The Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall has been a big part of my life, teaching me many things that help me to this day. I have been working at the library for the past 20 years. It all started when I was a sophomore in high school and wanted something to do after school. I didn’t really want to have a job yet, just something to keep me busy a few days after school.

I decided to check out my local library to see if they were hiring since it was close to where I lived. I picked up a volunteer application and was called shortly after that. I started out a few days after school and then would come up to the library and put some volunteer time in on Saturdays. I did a variety of jobs like dusting, putting items away and organizing the shelves, and other tasks that kept me busy.

Not only did it keep me busy, but I enjoyed being around the books and the staff. They were always very helpful when I had questions or needed help. I was at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall for about a year before I was offered a job there. At first, I wasn’t sure about taking the job because I liked coming in on my own time. However, I thought it would be a good opportunity for me, especially for my first job.

And I stayed! It was a job that has taught me a lot, and still continues to teach me things all the time all these years later. When I first started there, I was horrible at typing. I went from typing very slowly to typing quickly and accurately. My newfound typing skill then helped me out with learning about the computer system, and then learning how to navigate the computers themselves.

A great deal has changed at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall since I started working here. Back in the day, we had computers for the patrons, but there was only a handful of them.

When items came in for the patrons to pick up, we had to call each individual patron to let them know that their items were ready for pickup. Today, it is a much easier and smoother process. When we check in an item, the computer connects the product with the patron’s name and information. Patrons are automatically notified by email or flagged for a telephone call.

Not only have practices at the circulation desk improved, but so has the entire building itself! We didn’t have air conditioning when I started­­­­­­­­­­ — the library wasn’t air-conditioned until 2011. Our only option for cooling was through fans and windows. When the building became too hot, we would have to close.

I especially remember this huge fan we had by the circulation desk that helped with the airflow, but it was super noisy — so much so that it was hard to hear the phone and talk to the patrons. Air conditioning was essential to have for our patrons, books, computers and staff. Now, the building is nice, comfortable and definitely quieter without all of the fans.

The floor was another huge change. It’s hard to convey how ugly and noisy the dingy, century-old linoleum was. It was cleaned every day, but always looked dirty. Libraries are supposed to be quiet, but you could hear customers clomping up and down the aisles. It is so much more pleasant now with our lovely and quiet carpeting!

The library’s front doors went from wood to glass. Our front door used to be our book drop! Customers would drop the books through the little slot in the door after hours. Books would land in a cart, which we would roll to the circulation desk to be checked in. Now, we have a book drop outside that’s available 24/7. When they are in a hurry, patrons can drop off their items without walking up our steps — and without having to park.

I’ve highlighted just a few of the renovations that happened over my 20 years at this Carnegie landmark. The library continues to transform for the better, especially our services and programs.

Since I have been at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, I have become friends with many patrons, as well as many of my fellow staff members and volunteers. Some have moved on, retired, or sadly passed away, but not before enriching my life. I still feel special and important when a patron comes in and asks me for help. When I’m out and about. and not at work, I often run into friendly patrons. My family always says “Katie knows everyone,” which always makes me laugh.

The library and I have come a long way in our time together.

Katie Byerly is the public services manager at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall.

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