Hub City Times

Top Menu

  • Contact Us
  • E-Editions
  • Subscribe

Main Menu

  • Home
  • News
    • Around the County
    • Arts & Ent
    • Education
    • Government
    • Local
    • Police / Sheriff Calls
  • Covid 19
  • Opinion
  • Sports
    • Sports News
    • High School Sports Scores
    • Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
  • Coming Events
  • Business
  • Obits
  • Classifieds
  • Military Photos
  • Contact Us
  • E-Editions
  • Subscribe

logo

Hub City Times

  • Home
  • News
    • Around the County
    • Arts & Ent
    • Education
    • Government
    • Local
    • Police / Sheriff Calls
  • Covid 19
  • Opinion
  • Sports
    • Sports News
    • High School Sports Scores
    • Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
  • Coming Events
  • Business
  • Obits
  • Classifieds
  • Military Photos
Local
Home›News›Local›One-on-one with Library Director Lori Belongia

One-on-one with Library Director Lori Belongia

By Hub City Times
October 9, 2015
1111
0
Share:
Lori Belongia Marshfield Public Library director
Lori Belongia joined the Marshfield Public Library in 1987 and became director in 2001. (Kris Rued-Clark photo)

By Kris Rued-Clark

Lori Belongia came to the Marshfield Public Library in 1987 as a circulation librarian supervisor. Two years later she became adult services librarian supervisor and also served as assistant director for several years before becoming director in 2001.

Reflecting back, Belongia said, “When I came I thought I’d stay maybe five or six years, but the job kept changing. There was always something new, and the field was changing rapidly. There was no reason to leave.”

Asked what has changed the most, Belongia said, “In general, technology, not just for the library but for us as an entire people. The card catalog was a wonderful tool, but now you can search keywords with any piece or element of information and can get results.”

Borrowing materials from other libraries has also become easier. “Before it would take up to three weeks to arrive. Now that we have a statewide delivery system, we can get most material either the next day or certainly the next week,” said Belongia.

With the ease of internet research for everyone, the reference desk fields more challenging questions.

“People come to us to help winnow down the information. We also encourage people to explore for themselves using technology, whether through classes or assistance.”

Library programming has become a more valued and expanded service.

“We always had story time and a summer library program. Now we offer Tuesday Night at the Library for children and families. We have classes — for example, How to Use a Facebook page. The adult winter reading program encourages people to read, explore, and stretch their minds with different genres,” added Belongia. Other programs, from cooking and crafting to home brewing, reflect the interests of the community.

Regarding the new Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library & Marshfield Community Center, Belongia said, “I never would have dreamed that would be part of my career. The idea came from the community. They told us what they wanted, and they’re going to get it.”

She enjoys sharing the story of “her” library. When her grandchildren come to visit, they say, “We want to go to your library, Grandma.” Belongia thought they meant that she is the director. When she visited her grandchildren in their town, one of them said, “Now you can come to my library,” and Belongia realized that for every person in a community the library is theirs.

“It was about belonging and feeling a sense of ownership. That was such a powerful moment for me. I want everybody here to feel this is their library, to find a part that fits, to feel at home here, to feel welcome here. We’re here for everybody. Your age, income level, education, none of that matters. When you walk in this door, you will find things that suit you.”

TagsEverett Roehl Marshfield Public LibraryFeaturedKris Rued-Clarklibrarylibrary projectLori BelongiaMarshfield Public LibraryProfiles of Area Women
Previous Article

Tigers freshmen football blanks Wausau East

Next Article

Marshfield boys soccer snags home win over ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Related articles More from author

  • hub city times logo
    Local

    Traffic rerouted on State Highway 97 after crash causes injuries

    June 6, 2016
    By Hub City Times
  • Marshfield High School Future Teacher Internship student Anna Ripp, right, helps a student participate in the Career Quest Café restaurant simulation in Samantha Will’'s Career Quest class at Marshfield Middle School. The Career Quest Café allows students to learn and demonstrate employability skills, complete a mock job application, participate in a mock job interview, and prepare and serve food to parent customers.
    Opinion

    MHS students find inspiration through Future Teacher Internships

    December 7, 2016
    By Hub City Times
  • Coming events image
    Education

    Mid-State to offer career spotlight

    February 10, 2018
    By Hub City Times
  • Ryan Busse spencer rockets boys high school basketball greenwood
    Sports

    Spencer boys basketball pulls past Greenwood

    December 11, 2015
    By Hub City Times
  • Coming events image
    Arts & EntertainmentLocalOutdoors

    Now That’s Entertainment: Upcoming events this week in Marshfield

    March 20, 2018
    By Hub City Times
  • EducationLocal

    MHS celebrates 320 graduates

    May 27, 2018
    By Hub City Times

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

About Us


Hub City Times is published by Multi Media Channels LLC, N2919 County Road QQ Waupaca, WI 54981.

Timeline

  • February 25, 2021

    Marshfield man arrested on drug charges

  • February 24, 2021

    Marshfield aldermen schedule hearings regarding mayor complaint

  • February 23, 2021

    New arrest in Schauer death

  • February 22, 2021

    Hastreiter Industries: Working better together

  • February 21, 2021

    Barrett to mark 100 years on March 1

Find us on Facebook

Copyright © 2020 Multi Media Channels, All Rights Reserved. Designed by MMC Team Awesome
×