Toledo Public Library Director Sheri McFate is at the library’s front desk on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020. She took over the head position after 26 years of service to the library Chronicle/John Speer

Just like the old expression “knowing a book by it’s cover,” if anyone was prepared to take over as director of the Toledo Public Library it has to be Sheri McFate. She has a total of 26 years serving the library as the long-time assistant librarian and as a part-time employee before that, beginning in 1993. Sheri replaced Jennifer Bledsoe on Dec. 3 who chose to accept the position as the Gilman library director and to help in her husband’s business.

“Automation” is Sheri’s quick answer to the biggest change in the library operation over her career here. It began in 2004 when the systems were switched to computer from the old manual way of checking out books and library materials.

Sheri has previously completed state certified management library courses. She says her biggest challenge may be her first go at putting together the Library’s 2020-21 budget, a process being undergone right now.

Over the years she has seen other changes including the major expansion project in 2005 which provided much more space including a meeting room area.

Program Interest

While the “shelves” still are a big part of the library’s focus, Sheri says there is a lot of interest in programs provided both for kids and adults the meeting space provides.

She says the art lab provided on early-out South Tama School days on Wednesday and craft labs for adults offered on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays monthly prove very popular.

She says the demand for library-provided computer use by patrons has dropped off a bit in recent years. This is attributed to many more computers now in place in homes and the wi-fi capability offered in the library, she says.

It enables computer users to bring their own and connect to the system provided.

Sheri is in the process of hiring an assistant librarian to fill her former position. Mary Brandt is the third member of the staff and serves as a part-time assistant.

Board

The Toledo Public Library is overseen by a Board of Trustees including Becca Chyma, Kevin Nelson, Steve Bearden, Kathy Holtz and Erin Gumm.