a team. It was also a good way to talk out the future challenges that re-opening presented.
A: The Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS) of which we are a member was instrumental in providing electronic services for patrons. Patrons without a library card could instantly apply online for an e-card and gain access to hundreds of eBooks and eaudiobooks. It was Facebook and Instagram that kept us connected with our patrons. As the weather got nicer, the staff would hold weekly meetings outdoors in the parking lot which I affectionately called the library ladies who lunch. It was important that we stayed connected as a team. It was also a good way to talk out the future challenges that re-opening presented. I have to say I have an amazing staff of talented individuals who made this WFH period work. They helped me stay sane and grounded. They all played a part in keeping library services alive during this time.
Q: What role have library volunteers played during this unprecedented time in village history?
A: It wasn’t really volunteers that I reached out to, but rather the library board of trustees I relied on for guidance during these uncertain times. When we starting coming back to the library in June, I contacted a patron (Trish Roberts) who is a real estate agent for an outdoor brochure holder. I made up a brochure outlining the reopening plan and it’s available on the front lawn of the library. I also asked Mark Blech to make up two large informational signs regarding our curbside service. Jeff Gawrys and the rest of the DPW staff helped us immensely during the prep phase of reopening. They made and installed our plexiglass sneeze guards, put up signs and more. They’re truly essential workers! All in all it took a village and a dedicated staff to get the library ready to reopen.
Q: The Ballston Spa Public Library is normally a beehive of activities and special events from the time schools close for summer recess at the end of June until just before classes resume after Labor Day. In what ways will the summer of 2020 be different for library patrons – especially for young readers and their caregivers?
A: The summer is going to feel and look different at the library. We put on our thinking caps and created a multi-week take ‘n make activity packets for kids in Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5. There are different themes each week and lots of various activities to go along with them. Families can start picking up these packets each week from July 7 through August 25. We’re trying to partner with other local agencies for more pick up locations, but right now the only pick up location is at the library. Participants will earn a raffle ticket each time they pick up a packet to win a grand prize at the end of the summer. The other cool thing happening this summer is a free online reading and recording program called Read Squared (http://bsplny11.readsquared.com/). This is a NYS sponsored product where kids, teens AND adults can create an account, record book titles, earn badges and unlock and play online games. Once the participants complete the programs, they can print up a certificate. Once they do that, they need to show a staff member the certificate and they get entered into a grand prize drawing. There’s a drawing for kids, teens and adults. Unfortunately in-person programs cannot take place at this time. We’ve held storytime on both Facebook live and Zoom.
Q: As Month #5 of the COVID-19 crisis looms, does the Ballston Spa Public Library have an official reopening plan in place? What might be different the first time patrons return?
A: The staff at BSPL has been working at the library since June 1. First it was re-organizing and putting the library back together again after getting new carpeting. We then opened the book drop to allow patrons to return library materials. We follow a three-day quarantine process before we actually check in the library materials. We started curbside pickup on June 23. It’s been wildly successful and patrons are so happy to able to get new material. On July 7 we start with limited walk in service. Patrons will be required to wear a mask, follow the six-feet social distancing guidelines, use the hand sanitizer provided by the library upon entering the building. This phase will be for short visits. The stacks will be closed, so the staff will have to retrieve materials for patrons. People can use computers but for 30 minutes only. As long as things go smoothly in terms of COVID cases and public health in the area, we will allow browsing and one-hour computer usage starting on July 21.
Q: Of the myriad services you provide, which have been most in demand during the pandemic?
A: All online services surged in popularity over the past few months. The Overdrive/Libby stats flew through the roof. Kanopy (online movie streaming) became intensely popular as well. Patrons flocked to our Facebook page mainly, but we’ve gained many more Instagram followers as well.
Q: Is there a particular subject folks have been clamoring to read more about than in the past?
A: Since the George Floyd death, people are interested in reading about racial inequity, systematic racism etc.
Q: Is there a book you have personally found to be a “must read” during thus unprecedented time in history?
A: I’ve found the author Brene Brown to be very enlightening. She presents issues in a way that I get. Her podcast, Unlocking Us with Brene Brown helped calm my fears, and quiet my anxiety during this challenging time.
Q: The Ballston Spa Library’s website is a treasure trove of information and well worth exploring. Among the most fascinating discoveries I made during a recent armchair visit to your domain was an invitation to become involved in a heritage preservation project called Leaving Our Fingerprints. Essentially visitors are being encouraged to help make history by sharing their personal stories of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please share the story-behind-the-story of how this initiative came to be.
A: The folks at SALS as well as library staff among the SALS member libraries came up with the project. A core group of people developed the questionnaire. The participants’ responses will be compiled on an interactive website in the near future. (To learn more, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KR86VWX.)
A: This time definitely tested our ability to persevere in times of adversity. My husband Brian and our sons Josh and Zac and I had to deal with a lot of disappointments as school and activities were canceled (soccer and track and field). My older son was a senior at BSHS. Finishing the last half of his senior year was not ideal, but he took it in stride and acceptance was made pretty quickly. I felt so badly for him though. As a parent you don’t like to see a child let down. However, life lessons are the result of tough times. I tend to see the glass as half full and relied on that philosophy to get me through the toughest days. It was nice being home with my family – able to spend time with them. Family dinners at home were both more elaborate (I love to cook) and leisurely. There was no running off to a practice, the gym, a meeting or work. I’ve also reconnected with my extended family and friends through the Zoom platform and Facebook messages. Another positive that resulted from this time was a rekindling passion for the outdoors. I try to go on walks every day. This is my “me time”. I love listening to podcasts, music and audiobooks. On the weekends we’ll go on either drives into the Adirondacks or hikes. It really reminds me of why I love this area so much. I’m no philosopher, but this challenging time has solidified my belief that good people and good deeds surround us. All things are possible when approaching it with an open mind and patience. Relying on the information coming from our health professionals and elected officials have been paramount in staying safe.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Ballston Spa Living would like to join Andrea Simmons in thanking Ballston Spa Public Library Trustees Lori Acee, Jim Carter, Linda Gawrys and Andy Manion, Mike Healey as well as staff members Sherri Collins, Ann Dreyfus, Cheryl Hensler, Mary Ann Manning and Carol Peplowski for their respective parts in fortifying The Spirit of Ballston Spa throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Andrea SimmonsBallston Spa Public LibraryChief LibrarianCOVID-19
