Thanks to Inver Grove Ford and Clover Montessori School for their support.
We talk with the new branch manager of the Wentworth Library about community, a coming remodel, favorite reads, book bans, and more. Stacy Lenarz came on as the new branch manager of the Wentworth Library last summer.
Background: Prior to Wentworth Library, Lenarz managed the Savage and Prior Lake libraries in Scott County. Before that she worked at libraries in St. Cloud and South Florida. Lenarz lives in Minneapolis.
“Our library is always busy, yet our staff is eager to find new ways to engage and support our library patrons.”
Stacy Lenarz
Conversation with Stacy Lenarz
We talked with Lenarz about Wentworth Library, favorite reads, book bans, and more.
What makes Wentworth Library unique? What have you most enjoyed since coming here as the manager?
The Wentworth Library is a vibrant community center that reflects West St. Paul and the surrounding communities! There is a diverse mix of people with various needs from their library. As a librarian on the desk, I enjoy working with the each person who comes into the library. As a branch manager I enjoy working with Wentworth staff, Dakota County, community partners, and community members to learn more about the needs and concerns of the West St. Paul community so we can cultivate community, creativity and learning. Wentworth Library staff is passionate about engaging their customers and is always looking for ways to connect with the community.
So stop in to say hi, if you see me or library staff out and about, let us know what you most enjoy about your library and how we can connect with you!
Wentworth is next on the county’s list for a remodel. What’s the latest timeline and what kind of changes and improvements can we look forward to?
We are starting the process for the Wentworth Library remodel this year—2024. Coming up, there will be an opportunity for community members to give input on how they currently use the library and what would enhance their visits. I am looking forward to hearing from our community and combining community ideas with how the library is currently being used while also thinking about the future of libraries. The input we receive will determine what changes we implement.
The newly opened pedestrian bridge and trail around the pond, plus the city’s plans for the former YMCA property put the library at the center of community amenities. How exciting are those opportunities?
I am excited about the city’s plans near the library. With the new trail and many new neighbors moving in, the plans will make for an increasingly vibrant community. I look forward to working with the City of West St. Paul to partner and engage our community members!
What do you think of the book bans and debates over library materials? Why is it important for libraries to have a broad range of materials?
Each individual has the right to choose what they wish to read and parents or caregivers help their children choose what is appropriate for them. No one has the right to decide what someone else can read. Our democracy depends on the free exchange of knowledge, ideas, and opinions. Libraries can be a forum for that exchange and also offer access to information and a variety of materials for learning. Democracy and libraries go hand in hand. The library attempts to make available and encourages the use of material in all forms which address the information and entertainment needs of all the people in Dakota County.
Why is it important for the library to drop fines and what difference does that make at Wentworth?
I think it’s wonderful we went fines free for all! Removing overdue fines is good for the community. Everyone, no matter their circumstances, should have access to library resources. This is one way we can reduce barriers to library materials and services. People who had fines can come back to the library and those who are new to the library can start checking out books, DVDs, storytime kits, WiFi hotspots, and so much more!
Why did you decide to become a librarian?
I became a librarian because I grew up at the St. Cloud Library. When I was a freshman in college I was thinking how I could combine my love of reading with my love of helping and serving people. Well, libraries, obviously! Thanks to Judy and Deb and Al, who I later worked with at the St. Cloud Library, for encouraging kids with their kindness and knowledge.
What are your favorite reads? What books do you recommend most often?
If you can believe it, I am bad at remembering titles and authors of books I have read. With adults I always start by asking people what they enjoy reading. Then we can find books they would like to read using the great reader’s advisory resources from the library. We have a database called Novelist that has lots of lists for all ages and integrates wonderfully with our online catalog. We have staff who are knowledgeable about different genres too and they are always happy to talk books.
My favorite books I read last year were Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr (fiction), The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century by Kirk Wallace Johnson (non-fiction), and Remarkably Bright Creatures (the title of which I can never remember!) by Shelby Van Pelt (Fiction). And I really got into some fantasy fiction this year—Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan, Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao and The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang… Also lots of David Baldacci—I love a fast moving story when I am driving to and fro. If you are aren’t using Libby for free e-audiobooks and e-books, call us or come in and we will get you set up!
What do you love about West St. Paul?
I am new to the West St. Paul community but I am meeting new people and learning new places each day. I love the diversity in West St. Paul and enjoy learning what matters to the community. In the next year, I look forward to meeting new people in the community as they come into the library and also reaching out to the community to those who many not visit the library.
The diversity gives me an appreciation of the work I do in the community. One moment I am learning about Gantt tables so I can help someone with their school work, and the next I am connecting someone to resources in our community such as Ally, Guild or county or city services. Then, I am suggesting a new graphic novel series to a 9 year old and showing someone else how to use Libby. Our library is always busy, yet our staff is eager to find new ways to engage and support our library patrons.
Thanks to Stacy Lenarz for sharing with us.
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