Time flies when you’re having fun! Evan has been the face of the library for 20 years - greeting patrons as they come in, joking with them, and just making their visit to the library as special and entertaining as possible. Whether answering the phone or answering questions about what book or movie he recommends, Evan always has a smile on. He almost forever remembers your name, even after only seeing you a couple of times. He is jovial and a bit of a trickster. We love him here at the library and look forward to another 20 years. Happy Anniversary, Evan!
- Jim Davis, Circulation Manager
In what part of the library do you work and what do you do?
I work as a Senior Circulation Clerk.
What originally drew you to work at the library?
I started out here as part of the Edwardsville High School's work study program, and at the conclusion of the program, I was asked to stay on. The rest is a long, storied history.
How has your role evolved over the years?
I have been a page, circulation clerk, and worked in Adult Services.
What’s one moment that made you feel especially proud to work here?
There are too many to count. If you want to know, you can ask me. I'll tell you stories.
What project or initiative have you loved being part of?
There are many projects I've been part of that I've loved. To keep it short and sweet, I've loved above all being part of the Halloween parades.
What’s one part of working here that people wouldn’t expect?
In all honesty, we find a surprising amount derelict clothing here and very expensive water bottles. In addition, we find very unusual things being used as bookmarks in returned items. (Warning please do not use the following items as bookmarks).
- Social security cards
- Driver's licenses and State IDs
- Earrings
- Bobby pins
- Paper clips
- A wide menagerie of posted notes
- Family photos
- Wedding rings
- Tree leaves
- Bank information
- Medical information
- Family member's medical information
- Business cards
- Birth certificates
- Birthday cards
- Anniversary cards
- Shopping lists
- Your LIBRARY CARD
- Notes to lovers and/or enemies
- Soda tabs
- Socks
Favorite book, author, or genre you’ve discovered while working here?
A ton. Non-fiction / horror / Doctor Who.
Looking ahead, what are you excited to see or do in the future here?
I'm going to do a deep dive that I have never done before on Lord of the Rings. I have not read the full Tolkien Universe. It's time Evan reads the Silmarillion….in full.
I should also go back to school and complete my education.
What does hitting this anniversary mean to you?
It is hard to put into words how I feel about this anniversary because, yeah, I have had plenty of times I never thought I'd be here still. But I'm glad I'm still here, and I'm thankful for the people who are part of this journey and still believe in me. I grew up here and I've had some of the the highest highs and lowest lows, but I'm just glad that I was here. I know that's really vague, but it's going to be really hard for me to tell you twenty years worth of stories.