The public library, according to Nancy Miller, is the best thing we do with local tax dollars. Celebrating 34 years of working at the library (the past 20 in the new building), Nancy said that people often tell her that the library is one of the reasons they chose to locate in River Falls.
Nancy Miller works for your public library, which – in her opinion – is the best thing we do with local tax dollars. The library is celebrating 20 years in the current building; she worked 14 years in the old building prior to the move. People often tell her that the library is one of the reasons they chose to locate in River Falls; they look at the schools and universities and other amenities, but the library is an important factor.

The library’s visitor count is about 180,000 – “not bad for a community of 15,000” – and this doesn’t include those just coming for a meeting, etc. Circulation is decreasing at libraries across the nation; people are using their phones and computers to get information they might have previously found at the library. Nancy has been director of the library since 2001. One of her goals – a metric she pays attention to – is the extent to which the library functions as a “community center.” Libraries help create an even playing field for all, including closing the digital divide for those who do not have access to computers, smart phones, etc. The library not only provides free wi-fi, but also offers computers and “hot spots” with unlimited data that patrons can check out and use from home. The library is increasingly offering STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) programming for both children and adults. The library provides many innovating offerings, including book club in a bag, community jig saw puzzles, bird watching and “rock hound” backpacks, etc.

Libraries need to be flexible, fluid and adaptable, providing people with what they need and what they want. They are in the midst of a strategic planning process, and have been asking community members four key questions:
1) What do you love about the River Falls Public Library?
2) What is a community need that you think the library can help meet?
3) If you could change or improve one thing about the library what would it be?
4) What does the future of the River Falls Public Library look like to you?

What came from this survey was that people wanted to maintain the great staff; increase library accessibility and affordability; increase programming; increasing the library’s role as a gathering space for the community; and increasing access to technology, etc. Their next step is to map out goals and steps for each of these five areas to meet each of these community priorities. At the same time, they continue to invest in ongoing maintenance and capital improvements, and are talking about a second capital remodeling project that would, among other things, create a “maker space.” The biggest complaint at the library is that there is nowhere to park. They have purchased the three houses on Union Street east of the library, and are hoping to use that for a larger parking lot.

The River Falls Library Foundation provides funding for things that cannot be funded with tax dollars. As an example, they provide $10,000 each year for technology; this is the money that funded the library’s computers, hot spots, projectors, etc. They funded half of the $25,000 sign in front of the library. They purchase best sellers and provide grants to partners like Jump Start for Literacy. They underwrite the summer reading programs and special exhibits at the library, including an “awkward family photos” exhibit planned for 2018. They also spearhead fundraising for projects like the completion of the lower level.

Nancy’s biggest “want” is a small 100-200 seat auditorium. This could be used for business meetings, educational and cultural presentations, training sessions, author talks, musical performances, community theater, film series, etc. Other “wish list” items include a small electric van that could be used as a book-mobile to have a presence at community events; story walks and story gardens; etc.