The new librarian at the Brownsdale Library is a familiar face. Deb Smith has just started as the librarian this past week.

Grace Gillette, the president of the Brownsdale Library Board and a schoolteacher for 45 years, helped hire Smith along with six other board members.

"We had 18 phone calls for the library position and 11 resumes came in," Gillette said.

Before working at the library, Smith was a special needs aid.

"I think I got the job because I have a long history working with kids in Hayfield," Smith said.

"You got the job because of your good looks and smile," teased Gillette.

Whatever the reason, Smith is a good fit for her new position as the Brownsdale librarian. Smith lives only three blocks from the library and she really has some history with children, as she has seven of her own ranging in ages from 18 to 3 years old. Smith's husband, Rick, owns the Garden Gate Restaurant in town.

"Smith has computer knowledge. She is learning on the job, which programs to use,"

Gillette said. "She will be taking classes through SELCO. Brownsdale Library is a member of the SELCO regional system. A van comes to Brownsdale three times a week and picks up material and leaves material. We can get anything in the state of Minnesota."

Gillette went on to say she and the Brownsdale Library Board are concerned that Gov. Tim Pawlenty may cut funding for libraries.

"Now we have this debt and funding is being cut from many things," Gillette said.

Brownsdale Library has dedicated, outspoken board members. They are proud of their small town library. It is housed right next to the city offices. The original library was in the city clerk's office. When they built the new fire hall the space they are now in was empty. The board asked if they could have the library there.

"The city council discussed it and it was approved. We have a nice space for our library and have been here for four years," Gillette said.

The former librarian was Melany Vogt. She and Gillette kept track the month of July 2002 on how many checkouts were made and they added up 730. The library is a busy place after school and during the summer months. They have a good selection of periodicals, books and videos. The library also has a summer reading program. They get special material through SELCO to run the program and adapt it to their small community.

"We have people that donate to the summer reading program," Gillette said.

The computers are the most popular seating place at the library and they are getting an additional one through the SELCO regional library system. The library is one of the most popular hangouts in Brownsdale. It is in a comfortable building that faces south and warm sunshine streams through the windows on cold winter days. There is art decorating the walls. A colorful quilt made by Shelly Sturdevant hangs on the west wall. Smith is excited about her new job as librarian.

"I'm one who likes to take on things. I see that kids will follow by example, like with reading. My own kids are excited that I am working at the library. I asked them to stay away my first day so I could get adjusted," Smith said.

The Brownsdale Library is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sheila Donnelly can be reached at 434-2233 or by e-mail at :mailto:newsroom@austindailyherald.com