By Deb Kroon
Review Staff Writer
Meredith Stanton Vaselaar began as the Librarian of the Adrian Branch of the Nobles County Library in January of 1990. In the 29 1/2 years Meredith has been the main face of the Adrian Library, many great changes have taken place within the programs offered at the Library as well as to the building itself.
When Meredith started, the Library was open three days per week for approximately five hours per day. She credits the support of the public and the patron demands for more access, so that the County Commissioners extended the hours to six days per week and a total of 32 hours. She pointed out that the extended hours would not have been possible without the dedicated assistance of volunteers and SMOC workers.
From 1990, Meredith has worked with the Adrian Elementary School system to further the reading outreach to elementary students through programs and events at the library, as well as scheduled visits each month (1995-1999). The Summer Reading Program has grown over the years to include middle and high school students. Meredith has strived to continue to peak the interest of all ages of readers with her many programs, the activities of the dragons and her library blog.
Many innovations have happened in the Adrian Branch during Meredith’s leadership. As a part of the Plum Creek Library System, the Nobles County Library and the Adrian branch have been granting library users access to computers both for personal use and the advantages of having the library system automated for faster service. Books on tapes as well as digitalized movies, to name a few, are available as well as the extensive title collections the library contains, or can obtain access to.
The greatest challenge and success of Meredith’s time in Adrian was the raising of $86,000 for the renovation of the Adrian branch. “That was such a fun time for me, a big challenge and I love a challenge,” Meredith said. Seeing her months of hard work pay off and the positive response from the residents of the area, was a great reward for Meredith. She commented on how lucky we are to have such a great library and the access to so many great books, programs and the technology that keeps reading strong in Adrian.
Meredith has accepted a position with the City of Worthington’s Engineering Department as the Administrative Secretary in the Economic/Community Development department. “I didn’t think my career as a librarian would end like this,” she said. “I was happy as a librarian, I’ve always wanted a full-time position and have never been able to acquire that at the library. I need a challenge, and since the renovation, things have quieted down. I believe my new position will offer the challenge I’m looking for. I will have a variety of things happening and I will still be working with the public, which I love. I will remain a member of the MN Library Association. I have done some lecturing in St. Paul at the MNL Convention as well as some workshops. I would love to have more opportunities to continue to do these kind of things in the future. So even though I will no longer be a librarian, I will continue to stay involved.”
When asked about the future of the dragons, Meredith assured that the adventures of the dragons will continue!
Meredith will be hosting a Patron Appreciation Open House at the Adrian Library on Friday, September 27th from 12-5 p.m.
She would like to show her appreciation for all of the support she and the Library have received from the public throughout her years as Librarian in Adrian. Stop in and wish Meredith well on her new adventure. We will miss you Meredith!
