(Part two of two articles discussing the departing director of the La Veta Public Library. In part one of this series, we explained how Tony Masinton, the current director of the LVPL, found himself moving to La Veta, where he had deep family roots.)
by Bob Kennemer
LA VETA — After relocating to La Veta from the United Kingdom 10 years ago, Tony Masinton and family did indeed end up living in the home his great aunt had left to him. However, he didn’t take on the library director job for another four years, as he was able to work remotely for the University of York in the UK. He did, however, find time to appear as a guest speaker for La Veta Public Library discussing his degree and his work in Medieval Studies.
Around this time, the current LVPL director had decided to retire and a search committee had selected a candidate. This candidate met with the community and was embraced. Unfortunately, as was and is the case in much of the country, the proposed director (an avid horseback rider) couldn’t find an affordable place to rent and board her horses. The director seat was, again, open.
From telecommuting to a
one block commute on foot
Masinton had gotten involved as a board member with La Veta’s Francisco Fort Museum. His long distance work from across the pond had come to an end, and the library position was still unfilled. His spouse and others in the community encouraged Masinton to apply. He did and was roundly endorsed by the search committee and the community.
That house that Masinton had inherited is located just less than one block from the library. Yes, it would be difficult for Masinton to call off work claiming he was hung up in traffic. Or use the internet as being down as an excuse to not work. Not that Masinton wasn’t ready for his new gig. In fact, he would quickly find that much of his skill set would be exactly what the library and its patrons needed.
What the tech is going on?
Masinton quickly realized that his computer and tech skills were needed at the library. He also found much of his staff were also skilled in tech. Masinton quickly expanded the library’s services to include more tech oriented assistance. The library offered a program called, “What the tech?!” Patrons could take courses to improve their computer skills. Assistance with a broad spectrum of tech advice was included. The program was wildly popular and many of the services continue.
“I’m proud of the tech offerings we have in place. It has been growing nicely over the past four years and the community has become more tech savvy. The community has changed,” said Masinton. He added that the What the Tech program is now fundamental, saving many trips to Pueblo and Colorado Springs for assistance.
Masinton noted some of the tech services and programs he had helped bring forth such as an expanded selection of audio and eBooks were well received. Streaming services such as Kanopy and Hoopla are also popular. Masinton explained now that La Veta has town-wide broadband, the library tech services are getting used even more, especially by young people.
“Tony makes us all look good,”
Sam Sortore, LVPL staff
Sam Sortore has worked part time at the library for 10 years. He said he and the rest of the staff are sorry to see Masintion leave. Sortore said, “Tony gives us the latitude to do our job. He trusts everyone to do their job. He has helped make the library a community hub. It is safe for kids and adults. It’s a confidential place.”
Sortore explained Masinton also strives to keep the library’s selection balanced. “All kinds of views are respected. Conservative as well as liberal.” Sortore points to the broad and diverse magazine/periodicals selection and noted patrons can find The National Review, Western Horseman, the New York Times (digital BTW) and High Country News. “He [Masinton] watches what the community wants,” stated Sortore. “Tony took everything that was good, when he got here and went further. He expanded our tech services and offerings. The staff appreciate his quiet leadership style,” explained Sortore.
He then made note of Masinton’s wife, Stephanie. Sortore said of her, “She brings a seriousness and professionalism to the children’s story hours. She has worked hard to bring more resources available to kids. Both she and Tony are going to be missed, all over the community, for all that they do. Tough shoes to fill.”
“I just love the community,”
~Stephanie Masinton
Both Tony and Stephanie have been actively involved in many other parts of the La Veta community. Tony also sits on the La Veta Town Board, as well as the local school board. Stephanie serves as the children’s librarian at both the public library and the school library. The couple are also heavily involved in Francisco Center for the Performing Arts, where they are frequently seen on stage.
Stephanie added, “Of course, I will really miss the theater. This is mostly bittersweet for me right now.” Tearing up, she then ran off a list of other parts of La Veta life she will miss, “My Zumba classes, Charlie’s store, the school library program, our house.” She noted that she and Tony plan to keep the house, but allow it to be rented at a low rate to the new director, library staff, or some other crucial person needed in the community.”
Stephanie explained that their son, Emilio, says he will miss some things about La Veta but that he is looking forward to attending a larger school. The couple added their son is definitely excited to have access to more miniature golf while living in Arizona. Stephanie hopes to return to college, continuing her education in libraries, as she plans to pursue a Masters in Library Science.
The search
for a new director begins
Echoing Stephanie’s sentiments, longtime library board member Brad Atchison said, “This is bittersweet. We were lucky to have them both. They are both universally loved by staff. They glow, they are resourceful, and supportive.” Atchison added, “I have to give Stephanie a shout out. She has done such remarkable things while collaborating with the schools.”
“Tony exceeded our expectations. He is so well rounded in so many areas such as tech, writing skills, communications, budget and accounting, plus he learned on the fly,” explained Atchison. But now, Atchison is helping to finalize the committee created to search for, recruit, and select a new library director.
Atchison explained that the committee will be composed of library staff, board members, and citizens. He said, “We will advertise locally and beyond. We will also use the services of the non-profit Colorado Library Consortium (or CLiC), which is a library-related organization that also helps with talent searches.”
Atchison stated that the committee would like to have the new director in place for at least a few weeks before Masinton leaves in the first week of August. That time frame includes allowing the community to meet and interview the proposed candidate or candidates. “The community, the board, and the staff are all proud of our library’s five star rating. Although Tony says the library can almost run itself, we need a solid director,” concluded Atchison.
In fact, Atchison stated, “The library may choose to hire two co-directors. That was the direction chosen in nearby Westcliffe and Saguache, Colorado.” This concept, in part, relates back to the current high cost of living found in even smaller rural communities. These smaller library districts cannot always afford to pay experienced directors what they are worth. Masinton and others are not sure co-directors are right for La Veta, but it is an option.
Noting the library has had a five star rating for many years, Masinton has some advice for the new director, or directors, stating, ”For the first year, just listen!” He wants to see the library stay the special place it is; a homey, warm inviting place. Masinton would like to see the new director work towards increasing circulation of the library’s collection. He suggests the new director learn every staff person’s jobs and skills, so that the director knows what is needed of him or her. Lastly said Masinton, “Listen to the community as the library is really community led.”
