‘Off the Shelf’
Tony Zybl is seeing plenty of new faces come through the doors at John K. Tener Library in Charleroi.
The “newbies,” she said, started paying regular visits when the regional one-card network, known as WAGGIN, was unveiled several years ago in libraries in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties.
The creation of a singular online catalog makes it easier for libraries to share resources and increases convenience and accessibility for patrons while providing cost-savings throughout the library system.
“All these strangers have a stack of books on hold,” said Zybl, who serves as the library’s director. “We get a lot more kids who do it. More kids put stuff on hold. … They don’t have to ask us questions; they don’t have to talk to the ‘scary lady.'”
WAGGIN’s success is due, in part, to Peacock Keller, a law firm in Washington, whose “Off the Shelf … A Celebration of Books” charity event has raised more than $160,000 since the first fundraiser was held seven years ago. Proceeds from Off the Shelf, along with a $250,000 local-share grant from slots proceeds at The Meadows Casino, helped facilitate the implementation of the system. All money raised now through Off the Shelf provides for the system’s maintenance and licensing renewal.
“They talked about trying to get a joint catalog when I first came here,” said Zybl, who joined the Tener staff 15 years ago. “I’m so thrilled it actually happened in my lifetime here. Oh, my goodness, it’s a big thing.”
Tener was one of three pilot libraries chosen to implement the WAGGIN network, joining Citizens in Washington and Flenniken in Carmichaels, and it didn’t take long for Zybl to notice positive results.
“It’s incredible,” she said. “It saves us more, it’s so convenient, and we get stuff we have a lot quicker.”
It also has eliminated some difficult decisions Zbyl feared she might have to make when state and local budget cuts began to hit local libraries. For example, Zbyl feared she would no longer be able to order enough books for members of the library’s book club, which formed more than 10 years ago. “We spoiled our book club ladies,” she said.
She also couldn’t afford to buy many books other than best sellers, severely limiting the library’s diversity of selections.
“We have a lot of people who read different things, not just best sellers, that other libraries, like Peters Township, regularly buy,” she said. “This accommodates a whole other group. It’s amazing how much they take out.
“I’m probably alone in my thought, but I like being a part of a group and sharing resources. Some like being independent.”
Zybl can rest assured that she is not alone. Kathy McClure, director of Bowlby Public Library in Waynesburg, was so eager to come on board that Bowlby paid for its own system, explaining that since Bowlby is not included in the Washington District, it would not have been eligible for any grant-share money.
“We had to have an automated system,” McClure said. “It’s relatively expensive, but we included it in our budget. It was a hardship. Not only were we supporting it in theory, we were supporting it financially.”
But it’s been worth every penny, and she has no regrets.
“It’s been a real asset to the library,” she said. “Even though we’re somewhat larger than a lot of libraries, we’re still considered relatively small. It’s made a huge difference with patrons. It allows patrons to borrow from home by going online with their library card. They choose which library to turn it in.
“The regular patrons picked it up the fastest. Now that our patrons are getting used to it, we have a lot more usage. It’s an excellent system.”
She also appreciates the time and effort Peacock Keller puts forth in raising money to maintain the system. She’s so excited about this year’s food theme that she has already chosen a book, “Ratatouille,” for the table-decorating contest.
“Off the Shelf has been a huge, huge benefit to all libraries,” she said. “We’ve really grown over the years. It’s just a really fun event.”
Zbyl agrees, and wishes she had a larger staff so that she could support a table on behalf of Tener. However, she will help decorate the county tables.
“It’s a great fundraiser,” she said. “It’s incredible all the money they raise. Anything we can do to help, we’ll do.”
Infobox
Peacock Keller will sponsor its seventh annual “Off the Shelf … A Celebration of Books” charity event Sept. 17. The fundraiser will feature a presentation by Robin Miller, a TV personality, food writer and nutritionist. Those who attend will choose a book about food and decorate their table accordingly. Table decorating will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m., with an impartial panel of judges evaluating each table in various categories. Cocktail hour will begin at 5:30, when guests will be able to support their favorite tables by donating to the “People’s Choice Award.” There also will be a Chinese auction and a live auction. Dinner will follow at 7, with Miller speaking at 8. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and live and Chinese auction items are being collected. Individual tickets can be purchased for $75, or tables of eight can be purchased for $600. Corporate tables also can be purchased for $1,000. For more information, contact Jamie Anders at 724-222-4520 or janders@peacockkeller.com. Reservation deadline is Sept. 8.