Since Kristina Selby came on board as director of the Meeker Public Library, community participation has doubled.
MEEKER | Since taking the helm at Meeker Public Library, Director Kristina Selby has introduced more than a dozen new programs, including weekly storytime and crafts for kids every Wednesday at 10 a.m. This past year, the library added “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten,” a self-paced program that awards prizes for every 100 books read. Six children have completed the program so far. Another new initiative, the “Kid Librarian” program, has been a hit and will feature a different child as the librarian of the month throughout 2025.
For adults, the library hosts a book club on the second Monday of each month, one of many programs currently offered at Meeker Public Library. Selby says she is constantly planning more events to serve the community.
“I really want the library to be involved in the community, and I know what an important resource we are,” Selby said. “I want to strive to make this library a real cornerstone of this town because I respect what a library means to a community, and I’m going to do my best to reflect that in our work.”
When deciding on new programs, Selby often looks to what other libraries are doing and listens to input from local residents.
“That’s a big indicator to me of how I think our community would like that programming as well,” she said. “I’m always talking to community members about what they would like to see happen here. Seeing what other libraries are doing and listening to our patrons are the two biggest factors.”
The library promotes its programs through social media, its website, the local newspaper, and flyers around town. Currently, a community survey is gathering feedback on how best to keep residents informed. (See the ad and QR code on Page 3 of this edition.)
“People are really excited about it, and that just makes me even more excited,” Selby said.
As Selby looks to the future, she is committed to evolving the library to meet the community’s changing needs.
“It’s about paying attention to what people are talking about in town when they come in here, reflecting on that, and asking, ‘How can we help with this? Is this something the library can support?’” she said.
Selby also plans to expand adult programming, building on the success of initiatives like the adult crafting sessions.
“Our adult crafting programs have been really popular, so we’ll be doing more of those, but also making sure there are programs for all age groups in the community,” she said. “My biggest goal is to offer something for everyone in this community.”
For Selby, the rewards of her work go beyond attendance numbers.
“The community engagement, seeing families and individuals come in here and really enjoy the library—that’s what I strive for,” she said. “The library is such a pivotal institution, and seeing people use it and connect with others during programs and events is incredibly rewarding.”
Selby credits her staff for helping to make the library’s programs a success.
“Our staff does a phenomenal job of listening to the community and reflecting that in our programming and services,” she said. “Continued community engagement and support are the biggest things we need to ensure the library thrives.”
Since Selby became director, community participation at Meeker Public Library has doubled, and she has transformed the library into a vibrant hub for education and connection.
As the last light fades through the library’s tall windows, Selby locks up for the day, her mind is already buzzing with ideas for next month’s book club selection. For her, the library isn’t just a building filled with books—it’s a living, breathing space where the community comes to grow, learn, and connect.
