Simpson Honored as Hometown Hero

Freya Simpson, Tripp County Librarian, has been recognized as a Home Town Hero.

Freya was honored at a recent Retired Teachers Meeting in Winner. Freya started her position on Dec. 1, 2008. As a county librarian ,she has the responsibility to make the library function well; to make the public feel welcome and to accommodate their library needs.

She said she is constantly challenged to keep our library up to date in this fast paced 21st Century. To help reach that goal she achieved Public Libraries Accreditation. This is to be done every three years. Current accreditation continues until 2017. She instituted a new library digital system, Destiny, which allows a continual assessment of what is needed and what should be weeded out. She believes the library should provide a safe, clean and friendly place for the public and staff.

One of the biggest challenges is to keep up with technology, public access to computers, and WI-FI; E-books and more. Just recently she, with the help of the library staff, kicked off the first Lego challenge which will provide opportunities for kids from age 5-9 to work/play with Legos and to stretch their imagination and creativity. This after school program will continue for two times a month for the next three months.

Each fiscal year, Freya presents a comprehensive report of the budget, activities and requests to the County Commissioners and to other interested groups. This reveals a tremendous record of activity at the library including the out of town visitors who stop by to read the newspapers and to use the internet. This is an increasing activity indicated by a high number of requests.

The library is funded through the Tripp County Budget, the City of Winner and through various other charitable givings. Guidance for the library come through a Library Board and through a group known as Friends of the Library.

Freya makes use of the local newspaper and the radio to inform patrons of the various services available, new programs and even for requests of needed items . She said, “We live in a caring community and it’s an honor to serve our patrons”.

The award was presented by Marsha Risseeuw, local Modern Woodmen Hometown Awards chair.