The new director of Shasta Public Libraries believes libraries are welcoming places where people of all ages learn and grow.
“No matter who you are, there is something the library can do for you,” Erin Francoeur says.
Francoeur, 35, brings fresh perspective and ideas to the role, says Shasta Library Foundation Executive Director Peggy O’Lea.
“We’re really happy to have Erin onboard,” O’Lea says. “One of the things I appreciate about Erin is that she is really focused on service to children.”
Francoeur and husband, Todd, a teacher, have two sons, ages 5 years and 4 months, and a 3-year-old daughter. A young family and a demanding job are a balancing act, but Francoeur doesn’t mind the juggling.
“I don’t do well not being busy,” she says.
Francoeur came to the Redding job in July from Garden City, Kansas, where she was Finney County Public Library director. Prior to that, she was coordinator of Smart Start Project, a schools program providing resources for child-care providers.
“Early childhood education is so important to me,” she says.
At the Kansas library, she oversaw the addition of a 10,000-square-foot outdoor classroom for children with water features, a stage and tree house. “It was designed around learning by play,” Francoeur says.
Francoeur wants to build on successful programs and increase awareness of library services, which include computers, online databases, computer-skill classes, online help with resumes and e-reader instruction. Teens can use Redding Library’s Creation Station, with a green screen, animation software and 3-D printer. An online homework-help service lets students live-chat with credentialed teachers or submit essays for feedback. The library shows movies and has Wii and Xbox game sessions.
“We’re not just checking out books,” Francoeur says.
The library is working with school districts to get library cards to all Shasta County students.
“We follow up with trainings to the school, offering to go into the classroom and show the students how to access some of the materials,” Francoeur says.
Shasta Union High School District Superintendent Jim Cloney says the card effort connects students to the library’s databases and other online research tools and “will really broaden the information available.”
The library’s reader advisory services help families find books, such as suggestions for a struggling reader or age-appropriate books for a child reading above grade level. Library staff can be tapped for book tips for adults too.
“We give read ‘alikes’ – if you like this author, you might be interested in these books,” Francoeur says.
She describes the library system as “fantastically successful. There are so many programs, so many services being offered.”
And it’s all free.
“Keeping your mind fresh and stimulated in necessary for everyone, and being able to do that without a charge is very nice,” Francoeur says.
Francoeur grew up in a suburb of Chicago. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Indiana University, master’s degree in religious studies from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in library science from Emporia State University.
“I love libraries,” Francoeur says. “I love the service aspect.”
Photos by Chris Nelson.
Laura Christman is a freelance journalist with a three-decade newspaper career that included being a reporter, columnist and features editor.
