Digital Access/Services
https://library.loudoun.gov/Purcellville
The first thing you see on the Purcellville Public Library’s website are images of the beautiful building (built in 1938, with an addition in 1993). The homepage has branch information, top resources, upcoming events, and the library’s Facebook page. I especially like that the events are front and center here. There are several services indicated on the website – interlibrary loan, notary service, test proctoring, printing, and meeting rooms to name a few. I note that the homepage also has info about bus service to the library, a service I wouldn’t expect in such a small town. My favorite feature of the website is that on the homepage, you can click on “By Age” to change the page’s contents for children, adults, and teens.
From the website you can download ebooks and audiobooks and stream content. You can access databases like Consumer Reports and Heritage Quest. There are educational resources like LinkedIn Learning and Mango Languages. There are online newspapers, legal research materials, and tutoring services through HelpNow. Anyone can browse the catalog – library cards are free to anyone to lives, works, or attends school in Loudon County.
Physical Space/Collections
The library is located in a small rural community, on the historic main street. The building itself is a combination of the original 1938 stone building and a newer addition added in 1993. The exterior has a cottage-feel. There is a parking lot around the back, and benches and bike racks out front. Beyond the automatic door is a lobby area with a community bulletin boards and a small collection of used books for sale. The library is very bright and open, with the circulation desk right as you enter.
To the right is an area with public computers and workstations, and a very large dining-like table with chairs in front of a beautiful stone fireplace (part of the original building). This area is very cozy, perfect for study, work, or collaborative activities and games. I noted that payment for printing is an honor system, with a locked cash box with a slot for cash payments. Behind the circulation desk are the stacks of adult and young adult non fiction, and adult fiction. Here I noticed that on the bottom shelf were bags that read “Book Discussion Kit.” I found out that these are for book clubs – they contain several copies of a book, as well as a packet with a synopsis and discussion questions. The Loudon county library system has many book clubs, including ones for kids and young adults.
To the right of the circ desk is the children’s area. Along with the shelves of books, there are kids’ computer stations, work spaces, and a play space with LEGOs and comfy chairs. What really caught my eye was they very large and open program space. It had plenty of room for lots of kids, and an amazing storage unit for supplies with a large screen. A very customizable space for a wide range of programming activities.
Another thing I noticed about the space was the way the library made use of its walls – there were fun, bright, poster-sized flyers of current programming on them – it almost gave the feeling of a theatre lobby, and made it feel like lots of fun and exciting things are happening there.
The second floor of the PPL houses the two large meeting rooms: the Carruthers Room, and the Robey Room (the Robey Room was in use when I was there). I noticed the Carruthers Room also had an original fireplace in it. There was also a staff area, and some lockers. Patrons can access both floors via stairs or the elevator.
People
There were two staff members manning the circulation desk, and one of them was Shanna McGaughey, the Youth Services librarian that I interviewed. It was so nice to meet her in person and shake her hand. Accompanying her was Elizabeth, another full-time YS librarian. Shanna said that on an average day, there are usually two librarians on the desk, with an aide in the circulation work room. The aide in this room will collect items from the drop-off boxes, and process these for shelving or pulling for patrons. There is one “official” page, and several “subs” – the subs do not have a set schedule, rather they sign up for shifts. There are no special items that require staff assistance, although there is a small reference collection that that they lend out at their discretion. Interlibrary loans are handled at the administration office, which serves all of the branches in the Loudoun County System.
Impressions
The Purcellville Public Library is a very kid-centric library – this is most evident from the prominence of the children’s space and the fact that the circulation desk is manned by two Youth Services librarians. Most of the signage and fliers highlight children’s programs, and there are fun activities like “guess how many” games scattered around every area of the first floor. It is quite evident from being in this space that it is a library that serves mostly families with children. It is also clearly a very community-oriented library – this is evident from the prominent community board in the lobby, the large amount of book clubs, and the fresh flowers on every table, brought in from someone’s garden. According to Rubin and Rubin, “Parents browse shelves, borrow attend library classes or events, borrow DVDs and CDs, use the library computer and internet, borrow e-books, and use library services (e.g., online reference) at substantially greater percentages than do other adults” (Rubin & Rubin, 2020, p. 140). The PPL appears to be a very well-balanced combination of spaces and resources for children and adults alike. I’d say the citizens of Purcellville are truly blessed with this library.
Rubin, R. E., & Rubin, R. G. (2020). Foundations of library and information science (5th ed.). ALA Neal-Schuman.
I think I’m going to the wrong public libraries. All of the ones y’all are blogging about seem amazing. I love the children’s areas of these spaces! The book discussion kits looks neat as well. What a nice resource.
This is a beautiful building and I love that they have incorporated the old with the new.
What a uniquely designed building! It definitely reflects that smaller, rustic country vibe to match the community. The bookclub kits look nice and I’m glad they are accessible to the public. At my library, staff have to retrieve kits for patrons. I don’t gravitate towards youth services, but what a great storytime room! I hope the library continues to offer services to teens and adults, but I’m glad the youth gets so much support as that’s likely their biggest demographic.
I agree that this library has a cottage like feel to it when looking at the outside. I would not expect automatic doors for this library. The public library I visited also had books for book clubs, but they were not out on the shelves (that I saw). I know the librarians use those books for a book club program. I wonder if they are for patrons to check out as well (most likely).
The potential of the program space is astronomical! They can host so many educational events there. Presenters can pretty much make the space their own in setting up activities. I especially like that they offer book discussion kits. I think it’s a great way to scaffold book club meetings.
I like that the website can be organized by age. It is great that the public library has so many spaces and programs for children. The building is beautiful and looks for inviting on the outside. I love the book discussion kits. What a great way to get people in the community together to talk about books.