Library’s Janet Rhodes grounded in community library service

Last week, the Tribune published a press release from Emporia State University (ESU) announcing the awarding of a Master of Library Science degree to West Custer County Library’s Administrative Co-Director, Janet Rhodes. We thought it appropriate to drop in on Rhodes to see how she is applying the learnings from her advanced degree to the services she and staff colleagues provide the community.

Turns out, “community” is one of the key reference points for Rhodes’ motivation to have pursued this degree rather late in her professional and working life. Her specialty within the Emporia MLS program was “Outreach and Engagement,” an area of study and professional development that reflects how libraries and the use of libraries has changed over these last few decades.

“This is what I want to do,” Rhodes told us, “to be partners with the community, to be with folks in programming, to be in the towns and county.” 

While rural libraries especially have transformed themselves into broader community centers providing much more than books and magazines, West Custer County is a particular gem in that category. We are a much smaller community than many served by library districts, yet the services provided are immensely, almost disproportionally so, inclusive of a wide variety of interests and need. 

For example, while the Leadville Library, with whom West Custer County is often in consultation and planning, may have a tool lending service, here there is a musical instrument lending service, that comes along with an instructor. “We were approached by the good people from the Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival with the idea, and it has proved successful.” This program complements community programs already in place involving Public Health, Landing Well, the Sheriff’s and County Clerk’s Office (the DMV To Go program), and the Rotary Van service providing transportation to the library for mobility-challenged patrons. Then there are the lending programs that go all the way from games to camping and outdoor equipment—quite an array for the area served.

“There was nothing abstract in my MLS studies,” Rhodes noted; “I took classes and participated in projects that were applicable to this library.” An additional motivation in pursuing the advanced degree, Rhodes added, was very personal: “I did this for me!” She brings a brightness to “adult learner” that is reflected in her commitment both to self and to profession. 

One aspect of Rhodes’ daily never-the-same-each-day routine now enhanced by her MLS learning is advocacy for the library itself. Part of the changing nature of libraries and their use is getting the word out that the dynamics of services and programs is now so wonderfully diverse. “From a great foundation, we’re moving on into new territory,” Rhodes happily states.

We smiled together when Rhodes said, “Was this for career building and career development? Hardly!” Late in her working life, she is well established in her new career, one that began with her initial hiring here in Westcliffe, yet she felt challenged to “get what she needed” through her MLS to be equipped for growing community programs within the West Custer County Library.

“ESU may not have the status of programs like Cornell or DU and others, but their program required no student loans, was available online, and worked with my schedule.” She is a happy grad, and was celebrated after her December graduation in a party with staff colleagues and Board members. 

A final note on the uniqueness of our library and its Co-Directors. Genna Calkins, Collections Co-Director, also possesses an MLS, earned at ESU. There may be no other rural library in the West where two MLS librarians serve their community so creatively and in such an engaged manner.

Congratulations, Janet! Our community is grateful to be served by you and your commitment to your profession, service, and self-growth.

For those of our readers who might not yet have a library card: visit westcusterlibrary.org to scroll through the many programs and services at our fingertips, then stroll on into the facility at 209 Main Street, Westcliffe, and join the fun! It’s always been bustling when we’ve dropped in.

– W.A. Ewing