Redefining the Small-Town Library: Laura Klinke's Vision for Sanger

Laura Klinke, Director of the Sanger Public Library, envisions her institution as "the living room of the community" – a vibrant gathering place where residents dance, watch movies, study, and connect. Far beyond traditional book lending, Sanger's library offers an expanding array of services from hotspots and STEM kits to cognitive care resources and board games.With Sanger's growth bringing young families alongside longtime residents, Klinke and her passionate staff have strategically developed programming for every life stage. While preschool story times have always been popular, they've expanded to serve the "awkward years" of middle school, high school students planning their futures, and adults in their 20s through retirement. Their innovative offerings range from Kids Can Cook classes and puzzle races to aluminum pours and period parties in collaboration with TWU Nursing.What library school never prepared Klinke for was the significant social work component of modern library service. Staff regularly help patrons in crisis access essential services through partnerships with organizations like Denton County United Way. This personal touch defines Sanger's approach, where staff pride themselves on knowing patrons by name and witnessing families grow over time. Digital resources like Cloud Library and Peterson's career prep materials complement their physical collection, while participation in a six-library consortium allows resource sharing across communities. Anyone – not just Sanger residents – can get a library card and access these valuable resources.Looking ahead, Klinke dreams of an outreach vehicle to bring library services directly into neighborhoods. Whether through volunteering, joining Friends of the Library, or simply spreading the word about available resources, community members can help support this vision of a library that truly serves everyone from birth through retirement. Visit SangerLibrary.org to discover everything your community living room has to offer!You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX.  IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]