by Eric A Thomas
Photo/Kyla Hurt
This librarian is no stranger to the stacks at Jacksonville Public Library (JPL) or the city.
The new youth services librarian is Jacksonville native Courtney Langdon, a 2015 graduate of Jacksonville High School (JHS). She stepped into this position on September 20, but this has been something of a homecoming for her.
After graduating from JHS in 2015, Langdon attended Lincoln Land Community College and during that time she worked as a page at the JPL. Her duties included shelving materials and assisting at the desks. Upon completion of her associate’s degree, she transferred to the University of Illinois (U of I) at Urbana-Champaign, from where she graduated in 2019. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and plans on furthering her education while working full-time at the library. Through the U of I, she will be getting a master’s degree in library and information science.
In her position as youth services librarian, she is responsible for all collection development and programming for the Youth Services Department. One program included under her watch will be the summer reading program, plus she’ll handle events like crafts and story time.
“My main duty is to support the community,” remarks Langdon. “I’m available to answer any questions that might be best suited for a youth-focused librarian.”
While she is new to this particular position and has ideas for future change, she is very appreciative of the work of her predecessor, Cindy Boehlke. Boehlke held the spot prior and Langdon notes that she was fortunate to work under her when she was a page several years ago.
Building on the program that Boehlke established, Langdon is pondering ways to reach out to older youth. “Growing up, I would use reading as a way to escape. Diving into a story is a great way to escape stressors and troubles,” she states. Working toward something like a teen book club would be a great way to provide a safe hang out for the youth of the community, Langdon thinks.
As society has become more digitally oriented, Langdon sees that more as an opportunity than a challenge. Most libraries, including JPL, have access to a plethora of online materials. Thousands of e-books and audiobooks, and even movies and albums that are all free with a library card and can be accessible from your phone, tablet or computer.
Reading in any format is good and in these still strange and socially distant times, Langdon wants people to know they can still access the library without stepping a toe in the door. “I am thankful to have this opportunity and can’t wait to get to know the community better,” she concludes. “I have some big shoes to fill, but I’m sure ready to step into them.”
Jacksonville Public Library is under the direction of Chris Ashmore and has 14 staff to meet your library needs; furthermore, the staff is assisted by a great group of volunteers. The library is located at 201 W. College Ave. and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Reach the library by phone at 217-243-5435, or online via www.jaxpl.org or by searching “Jacksonville Public Library” on Facebook.
