We asked our library staff to share what they were most thankful about the West Des Moines Public Library. Explore their answers below!
"I am thankful for the families who make the library a regular part of their routine. We so enjoy getting to know them and their children and it is a privilege to get to watch the children grow up!" – Jenna
"As a librarian, nothing gives me more pleasure than to match a patron with the right book, the right piece of information or just to offer them a quiet place to think and learn. I feel very lucky to work at the WDM Library." – Louise
"I'm thankful that I work in an environment where patrons are excited to be and most of it is no cost for them! I'm also thankful for my caring and friendly coworkers! We not only made it through the renovation together, we are still working together through this pandemic as well!" – Amy
"I'm thankful to have my job at the library that gives me structure to my week. I always know where I'm supposed to be and what I'm supposed to do for those days." – Ronda
"I'm thankful to be surrounded by people who work SO darn hard for their community. The WDM Library Staff cares deeply about each patron and I have been honored to learn from everyone here on staff." – Maggie
"I’m thankful for the smiles I help bring. When I can help someone find the book they are looking for, answer their question, or solve their problem and it makes them smile? I know I’ve done my job and it makes me happy." – Courtney
"I’m thankful for the little faces I see climb to the top of the Library Mountain (what I call the main stairs.) The main stairs can seem like a mountain to little ones, a daunting but exciting task to climb. The sense of accomplishment and pride the faces of those that make it to the top show - simply amazing." – Courtney
"I’m thankful for our staff. The past 2 years have been more than challenging, not just with the pandemic but the renovation, staffing changes, and life in general. Our Staffs’ dedication, determination, and desire to help the public is unprecedented. I’m thankful that we’ve made it this far and I know we will continue to do our best and only improve in the future." – Courtney
"I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve such a wonderful community." – Heather
"I’m thankful to work in a library where the patrons are friendly and engaged, and so are my colleagues. In a recent year (and a half!) filled with challenges, working in a library reminds me why I love the work that I do!" – Jen
"I am thankful for the good insurance I have with this job. I am thankful to catalog so many great books." – Christine
"I’m thankful for my dedicated and kind coworkers!" – Kate
"I’m thankful to spend my career supporting an amazing and talented team of Library professionals who are passionate and committed to serving our community. I’m thankful for the ways the people who work here make my life better everyday through work and friendship." – Susan
"I’m thankful for the ability to assist patrons on a daily basis. I’m thankful for the relationships and friendships formed over the years with regular patrons. I’m thankful for daily opportunities to witness the joy of reading. I’m thankful for learning new things each day." – Alana
"I am thankful that I live in a community where the public library is understood to be a necessary part of a quality life and that citizens support it and value it. I’m thankful for a staff that cares about what they do and the people they serve. I’m thankful that so many good books are still being written about so many interesting topics." – Darryl