Libraries are magical places, says Warren-Newport director

Magical places do exist, just ask Ryan Livergood.

The executive director of the Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee has worked various jobs in his life, but he thinks libraries are special.

"Libraries are the most magical place in every community, because if you think about it, any person that walks through the doors of the library, regardless of his or her circumstances, is empowered to change his or her life for the better," he said.

Livergood joined Warren-Newport library roughly a year ago, when he replaced longtime executive director Stephen Bero, who retired.

His route to Gurnee started in the small southern Illinois town of Findlay, about 60 miles southeast of Springfield, where he grew up. After receiving his bachelor's degree in business from Florida Southern College, wanderlust took him to China for a year. There, he taught English to Chinese schoolchildren.

During his free time one day, he read an article about how libraries are evolving to make a positive impact on peoples' lives. That was the spark that prompted Livergood to want to become a librarian. Once back in the United States, he returned to school to get his master's degree in library science and information at the University of Illinois-Champaign in 2012.

Before arriving at Warren-Newport, Livergood was director of libraries in Arlington, Massachusetts for nearly three years. Among the differences he's seen between libraries on the East Coast and the Midwest, are that Illinois libraries are newer, better laid out and have adequate space.

For example, Livergood said the Robbins Library in Arlington, Massachusetts, is gorgeous, but it was built in 1892 and lacked adequate space.

To help remedy that, Livergood said he installed a vending machine that dispenses computer laptops. The gamble hit the jackpot, as patrons were receptive to the service that was an alternative to desktop computers.

Because of his ingenuity and success with the vending machine idea, Livergood was featured in an article in the June 2014 edition of Library Journal.

Although the Warren-Newport Public Library has plenty of space and probably won't need a laptop vending machine, it was that type of creative problem solving that helped Livergood land the job in Gurnee, officials said.

"Ryan stood out in the search process as someone who embraces new ideas while also placing a high value on community," Warren-Newport library board President Jo Beckwith said. "Ryan looks at problem solving as a challenge. One challenge he is addressing is the library's need for additional revenue to keep library service at a high level."

Although the library district's revenue is flat, operating costs continue to increase. Livergood said the question was put to the community in town hall forums and a survey: Should the library cut programs to reduce costs? The response was an overwhelming no.

To meet the financial needs, Livergood said library officials will enhance fundraising efforts while collaborating with community groups that share a similar mission, such as working with the Job Center of Lake County to offer resources including interactive workshops.

"We are currently looking at innovative ways to address the budget," he said. "At a previous library, we initiated a green energy project that saved thousands of dollars annually."

At Warren-Newport, officials sought the donation of a library van from the Bob Rohrman Group and conducted the strategic planning process internally instead of hiring a consultant to coordinate the process, Livergood said. The library district also has launched fundraising events to bring in additional revenue, including Bingo in the Books last spring and a new event planned for this summer called Bikers for Books.

Livergood said he has great support in his current role as executive director. The staff goes the extra mile to provide the highest level of service to the community. The Friends of the Warren-Newport Public Library donated $11,000 to create a new space within the library called The Point - the area is only for boys and girls aged 11 to 12 - that will open this spring.

And, he said the trustees take their responsibilities seriously to growing the library to meet the changing needs of its patrons.

The demographics of Gurnee are rapidly changing. According to Livergood, the library district's general population is aging while the Latino population is increasing. To adapt, Livergood initiated Hispanic cultural programs, such as Sugar Skulls and Las Posadas, and the "lunch and learn" series has been a hit with seniors. Another service the library provides is delivering library materials to homebound seniors.