Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks Episode Summary: Small-Town Innovation: Renovating and Reimagining the Library Experience Release Date: July 10, 2025
Introduction
In the ninth episode of Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks, hosts Dylan Geschel and Kate Van Aken delve into the transformative journey of Brianne McCrae, the Director at the Bad Axe Area District Library. This episode highlights the pivotal role libraries play in small communities, emphasizing innovation, community engagement, and the personal passion driving library leadership.
Guest Introduction: Brianne McCrae
Brianne McCrae, a native of Bad Axe, shares her deep-rooted connection to libraries. With four years of directorship at her hometown library, Brianne paints a vivid picture of her lifelong relationship with books and community service.
Notable Quote:
"This library helped raise me. I love it here. I still love it here. And I'm really honored to work here and lead here."
— Brianne McCrae [02:24]
Choosing a Career in Librarianship
Brianne recounts how her career path was inspired by her younger brother's decision to attend library school. Her seamless transition into librarianship underscores the familial and communal bonds that often guide career choices in small towns.
Notable Quote:
"I just stole his plan and I just ran with it... These are the best people in the world."
— Brianne McCrae [03:20]
Renovating the Unionville Library: A Community Transformation
Brianne reminisces about her first directorship at the Columbia Township Library in Unionville. Facing a town with declining storefronts and a limited budget, Brianne and the community embarked on a surprising and ambitious renovation project.
Key Points:
- Initial skepticism about the town's potential for growth.
- Discovery of the library board's visionary plans during a board meeting.
- Transformation of the library into a modern, multi-functional space accommodating township offices and serving as a community hub.
Notable Quote:
"This new library was all the things that library is supposed to be... a place that's worth investing in. It's a place that's worth being proud of."
— Brianne McCrae [06:19]
Transition to Bad Axe Area District Library
Despite the success in Unionville, Brianne felt a pull to return to her roots. Encouraged by her mentor, Mimi Harrington, Brianne took on the directorship at the Bad Axe Area District Library in 2021, embracing the challenges and opportunities it presented.
Notable Quote:
"It was a horrible process. In terms of the grant, it's one of those awfully complicated state funding... But I'm glad we did."
— Brianne McCrae [08:39]
Library Renovations and Upgrades
Upon joining the Bad Axe library, unforeseen structural issues necessitated immediate renovations. Seizing the opportunity, Brianne secured a substantial capital grant to not only address urgent repairs but also to enhance the library's accessibility and functionality.
Key Improvements:
- New roofing to prevent future leaks.
- Enhanced accessibility features, especially in the children's room.
- Modern flooring, paint, and updated furnishings.
- Additional shelving and improved window installations.
Notable Quote:
"We added windows. We replaced some bad windows. We did a lot of things that needed to be done so that they didn't cause even more problems later on."
— Brianne McCrae [10:35]
Making an Impact: Supporting Visually Impaired Young Patrons
Brianne shares a heartfelt story about a young patron with visual impairments. This experience galvanized her commitment to inclusivity, leading to the establishment of a juvenile large print collection.
Key Points:
- Identification of the lack of accessible reading materials for visually impaired youth.
- Securing grants and donations to build a comprehensive large print collection.
- Enhanced the library's ability to serve all community members equally.
Notable Quote:
"It's a reminder to me that sometimes we don't know what barriers are standing between our patrons and library services until it just smacks us upside the head."
— Brianne McCrae [12:31]
Innovation Through the Bookmobile Project
One of the most unexpected and impactful initiatives Brianne spearheaded was the introduction of a bookmobile. Funded through ARPA grants, the project extended the library's reach to underserved populations within the community.
Key Highlights:
- Acquisition and customization of a Ford Transit van into a functional bookmobile.
- Partnerships with local businesses and organizations for support.
- Regular stops at apartment complexes, nursing homes, and community centers to provide accessible library services.
Notable Quote:
"It just started a real conversation in our town about library services and the possibilities of a library beyond the four walls of our building."
— Brianne McCrae [15:31]
Lessons Learned: Embracing Leadership and Overcoming Challenges
Transitioning from a librarian to a library director presented Brianne with unforeseen challenges, from managing public finances to navigating political climates. Her journey underscores the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and embracing new responsibilities.
Key Lessons:
- The distinction between being a librarian and a library director.
- The necessity of proactive leadership and relationship-building.
- Overcoming personal apprehensions by embracing opportunities.
Notable Quote:
"The secret to being comfortable with doing a job like being a public library director is you just say yes... It just isn't magic. You just do it and you do it."
— Brianne McCrae [20:35]
Addressing Future Challenges and Advocacy
Looking ahead, Brianne identifies the persistent political challenges facing libraries, especially in rural areas. She emphasizes the need for building trust, fostering open dialogues, and actively listening to diverse community voices to safeguard the library's mission.
Key Points:
- Anticipation of ongoing partisan environments affecting library policies.
- Commitment to community engagement and inclusive conversations.
- The vital role of libraries as optimistic, joyful institutions dedicated to public service.
Notable Quote:
"Another really important thing, I think personally, is if you're trying to create a strong community, you have to listen to people."
— Brianne McCrae [26:09]
Celebrating the Unique Charm of Bad Axe
Towards the episode's end, Brianne shares the local lore behind the intriguing name "Bad Axe," adding a personal and cultural touch to the community's identity.
Key Points:
- Origin of the town's name linked to a historical legend involving a rusty old axe.
- The library's display of the axe head as a point of interest for visitors.
- The playful interactions with out-of-towners fascinated by the town's name.
Notable Quote:
"We get out-of-towners every summer that come in to look at, quote, the real Axe... It's fun though."
— Brianne McCrae [29:10]
Conclusion
Brianne McCrae's narrative epitomizes the essence of small-town librarianship—resilient, innovative, and deeply intertwined with community well-being. Her dedication to renovating spaces, expanding access, and fostering inclusive environments serves as an inspiring blueprint for libraries aiming to redefine their role in the 21st century.
Closing Remark:
"Libraries represent basically the best, best parts of humanity. The impulse to share and to help your neighbor and to do all the good things. It's a wonderful career."
— Brianne McCrae [22:33]
Join Us Next Month: In August, Dylan Geschel and Kate Van Aken will host Mary Gallop, Director of the Clinton Township Public Library, to continue exploring inspiring library stories across Michigan.
Episode Sponsor: Midwest Tape and Hoopla
This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the transformative work of Brianne McCrae and the vital role of libraries in fostering community resilience and innovation.