Library director speaks at national conference

BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County Library Director Craig Anderson had the opportunity to go to Cambridge, Md., and speak at the Maryland Library Association’s Annual Conference at the Hyatt-Cambridge Resort May 2-4.

With many guest speakers including James G. Neil, the President of the American Library Association, Anderson was given the opportunity to speak about several topics that centered on the Boundary County Library’s motto, ‘Create a culture of opportunity.’

“I didn’t realize how big of a deal this conference was until I got there,” said Anderson. “Most people there were from the east coast. I was the only person during the trip from Idaho.”

Anderson went into a lot of detail about each item in the powerpoint that he prepared for the conference. He also showcased how the ‘Best Small Library in America’ will continue to grow on their motto as well as “Dream big, and believe that you can do it.”

One of the slides portrayed a sunburst, and Anderson commented on that saying, “The idea of culture to me is a set of shared beliefs, and this feeling that we can move forward with a sense of purpose. When we have that not only in the library, but the whole community, the door of opportunity gets thrown wide open.”

Every slide had several meanings, and Anderson touched on each subject in unique ways.

“Sometimes in your life you have to take risks,” Anderson said.

He then went on to tell a story about a time he was ice fishing at Dawson Lake. There was a person who went down on the ice with a physical problem and some people stood by while others took action in helping that person by doing CPR and calling for an ambulance. After the ordeal, Anderson said, “I found out that within myself, that if you need me, I am on my knees on the ice with you. This is hugely important because when we get into a situation, we have a choice, which person are we going to be, and I chose to be the person on the ice.”

Being a resident in this tight-knit community brings people in the area together to help, support, and encourage one another. Anderson brought that idea to his presentation, by encouraging attendees to step out of their comfort zone, network, and help their community grow, beginning with the library.

“It’s also important as a librarian and a community member, it is important to let people see you, see into who you are, and not put up walls,” said Anderson. “If you want to affect a positive change, people will need to know who they are dealing with.”

He makes it a point to encourage his staff members and show gratitude for all that they do. “When the staff feels good, the patrons feel good,” Anderson said.

Throughout the presentation, Anderson focused on the aspects of creating a vision, making a plan, networking, and then utilizing the plan and support to accomplish the ultimate goal.

Showing strength of character and a solid commitment to the community as a whole, Anderson continues to bring great things to Boundary County.