Three Bronxville Public Library trustees participated in "Behind the Scenes @ BPL," a program designed especially for them by library staff members. On Thursday, August 1, 2013, trustees Kathy Mullen, Julia Murphy, and Sarah Normand were guided through each library department by staff members acting as hosts and educators.

The circulation and reference departments worked together to demonstrate how books and other materials from throughout the Westchester Library System, which includes 38 libraries, get into the hands of Bronxville Public Library users.

Circulation functions such as emptying the book drop (which collects as many as 300 items such as books and DVDs per day), checking holds lists, and shelving were explained by library clerks Marianne Wingertzahn and Michele Prete, while procedures for processing books, including bar-coding, labeling, and placing DVDs in security cases, were demonstrated by technical services clerk Anne Hancock.

Reference librarians Pat Root and Tessy John showed how books are selected using review tools such as Booklist and Publishers Weekly and then ordered online through a variety of book distributors.

Finally, reference librarian Geraldo Soares described the criteria for removing or weeding books from the collection to make room for new books, some of which are replacement titles. The librarians explained how reference queries, the staple of every librarian's practice, numbering 30-40 per day at the library, are handled, and explained other services such as helping library users access electronic databases, processing interlibrary loans for materials beyond the county border, compiling obituaries, lending museum passes, and lending Kindles.

In the children's room, head of children's services Erin Schirota and reference librarian Christine Utchel gave an overview of how children's programming is developed. In the case of this year's summer reading game, Schirota chose to develop her own theme. "Books are Sweet" encourages readers to remember that reading is a treat and can be just as enjoyable as ice cream on a hot day, according to Schirota. They also discussed future projects, volunteer management, and the recent redesign of the children's room that eliminated the circulation desk in order to make the room more user-friendly while improving services related to checking books in and out.

Last, library caretaker John Gallucci reviewed routine maintenance procedures and highlighted recent library building projects, including one currently under way. Presently, the Yeager Room, Currier and Ives Gallery, and Little Gallery on the lower level are being painted.

"The staff and I wanted to supplement the education library trustees receive through the Library Trustee Association with a more hands-on, site-specific presentation," explained Gabriella Radujko, library director. "Our trustees are dedicated to the excellence of BPL, and we appreciate their commitment." Trustee Mullen said, "The insights we received today remind us of the many ways our library is valuable to our community."

Staff members indicated how much they appreciated the genuine interest the trustees expressed in their work "behind the scenes." One of the spirited comments included, "We'd be happy to present it again!"