The town of White Pine is excited to launch its Community Spotlight Series, and we’re kicking things off with a look at the White Pine Library. This isn’t just a place for books; under the dedicated leadership of Sarabeth Phillips, who took the helm in July 2019, the library has become an incredibly important hub for the community. In our interview with Sarabeth, she shared that she finds the most rewarding aspect of her leadership to be the trust and friendship she’s built with the community, underscoring the library’s deep commitment to its patrons.
First off, what inspired you to pursue a career in library science, and what led you to become the director at White Pine?
Well, a funny story: my bachelor’s degree is in Organizational Management. I had initially intended to work for a food bank or other nonprofit in the social services sector when I graduated, but it was 2008 and jobs were scarce. I found myself in the library world in 2016 and loved it!
How long have you been the director of the library, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your leadership so far?
My first day as the director at White Pine was July 1, 2019. Earning the trust and friendship of the community has been the best thing- it’s what I look forward to every day. The library patrons are such a joy.
What’s your vision for the White Pine Public Library in the coming years?
We would benefit from a larger space and are working with local government to map that out in the coming years. Until we can make that vision a reality, we’re going to be starting a new community outreach initiative since the library is way bigger than just its 4 walls. The plan is to use other spaces that the city has generously provided access to, so you will find me keeping regular hours at the senior center to provide tech support to the community, at the community center (which is more commonly referred to as the “Ruritan building”) holding classes, and maybe even at Lions park! Once we figure out a schedule for outreach, it will be available on our social media pages and on our website.
As the director, what do you see as the most vital role the library plays in the community?
Every library serves the community, and every community is different. I never thought that the four libraries within the county would have so much variance in the roles they play. For White Pine, I’d say the most important thing we do is remove barriers to access. That can look like teaching someone to use their smartphone or a computer, or showing someone how to write a resume, or filling out paperwork for someone with essential tremors, or recommending a book. We try to catch people who might slip through the cracks in a world that assumes we all have the same skills.
What’s your favorite part about leading the team?
From day one, the team at the library has made sure I’m supported in whatever I’m doing. Any successes we have are because of Tammy, Rebecca, and Carolyn. I love that we each have our own specific set of strengths and together it makes everything run smoothly.
For someone who hasn’t visited the library in a while, what new programs, services, or initiatives have been implemented under your direction that they might find surprising?
So many people think that libraries are for books and nothing else. We teach people how to do just about anything they need help with. (As long as we know how to do it already!) We do one-on-one tech help, provide audiobooks, e-books and DVDs, hold summer reading programs, adult craft classes, and author events, offer faxing/scanning/copying services, as well as have 4 computers solely dedicated to educational kids’ games. We offer hotspots for checkout and hold a book sale every fall. In December, we host a Food for Fines program where we collect nonperishable food for our local food banks in exchange for waiving fines. It’s probably easier to say what we don’t do than what we do!
How has the library adapted to changing technology and the evolving needs of our community, especially in the digital age?
When I first arrived, there were still VHS tapes on the shelves. We transitioned those out and worked on improving our DVD collection. Now that fewer cars are being made with CD players, we are teaching people how to use our Libby app to access thousands of free e-books and audiobooks. Libraries respond to the needs of the people they serve, and those needs are ever-evolving- so the library must evolve too.
Beyond checking out books, what are some of the keyways the library contributes to the town of White Pine?
I know it seems like I’m harping on this, but our community is everything to us. We close down the library to attend patrons’ funerals. We send cards when they’re sick. I think our investment in the people of White Pine just came organically. We choose books for people who can’t get out to check them out themselves- and we can do that because we know our patrons and their preferences.
Could you share an example of how the library has made a significant positive impact on an individual or a group in the community?
There are so many people who come in needing assistance with signing up for government programs. When it’s time to enroll in Medicare or sign up for Social Security, there isn’t anyone designated to explain what the steps are. It’s the same with SNAP benefits and disability benefits. We assist with the process of applying for so many things that the federal government has made it difficult to navigate.
What are some of the challenges and opportunities you foresee for the library in the near future?
Technology is changing so rapidly that sometimes it’s hard to stay knowledgeable. We will continue to adapt with the changing landscape.
How can the community best support the library’s mission and its ongoing efforts?
Support us with your vote! Our budget is set by the County Commission and by voting for commissioners that see the value in libraries, you ensure that we are fully funded.
More Than Just Books: White Pine Library
The team at the White Pine Library are passionate about serving the community and evolving with its needs. From fostering connections to removing barriers, the library is a dynamic and essential part of White Pine. To discover the full range of services and programs available, we encourage you to visit the White Pine Library’s website or stop by in person and experience all it has to offer.