BEYOND BOOKS: Highland Lakes libraries
Showing off a new reading area for tweens in the Bertram Library are Assistant Director and Children’s Librarian Schalean Druell, library Director Mary Seaman, and part-time library technician Lisa Haley. Not pictured from the four-person staff is part-time library technician Bethany Akers. The flying book mural was recently painted by local artists Sara and Topher Mack of Artist Couple in Bertram. Staff photo by Suzanne Freeman
The Bertram Library, where everybody knows your name
The Bertram Library is getting a makeover, one that will consolidate its technology area, introduce soundproof conference pods, and move the checkout desk to improve the flow of and access to services. Sometime after the first of the year, the ever-changing, ever-upgrading library will once again evolve to meet the needs of a growing community.
“We do a lot with our very limited staff,” library Director Mary Seaman said. “I think we compete with the larger libraries with the programs we offer. We try to serve a wide range of ages, from little-littles to an aging population.”
Although part of the Burnet County Library System, this small-town facility has its own personality, reflecting a diverse population that includes a mix of low-income workers, Spanish speakers, newcomers, and descendants of early settlers.
“I love being part of a branch system, but we try to do things on an individual basis because our communities are so different,” Seaman said.
Library staff is made up of two full-time employees, including Seaman, and two part-time employees, all of whom make it a point to know their patrons.
“We know their names,” Seaman said. “We are able to have a lot more of that personal touch that other, bigger libraries in cities can’t.”
Access to services and resources within the library’s 15-year-old building—a newborn by downtown Bertram standards—changes with the seasons and the community’s needs.
“We try to meet our patrons where they are at,” Seaman said. “There’s a lot of history here and a lot of pride as well.”
That pride of place is reflected in almost every aspect of the library, which features walls made of wood from a local barn and historic displays about the history of Bertram, a town that is 142 years old, and the library, which was founded in the early 1930s. Patrons can also learn the history of the community’s Oatmeal Festival, which has been held in the area since 1978, and the library’s namesake, Joann Cole Mitte.
Although commonly called the Bertram Library, the facility’s official name is the Joann Cole Mitte Memorial Library. The Mitte Foundation donated $2 million to build the modern library at 170 N. Gabriel St. in 2010. Before that, it was in a tiny space next door that now houses the Bertram Library Thrift Store.
More recently, the foundation granted $60,000 toward the purchase of two conference pods that will be installed inside the building, providing soundproof rooms where up to two to four people can have private online consultations with doctors, conduct job interviews, or attend Zoom meetings.
“The pods won’t change the structure of the building,” Seaman said. “They are self-contained within our space. They stand on their own with no construction needs.”
When the pods arrive sometime after the first of the year, Seaman plans to make other changes to the library’s interior. The circulation desk will move, and the current technology area will become an all-inclusive scanning, computer, and faxing technology station.
“A lot of people in this area don’t have great internet,” she said. “We have a huge digital divide, and we are used a lot for access to technology. That’s a need I want to meet.”
Due to the community’s limited internet service, the Bertram Library boasts an impressive collection of DVDs, documentaries, and TV series suitable for all ages.
But don’t forget the books, which Seaman said are still the main focus of the library, especially when it comes to young people. The large, colorful children’s reading area includes Lego and train tables, comfortable pillows and chairs, computer gaming, and books, books, books.
Storytimes are held weekly on Wednesdays from September through May, when they give way to a vibrant summer reading program. Story Time for ages 4-6 is at 10:30 a.m. followed by Chapter Book Story Time for ages 7 and older at 11:30 a.m.
Each age group has an area of the library to call its own, including tweens and teens. The pre-teen area, with an amazing flying book mural by the local company Artist Couple, is a new addition. The area features books and games with high tween interest as well as a comfortable space to unwind.
The area for adult readers also comes with comfy chairs for hanging out. It includes large print books and audiobooks. During the summer, the Bertram Library holds an adult summer reading program along with its children’s program.
“Adults enjoy a challenge, too,” Seaman said. “They are already bringing their kids, so why not include them, too?”
Adults can earn gift cards for reading three books a month with a grand prize going to the reader with the biggest monthly count. Quarterly adult programs throughout the year include crafts, CPR certification events, and speakers. Crafts are a favorite.
“Adults really love something that is entertaining, more hands-on,” Seaman continued.
The nonprofit Community Action Inc. uses the library to hold evening classes for adults to study for high school equivalency exams, also known as GEDs.
Patrons see the most unusual aspect of the library when they walk into its lobby, where the Bertram Chamber of Commerce hosts a visitors center. A volunteer or chamber staff member is always on hand at the front door when the library is open.
“They are a great way to extend services to our patrons,” Seaman said. “They answer questions we can’t. It’s great to have extra hands and knowledge available.”
A quick tour around the space revealed a community jigsaw puzzle, lots of tables and chairs for relaxing or meeting with friends, and well-placed book displays. A favorite is the bookshelf for new arrivals, ready for patrons of all ages to keep up with the latest in literature.
“We listen to what our patrons are saying, to what they want,” Seaman said. “If we don’t have it, we find out how to get it.”
Quick Facts
- The Bertram branch of the Burnet County Library System had 20,760 visitors of all ages in 2024.
- Children checked out 19,752 books, while adults checked out 7,967.
- Kids also ruled when it came to 2024 program attendance: out of the 6,917 people who came to events, 4,685 were children.
The Joann Cole Mitte Memorial Library, aka the Bertram Library, is located at 170 N. Gabriel St. in downtown Bertram. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, visit bertramlibrary.org or call 512-355-2113. Happy reading!