By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

NAPPANEE — “I grew up in Battle Creek, Mich.,” stated Seth James, Nappanee. “My mom, siblings and I visited our local library at least once a week. My first job in high school was being a page at Willard Public Library. When I attended Hillsdale College, I worked at Mossey Library on campus.

Seth James has been the director of Nappanee Public Library since June 2022. He is always looking for new, innovative ways to reach the Nappanee public. Photo provided by Seth James.

“Libraries have always been part of my life. It’s where my passion lies.” James has been the director of Nappanee Public Library since June 2022.

James earned an English degree at Hillsdale. He went on to earn his master’s degree in library science from Indiana University, Bloomington. His first professional library job was Special Collections Manager at Vigo Library in Terre Haute.

“This is my first position as library director. We have no typical days at the library. Each day is different. I start my day by checking my emails and correspondence. I walk through the library numerous times to check in with staff members as well as having one-on-ones with them.

“I attend meetings on and off site. Perhaps I’ll drop in at the city hall. Sometimes I’ll have a cup of coffee at Main Street Roaster to connect with community members. I do a lot of collaboration with the people of Nappanee so we can build strong bonds and better serve them at the library.”

He also reaches beyond the community. “I go over policies and check on the recent legislature that affects the library. I’ll check to see what the state library is doing. I also enjoy collaborating with other library directors, such as Matt Bowers of Wakarusa.”

James loves seeing families come to NPL together. “I am the father of three young children. Watching other families enjoy our library is most rewarding. NLP is filled with fun, educational and wholesome activities.”

Working as director does not come free of challenges. “We’re always looking for new, innovative ways to reach the Nappanee public. The people of Nappanee are unique, and we want to find the best ways of serving them. Of course, serving the people is an ongoing process.”

When James looks for someone to hire, he always makes sure they enjoy serving the public. “So many people think library workers are simply those who like to read. Of course, that may be one of the requirements. But we have to love serving the public. I’m an introvert by nature. But I love people. It’s sometimes a stretch for me to have a job where I’m always in the public’s eye, though.” He describes library work as public service.

James enjoys a wide variety of books. “My favorite is non-fiction histories. But I also enjoy fantasy, such as ‘Lord of the Rings.’ I read a lot of children’s books to my kids at home.”

He and his wife Rachel are fond of traditional names. Their son Harold is 4, Albert is 2 ½, and Edith is 8 months. “We like the classic names. I believe they sound very distinguished with our last name James.”

James describes himself as a gym rat. “I go to the gym each day before work. I’m into fitness. Our family enjoys vegetable gardening. And I do a bit of fiction writing for my own enjoyment.”

He concluded, “I invite everyone to visit NPL. We have so many activities that require no library card. Come and see us.”