Temporary Closure Triggers Questions Library Official Has The Answers For Valley Patrons

The upcoming three-week closure of Valley Library can get a person asking all sorts of bookish questions.

What would happen if a library’s books all came back in at once?

Answer, courtesy of Lynn Deidas, assistant director of the Spokane County Library District: “They’d be stacked up all over the floor.” At any time, 30 to 50 percent of a library’s collection is out.

Why does Argonne Library have so many paperbacks?

“In many libraries (including Argonne), paperbacks are more popular than hardbacks,” said Steward Robbins, adult services coordinator. Sometimes paperback copies of the same book will circulate more widely than hardback copies.

Is it true the Valley Library will be operating out of the parking lot during its closure?

Yes, said regional manager Priscilla Ice. Well, almost in the parking lot. A small pickup station will be operating under the front overhang by the main doors.

People can return their books there, and a small collection of the most popular books will be available there to be taken out.

“We have electrical power out there, and we’ll run the computer connection through the bookdrop,” Ice said.

The parking-lot library and other Valley library branches will be closed Labor Day and Sept. 11, which is a staff training day.

OK, here’s a little more library trivia:

In a pinch, Robbins sometimes runs to Costco to buy new books.

“That doesn’t happen much anymore. But the prices are about the same there as through our distributor,” he said.

A new distributor’s outlet in Roseburg, Ore., means that Robbins can order books on Monday and have them arrive on Wednesday.

“I don’t think people realize how much we’re here to meet their needs,” he said.

The Internet has made it vastly easier for Robbins to research books, particularly on unusual topics. Raising worms, for instance. Through traditional sources, it was tough to find the right books. But Robbins found a web site for a worm farm. Problem solved, worm books are on the way.

One problem Robbins hasn’t solved: how to find enough Westerns.

Publishing houses on the East Coast just don’t understand how voraciously readers in the West want to read Westerns, he said.

“I have some folks who have to resort to reading every Louis Lamour.”

Last question:

Why do the readers in Deer Park read more hardbacks than readers at other county branches?

Robbins doesn’t know. He just knows that they do.

CLOSED Valley Library, 12004 E. Main, will be closed for three weeks starting Monday. The closure will allow for new paint and carpet, plus some floor repairs. In addition, the parking lot will be repaved. During the closure, hours at Argonne Library, 4322 N. Argonne, will be expanded to include all of Valley Library’s usual hours. Also, staffing will be increased at Argonne. Patrons with reference questions can call the North Spokane Library at 467-5250.