In its 100 years of existence, the Washington Public Library has served thousands and thousands of patrons. For each, the library has provided a safe place to learn, grow, socialize, and experience literature and art. From children’s books to passport renewals to borrowing fishing poles, the library has something for everyone and gives each person the chance to enhance how they experience the world around them. These five patrons share the unique ways they interact with the library.
Jack Kendall, left, reads his favorite book “Little Smokey” while...READ ON
Jack Kendall, left, reads his favorite book “Little Smokey” while his siblings Kellen, second to left, Leland and Hannah play in the background. Jack enjoys the library for all the books on planes, trains, and race cars that he gets to read. Jack and his siblings are home schooled by their mom, Christine, who uses the library for countless books to aid in their education. “I like going to the library because I can do a lot of fun stuff there. I also like the books and games that mom checks out,” writes Jack.
Heidi Stahl has used the library since she was a kid reading mythology books...READ ON
Heidi Stahl has used the library since she was a kid reading mythology books with her older brother. Now, in her teenage years, Stahl is planning on volunteering at the library as a way to be in an environment centered around writing, which she sees as her future career. Stahl says the library provides a mental calm and writes, “The library has always been here. From when I was a toddler, to now. My life has always been changing. But the library hasn’t and it will always be a constant in my life.”
Barbara Volmert uses the library to tutor high school and college students in...READ ON
Barbara Volmert uses the library to tutor high school and college students in math. Volmert has also served on the library board for seven years as a way to support the staff and see the library succeed. “I love the library because it’s a place that supports families. I remember my kids used to check out piles of books!” writes Volmert.
Sandy Lucy remembers walking up the long staircase to get to the library when...READ ON
Sandy Lucy remembers walking up the long staircase to get to the library when it was in City Hall. She remembers the distinct smell and being amazed by how many books there were. Lucy was a voracious Nancy Drew reader, which was made possible because of the library. As former mayor, Lucy recognized the importance of the library as a place that provides opportunities for people of all ages. Lucy writes, “I believe a library is important to a community because it is a place of knowledge and provides everyone access to that knowledge.”
Bill Schwab hosts U.S. foreign policy classes at the library, where he leads...READ ON
Bill Schwab hosts U.S. foreign policy classes at the library, where he leads about 25 others in a discussion on different policy issues. Schwab is also a member of the Friends of the Washington Public Library and is the director for the author speakership series. Schwab writes, “Dear Library, Thanks for providing a space where people can express their ideas in civil discourse.”
In its 100 years of existence, the Washington Public Library has served thousands and thousands of patrons. For each, the library has provided a safe place to learn, grow, socialize, and experience literature and art. From children’s books to passport renewals to borrowing fishing poles, the library has something for everyone and gives each person the chance to enhance how they experience the world around them. These five patrons share the unique ways they interact with the library.
Eileen Wisniowicz
Eileen Wisniowicz is a documentary photographer who graduated from the Missouri School of Journalism. Wisniowicz has worked in newspapers and magazines as a photojournalist, videographer, and photo editor.