New Barrington library leader impressed with community's engagement

Jesse Henning says he's been impressed with the high level of community engagement he's seen already in his short tenure as Barrington Area Library's new executive director.

One example occurred at a recent Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast that featured officials from local governments. Henning's presentation to the chamber crowd included a mention of the business liaison and community engagement librarians.

"A surprising number of folks, when I mentioned my two librarians are out in the community, knew who they were and asked me to check in with them," Henning said. "And a bunch of people are all library users."

Library district residents will get a chance to hobnob with the new boss at an atrium reception from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the facility, 505 N. Northwest Highway.

Henning, 29, was in his second year as executive director of the six-branch Garfield County Public Library District in Colorado when he was hired for the Barrington post after a nationwide search. He worked 10 years as youth librarian and adult services librarian at the Westerville Public Library in Ohio before moving to Colorado.

Barrington Area Library board President Donald Minner said Henning, who started as executive director April 16, is a gifted leader with the necessary traits and experience to build upon the facility's heritage of customer service and innovation.

"We are confident that the staff and community will feed off his passion," Minner said, "and embrace him as he guides the library into the future."

Henning, who's been riding a bicycle to work from his Palatine home, said he'll continue learning about the library and community before pursuing specific initiatives. However, what he already knows is the library will build upon being more than a keeper of information.

"We're becoming the connector of information," he said. "We're becoming the connector of people, where we have a public space and you can come in. You can talk with your colleagues, talk with your friends, you can study and not be expected to purchase anything. You can come in and use the public space."

Detlev Pansch retired in September after roughly nine years as the Barrington library leader. In addition to a library renovation, Pansch initiated digital download and streaming services for cardholders. Head of Operations Vicki Rakowski served as interim executive director until Henning was hired.

Henning said he's confident about the future of libraries.

"Libraries in general, we've been very strong, staunch defenders of the First Amendment," he said. "And so, as a lot of folks ... from across all age groups and all demographics are really embracing their ability to be engaged in the political process and be productive citizens, that's all related to those First Amendment rights. The ability to read freely and to assemble, those are all connected here."