Experienced Williams Bay librarian takes over leadership position
By Ryan Spoehr
Staff Writer
A longtime, local library employee has been hired as director for Powers Memorial Library in Palmyra.
Laura Gest started as the library’s new director was Feb. 17. She took over after Angie Zimmermann left to take the same position at Mukwonago Community Library.
“It has been good,” Gest said. “I think Angie did some great things, so it’s nice to know there is some good momentum.”
Gest left her position at Barrett Memorial Library in Williams Bay to take over as director at Powers. When she resigned from Barrett, she was the assistant director but held various roles throughout her tenure at Barrett, which lasted eight years.
“At one point or another, I did all of the tasks at the library, but not single-handedly of course,” Gest said.
Those tasks included managing the summer reading program and adult programming. She also did cataloging for the last seven years.
“It makes me feel really ready to have a little experience in everything to bring my knowledge of what has worked and to combine that with what is already working here,” Gest said.
Gest received a bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a master’s degree from UW-Milwaukee in library information science.
“My bachelor’s was in art, which now translates to crafts. I’m really delighted to see the Makerspace here is so great and so strong. I think I am going to get along great with some of the Friends of the Library, too,” Gest said.
With her extensive experience in libraries, Gest believes that libraries are not just about books and reading.
“I feel as though libraries serve a much stronger purpose than just books, and I think that’s why I’m most excited about coming here. The programs are good, the community is great and I think once I can bring some new ideas, I think with what the library can do for the community, good things can happen,” Gest said.
Gest said the key is for growth to take place with the already successful programs at the library.
“We’re going to keep growing the summer reading programming, and we are already planning some fun kids activities and programs for the summer,” Gest said. “That’s what I mean for the bigger role of the community. It’s a safe place for kids to come to and take part in.”
One of the parts of the library that she would like to help expand is the DVD and book selection.
“So, while people are spring cleaning, they can donate things before the book sale,” Gest said.
“I would like to expand the DVD collection since there is no video store in town. If someone were to have DVDs that came with Blu-rays, I would love to have those DVDs.”
She is also eager to remind library-goers that the library is funded on checkouts.
“I think the employees know that, but I don’t know if patrons know that, even if they are in here a lot for programs and things,” she said. “The best way to support the library is to checkout items.”
Gest grew up in East Troy, so she is not only familiar with the area, but familiar with communities smaller than 10,000 people.
“I have always lived in a small town, so I just like the neighborhood feel that comes with a small town. They seem like closer communities,” Gest said.
There is a meet-and-greet with Gest scheduled for Thursday, March 23. It will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at Powers Memorial. Refreshments will be served.
Gest lives in Lafayette with her husband, son and two daughters.
