Volunteer a ‘valuable resource’

RATHDRUM – “Elaine Smith’s love of books is matched only by her dedication,” said Rathdrum Library Branch Manager Sandy Burnett.

An 18-year volunteer, Smith has been taking care of books since long before the Rathdrum Library moved to its present location.

Her tenure began when the library was located in a double-wide trailer on Main Street.

In 1992, the library moved to its current location on Highway 41, and Smith moved with it.

The library provides all ages with access to resources and services, and checks out 6,000 DVDs, CDs, videotapes, magazines and books a month.

One of Smith’s tasks is to cover the vast inventory of new books that continually arrive.

According to Burnett, Smith is a “seasoned professional.”

“Her smile hasn’t changed over the 18 years, and she covers the books with astounding speed,” says Burnett. “She amazes all of us.”

The corners of the plastic wrap book coverings have to be cut perfectly, air bubbles have to be removed, and scan stickers applied correctly.

“It is no easy task and it takes a lot of practice to do it right,” says Burnett.

Smith is on-call and comes running when the library needs her. When she arrives she finds a table full of new books waiting for her attention. She averages two visits a month and spends four to five hours each visit.

“A library patron sees the book’s cover first,” says Burnett. “That is their first impression of our facility, and Elaine makes sure it is a good one.”

The Rathdrum Public Library is part of the Kootenai-Shoshone Area Libraries, which includes Athol, Harrison, Pinehurst-Kingston, Hayden and Spirit Lake.

Since 1977, KSAL has also operated a bookmobile and outreach program that serves a variety of locations.

Additional services include interlibrary loans, computer lab and internet access, children and teenager programs, and databases to help patrons find information on a variety of subjects. Patrons can request books from any KSAL branch by visiting the Web site, www.ksalibraries.org.

Many residents know Smith from her other volunteer activities. She volunteers at a church soup kitchen and ties quilts for those in need.

Smith says her parents encouraged her to read as a child and, as a result, she has had a “lifelong love of reading.”

By volunteering, “I get to see all the new books first,” Smith said with a gentle smile, “and choose which ones I want to take home.”

And at 80 years of age, Smith says she has “many pages yet to turn.”