When Matt Pfisterer went for the first time in January 2011 through the Doors of Thrall Library in Middletown, New York, the city still had quiet streets and many free shop fronts. Fourteen years later, it turned into a more lively, more diverse community – and the library grew right next to it. As Pfisterer put it: “I have seen an enormous change, especially in the past five years, there is a lot of multicultural variety in the region.”
A city and its library
Pfisterer saw how Middletown's revival Block from Block developed. He attributes new companies, revitalized shop fronts and local investments that give the city a new life. And he sees the library in this progress as an anchor: “Libraries are usually economic anchors for the community.”
For him, Thrall Library is not just a place where books can be kept – it is a community hub that adapts to everything people need the most.
More than books
A Thrall library card today offers customers access too much more than just the pressure shelves. Members can register from anywhere from streaming films via Kanopy and Hoopla via e-books, audio trees and research databases. Nevertheless, Pfisterer emphasizes that the physical building plays a unique role: “Where can you go where people can't sit and study them, they can research.”
The library is also part of a larger network. “We work in cooperation with the entire 47 libraries in the Ramapo Catskill Library system,” said Pfisterer and describes how regional cooperation expands access for everyone.
Success
You are now registered for our newsletter
Success
Check your e -mails to complete the registration
Programs for every generatioN
The Thrall Library lives from activity every day. Families gather for stories, children take part in the summer appearances, and young people and adults join book clubs or workshops. Pfisterer noticed: “We have just completed a summer reading program in which almost 200 young people were registered.”
The library also serves job seekers, entrepreneurs and students with free WiFi, computer access and discussion for online exams. And right next door, the friends of the Middletown Thrall Library carry out a use book business and recycle donations back to the community. Pfisterer calls her “somehow like goodwill ambassador in the community for the library”.
Review challenges head -on
The management of a public library also means facing real challenges. Pfisterer is open about the effects of homelessness, addiction and housing uncertainty in the community. It also monitors the necessary buildings -upgrades -repairs of roofers are carried out, while the HLK improvements are next.
But what receives him is not just infrastructure or statistics. When asked what inspires him in his work, Pfisterer paused and admitted: “Nobody ever asked me this question. Nobody.” After a moment, he explained that the daily moments with employees and patrons are the little victory that motivated him.
Pfisterer is particularly proud of his team: “If you can do your job in Middletown, you can go to any library anywhere and do this job.” He believes that the unique challenges that you face make his employees the most capable in this field.
And in the heart he says: “When people come to the library, they have a good experience. They feel connected to their community.”
Look ahead
Pfisterer and the library authority continue to plan the future and balance urgent needs with a long -term vision. From multilingual collections to programs that reflect Middletowns growing diversity, he is confident that the library will remain a first aid for social change.
Discover why the Middletown Thrall Library is more than a place for books – it is a goal for the opportunity. Visit www.thrall.org or drop by to explore your resources and feel the warmth of the community connection.