LINCOLN -- Sherry Rodgers, children's librarian for Washington County Library System, has watched generations of readers grow up at the Farmington, Prairie Grove and Lincoln libraries.
"A lot of children came in on their mother's lap when they first started coming," Rodgers said. "Now I have some of them coming back with their own children. It's been fun watching the generations grow up."
After 24 years as children's librarian, Rodgers will hand over her reins to the individual libraries served by the system and each library will be able to design its own program. Besides Farmington, Prairie Grove and Lincoln, Rodgers also serves Elkins and West Fork libraries.
Rodgers will retire, effective Feb. 2, but before that plans to have workshops to share her experiences and expertise with the smaller public libraries.
Glenda Audrain, director of Washington County Library System, said the library board voted, at her recommendation, to eliminate the children's library services and turn that over to the five libraries served by the county.
"This way they can have their own program and have the kind of program they want to have," Audrain said. "Our mission has always been to help our libraries. That's why we strive to give them more funding every year."
In eliminating the children's library program, the board decided to take the money budgeted for Rodgers' salary and supplies and divide it among the five libraries. For 2018, each library will receive an additional $14,000 from the county library budget.
"This will allow them money for their own children's programming," Audrain said.
Frankly, Audrain said, she did not believe she would be able to find someone as dedicated to the children's program as Rodgers has been for a starting salary. Rodgers puts in many hours of time working and traveling to the different libraries, Audrain said.
"There are young adults who still recognize Miss Sherry," Audrain said. "She made a big impact on their lives. She has been a real jewel representing us. I hate to see her go. She should be proud of the work she's done. I know I am."
Library directors in Farmington, Prairie Grove and Lincoln also will miss Rodgers but they have made adjustments to their children's programs in 2018.
Lincoln has changed its part-time library position to a part-time children's library position.
Payne said she will miss Rodgers.
"She raised up a generation of children who loved her stories and loved Rocky, her little raccoon. Her summer programs have been so much fun. Moms used to come and now they are bringing their own children," Payne said.
Prairie Grove Children's Library started a Toddler Time program more than a year ago and will continue with that and build on it.
"I want to make sure we keep up the quality of programming," said Megan Wood, director of Prairie Grove Children's Library.
Wood considers Rodgers a mentor.
"I've looked up to her for advice and expertise," Wood said. "She's a wonderful person and really cares about these kids."
Rachel Sawyer, director of Farmington Public Library, said Farmington will continue to have story time for kindergarten students on Monday mornings and will add a Toddler Time at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, starting in February.
The library's newest staff member, Joy Poyner, has been named children's librarian.
"We would not have had a children's program without the county," Sawyer said. "Sherry's programs are very popular and she has always provided six weeks of a quality program in the summers."
Rodgers said the creative freedom of being the children's librarian is what she has enjoyed the most.
"I've been able to do whatever I wanted to do. I think that's the strength of these programs. I may have 75 kindergarten kids or five 3-year-olds in another program. You have to be able to switch back and forth and have appropriate activities for the different ages."
By allowing each library to plan its own children's program, directors can use their resources in their own communities and target the audiences they want to reach, Rodgers said.
"This will give them options they don't have with me. I think it will be a good experience for all the libraries."
Rodgers grew up in Lincoln and traveled the world with her husband through the U.S. Air Force. When he retired from the Air Force, they returned to Northwest Arkansas.
She has a degree in psychology and over the years has taken graduate level courses in children's literature from the University of Arkansas. She has experience teaching preschool and worked with Department of Defense schools as she moved around with her husband.
Rodgers points to long-time Lincoln librarian, Glynne Richey, as one of her mentors. Richey was Lincoln librarian for around 47 years. Rodgers said she remembers many times going to the Lincoln Library as a child and teenager and Richey would hand her a book that she thought she would like to read.
"It was such a pleasure to have someone hand me a book," Rodgers recalls. She was able to work with Richey for a few years when she moved back to Northwest Arkansas.
When she retires, Rodgers said she wants to do her hobbies full-time. She likes hiking, reading, gardening and traveling.
General News on 01/24/2018