Chester Public Library 92 years old and still going strong
As Tammy Grah, administrative librarian at the Chester Public Library, made plans for National Library Week this month, she realized how different library services are now than during the past 92 years.
Certainly the library has grown over time and stayed up to date with online services. And now, during the COVID 19 pandemic, those online services are more important than ever to the life of the library.
Grah reminds patrons the those online services are extensive. They include eMaterial, available to all who have a library card. The Cloud Library offers thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks. RB Digital is another source for eAudiobooks and 100-plus magazines.
"We really miss our patrons and look forward to the day we can welcome them back to the library," said Grah. "In the meantime, we hope they are utilizing our services and are enjoying our new online programming efforts."
Instructions to use these resources are on the library website. Anyone needing assistance with the online services or wishing to obtain a library card, should call the the library at (618) 826-3711, leave a message or send a request by e-mail.
The staff at Chester Public Library is examining new ways to interact with the community online, primarily through Facebook. Currently, engagement activities via Facebook include story times for children, the sharing of historic photos of early Chester, as depicted in the book, "I Remember" by the late Jessie Huffstutler, craft ideas and sessions, LEGO challenges and ZOOM assistance.
On Easter Sunday, Grah hosted a virtual Easter egg hunt on Facebook.
The Chester Public Library is in a friendly competition during National Library Week (April 19-25) with other libraries in Randolph County, to determine which one can get the most new Facebook followers.
"So please go online and follow the Chester Public Library on Facebook," Grah said. The winning library will be announced at the end of this week.
Work on building
Over the next few weeks work will be done on the exterior of the library building. Passersby will see pressure washing, water repellent and repair work on the front steps of the building.
"It's a perfect time to get this work done, while the library is closed to foot traffic," Grah said.
Grah was hired in 1990 by former Administrative Librarian Francie McDonald. Grah became the A.L. in 1997 when Mary Fran Eggemeyer, who followed McDonald, retired.
Staff includes Lisa Wittenborn, Librarian II; Toni Diercks and Donna Glass, Librarian I's; and Lily Koch, student page/book shelver. On the Chester Public Library Board of Trustees are Betty Welge, president; Dr. Stephan Miller, vice president; Mary Ann Stumpe, treasurer; Melissa Gross, secretary; and members Carolyn Schwent, Richard Pautler, Evelyn Schuwerk, Tammy Liefer and Don Berry.
Collette Powley has served for several years as president of the Friends of the Library organization.
The Chester Public Library building was built and paid for by wealthy industrialist, benefactor and Chester resident Charles Briggs Cole and his daughter, Alice Cole. The City of Chester provided the building site.
On Jan. 31, 1928 the library was completed and plans were made for its opening and dedication, following the return of the Coles who were traveling at the time. Unfortunately, Charles Cole died of a heart attack on March 13, 1928, prior to the official opening. His wake and funeral were held in the new library building, the first official use of the library paying tribute to a favorite citizen.
The library was formally dedicated in an elaborate ceremony on April 22, 1928. And now, 92 years later, the Chester Public Library is still going strong, exploring new avenues and staying abreast of new technology.