A DAY IN THE LIFE AT CENTRAL LIBRARY

BY LEONARD KRANSDORF

Follow along for a day in the life at Central Library, the heartbeat of Spokane Public Library and nexus of activity in downtown Spokane, where there is never a dull moment.

6 A.M.

As the sun rises, there are unhoused people camped out on the patio above the entrance to the deserted downtown parking garage.

It is those people on the patio who Kimberly sees as she begins her 6 a.m. workday.

“It’s disheartening to see them when I get here,” she reflects. “I feel for them.”

She arrives early because her work includes ordering materials, paying bills, and contacting vendors on the East Coast.

Meanwhile, the maintenance crew is beginning their routine down the hall.

Phillip, Andraia, and Anthony start their duties methodically by first checking the bathrooms.

“Some mornings are more work than others, but we want to do a thorough cleaning,” said Phillip. They then check the rest of the floor and make their way to the floors above.

6:15 A.M.

In the first-floor computer lab, Community Technology Specialist Peter walks around assessing each computer. “I want to make sure each of these are working right,” said Peter. “Plus, I check all the mechanical devices to make sure everything is going well.”

6:30 A.M.

Through the silence of the first floor, the sound of a vacuum reverberates through the library. The maintenance team continues to clear nearly 40 tables and chairs of trash and other items left the day before by customers.

In the back maintenance room, Matthew prepares to deliver needed supplies and books to the other branches in his role as a Caretaker. He estimates that on an average day he could travel nearly 15 miles in his deliveries.

7:00 A.M.

Rows and rows of carts line a large room filled with racks of books and other materials that are in processing for circulation. Many of these items will be dispersed among the different libraries while others are sent upstairs to be checked in. Library Clerical Assistant Toni estimates that on average the Collection Development department processes 100-200 items daily.

At New Leaf Cafe near the south entrance of the building, Oakley prepares coffee, pastries, and other food items. She estimates she makes six post of coffee before the library opens at 9am.

About 15 minutes before opening, customers wait outside. Some sit on the concrete blocks in front of the glass doors wearing short-sleeve shirts in preparation for the hot, summer day while others are bundled up with blankets and other belongings. Another is reading a book, oblivious to a jogger who runs past or the morning traffic zooming by.

By the day’s end, 1,318 patrons will have visited the library.

9:00 A.M.

The doors open and 10 people stream in. Some grab coffee at New Leaf Café or sit at one of the tables scattered around the first floor while others beeline to the Computer Lab or filter upstairs.

One of these patrons, Jolee, is a 19-year-old frequent library visitor. She sits at a first-floor table reading and sipping a coffee. “I have been reading my whole life and I enjoy it here,” she said.

A few feet away is Chuck, 45, who just recently acquired housing. “I like to read a lot and it’s not bad here just to sit and read,” he said.

The Computer Lab is filling up as some patrons seek help from IT Intern Trevor, who sits at a desk just outside the room.

The first-floor Info Desk is one of the busiest areas of the library where employees provide answers to a multitude of questions. In the first hour, Quinn is asked to update an account, issue a new library card, and assist in printing a document. That morning, a patron from out of town wanted to use a computer to write a research paper on stoves and use a printer. He learned how to get a guest pass and log on at no charge.

By mid-morning, the Friends of the Library Bookstore has opened, and many patrons are still shuffling in.

The Security team of Abe, Josh, and Mitch check the three floors, provide bike locks, and wake dozing patrons.

Behind the scenes in the Administration area, outgoing Human Resources Director Alan is meeting with his replacement Samantha to outline her new responsibilities. One room over, Executive Director Andrew is completing a variety of tasks—from reviewing an agreement with GSI (Greater Spokane Inc.) and determining the policy for cooling centers during the recent heatwave Spokane was experiencing, to preparing for a meeting with the City Cabinet and reviewing last month’s Board of Trustees meeting minutes.

Director of Marketing and Communications, Amanda, types on her keyboard in her office while finalizing her agreement to appear on a panel at a conference discussing how to navigate challenges libraries face today. The panel will include staff from Toronto Public Library, Sonoma County Public Library, San Francisco Public Library, St. Paul Public Library, and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

Info Guides Ashley and Leonard hear a loud crash coming from the skywalk and rush over to see what happened. A man fleeing from Nordstrom security had rushed past, knocking over a security gate in his wake, which will cost the library nearly $1,500 to replace.

Noon

On the second floor, there is ongoing activity at the Info Desk and in the children’s area.

“We like it here because there’s an area for the kids to play and many books for them to read,” said Sara, who brought her sons Ryan and Emmet.

Back down in Support Services, Cheryl is adding bar codes to new books as part of the processing responsibilities. Nearby, Youth Environmental Specialist Mason is planning upcoming programs. They are currently studying for their MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) degree from San Jose State University.

Meanwhile, a patron walks in with their large screen TV and tries to disconnect the back of the library’s digital message board so they can connect it to their TV instead. Staff and security inform the patron that this is not allowed. The patron places their television on their shoulder and walks out.

1:15 P.M.

Info Guides Ashley and Leonard hear a loud crash coming from the skywalk and rush over to see what happened. A man fleeing from Nordstrom security had rushed past, knocking over a security gate in his wake, which will cost the library nearly $1,500 to replace.

2:30 P.M.

On the third floor in the Inland Northwest Special Collections, author Eli Francovich visits to discuss his book, The Return of Wolves with Writing Education Specialist Sharma Shields.

Nearby, a patron, Maksim, is showing the old card catalog to his daughters Miia and Eva.

Peers Service Specialists Kayla and Justin hand out sandwiches and bottles of water to those in need. Within an hour, Kayla estimates she handed out 20 sandwiches. Peer Spokane partners with the Library to provide resources for patrons seeking help with housing, health, employment, mental health, and recovery.

6:00 P.M.

As the day winds down, Nola is reading on the second floor. He comes in at least once a week to record songs in the third-floor Recording Studio and read. “I like to read and this place has a nice feel to it. It is very much something magical,” he said.

7:00 P.M.

The lights are turned off as the last patron leaves and the library staff locks the doors to end another day at Central Library.

Author Leonard Kransdorf is a Library Clerical Assistant at Central Library. A former newspaper journalist, Leonard has written for newspapers in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, and North Dakota.