Summary of "Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks
• Host/Author: mlapodcast
• Episode: Strengthening Communities Through Libraries
• Release Date: January 9, 2025
• Description: An original podcast from the Michigan Library Association and Library Cooperatives of Michigan, featuring inspiring and interesting stories, emphasizing the importance of these narratives in understanding the value of librarianship.
• Guest: Virginia Demumbram, Director of the White Lake Community Library, Whitehall, Michigan

Introduction

In the January 9, 2025 episode of Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks, host Debbie Makula and co-host Carol Daw engage in a heartfelt conversation with Virginia Demumbram, the Director of the White Lake Community Library in Whitehall, Michigan. The episode delves into Virginia's journey into librarianship, her impactful initiatives, and her vision for strengthening community bonds through library services.

Background and Inspiration

Virginia Demumbram begins by sharing her personal journey into librarianship, emphasizing that it wasn't a lifelong dream but a passion that evolved with her family’s needs.

“When we moved to this small town with my two little boys, the first thing I looked for was the library, because that's what I do.” [01:14]

Virginia recounts her proactive involvement in saving the local library from defunding, leading to the establishment of the current district library where she was initially hired as a children’s librarian. Her love for engaging with children and storytelling naturally progressed into her current role as the library director.

Community Engagement and Programs

Virginia highlights several key initiatives aimed at fostering community connections and inclusivity:

Evening Storytimes

Recognizing that daytime storytimes weren't accessible to all, Virginia introduced evening sessions to accommodate working parents.

“I started doing evening storytimes because I recognized that not everybody was home with their children during the day.” [04:48]

This initiative not only provided a vital bonding opportunity for families but also facilitated long-term friendships among parents, enhancing community cohesion.

One Long Table Events

One of Virginia's standout programs is the "One Long Table" event, designed to bring community members together in an informal, inclusive setting.

“One long table event is where you set literally one long table... it's a way to meet other community members face to face and recognize that we're all People and we all have things in common.” [06:53]

These events, held annually in conjunction with Good Neighbor Day, have been met with enthusiastic responses, encouraging ongoing support and participation from the community.

Accessibility and Inclusive Services

Committed to serving all community members, Virginia discusses her efforts to enhance accessibility, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

“We want to expand our services to people with various disabilities in the community... maybe even a Next Chapter book club.” [08:16]

Virginia is actively pursuing grants to fund staff positions that can lead specialized programs like art therapy and book clubs tailored for individuals with disabilities, thereby fostering a more inclusive environment.

Library of Things

To address diverse community needs, the library has significantly expanded its "Library of Things," offering items beyond traditional books, such as radon detectors, household tools, and yard games.

“We have all sorts of products that people can borrow. We've got a radon detector, and we've got some basic household tools, and we added yard games.” [10:06]

Looking ahead, Virginia aims to introduce block party kits to further encourage community gatherings and interactions.

Memorable Moments and Personal Impact

Virginia shares poignant stories that illustrate the profound impact of her work:

• Supporting a Newcomer: She recounts assisting a woman from Baghdad who relied on the library for internet access and familial connections, highlighting the library's role as a vital community hub.

  “We helped her stay connected with her family all the way up to the point that we became so important in her life...” [04:48]

• Memorial Story Trail: A deeply touching account involves patrons creating a memorial story trail in honor of a mother who passed away, transforming a community project into a heartfelt tribute.

  “They said... this is the memorial we wanted for our mom.” [15:32]

These narratives underscore the library's essential role in personal and communal well-being.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite numerous successes, Virginia acknowledges ongoing challenges:

• Space Constraints: The library's growing services are limited by physical space, exacerbated by rising construction costs.

  “We need more space. I don't see a way to fix anytime real soon...” [19:35]

• Resource Limitations: Expanding programs and services requires additional staff and time, which are currently stretched thin.

  “A lot more time in the day. And probably more staff.” [19:58]

• Addressing Political Dissatisfaction: Virginia shares an incident where she engaged with a critic to showcase the library's neutral stance, successfully mitigating negative sentiments.

  “He said, not what I was expecting. It was just information. That's a win right there.” [20:34]

Personal Reflections and Community Relationships

Virginia reflects on how patron interactions inspire and sustain her dedication:

“The way the patrons impact me is by reminding me over and over again that it's the little things that count.” [14:03]

She values the random acts of kindness from patrons, such as gifts and expressions of gratitude, which reinforce the library's positive impact.

“It's just so nice, so nice to hear from people who are happy with what's going on.” [16:15]

Future Vision and Hope

Looking ahead, Virginia expresses optimism fueled by the strong support network among Michigan librarians and ongoing professional development opportunities.

“What we have in Michigan is really truly special... that gives me hope.” [24:22]

She is enthusiastic about future projects, including sustainability initiatives like installing solar panels to reduce operational costs and enhance emergency preparedness resources.

“We got a grant to put solar panels on the roof of the library... and they put together maps of where you can get water...” [09:39]

Virginia's commitment to continuous improvement and community service underscores her belief in the enduring relevance and adaptability of libraries.

Conclusion

Virginia Demumbram's leadership at the White Lake Community Library exemplifies the pivotal role libraries play in nurturing community spirit, fostering inclusivity, and adapting to evolving needs. Her dedication to saying "yes" to new opportunities and her focus on meaningful human connections embody the essence of librarianship. This episode of Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks offers a compelling glimpse into how one librarian's passion and innovation are strengthening her community.

Notable Quotes:

• Virginia Demumbram: “Find a way to say yes. That's the goal. Find a way to say yes. Work out the details later.” [17:06]

• Carla Daw: “The other thing I'm hearing is that you're not afraid to say yes. You say yes, and when you say yes, you get these gifts, you get this impact, you get this joy.” [16:42]

• Virginia Demumbram: “It's always a person I'm dealing with. It's always a person and everybody's dealing with something.” [22:36]

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting Virginia's impactful work, personal stories, and the broader significance of libraries in strengthening communities.