By Kate Boomsma
Northside Resident
After 30 unforgettable years as “The Library Guy,” Todd Penner retired this spring, marking the end of an era for Lakeview Library. I asked Todd to share some memories.
Q. How did your career at the library begin?
A. “Working at the library wasn’t on my radar when I was job hunting in 1988. I graduated from the UW with a degree in history and intended to go to law school. I changed my mind about graduate school and bounced from one job to the next. When I got an interview with the library, I had a temporary job with the Wisconsin Historical Society and I was a video store manager. I was hired by my soon-to-be friend and mentor, Betsy Proctor. My position turned into a full-time position with benefits, so I was able to drop my other two jobs.”
Q. Did you like the job from the start? Was it challenging?
A. “I loved it from the beginning; the people I worked with and the patrons were friendly and welcoming. I was kind of a novelty back then. I was one of a handful of males working for the library at the time and the first at Lakeview.
For several years after I started, I had a real problem staying under the 100-item limit. I checked out everything that looked interesting. I had stacks of books and magazines all over the house, so I tried to limit myself to what I could reasonably consume in a month and instead write down titles as they passed through my hands. We used catalog cards as scrap paper, and I soon had thick stacks of these cards, covered in titles that had caught my eye.”
Q. How has Lakeview evolved over the last 30 years?
A. “In 1988 there were no computers for the public; it was all about books. We had a huge card catalog, a small (very scratched) vinyl record collection, magazines, VHS tapes and children’s toys. We had paperback ‘spinners’ and a large romance paperback collection. Florescent lights with yellowing plastic covers and blonde wood shelving gave the interior a jaundice glow. The roof leaked, so the ceiling was very stained, and sometimes lights shorted out in a shower of sparks and a scent of brimstone.
Incredible changes in technology have forced the library to adapt its mission. We are no longer the quiet temple of reading. Technology has put books and the ability to find them at patrons’ fingertips. To provide access and training has become a huge part of our mission. We have more programming and outreach, especially for children. One of my co-workers described the library as today’s town square, and that’s a great niche.
Today’s library is not as quiet as it used to be — somebody might have to use their phone while looking for a job online, kids might be excited by the game they’re playing, people might discuss the program they just attended — but it’s a good change.”
Q. What did you like best about the job?
A. “Of course, it’s the people. I feel blessed I had a job where I was presented with daily opportunities to make a difference in somebody’s life without much effort; sometimes just a friendly word or conversation would turn a person’s day around. The job gave me training and tools to help people in different situations; and along the way I met interesting and extraordinary people, many of whom I am now privileged to call friends.”
Q. What are you looking forward to about retirement?
A. “Reading will be a big part of my retirement. I am also looking forward to travel and outdoor adventure — sailing and backpacking in particular. My wife, Sonja, and I plan on taking classes and volunteering together. Though I have loved my job, I am so ready for the next chapter.”