Librarian’s Corner

A message from Dan (after ten years):

Thanks for the chance to serve on the staff of Fort Bragg Library. It’s nearing my tenth-year anniversary and I was informed we needed an update since there had been no post since my “first week on the job!”
I’ve been lucky to have great encounters with folks across the checkout counter or in meetings over the years. One fascinating experience was off-the-clock, however. During the push to get Measure O on the ballot in 2022, I gathered signatures at Westport, Albion and Elk. It was inspiring to see people across the political spectrum support using taxes to fund libraries. The importance of publicly-funded shared space has never been more important. We all come from such a wide variety of backgrounds and diverse life experiences. Listening to people praise libraries, I realized what a “Yes for Measure O” really meant. 
At the library, we can dig deeper into the debated topics of the day, we can understand life from other points of view. In book clubs, we can express our own opinions. We can enjoy beautiful art and science displays, see quilts and listen to poetry and music. Children and families can drop in for free stories, crafts, and science–or see fantastic shows by out-of-town performers. Users of any age can receive one-on-one assistance from a very enthusiastic, dedicated staff.

It’s great to have a job connecting people with the information they need and entertainment that sparks their imaginations and empathy. My library education and experience could not have prepared me for half the marvels I’ve encountered in Fort Bragg. Coming to Mendocino County, I’ve learned to “think magically” and, for ten years, that magic has been a pleasure!

Dan Hess, Branch Manager
Fort Bragg Branch Library

Dan HessA message from Dan:

Thanks for the warm welcome to Fort Bragg Library. It’s nearing the end of my first week and I’ve been lucky to have great encounters with library patrons and clear instruction from colleagues behind the desk. The Quilt Exhibit fills the branch with beautiful patterns and colors. Our table at the Farmers Market was a great introduction to the town of Fort Bragg. First-grade classes have been visiting the library for tours hosted by Elizabeth. The need to make new cards for the kids pushed me to learn the computer system faster than I might have done. It was great to see the library filled with children, parents, and teachers.

I come from a library in the Bay Area with many similarities to Fort Bragg: curious, demanding readers of all ages; a Friends group with tenacity and wisdom about what makes a good library; and a staff that cares about the quality of the collection and is very approachable when people have questions. I’m happy to be working here.

My library work began in the 1980s with student jobs in college and public libraries. I moved to the Bay Area in 1991 and worked in a large county library system there. I received my M.L.I.S. at San Jose State in 2011. Over the years, I’ve held various jobs that taught me the full range of tasks that make a library system function smoothly. I’ve done circulation, delivery, and supplies. I’ve done outreach to the county jails and juvenile hall, tutoring inmates and providing books. Many of our “jails books” were donations, so I developed a great respect for Friends of the Library groups. Since 2010, I’ve worked at a branch in Albany, California. My work has encompassed poetry nights, political discussions, author visits and a noon-time speaker’s forum. As Children’s Librarian since 2013, I’ve had great times bringing books to life for local children and hosting entertainment and art displays that sparked young imaginations.

Libraries are a wonderful place for self-paced education. They spark a life-long love of reading and the joy of sharing stories with each other. As Branch Manager, I will help Fort Bragg continue to be a place of discovery for anyone who walks through the door.

Dan Hess, Branch Manager

Fort Bragg Branch Library

hessd@co.mendocino.ca.us

707-961-2625

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