Librarian keeps kids reading

Jan. 19, 2007

SHARON G. McBRIDE

Frontiersman

WASILLA - If you like books about cats, rats, underpants or even stinky dogs, she's the one to help you out.

Karen Davis is the Wasilla Public Library's youth librarian, and she knows where to find a book on any subject that you or your child can dream up.

In a day and age where everyone goes to the Internet to get information, Davis said she isn't worried about her job going away anytime soon.

&#8220Our circulation just keeps increasing,” she said. &#8220Which tells me people in this community like to read.”

On average, she said, anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 books or other materials, such as DVDs, CDs or audio books, are checked out to patrons on a weekly basis.

&#8220We also offer free access to the Internet,” she said. &#8220And our computers are busy from open to close.”

The library also offers other programs, like story times for little ones and reading programs for older youth with various incentives and prizes.

&#8220It's all about getting children to read,” she said. &#8220We have the structure and the materials, but we leave it up to the parents to decide what their children check out.”

And for those wondering, the library does carry the series &#8220Captain Underpants,” with his miscellaneous adventures, and another popular book with grade school children that makes parents groan out loud called, &#8220Walter the Farting Dog.”

&#8220Some parents have told me, ‘we wish you wouldn't have added those to your collection,'” she said. &#8220But I tell them not to worry too much, at least their child is reading.”

Davis said she can remember when she was a kid how her parents didn't like her reading comic books.

&#8220But I read all kinds of stuff,” she explained. &#8220Reading that kind of material didn't keep me from reading other things.”

And eventually her love of reading led her to her choice of career - that, and a little push from her father, a college librarian at Washington State University.

&#8220You know you never want to do what your parents do,” she said. &#8220But eventually I saw that he was right.”

Davis joined the Wasilla library staff last year, and considers herself new to the field, having been a librarian for only seven years. Davis started out as an elementary school teacher.

&#8220I loved my job as a teacher,” she said. &#8220But I love my job as a librarian even more.”

The Wasilla Public Library hours are as follows: Mondays from 2 to 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m.

The library is closed on Sundays. Story times are held on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for toddlers, and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m and again at 2:30 p.m. for preschoolers.

For more information, interested people may call 376-5913.

Contact Sharon G. McBride

352-2262.