A life in libraries

While studying to become a French teacher in the mid-1960s at what is now the University of Northern Iowa, when a program reimbursed a portion of tuition for students pursuing teaching degrees, Lillian Nichols wasn’t sure teaching French was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

That’s when one of her sorority sisters suggested she try the teacher-librarian program. Nichols took a few classes, was hooked, changed her major and graduated in 1967.

A lifelong connection

Growing up in Fontanelle, Nichols remembered her love of visiting the library, which was then located in the American Legion Hall on the north side of the square.

While the library has since moved to its current location across from the fire station, it has remained an avenue through which Nichols has continued her love of reading for more than 50 years. April 19–25 is National Library Week, and all of Adair County’s libraries are celebrating it in some way.

Nichols served as a librarian at schools in Roselle, Illinois, Nevada and Bridgewater-Fontanelle before spending time as a stay-at-home mom. She later began working full time at Nichols Farms in 1982 — the year her husband, Lee, passed away. She is now a general managing partner of the large-scale seedstock operation north of Bridgewater.

Nichols currently serves as president of the Fontanelle Library Board, a group she has been part of since at least 1980. Other members include Matthew Blomme, Nathan Jensen, Lori Miller and Julie Williams.

She stepped down last year from the Adair County Library Association but still serves the group in an advisory role. The association is made up of the county’s librarians and library directors.

Several aspects of her time working in school libraries stand out to Nichols.

“I liked the availability of information, to get kids interested in reading — and you have to match the right book with the right kid,” Nichols said. “I enjoyed that and managing the library. You deal with people and teachers.”

Longtime library board member Ralph Wollenhaupt was president when Nichols joined and was instrumental in encouraging her to become involved. Nichols has also been a longtime contributor to the “Library Corner” in the Fontanelle Observer.

Guiding the library’s growth

As part of the library board, Nichols helped oversee two building additions — one on the west side and a larger one on the east side of the library that cost just under $1 million.

Nichols also remembers when the internet emerged. At the time, officials with ISU Extension and Outreach told the library it likely wouldn’t have a significant impact on the library system. They were wrong. The internet has played a major role in helping patrons access information.

The library board members Nichols has worked with have all been supportive of the library’s mission. A recent change in state government repealed a requirement that boards be gender-balanced, but Nichols said the addition of men to the board years ago proved beneficial to the group.

“As the library’s role in the community has grown and changed, the trustees have had to change. We had to deal with the internet and computers and staffing, and those are all ongoing things. The role of a trustee has grown,” Nichols said. “I think when Genevieve Dodds got off the board she said, ‘It’s just different. There’s so much new going on and I just can’t quite keep up.’ She loved the library. In order to keep state funding and be certified, we have to keep our policies current. That’s a job of the board.”

Nichols still keeps up, though she said this will likely be her final term on the board.

A hub for the community

The library serves the community in a variety of ways. A women’s coffee group meets there weekly. Storytime regularly draws daycare children. Craft events are held, and middle school students visit during the school day, gaining exposure to public libraries at a young age.

The library would not thrive without the support of those who value it — board members, staff and the community.

“Our goal is to be a part of the community in a real way,” Nichols said. “The library is really important to Fontanelle. We want to be, have worked to continue to be and hope to continue to be an important part of Fontanelle.”

‘A pretty big deal’

Melissa Engles, Fontanelle’s library director since March 2015, said National Library Week is a big deal for all libraries, but especially those in small towns such as Greenfield, Fontanelle, Orient and Adair, as they share their stories with the community.

“We’re much more than just books. With everything online, I feel like we get overlooked as a resource,” Engles said. “With our programming, internet and community events, we’re a safe place for people. A library is at the heart of a town and is of huge importance for communities, whether people come in every so often or all the time.”

Libraries are funded by state, county and local sources. Memorials also make a significant impact for families who want to pass on a loved one’s appreciation for reading. Cooperation among libraries when planning summer programming, for instance, can help reduce costs.

The Adair County Library Association planned to meet for one of its biannual meetings this week, and Engles said she wishes the group could gather more often because they are “always learning something” from each other.

“We’re thankful for everyone who supports the library,” Engles said. “The thing about it is that being a public library, it’s the one place that if you’re new in town, people who wouldn’t normally come here will come here to get a feel for the town.”