For those of you unfamiliar with Colrain, the Griswold Memorial Library stands out as a unique structure. The architecture conveys "library" amongst the New England style town. Its impressive stone presence gives a visitor, like myself, a sense that the Griswold is an important pillar of the community. Colrain sits northwest of Greenfield, near the Vermont border. Just under 2,000 residents can take advantage of a fast internet connection and over 10,000 books, movies, etc.I'm traveling to the Griswold, on a regular basis, to help with the upkeep of the library through the Thrive Grant. (see grant project page) Under the guidance of the Griswold Library director, my main task is to improve the collection of the library. As a Circuit Rider I will examine the collection and sift out non-circulating titles. Those books we find will either go to new homes at literacy advocacy organizations (such as Hands Across the Water) or go in the library's book sale. Ultimately, the process of renewing the collection is to provide space for the latest arrivals while at the same time maintaining an in-depth, robust collection.
During my first visit, I met with Betty (the Griswold director) early in the morning, before the library opened, to hash out our objectives. Becky, the coordinator of the Circuit Riders was also present to facilitate the first steps. Betty lead us into the building and introduced us to the Grsiwold Memorial Library. From where we entered, recent arrivals wrapped around the small foyer area, on deck for shelving. The foyer opened into a central area where the circulation desk sits. 
Mirroring the exterior design, dark-wood, Corinthian pillars wrap around the circulation area. Surprisingly, the Griswold has a domed ceiling with magnificent detail with a stained glass piece at the center.Two rooms branched off from the central circulation room. One area housed an extensive children's and young adult section (among other subjects) and the other end mostly housed the adult fiction and non-fiction titles. A handful of computers are tucked in where ever space is available. Despite the lingering piles of books Betty runs a tight ship.
Becky got the ball rolling and we dived into the stacks. We first focused on adult fiction. Betty maintains an up-to-date collection of fiction and for that reason, required immediate attention. Many
books laid atop the shelved books for lack of space. As we considered each book, Betty's energy and expertise provided for invaluable insight into the Griswold's collection, its patrons and how best to accommodate the community. We modified and added criteria as we progressed through the first part of the fiction shelves. For me, the process of review trained me about the Colrain Library and who are the readers. Even with the initial training I still rely on Betty'sTypical library strategies for updating a collection include criteria such as circulation statistics, condition, relevance, etc. Circulation statistics represents a good indication whether or not a book would serve another reader base better elsewhere. Condition is the other easy way to keep a collection renewed by either replacing a book in bad condition or removing it from the shelves. As with my first visit to the Griswold, each library modifies weeding standards to best fit their needs.
Over a few visits Betty and I made our way through the first section of fiction, authors A-E. Now many of the new arrivals will have a rightful place on the shelves. We also made enough room to place books on display as well, giving the section an open and browsable feel.
 Before |  After |
With each additional visit I hope to improve the Griswold collection and make the environment even more inviting than before. More posts on the Griswold will follow as Betty and I make significant progress in each section. I will post what challenges we met, how we overcame them and any other anecdotes . Other Circuit Riders are also in the process of updating the collections of libraries similar to the Griswold. My story will change as well, as I move from one library in-need to the next.
