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3 8 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E . C O M A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 Local libraries reach beyond the stacks Middle Georgia Regional Libraries follow a mission to enrich the community BY LISA PRITCHARD MAYFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTOPHER SMITH AND MATT ODOM LEADER AMONG LIBRARIES Middle Georgia Regional Libraries (MGRL) are leading the way as media centers because they are fully embedded in and driven by the community. Lautzenheiser, who also serves as the secretary of the PINES executive committee and president of the Georgia Library Association, said that "as director of one of the larger systems in Georgia, I believe it is partially our role to set an exceptional standard for library service in the state." Whenever possible, she said, MGRL shares its scaleable projects with other systems for duplication. "We were recently contacted about duplicating our business services in more rural areas," Lautzenheiser said. "The economic impact of our programs is recognized statewide. Community demand drives our innovation, and we have created extensive community partnerships to stretch limited resources and accomplish great things." IMPROVING LIVES LOCALLY More than just books to borrow, local libraries have created new pathways for learning for adults and children in our community. "We are increasing opportunities, providing access and encouraging dialogue here," Lautzenheiser said. "We occupy a unique niche in our community because our spaces are open to everyone and are free to access." Increased opportunities come in many forms – from building literacy and technology skills for children and helping adults build work-ready skills through free computer classes, to empowering entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders with tools and guidance in the Business and Nonprofit Center. "We're also invested in making sure that everyone in our community has a seat and a voice at the table," Lautzenheiser said. "Later this year, we will expand our services even more when we open a new library in the Bloomfield neighborhood in collaboration with the Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department." FACILITATING CONVERSATIONS MGRL partners with the Center for Collaborative Journalism at Mercer University to give members of the community an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions about news coverage with a reporter who holds "office hours" during the week at rotating locations. MGRL locations host tables during On the Table Macon and have facilitated conversations about food instability, accessibility of government buildings, adult literacy, immigrant experiences and more. "The Washington Memorial Library also hosts a monthly Social Justice Community Book Club where attendees are encouraged to engage in respectful dialogue about complex issues such as institutionalized racism, privilege, prejudice and compassion," Lautzenheiser said. "We are committed to our role here in the community." She said that commitment begins with the littlest learners. "We encourage and guide parents to begin reading to their children from birth onward through the 1,000 Books B4 Kindergarten program," she said. "Story time remains a cherished part of the library's children's services, but classes about technology, art history and international culture broaden the scope of learning for youngsters." Contests such as The Art of Reading encourage students of all ages to marry their artistic skills with literacy. Each year, students from around Middle Georgia are invited "SHHHHHHHHH" Think that's what you'll hear upon entering one of our local libraries? Not anymore. No longer bastions of silence designed only for loaning books, today's libraries are so much more. In fact, according to Jennifer Lautzenheiser, director of Middle Georgia Regional Libraries, the strength of our library system rests in a commitment to provide responsive, community-driven services that meet the needs of Middle Georgians. Through many different programs designed specifically to enrich the lives of residents – from young to old – Middle Georgia Regional Libraries are strengthening their commitment to the community at large.