Emily Glimco, Communications and Marketing Coordinator
August 2021
Charlene English loves the Addison Public Library so much that she’ll talk enthusiastically about the library to anyone and everyone who will listen.
“I talk to so many people about the library, to the point where people have even asked me if I work there!” said English.
English is one of those patrons who interacts with the library in any way she can: she checks out materials, attends programs, and connects with library staff. Her favorite library programs that she’s attended at Addison are Chef Maddox and historical impersonator Lesley Goddard. But as a big fan of library programs, English doesn’t mind traveling to attend events at other libraries that interest her, and enjoys both online and in-person programs.
“I’ve gone as far north as Waukegan and as far south as Floosmoor for library programs, but I did virtual programs from other libraries too” said English.
When COVID-19 struck, she was steadfast in her dedication to the library, putting her library card to good use even when the library building was closed.
“The library got me through the pandemic,” said English “There was so much, between books and virtual programs. I didn’t realize how much I liked Zoom programs until they started happening.”
Over the years, Charlene has gotten to know a number of staff during her library visits, whether she’s quickly coming in and out to pick up her holds or is sharing her thoughts on the latest book discussion pick.
“I go to other library programs and come back to tell Jodi in Adult Services all about them. The staff at Guest Services, Eva and Nicole, will recognize me and tell me my holds are in,” said English. “I’ll tell Mike [the Head of Adult Services] that I need more books to read, and he comes up with a list for me. I met Courtney in the Hive and learned all about what went in the teen summer reading bags. The staff are just so helpful.”
English participated in the library’s revamped summer reading program this year, where participants select their book of choice and keep the tote bag and everything that comes inside, including the book. What happens next is “an immersive experience,” according to English, who not only read the book but attended the adjoining discussion.
“A friend and I did the summer reading program this year and read ‘The Long Petal of the Sea.’ We loved all the inserts and the things that came with the bags,” English said. “I went to the discussion and found out that Mike did a lot of [the book inserts] because he has actually been to the house in the book! You never know what you’ll learn about someone until you start talking to them.”
English loves reading just as much as she loves going to library programs, and that sparks another conversation with friends, neighbors, and family: getting great books, even when they’re not readily available on the shelves.
“I talk to a friend of mine who lives in a nearby community, and she’ll tell me about a book. She’ll be on a wait list with hundreds of holds in front of her, but I’ll order the book and it’s here at Addison practically the next day,” said English.
The cherry on top of her library experience so far was discovering one of the library’s lesser-known spaces.
“During one summer reading program years ago, there was a Bingo card, and one square was to take a tour of the library,” said English. “The staff took me to the third floor and I saw the green roof garden, which is just too cute. I love seeing it on Facebook when the nesting geese come back every year.”
English continues to share stories of the library with friends, family, and neighbors, encouraging each of them to come to the library.
“I’ll tell them, ‘the library is just so helpful. They’re so good,’” said English. “Everyone should know how much the library has to offer.”