Published Monday, August 23, 2021

Evan is a helper. If you have visited the Edwardsville Public Library in the past 15 years, there’s a good chance he has helped you. He probably greeted you with warmth and a smile and made you feel like you were very welcome here, like he was looking forward to helping you with whatever brought you in the building.

I could get kind of gooshy talking about what a benefit Evan has been to EPL and to the community of Edwardsville as a whole. I could ramble on about how he treats everyone who walks in with dignity and respect. I could chew your ear off explaining his deep patience and commitment to the community.

But I won’t do that. I’ll just let you come in and experience the marvel that is James ‘Evan’ Evans for yourself. And while you’re here, thank him. Thank him for 15 years of dedication. Tell him how much you look forward to seeing him behind the desk at the library and how much you look forward to seeing what he will do in the future.

- Amanda Endicott, Circulation Manager

In what part of the library do you work and what do you do?

Wherever the circulation desk is as we renovate. Also, I am a Circulation Clerk.

How long have you worked at EPL?

180 Months, 782.143 weeks, 5475 days, 131,400 Hours, 7,884,000 seconds and counting.

What has changed the most since you started working here?

The staff and the physical layout of the building.

What services offered at the library do you wish more people knew about?

We have a Stud Finder and have had it for years… please check it out.

What has kept you working at the library?

I really have grown to love this place.

If you could have coffee with any author, who would you choose?

Friedrich Nietzsche.

Do you have a book character role model?

Constable Evan Evans, from Rhys Bowen's mystery series.

What is the first book you remember reading?

Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hof