Meet the New Librarian in Town

Carolyn Wiley, KP News

Key Center library community welcomes Corrine Weatherly. Photo: Richard Miller, KP News

Corrine Weatherly became the official supervising librarian at the Key Center Library June 16. Weatherly has worked at six of the 20 library locations in the Pierce County Library System (PCLS). 

When the position in Key Center opened in March, she was serving as the branch supervisor in Steilacoom and decided to apply. Weatherly admits that she thought she had blown the interview when she was asked, “What contributes to the strength of a community branch library?” 

“It’s the community,” Weatherly answered.

The Key Center Library is unique. According to a PCLS analysis of usage data, this Key Peninsula branch is one of the most heavily used per capita of any system library. 

“I suspected the claim was true because ‘the books on hold’ shelves are filled every morning; by the end of the day, over half are empty,” Weatherly said. 

She was nonetheless impressed to discover that the June data report showed “circulation is higher than at any other small library and is comparable to the ranges of circulation at the medium-sized urban libraries.”

Carol Dike, the librarian often seen in the Brones Room surrounded by story-time children, said of Weatherly, “The thing I like most so far is the way her heart shows in her dealings with people. She is really good at finding ways to make sure every customer’s needs are met.” 

“We are thrilled to have her. She fit right in and will be a great asset to the community,” librarian Teddie Emmerich said.

Weatherly, who was the featured speaker at the Key Peninsula Business Association at the July 20 lunch meeting at El Sombrero, said, “I’m very happy to be here. The Key Center Library is great, the staff is amazing and the community is incredible. Rosina [Vertz, retired supervisor] left some big shoes to fill and I’m going to do my best.” 

Like all good librarians, she used the KPBA audience as an opportunity to promote library programs. “We’re having a great response to our summer reading program,” she said. “This year’s theme is ‘Libraries Rock’ and we are still signing kids up every day. Both kids and adults can sign up; it’s not too late.” 

Friends of the Key Peninsula Library invites the community to attend a “Welcome Reception for Corrine Weatherly –– Meet Key Center Library’s New Supervising Librarian” on Aug. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Key Center Library.