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Pair offer new guidance at Crystal Falls library

By TERRI CASTELAZ, Staff Writer 9 min read

CRYSTAL FALLS -- The Crystal Falls District Community Library has two new faces -- and they are bringing a shared vision for the library as a place where people can gather, learn, create and connect.

Shirley Frank became the new director in mid-July, while Teresa Tibbs-Tacke took over as program coordinator Aug. 1. Together, they are building on the established foundation, while looking for new ways to engage the community.

"We really look at the library as more than just books," Frank said.

The public will have an opportunity to visit with the two new staff members during a meet-and-greet from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at the library.

"We are interested in hearing what people want," Frank said.

For Frank, the move into library leadership represents a return to familiar territory.

She came to Iron County in 1994 to work for the U.S. Forest Service, where she spent 32 years as a forester before retiring in 2024.

Frank wasn't necessarily looking to begin another career in retirement. But when the library was looking for a front desk clerk, she stopped in to ask Gathu about the position for her college-age son.

"They weren't interested in hiring just a summertime employee, because it was too much training, but said, 'How about you? I would love to have you if you're interested,'" Frank recalled.

While attending the University of Minnesota, Frank had worked at the reference and forestry libraries and at the circulation desk.

"I loved working in libraries, but I didn't go to school for that," she said.

Frank thought the part-time position would give her an opportunity to become involved in the community and meet new people.

"I started working the circulation desk -- and I loved it," she said.

Being surrounded by books and having the opportunity to talk about them was appealing, but so was the chance to stay active.

"I have a personality that likes to be busy," she said. "It gave me an outlet to do that."

When Gathu later left the library to pursue a position out of the country, Frank saw an opportunity to put her background in administration and public service to work.

"It felt like a natural fit to apply for the director position," she said. "It's been exciting."

Tibbs-Tacke's position was newly created, as the board saw the need after Gathu's departure.

"When she was here she started the program section of the library," Tibbs-Tacke said, adding a lot of libraries function in a new way.

"There's a need for someone specifically to facilitate the classes and programs that are free to the public," she said.

Tibbs-Tacke had already been involved with library programming for about two years before accepting the position. She teaches the library's film and literature classes and has a background rooted in the arts. She studied screenwriting at Arizona State University, which helped inspire the program.

She also is comfortable organizing events and working with others to develop new ideas. Tibbs-Tacke spends about 10 hours a week on programming and welcomes community members who have ideas for activities or classes. She also assists at the front desk.

Since taking over their new roles, Frank and Tibbs-Tacke have been focused on continuing to develop the library as an open gathering space.

"We are not so much a quiet library," Frank said. "It's more of a vibrant community hub."

That vision includes changes to the physical space. The library is in the process of refreshing and revamping its interior, with the goal of creating a more flexible environment.

Frank said they would like furniture and equipment that can be moved easily to accommodate larger audiences.

The two also see the library as a place that can connect residents with information and resources beyond the library's collection.

The two are working to establish relationships with community partners, non-profits and other libraries.

"We are open to exploring different ideas, so many times an opportunity has presented itself," Frank said.

Tibbs-Tacke plans to reach out to create a focus group to discuss community needs and potential collaborations.

"It would be nice to get together and see what we can do for the community," she said.

They also are looking at ways to reach people who may not currently be regular library users.

Both would like to see more middle school and young adults become involved.

Those age groups, Frank said, have been less represented among the library's patrons.

"I credit a lot of what's happening here to Teresa," Frank said.

The library is also strengthening its relationship with the Forest Park School District, where many teachers already utilize the library during classroom hours.

One of Frank's early priorities has been rethinking the library's fee structure and circulation policies.

October has been designated Fee Amnesty Month, during which overdue book fees will be forgiven.

"We don't want to feel constrained coming back to the library because of overdue fees," Frank said. "It breaks my heart that people are afraid to return."

The library also will accept canned goods in lieu of payment for lost materials, with donations going to the Crystal Falls food pantry.

Beginning in November, overdue fees will be reduced to 5 cents per day for books and movies. The checkout period for books and audiobooks is now one month, and DVD rental fees are being eliminated.

"We are hoping to encourage those who are reluctant to come back -- we want to wipe the slate clean and start fresh," Frank said.

The programming calendar is expanding as well. The goal is to fill the monthly calendar with opportunities for people of all ages and interests.

One of the newest offerings is a Crafting Social Hour from noon to 2 p.m. Fridays. Participants can bring their own projects or use supplies available at the library.

"It's going to be an open and fun time each Friday," Tibbs-Tacke said.

For some patrons, the social aspect can be just as important as the activity itself.

"A lot of people who come, it's their only time to be with other people," Frank said.

A reorganized Young Adult Book and Movie Club for ages about 14 through 19 grew out of conversations with members of the existing young adult book club. Participants expressed an interest in reading books that had been made into movies.

They have created two new writing workshops for adults and middle and high school students, featuring weekly prompts. Participants will have an opportunity to have selected work on the library's Facebook page and website.

Another new upcoming event is the Community Bread and Soup Exchange, set for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, in conjunction with the Downtown Business Association's trick-or-treat event.

Participants are invited to bring soup or bread, along with a recipe, to exchange with others. The library hopes to eventually compile the recipes into a community cookbook.

They will continue to host author events monthly, including this month with author Ted Van Alst on Oct. 20.

Two well-attended programs are sign language and Spanish classes, Tibbs-Tacke said.

Medicare open enrollment program through the Michigan Community Action Agency, or MCAC, will be available this month at the library as well.

"We are trying to do important informational programs, as well as the fun events," Frank said.

Other offerings include a photography program, summer reading program and story time.

Tibbs-Tacke hopes virtual programming will create opportunities for the Crystal Falls library to connect with other libraries and share presentations.

"This is something I'm currently working to incorporate with other area libraries to share all authors and other presentations," she said. "We may be able to Zoom with their events as well."

The library continues to work with the U.P. Publishers & Authors Association to host monthly Zoom presentations featuring authors from the U.P. Notable Book List.

"Things are changing; however, we are trying to maintain the things she (Gathu) started here as well," Tibbs-Tacke said.

Upcoming November and December events will include a special program tied to the release of a new "Dog Man" graphic novel, Ladies Night Out, Author Palooza and a movie screening during Crystal Christmas.

Events are posted on the Crystal Falls District Community Library's Facebook page and website and shared through the Iron County Chamber of Commerce. For residents who aren't online, can stop by the library and check the calendar.

"We are adding to the calendar daily," Tibbs-Tacke said.

The library's board and Friends of the Library have been important supporters, they stressed. "We wouldn't be able to have these programs at the level we do without them," Tibbs-Tacke said.

The library recently received a $500 collection of high-quality art books through an A.R.T. grant, with an emphasis on artists from underrepresented communities.

The staff is seeking other grants to help fund programs and purchase equipment that can support the library's goal of creating a flexible event space.

The Friends recently received a donation from the Surface family to install a book drop at the back of the library.

The library also has added barrier-free parking in the rear, along with a video doorbell.

The program room is available for community groups, support groups and others looking for meeting space, free of charge.

Tibbs-Tacke encouraged people with ideas to reach out, whether they are looking for a class, want to organize an event or simply want to use the library's space.

The programs and events are open to the public, including those living outside the Crystal Falls area. Membership is free for residents, while non-residents pay a minimal membership fee for library services.

For Frank and Tibbs-Tacke, the changes are not about moving away from the library's past but building on what has already worked while opening the doors to new possibilities.

"I think we make a nice team," Frank said. "Our abilities and skills complement each other."

"It's been a very good experience and everyone has the goals -- bringing in more people, connecting with the community and being a space that provides opportunity," Tibbs-Tacke said.

The Crystal Falls District Community Library is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. They can be reached at 906-875-3344.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.

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