“With more than 38 libraries across Cape Cod and the Islands, we’ll only have time to visit three of them. I’m disappointed but practical, we need to get moving! So, sit back and meet #2, The Dennis Public Library.”
Barbara Eppich Struna
In the middle of the Cape is Dennis, a lovely town comprised of five villages and five libraries. They stretch across the Mid Cape from the warm and wild waters of Nantucket to the cool and calm waters of Cape Cod Bay. They all have humble beginnings starting with Jacob Sears Memorial Library – 1866, West Dennis Free Public Library - 1920, Dennis Memorial Library – 1923, South Dennis Free Public Library – 1926, and Dennis Public Library – 1995, which became the anchor that held them all together.
Cindy Cullen, Director of the Dennis Public Library, tells us that all five libraries work together as a library system. She explains, “Dennis Public Library is the only one that is a municipal library; we operate as a town department. The other four libraries receive some funding from the town, but they are privately run with their own Boards and their own staff.” She adds, “Each month we five directors meet and talk about projects we might do together and discuss other current news going around in the library world. We are unique in the state.”
Speaking of being unique and stand-out ideas, the Dennis Public library has been reaching out to their patrons in new ways as they cope with a pandemic. Ms. Cullen tells us, “For browsing, we have one wall facing our parking lot that has many windows. We have been using these windows to display our newly arrived books. However, right now patrons have to truly judge a book by its cover! We know it is difficult when patrons can’t take a book in hand and read the jackets. We’re happy to help in any way – whether they want to call us, and we can read the book jacket for them, or take photos of our shelves if they want to browse titles. It is not an ideal situation, but the Town of Dennis does want to keep both patrons and staff safe and healthy.”
Ms. Cullen was very helpful in answering some more questions.
What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in library services over the last decade and during Covid-19? How has your library met those challenges?
The most pronounced change I have noticed here is that, once people could find their own information online, the Reference Librarian was sought out less and less for research purposes. The internet is a tremendous resource, but as library professionals we stress that not all material on the internet is created equal. A reference librarian can help patrons identify credible sources of information, such as sources that are written by experts and vetted for accuracy. In this age of “fake news,” it is important that people can make judgments on fact, not fiction. Correspondingly as consultations with the reference librarian decreased, the usage of our reference collection decreased. After a thorough weeding, our reference collection was incorporated into our regular non-fiction stacks. In addition, a great deal of reference material can now be accessed easily online by the reference librarian – where it has the advantage of taking up no physical space in the library.
I have also noted over the past several years that the usage of our public computers has decreased. We can only surmise that the reason is because more and more people are purchasing their own devices. Costs for technology have become more reasonable over time. However, we have no plans to discontinue offering public computers. They have a faithful following, and we are happy to provide patrons with this service.
Speaking of our services, COVID has certainly impacted what we offer. Since our building is closed to the public, patrons can no longer access computers, browse our stacks, or attend in-house programs - although they can check out material via our curbside pickup service.
To help patrons who may not have technology at home, we have laptops and Chromebooks available to borrow. Our staff is happy to give patrons device help on the phone if needed. We are also looking into purchasing hotspots to circulate.
Are there ways that author and reader organizations like SinCNE can help you meet your challenges?
I believe there is. Nothing compares to authors bringing their work to life or explaining their creative process. Several years ago we were fortunate to have been visited by author Leslie Meier, who was local from Harwich. Her audience was very engaged, and we were so happy that she chose to come. People are naturally curious about writers. When we have an author program, I feel that audience members come either because they want to know more about the authors themselves, or the participants want to learn about how they might become authors. Either way, it’s a win/win. I can easily see authors from SinCNE intriguing our audience during a program or even participating in a book club meeting.
Have you seen an increase in interest for the mystery genre in recent years?
I first started at Dennis Public Library in 2008, and I know that the Mystery genre has always been one of the most, if not the most, popular genres here. We do have a separate Mystery section so that patrons can go straight to that collection if it’s their favorite.
Does your library have author readings, in-person or zoom and how do you make the decision about whom to invite?
We absolutely have author presentations and readings. Before the pandemic, we always had authors come in person. Although we have not had an author via zoom yet, we would be willing to have one. We have done other types of programs remotely. In the past we have both invited authors and they have contacted us with requests to come here. One of our best fundraisers, hosted by the Friends of the Dennis Public Library, featured author Elin Hilderbrand, and it was a sellout event. We are so grateful for the support of our Friends.
Do you have a local or New England author shelf in your library, display on your website, or even in your mystery section?
We have a Cape Cod Collection that contains books about Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. It’s usually popular with summer visitors.
Do you have book clubs at the library and, if so, how are the books chosen? I noticed you have a mystery book club?
We have two book clubs, and one is indeed a mystery book club. The group leaders choose the books, sometimes with assistance from group members.
Thank you, Cindy Cullen for visiting with us this month and sending a photo of the library’s Gratitude Tree window, where patrons and staff had an opportunity to write on leaves whatever they were most grateful for. Cindy thought this would be a wonderful way to lift their spirits and it looks like it did.
See you in March for my next blog about our beloved libraries.
Happy writing, reading, and staying safe,
Barbara