Sheldon library, volunteer librarian

Saturday, February 4, 2017

By Gabe Franklin

Billie Jones is a volunteer librarian in Sheldon. Gabe Franklin/Daily Mail

Nestled next to what used to be Heritage State Bank, across the street from Jone's Boots, sits a small, unimposing white building with the its name painted on the front, Sheldon Library. When the library is open, you will typically find Billie Jones, the lone volunteer librarian, inside tending to the more than 10,000 books in the collection.

"I wanted to give back to the community so I became a library volunteer," Jones said.

Jones, a New Mexico native, has been Sheldon's librarian for the past three years.

"It's something I really enjoy," Jones said. "I've met a lot of strange people."

The library is only open a few hours each day, from 1-4 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, from 11-1 p.m. on Friday, and from 10-1 p.m. on Saturday. Library cards are free.

Jones said no one has ever wanted a library card that did not live in Sheldon.

Books and other material are loaned out for two weeks at a time.

Jones, who's favorite genres are horror and history, said the library offers a variety of book genres including: fiction, western, inspirational, historical fiction, children's, young adult, medical, craft, agriculture, science fiction, romance, mystery, classic, junior, non-fiction, biography, educational, sports, how-to, and reference (including yearbooks).

"Around here it seems to be inspirational or religious books," Jones explained were the most frequently checked out. "If not that, its fiction."

Jones said he was surprised that given the area, more agricultural books were not checked out.

In addition to books, the library also has DVD, VHS, and cassette tapes that may be borrowed.

The library tries to hold a children's program each year and a drawing once a month in which children can win a book. The library also offers Internet access.

The collection at Sheldon Library includes books from the late 1800s and early 1900s including an early edition of "Gone With the Wind."

"I have found autographed books before," Jones said of the donated books, pulling a box out from under the counter.

In the box were a handful of books signed by the authors, Alfred Kisubi's "Time Winds," Daniel Silva's "Moscow Rules," and Judy Blume's "Here's to you, Rachel Robinson," among others.

Jones said the autographed books do not go into circulation.

In days of smartphones and the Internet, the library is greatly underutilized.

Jones said he only sees a half dozen people each week, often the same faces, but Sheldon's Old Settler's Picnic typically brings a larger crowd.

"Once in a blue moon, I'll get people from Oklahoma or Kansas," Jones said.

The library board meets on the third Saturday of each month at the library at 9 a.m. Board members consist of Marlene Moran, Becky Morgan, Eileen Leininger, and Phyllis Sprenkle.

"I don't think people read anymore," board member Becky Morgan said. "If they do, it's on their tablets."`

Morgan said they would like to have someone younger on the board, even a high school junior or senior.

The library welcomes donations whether it is books, shelves, or money. They also accept best choice labels.

"No harlequin romances," Morgan said, explaining the library already had too many.