It’s been seven years since Pam Van Kirk retired as the Director of the Galesburg Public Library.
It was shortly after retiring that she was elected as the Illinois Library Association President.
Since then, Van Kirk has been honored as an Illinois Library Luminary.
The honor goes to those who have made a significant contribution to Illinois libraries and whose supporters make a contribution of at least $2,000 to the Illinois Library Association Endowment on their behalf.
The Luminary Board is a committee that Van Kirk once sat on – and was thrilled to be honored.
Most libraries today face the challenges of cell phones, tablets, and electronic streaming devices.
According to Van Kirk – that’s not as big of a threat as people think.
Van Kirk says that libraries are still relevant, and will always be a place to congregate, network, and find assistance.
As far as advice for a future library director, Van Kirk tells WGIL:
“That person really does need to get out in the community and get to know people,” Van Kirk says. “That to me was one of the highlights of my job. I learned about agencies in the Galesburg community like United Way and volunteering with them. You just have to step outside the building and really get to know people.”
Much like the Luminary honor, its all part of being an outstanding voice in the library community while creating a legacy.
