Lily loves books. Lily loves libraries. Lily also loves working with children. Well, that's good, because Lily Smith is now the Youth Services Librarian at the West Liberty Public Library.
"I absolutely love working with children and teens and hope that I can always work with kiddos in some way," Smith says. "I think young people are so sharp and curious, kind and open-minded. I love being a small part of helping them navigate the world."
She began in the children's department in May of 2020, just a few months after the library closed its doors to the public due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Even though that limited Smith's face-to-face time with patrons, the library made the best of it, including online story times and craft projects dubbed "Five Minute Fridays."
As the Youth Services Librarian, it's Smith's job to help foster the children's collection, as well as run the children's department downstairs . . . at least when that day comes.
At the present time, the West Liberty Public Library is allowing patron browsing by appointment only, as well as allowing patrons to pick up books from the entry-way through its library pick up program.
Nearly one-third of the children's collection is now upstairs and browsable, thanks to Smith. That being said, making information available is important.
"To me, libraries and social justice really work hand in hand," said Smith. "It's why I see myself continuing to work in libraries and it's why I'm passionate about access to resources, information, and library materials."
From Iowa City, Smith volunteered and worked in libraries for 13 years. By high school, she was working for the Coralville Public Library in youth services.
But what sets Smith apart from others is the work they have done for the Antelope Lending Library Bookmobile. For almost four years, Smith has been bringing books to rural places, and continues to do so.
"When I started working with Antelope Lending Library, I remember learning about a study researching 'book deserts,'" said Smith.
The study explains that in affluent, middle-class neighborhoods, there are 13 books for every one child. In low-income communities, there is one book for every 300 children.
This, along with barriers such as library fees, transportation or lack of a formal ID can prevent many individuals and families from accessing library services.
"Bookmobiles are a way to reach people in their communities," said Smith. "So we're helping our community to overcome those barriers. It's incredibly rewarding and engaging work – something I'm excited to continue pursuing."
In fact, some day in the near future the West Liberty Public Library would like to use a book mobile to reach patrons in nearby Atalissa and Nichols, which are both supporters of the local library system. Smith will be a perfect resource for when that time comes.
As for right now, Smith says, "I've loved getting to know our patrons and community members and am so looking forward to eventually meeting more people in-person as well."
"I think there's a lot of opportunity for the West Liberty Public Library to partner with all the West Liberty organizations and businesses and I'm excited to see how we'll keep growing as a community and library," she adds.
Smoth got a first real taste of the public on Sunday, Jan. 17, when the West Liberty Public Library opened up its top level for browsing by appointments.
"It has been odd," Smith admits. "I work in libraries because of patrons, so not having them in the building was very strange. But we're offering more services now, so I'm hoping to continue some of the things we’ve learned during the pandemic."
Online story times and crafts will continue for the foreseeable future. But with people now coming in the doors, Smith will get to meet more of the community, and the community will get to see more of Smith.
Some of her favorite books include "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and “Pet,” by Akwaeke Emezi, as well as the "Amulet," a graphic novel series by Kazu Kibuishi.
Growing up, Smith was home schooled, so libraries were a constant resource. In fact, it was a fantastic teen services librarian in Coralville that got Smith involved in the summer reading program.
Now the Youth Services Librarian is looking to partner with teachers at preschools, as well as daycares and local businesses.
Hopefully, West Liberty, and the rest of Iowa, will begin to see the number of Covid-19 cases drop. Either way, Smith encourages anyone that could use the library to reach out.
Whether that means doing outreach with daycares or classrooms, bringing storytimes to the public, or checking out a bunch of books for youths, contact Smith at lsmith@wlpl.org to get started.
"I'm super excited for the day when it's safe to have in person programs," said Smith.
"Story times and programming is probably my favorite thing about being a Youth Librarian," she adds. "Those connections are what make my job so fun and I can't wait to be with our West Liberty kiddos in person!"
To learn more about what the West Liberty Public Library has to offer, including "Browsing by Appointments," weekly story times, "Library Pick Up," book clubs, and more, visit WLPL.org.