Wagner has been blessed to have two librarians, Anne Podhradsky, Wagner Public Library Director and Nancy Reinbold, Wagner Public Library Assistant in their folds for the last 20 and 10 years respectively. The ladies have done an excellent job over the years of maintaining as well as expanding the selection and services of the library. The Wagner Public Library is a quiet and comfortable place that offers a great space to pass some time; relax and read the paper; stop in to warm up or cool off; and offers a reason and location to connect with others.

Prior to Anne becoming the Library Director, she had the important job of staying home to raise her four daughters. Before Nancy became a part of the library duo, she was employed with the SD State Department of Labor and prior to that was the Deputy Finance Officer for the City of Wagner for 20 years, giving her 30 years in total of service to the City of Wagner. When asked what first made Anne want to become the director, she said that she and her daughters were regular library users. The family enjoyed the atmosphere of the library and everything that it had to offer. During one of their many visits, the opening of library director was brought to Anne’s attention. Anne knew that this opportunity does not come along very often and with her youngest daughter starting kindergarten in the fall, it was a perfect timing. Anyone that knows Anne, knows that she is quiet and very helpful, making the position as Library Director the perfect fit for her. After Nancy retired from the Department of Labor, she wanted to take on a part time position that did not require much of a commute. The part -time position as a Library Assistant was the ideal job for her. Plus, as Nancy says, “I have always enjoyed working with the public.”

The librarians were both asked what reading means to them, to which they each answered with the quotes, “A Book is A Gift You Can Open Again and Again” and “Reading Gives Us Someplace to Go When We Have to Stay Where We Are”. As an avid reader myself, it is always interesting to ask a librarian what their favorite book is. For Nancy, she has so many favorites that are based on her different life stages and cannot just pick one. Even though Anne has never been able to pick favorites, she would have to say the children’s book, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. The book is very special to her and her daughters. They would always read it when the girls needed some comforting and reassurance. As avid readers themselves, the librarian ladies are currently reading One Little Lie by Colleen Coble and Firekeepers Daughter by Angeline Boulley.

When asked how as librarians they try to inspire others to enjoy reading, the ladies responded that enthusiasm for reading can be contagious and one good book can snowball into another. The ladies like to recommend books that they have personally read or have had previous patrons read and enjoyed. Reading is all about picking something that is interesting to the individual. The ladies can always help point a patron in the right direction and make suggestions but most patrons usually enjoy picking for themselves. The recently purchased books and newly donated books are displayed on the front desk in order for patrons to have quick access to what is new. The library also offers sale books as well as free books and magazines.

Their goal as a library and as librarians is to get as much reading material out to the public as possible. They order books that they feel would appeal to their patrons and try to make sure to let readers know when their favorite authors have a new book released. Anne and Nancy are always searching the shelves with a specific patron in mind. The librarians are more than happy to renew books, so that there is no pressure when it comes to reading. Patrons are encouraged to borrow more than one book if they would like. When requested, Anne and Nancy will also do curbside book pickups. Most importantly when it comes to inspiring others to read, they try to encourage reading by reminding people that the housework, yardwork, and all other chores or errands can wait. Their motto is read, relax and repeat!

The Wagner Library usually orders new books monthly, so there is always something new and interesting to find amongst their shelves. The community is very gracious and supports the library with book donations and because of this the library has inherited some really great books. Anne sees the donations as a nice boost to the library’s inventory and helps to provide a greater variety. Recently, Wagner resident, fellow librarian and author, Brenda DeHaan, donated a variety of different books that she has written. The library loves to have books that are written by local authors as it is always a fun addition to their shelves.

The Wagner Boys and Girls Club hosts a great summer reading program and as they share the building with the library, an assortment of the library’s books is used in their program. Tara Buitendag and her assistants run the program for five weeks beginning at the start of summer. Even though the library does not offer a summer reading program, they do offer a “Summer Readers” program. This program tracks all kids who read library books over their summer break. The program usually runs in the months of June and July. An upcoming event for the library is on August 9 when they will be helping the USDA Forest Service celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday; the library will have cards, stickers and coloring pages for children that would like to stop in that day.

The library plays an important role in the Wagner community. Libraries have been world widely recognized as inviting community hubs. The Wagner library offers personalized service to each person that comes through its doors. There is something for all ages to enjoy or explore in the library with most services being free or for a minimal fee. The Wagner library has printed books for entertainment, reference materials, magazines, audios, access to eBooks, audiobooks, databases and digital resources. Public computers with printers, internet access, technology assistance, troubleshooting and problem solving are also available. It is a great place to type a resume or complete a job application. They also have a study station and offer test proctoring.

When asked what the duo enjoys about working at the library, they both responded with that having an excellent co-worker as a teammate as well as helping patrons with book selections and making every person’s library experience a positive one. The library ladies also enjoy working with a fantastic Board of Trustees. The Trustees back all the efforts to keep the library relevant and bring value to the community. Their dedication is evident by the number of volunteer years that they have all given in their volunteer positions as Trustees. Brad Roth has been on the board since 2006; Jan Twitero since 2007; Sue Larson since 2016; Fran Podzimek since 2019; and Marlaine Doidge since 2020.

Since the ladies first began working at the library there have been many big changes that especially went through in 2020 and 2021. The library was a awarded a $10,000 CARES Grant at the close of 2020. The funds gave the library an opportunity to bring its technology up to speed with an online automated system. Getting the technology up to speed required the entering of all of the old system card catalog inventory and patron data information into the computer system. By updating the system, it gives the library the ability to maintain a more detailed and up to date online card catalog, be connected with other libraries and their inventory, as well as use the computerized circulation system. This grant also gave the library the ability to purchase a membership to the South Dakota Titles To Go Consortium, giving their patrons access to the Libby app. This app provides access to an extensive virtual library that can be used on their own personal devices. Anyone wishing to gain access to the titles available on the Libby app just need to visit the library for assistance.

To check out a book from the Wagner library, a free library card is all that is required. Anyone 18 years of age or older can obtain a library card. All that is needed is a driver’s license, ID card or tribal ID along with two pieces of personalized mail with the person’s current address on it. The library is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is open over the noon hour. The entrance to the library is only on the east side of the Boys and Girls Club building with the book return on the west side of the building. The library’s website is http://wagnerpublic. yoursdlibrary.org. The website offers general library information as well as the ability to research what books the library has available.

Wagner is very lucky to have a great pair of library ladies who strive to ensure that everyone feels welcome and has the best possible library experience. The ladies are always willing to assist patrons with services and try to be as helpful as possible in meeting patron’s needs. Thank you, Anne and Nancy, for all your hard work and dedication to making the Wagner library a comfortable and welcoming place full of adventures that can take a person anywhere. So as the Wagner library ladies would say read, relax and repeat!