This two-and-a-half year commitment included the completion of five core courses covering administration and planning, collection development, reference services and technology.

The Small Library Management Training Program enhances the management skills of library staff members in smaller communities who have not completed formal library school coursework. According to Dawn Vogler, library management consultant and coordinator of the program, the training sessions are intensive, stimulating, and exhaustive.

“It’s quite an accomplishment to successfully complete the program,” she notes. “The participants leave the program with a greater confidence and with some very practical skills they can apply within their libraries right away.”

Participants are encouraged to apply the theories and practices learned to their own unique situations, and to network with other librarians in their region. Collins’ active involvement in the State Library training program represents a substantial commitment of time, energy and personal expense. She received over 50 hours of continuing education credits for her participation.

Tye Preston Memorial Library is located at 1321 FM 2673, across from the Post Office in Sattler. It is open to serve community residents and visitors from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Collins and the other staffers and volunteers encourage everyone to stop in to check out all the materials and services TPML has to offer.