Patch Asks: What's It Like to Run Quince Orchard Library?

Ever found yourself wondering what it's like to run a library? With Quince Orchard Library in the heart of the North Potomac-Darnestown area, we caught up with the library's manager, Ann Stillman, to find out.

Patch: How did your career path take you to the Quince Orchard Library? Did you know it was a field you were interested in pursuing for a long time?

Ann Stillman: I have been in the library field for over 20 years. I have been fortunate to work in various libraries in Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL), including Damascus, Gaithersburg, Germantown and now Quince Orchard.  They have all been wonderful libraries and I enjoyed each one, but I am especially enjoying Quince Orchard and this community. Quince Orchard is a busy branch with a diverse community and one of the highest circulation rates in MCPL. We are fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers, both adults and teens, and an outstanding staff.

I went to library school a long time ago and have always been an avid reader and library user.  Before my public library work, I worked in a special library for a telecommunications company and then began working at MCPL. I really enjoy the complexity and day to day challenges of public library work. It is exciting to work with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Patch: What responsibilities does your day-to-day entail at Quince Orchard Library?

AS: I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Quince Orchard Library, which includes managing facility issues, management of the staff, lots of interaction with the public and community groups and system-wide responsibilities on Departmental committees. Another important aspect of my job is ensuring the safety and security of staff and customers at all times. Most importantly, my job entails providing direct customer service. This means helping customers with a myriad of questions, including technology questions about the Internet and eReaders, helping people choose books to read, general homework questions from students, and guiding people on choices to reference work, such as health, financial and other important life issues.

I manage over 20 staff members on a daily basis. I also work at the Information Desk most days. My work involves creating schedules, managing training for staff, participating in system wide projects, and most importantly, interacting with our customers. Libraries have changed dramatically in the years I have been working, and it is a constant challenge to stay current and relevant as things change, as well as keep up with the technology. Lately, downloadable e-books have been rising in popularity and staff are learning how to help customers with this.

Patch: What books do you find are the most popular in the library? Which of those is your favorite and if not one of those, what other books are your favorites?

AS: Fiction remains a popular choice and books such as The Hunger Games continue to engage lots of readers. At Quince Orchard Library, the books on CD have a very high circulation rate as does the DVD collection. There are also excellent graphic novels, which appeal to all ages. Picture books and beginner books for our newest readers have a high circulation rate, as this is a library that is used by many families.

I love reading picture books to my grandsons, so I am enjoying that collection.  This year, I read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I also listen to many books on CD during my commute and recently listened to To Kill A Mockingbird, narrated by Sissy Spacek, which was wonderful.  I had not read that book in many years and it is still a great read. Currently, I am listening to Bossypants, by Tina Fey, which is very funny.

Patch: What kind of programs and activities do you offer for the Quince Orchard Library community and Montgomery County?

AS: We offer family programs, cultural events and early literacy programs for children. We have preschool story times three times per month and a Penny Theatre puppet show the third Thursday of each month. We have English Conversation Clubs four times per week, where people who want to learn and practice English come. Volunteers also run a Spanish Conversation Club on Monday evenings for people wanting to learn Spanish.

We have several book discussion groups, including ESL, Chinese, Librarian’s Choice and a Grades 4-6 Book Discussion Group. Our Friends of the Library offer a monthly book sale the first Saturday of every month. On Feb. 11 at 2 p.m., we will have a traditional Chinese New Year celebration featuring the Li Ming Chinese School. Students from the school will perform Chinese lion dance, martial arts and yo-yo demonstrations. Every year, we have UTSAV, a celebration of Indian culture which includes dancing and crafts.  

Customers have access to many different items through our website. With a Montgomery County Library card, customers can download ebooks, audio books, children’s movies, DVDs, and have access to our many databases, including subscription magazines. 

Patch: What do you enjoy most about working with the North Potomac-Darnestown-Gaithersburg community?

AS: I enjoy the people I work with and the many customers who come in to the library. I appreciate that each day is different; I learn something new every day.  And, on my worst day, I am never bored!  I feel fortunate that I am able to work for Montgomery County and help provide the kind of excellent service our residents want.