“All-Around Guy”
Has Kept Library Systems Humming

By Grace Allen

If you’ve spent any time in the Norfolk Public Library in the last 28+ years, you’ve probably seen John Spinney around. But you might not be aware that he’s a vital reason the library remains on the forefront of technological advances in library science.

Spinney, the library’s Information Systems Administrator, is set to retire on September 1. While his behind-the-scenes role has evolved over the years, it’s accurate to say his efforts have always reflected the growing needs of library users and staff, even if they didn’t know it at the time.

“He’s always kept us ahead of the curve in terms of new technology,” said Sarah Ward, the library’s director. “We’re usually the first to be trying things, which is really nice.” 

Spinney, a Norfolk resident, started out as a volunteer in the library’s homework center, which at the time was located in the reference area. A stay-at-home dad with a degree in mathematics, his skills quicklybecame obvious to the library staff.

“We soon realized we needed him on our team as more than a volunteer,” said Sarina Bluhm, the former children’s librarian and director. “Not only could he fix our computers, he could fix just about anything else in the library.”

The self-effacing Spinney says that’s par for the course in the field. 

“Like all library jobs, when you’re hired you pretty much do everything there is to do,” he said. 

While he does not have an MLS degree, Spinney has had extensive on-the-job training in the technology necessary to run a library—and keep it running. He also took classes whenever possible, to learn the latest advances in information and communication technologies. 

But he credits Robin Glasser, who was the library’s director from 1992 to 2015, for being instrumental in moving the library into the technology age. 

“Some people don’t like change, but Robin was not like that,” said Spinney. “She was always open to new ideas. If I wanted to try something, she’d say, ‘let’s do it.’ We’ve always been on the cutting edge. We were always one of the first libraries in the SAILS consortium to adapt the newest emerging technology, and I was always proud of that.”

The SAILS consortium, at the time, was one of the biggest library consortiums in the country.

Spinney has had other roles, too, in the library. He has helped patrons with their own technology challenges, showing them how to use their kindles or even their newest iPhone. He’s also the library’s lead certified passport agent.

Spinney will assemble and put-up shelves when needed, or just fix anything that needs to be fixed. One of his hobbies is carpentry—at one time, he worked with his brother-in-law, putting up dormers on homes. 

“I’m not sure people know how much extra stuff he does around here,” said Ward. “He’s really an all-around guy.” 

Bluhm, the former director, pointed out that Spinney’s tech skills weren’t the only thing he brought to the library.

“On top of all that, he’s just a nice guy,” she said. “He would do almost anything for staff and patrons alike. He even donned a Clifford the Big Red Dog costume for a children’s program one summer.”

In any career, there are challenges, however. The 2005 library expansion and renovation brought some of those challenges to both staff and patrons alike. While construction was going on, the library moved into three temporary locations: Town Hall, trailers at the Department of Public Works, and the former Pickwick building near the corner of Route 1A and Pond Street.

Getting internet up and running in the Pickwick location was difficult, said Spinney, as was contending with all the squirrels that kept getting into the building.

“I can’t recall how I did it, but somehow I did. A lot of that I’ve blacked out,” he laughed. “But finally moving into the new library was great. Everything was wired and I just had to plug things in.”

Spinney, 65, says he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and family when he retires, noting he has three daughters and four grandchildren. He’s also a cyclist, and now he’ll have more time for that, too. 

“I’m not leaving because I don’t like this job,” he reflected. “I love this job, and I love helping people. It’s rewarding when somebody has a problem and you’re able to fix it. But there are other things I want to do, while I still can.”

Director Ward, who has known Spinney since she was a young library patron herself, has started the search for his replacement. The new hire will have to have many of the same qualities, she emphasized.

“It definitely has to be someone who is able to keep up with the tech trends,” said Ward. “But I also want someone who is able to connect with patrons the way John does. He’s so patient. It’s a really special thing he does, helping people and talking to them in a way that makes them feel comfortable and welcome here at the library.”