“Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one” is Megan Krueger’s response to the question about the viability of libraries in today’s Internet world. Moorhead Public Library Director Krueger has repeated Neil Gaimans quote more often than she can count. Krueger’s message was loud and clear. Even with the vast and growing amount of information available on the Internet, there is a future for public libraries in the Internet age. Evolving, yes – disappearing – an emphatic No.
This is not a thought from yesteryear because Krueger is one of the Millennials. She is a Moorhead High School graduate, who completed her undergrad at MSUM in history and political science, and her masters in Library Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, Krueger’s work experience is also library focused as she began at the Moorhead library as a student and employee, starting from entry level to her present position as library director, which she has held for the past year. She understands the operation from cover to cover.
Krueger is quick to point out that public libraries provide a vital community link to the Internet, technology, and information. Libraries are key players in our digitized future. Yes, the Internet is an integral part of our learning process, but without libraries encouraging new readers, fostering book groups, and promoting reading communities, there simply is no replacement for these services. Public libraries are and will continue to be providers of employment and educational services and resources to help citizens find work, apply to college, secure government benefits and to research medical procedures and treatments. Not only does the Moorhead Public Library provides free access to workstations and Internet services to those who may not otherwise have access, the staff also provides training and assistance to those who may need it. In addition, the library provides meeting space for numerous community groups.
The Moorhead location is a part of the Lake Agassiz Regional Library system that provides services to the residents in a seven-county region of NW Minnesota. As the Moorhead Library Director, Krueger has management responsibilities overseeing the four branches located in Barnesville, Ada, Hawley, and Breckenridge, MN. The library also shares resources among 13 branch libraries and 8 LINK Sites. These library branches are a source of life-long education for all ages.
Krueger and husband Markus, who shares her passion for learning and culture, is the visitor services coordinator at the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County. They enjoy exploring the community together, and have plans to expand their garden, including growing and canning tomatoes. Their family includes three cats who have a way of keeping both of them on their best behavior.
For those who have not recently visited the library, Krueger encourages them to experience the richness of our community to stop in for a guided tour of the many opportunities and adventures that only a public library can offer. The library is not going away, it’s only getting better. Moorhead Public Library: So many opportunities, so little time.
