To bring more attention to libraries and what they have to offer, the Lafayette County Librarians would like to introduce you to all of the librarians in the county. Each of the eight public librarian directors in Lafayette County will answer a short Q&A to introduce themselves to everyone.
The next librarian is Jen Detra who is the library director at the McCoy Public Library in Shullsburg.
Name: Jen Detra
What library are you the director of? McCoy Public Library – Shullsburg is the main location with an Annex in Gratiot. Previous Library Board President, Argyle Public Library.
How long have you been the director? 3years
Tell us about something special in your library collection? Our Yoto cards and Tonie characters are extremely popular with families and children and are both newer items to the SWLS.
We also have a Read to Recovery section of items that can be kept indefinitely or returned as needed. The topics cover a wide selection of recovery needs such as addictions, abuse, grief and more. We also offer discrete covers to support patron privacy.
Do you have a favorite library memory? I don’t have a favorite memory, because something great seems to happen regularly. The library is a treasure and I’m thankful for everyday that I can spend in one.
What do you wish people knew about Lafayette County Libraries? As a patron I wasn’t aware of how much collaboration goes on between Lafayette County Libraries. They actively share resources, plan events around or in support of others and regularly communicate.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about libraries? I have found that most people are surprised by how expensive digital items are. They are roughly 3x the cost of a print version.
What’s something you have coming up on the calendar? Multiple ADRC lead programs, summer reading activities and a charcuterie board demonstration. Favorite book or genre?
This is a regular question that I always struggle to answer because I like a strange variety of books. I enjoy biographies, true crime, graphic novels, young adult, dystopian, fantasy, comedy, but my go to genre is smutty romance.