It’s revolutionary. It’s larger than life. It’s not even in Wichita

It’s the new Andover Library, and it’s quite a sight to see. Unlike most traditional libraries with low ceilings and confined spaces, the Andover Library features vaulted ceilings and large study tables, Wi-Fi access and computer databases in lieu of card catalogs. Carefully constructed graphics make it a place kids want to visit; a place where they can get lost in a book, navigate the web on a computer, or get a close look at a red robin from behind binoculars while bird-watching. Adults find it hard to stay away as well; a Scooters coffee shop conveniently located inside the library makes it an enticing place to spend a few hours. It wasn’t always like this, though.

5 Score and 7 Years Ago…

Carol Wolford acted as the advocate for change, leading the progressive movement that shows Andover is in fact changing for the better. She led the innovative development beginning nearly six years ago when she was hired as the library’s director. Wolford recognized the need for something new; so many people wanted it! She began the transformation by holding meetings, analyzing surveys, hiring consultants and last but not least talking to the members of the community in order to gain as much insight and knowledge as possible. She asked those involved to draw (literally, draw) their ideal library and with the help of architect Dan Wilson, everyone’s dreams came together. The move from its old location was a huge jump for the library, which went from occupying a mere 2,500 square feet to a whopping 15,000 square feet in Central Park.

Wolford embraced her past and used the skills honed while working for the Smithsonian and participating in White House Conferences to fundraise like crazy for her library project. She obtained her masters in library science, and the combination of her knowledge and passion inspired others to join the fun. Michelle Sell, owner of Timbuktu Bar and Grill, along with Laura Boone, of Stooges, worked together to hold a “High Noon Showdown,” an event of which the goal was to raise around $3,000. Sell and Boone went all out- on the day of the event they dressed up in true cowgirl fashion and entertained as kids brought their donated books and pennies from their piggy banks to help contribute. Everyone wanted to be a part of the success and as a result, they raised around $10,000!

Believing a grassroots campaign was the best way to go about creating awareness, Wolford and her team engaged in just that; a personal campaign modeled after Bob Dole’s. Wolford had seen the effectiveness of such a campaign up close, as her husband was Bob Dole’s administrative assistant.

“It was amazing. The library was the candidate, and the library certainly got elected!” said Wolford of the end result of her efforts.

Down the Road…

While the library already rents out cake pans of all shapes, sizes and characters to those wanting to enhance their creativity in the kitchen, it hopes to rent out fishing poles in the near future as well. In an effort to get kids outside, the library will work with the Andover Parks Dept and Fishing Wildlife to obtain a permit that lets members fish in Lake George and learn about the types of species alive within it.

In 2010, Wolford says they hope to host their first library focused signature event: Artists and Authors in the Park. The event will take place both indoors and outdoors and feature as many local artists and authors as possible. This will include dancers, poets, painters… anything thought of as art!

Also in the next year or so, Wolford would like to feature intergenerational arts and crafts- that way the old can join the young in the fun. Another opportunity in the works is Yoga; specifically Tai Chi for the elderly.

The services being offered at the library will continue to evolve and change, and according to Wolford, that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

“It’s got to change. That’s what information is!” she said.

That’s the mindset Wolford adopts not only toward her library, but toward her life as well. It’s not completely out of the ordinary to see her scooting around on her black Vespa!

“She’s a mover! We’re just not sure where’s she’s moving or what she’s moving in!” Sell said of her dear friend.