New director joins Worth Public Library

By Kelly White

With a love of books and knowledge, Rachel Snyder is happy to take on her new role as director of the Worth Public Library.

“It sounds so stereotypical, but I have always loved books and felt most at home when I was around them,” Snyder, of Lemont, said. “So, a chance to talk about books professionally sounded too good to be true.”

Snyder who grew up in California, obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at Sonoma State University and my Master of Library and Information Science at Wayne State in Detroit.

Prior to coming to the Worth Library, 6917 W. 111th St., Worth, Snyder worked as the Assistant Director at the Lemont Public Library District, where she had also worked as the Youth Services Manager. Before that, she worked at the Glenview Public Library and the Naperville Public Library.

The tight-knit Worth community is what Snyder says makes the library so unique.

“I like that our staff knows so many patrons by name and is able to create a welcoming environment for them,” Snyder said. “I am also a big fan of the staff and board here at the Worth Public Library. Many have been here for years and years and have a lot of care for the library and the patrons.”

The library brings back a sense of nostalgia for Snyder, as well.

“I love that we still stamp books at checkout, which is a small thing, but reminds me of going to the library as a kid,” Snyder said.

Snyder said her big service industry and event planning background has come in handy when doing programming and outreach. She is looking forward to getting to know the community and to hear what they want from their library so she can find new ways to serve the Worth community.

“I stay in librarianship because I am constantly awed by how libraries are all continually adapting to meet the changing needs of our communities, and nothing was a better testament to that than the pandemic,” Snyder said.

Snyder said she is working on bringing back more programming for all ages at the library, within Covid safety protocols, which will likely be a combination of in-person, hybrid, and virtual programming.

“We are hoping to incorporate some pop-up collections with new and fun items as well as finding the best ways to communicate what we are doing with the community,” she said. “We are also striving to find more ways to partner with other community organizations on projects, outreach, and programming.”

Snyder is taking the role upon the retirement of longtime library director, Carol Hall, who worked in the position for 27 years. Staff members are saddened to see Hall leave, but welcome Snyder into the role with open arms.

“While it is sad to see Carol Hall retire, we’re happy to welcome Rachel Snyder as our new director,” Bonnie Pawlarczyk, Head of Youth Services at the Worth Public Library, said. “I’m very excited to see what kind of updates can be made to the library, and what new programs and services we can offer our patrons.”

“I have had to the pleasure to work for Rachel (Snyder) for only a few weeks,” Tim White, Head of Adult Services at the Worth Public Library, said. “It is going to be interesting to see what direction the library will be directed and taken. It is always exciting when a new person is hired. New people bring new ideas.”