| Friday Follow-up: a weekly message from Brian M. Hildreth, STLS Executive Director |
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Member Library Interview – Phil Archer
Library work is all about people. This is what I tell most folks when asked about why I am a librarian. I love working with people. And more specifically, I love hearing a person’s story.
Most issues can be solved if you just take a moment to listen to another’s point of view. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with their position. It just means you are willing to establish common ground in the hopes of moving forward positively.
For the remainder of the summer I intend to use my weekly message to shed light on people in our library system community. This might not seem different than other weekly messages, but it is. I will not be the one talking. Questions will be asked, and the answers will be from the perspective of our members.
Allow me to introduce…
Name: Phillip Archer (Phil) Role: Trustee at Montour Falls Memorial Library (Schuyler County) Affiliations: Board Member on Library Trustee Association of NYS and the Foundation for Southern Tier Libraries
Brian: How long have you served in libraries, and what got you started? Phil: I started on the STLS board about 10 years ago. My daughter Hope Decker thought I would be interested because I needed something to do. I represented Yates County. That ended a few years ago, and then I went onto the Montour Falls Library Board. I was a volunteer fireman on Long Island for 15 years. In fact I was a commissioner. I thought serving in libraries might be a similar experience. It was not. I first learned about library funding and the many different types of libraries. I got a lot of satisfaction from being involved in positive things. And libraries and volunteer fire departments are positive things. So, I guess both experiences were kind of similar?
Brian: Why do you feel it is important to be a library trustee?
Phil: It is important because libraries are so important. Trustees need to become knowledgeable about being good stewards. I serve on Montour Falls Board and on the Library Trustee Association of NY. Everything I do as a trustee is a learning experience. I learn about libraries, and I meet really great people who are hard workers. More people, especially trustees need to learn how important their job is and they need to do it correctly.
Brian: What is your most memorable library experience as trustee? Phil: When I met Bernie Margolis, the State Librarian, and told him about my tremor. In return, he discussed with me his experiences with cancer and what he has overcome. That was incredible because we both could relate to each other. It was more impressive that he as the State Library was comfortable sharing that with me. We met at an LTA event. Brian: You serve on the LTA Board, can you tell me what LTA is, and why libraries should join.
Phil: LTA works for library trustees. Every library should be a member especially for small libraries with small budgets. The dues are marginal and the benefits are numerous. Just getting the newsletter is worth the annual cost of $10. LTA’s regional conferences, which started at STLS, have been a great experience. Another event is taking place at Nioga Library System this fall. I would encourage any member library trustee to join. (You Can Learn More About LTA by Clicking Here)
Brian: What is the one thing that connects you most to public libraries?
Phil: I love going to Montour Falls Library in the morning when story hour is taking place. You can hear the 3 and 4 year olds sing the alphabet song and wheels on the bus. That’s an amazing experience because you know something new is taking place. It is good to be part of the library whether it is as a trustee, patron or community member.
Thank you, Phil! And thank you, STLS. Kindest Regards, Brian Hildreth, Executive Director Follow me on Twitter: @comlibpartner |
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