Quiet, please

  • Published
  • By Robert Fox
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
Sheppard's new librarian has big plans for the depository of novels and reference books, the first of which is performing well during this month's Operational Readiness Inspection. 

Kathleen Roseboom began work at the library July 24. 

She said they have rearranged some book shelves and made other minor changes to make things more efficient. But for right now, she said she just wants to get everyone on the same page and understanding the direction the library is heading. 

"We're working toward keeping this a friendly, welcoming, safe-harbor for all those (who) want to come in," Mrs. Roseboom said. 

She said they want everyone from children to retirees to feel welcome to use the library.
After the ORI, Mrs. Roseboom said she and the library staff will start working on more programs and guests. 

"I'm still new, still learning what they've done in the past, and hopefully, as a team, we can come up with new things people will enjoy," she said. "And, suggestions from the public will help." 

Mrs. Roseboom said she would like to do things like bring in storytellers and authors. She said they have also considered board game tournaments and "Murder at the Library," a kind of live role playing event. Even a singles evening and book clubs are possible if there is public interest she said. 

She said they are continuing to plan things for the children like some murals for the children's area and a fall festival. 

Aside from budgeting, the reason it takes so much work to bring in guests or plan events in general is coordinating with marketing and Army-Air Force Exchange Services, she said. But, if library users want it, she said it is work she and her staff are willing to do. 

Mrs. Roseboom said she is considering the usual flyers and comment cards to solicit opinions from library users. 

"We want everybody to feel like this is their library," she said. 

Mrs. Roseboom received her Masters of Library Science in 1992. She was the librarian at Iowa Park High School from 2004 until she took the position as Sheppard's librarian at the request of Lyinn Landis, the base's former librarian. 

She is also a Vietnam Veteran.