Aylah Danner gets everything ready for children who will visit the castle at the Pierceton Public Library. Danner has been a library assistant since May and loves her job. Photo provided by Connie Anderson, Pierceton Library director.

By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

PIERCETON — “Nobody wants to feel dumb when they ask a question,” stated Aylah Danner, Pierceton. “Asking questions is how we get new information. Those who come to the library often have questions and I encourage that. If anybody needs help, I’m there to assist.”

Danner is the new kid in town. She’s been a library assistant at Pierceton Public Library since May.

“I’ve always loved books,” Danner remarked. “I’ve also loved libraries. When I was in high school, my summers were filled with volunteering at the Warsaw Public Library. I shelved books, helped with the in-person bulletins, and assisted patrons to find books. I think it’s very helpful to shadow a professional if we’re thinking about entering a career. That way we learn the ins and outs.”

Danner recently had a career change. “I was an automotive technician advisor when I lived in Warsaw. Since I moved to Pierceton, I’m very happy to be working at the library.” Her aunt Cindy Kreger is on the library board.

Danner says she is the stereotypical library technician. “I shelve books, organize shelves, assist patrons, check in new books and answer patrons’ computer questions. I also work with the Evergreen program, where books are shared between libraries. I have books to send to their original locations, and books come in here for our patrons to check out.”

A typical day varies greatly. “Sometimes I come and open up, if nobody is here ahead of me. When patrons come, I shine. I love interacting with people in the community. We have a kind and caring community, and I love it here. I also do the library articles for the local newspaper. I help out with all sorts of projects, whether I’m planning or just lending helping hands.”

One of the high points of coming to work is her coworkers. “I knew Anne Baughman, another of our library assistants, before I started. Director Connie Anderson is marvelous. We have so much fun together. We are three friends serving the public. We care deeply about one another and about our patrons.”

Being a lifelong learner, Danner enjoys the opportunities she has on the job to learn new things. “I’m looking into making library work my lifelong profession. Right now, I’m looking for a college that has a good Library Science program.”

It’s challenging to make a total career change, though. “I still have much to learn. But my coworkers help me in so many ways.”
Danner realizes not everyone would be happy working in a library. “There’s a lot going on here. I find myself multitasking quite often. A librarian must love people and be flexible enough not to get upset about minor inconveniences, such as a child accidentally knocking down a stack of books or library display.”

She recognizes the struggles patrons have when it comes to the Evergreen program. “Some older patrons struggle adjusting, but we work it out. That’s the joy of working at our library; we’re personable and hands-on with our patrons.”

Even though she’s new in town, Danner enjoys the fact people know her name from the library. “We have some of the same patrons coming in every other day. Some of them are lonely and need a friendly face. We may be the only contact those who live alone get that day.”