New Adult Programming Coordinator at the Library

Bethery von Dassow Joins Library as Adult Programming Coordinator

The San Juan Island Library announced Bethery von Dassow as the new adult programming coordinator. She was selected from among local and regional candidates who applied for the position during a search. She is responsible for scheduling programs for adults in the library, as well as helping on the information desk.

She most recently served as an Academic Advisor at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, but has worked with the Selby Library in Sarasota, FL doing reference, and at the Memphis Public Library doing social service referrals and quick reference via the LINC department. She also has experience working in the media centers of a Sarasota, FL high school and elementary school. Bethery has a B.S. in Music Education from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and an M.A. in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.

Describing herself, she says, “My husband has been living here for a year, and I am excited to be here with him now. We are returning to the Northwest after years away. I’m interested in origami, arts and crafts, and of course, reading. Contact me if you have an idea for a library program – I am open to your ideas.”

Library Director Laurie Orton said, “We’re happy to welcome Bethery to the Library. She has a long-time love for the community from visiting family on the island for many years. She also has a strong interest in helping people, and an eagerness to work together with local presenters and organizations.”

Bethery said, “I love working in a library setting, but I am especially excited to be working in such a vibrant, active library that is supported by the community. It is exactly the work I trained for and dreamed of doing.”

In addition to its collections of materials to loan, the library also provides computers for the public to use. The library web site provides consumer, financial and academic information, language learning, and test preparation. Library hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Library cards are free to island residents with proof of residency.

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