Loving the library: Ann Hornbach, manager of the city’s Torresdale Branch Library, works with children during a recent event. The Torresdale Branch has more than 100,000 visitors per year. There are about 500 children in its summer reading program, which is still open for registration. KEVIN COOK / FOR THE TIMES
The Internet has been detrimental to old-fashioned brick and mortar libraries, but not in the way that one might think, according to Ann Hornbach, manager of the city’s Torresdale Branch Library.
Many folks think of the World Wide Web as an omnipresent library, accessible in homes, offices, coffee shops, public squares and anywhere else they decide to log onto their laptops, tablets or smartphones. But that’s a false perception.
“Some people say that with the advent of the Internet, libraries are less relevant. I say we’re more relevant because people don’t know how to search properly anymore,” Hornbach said during a recent interview. “They don’t know what a valid website is.”
Teaching people the difference, particularly young people, is one of Hornbach’s many missions at the library. Another is developing innovative educational programs for kids, particularly those with special needs.
She’s doing such a good job at the library that Mayor Michael Nutter in March presented her with the Richardson Dilworth Award for Excellence in Customer Service during a City Hall ceremony. Then late last month, City Councilman Bobby Henon gave Hornbach a citation recognizing her for “developing educational programming for a variety of learning styles and disciplines.”
“Ann represents the best among the Philadelphia libraries and everyone that interacts with our children,” Henon said during an April 21 luncheon at the library. “She has taken the definition of customer service to mean public service as well. And for that, we should be thankful.”
Sister Maureen McGarrity, president of Hornbach’s alma mater, Holy Family University, helped present the citation, as did Free Library executives, Torresdale Branch staff, Elsie Stevens of the Holme Circle Civic Association and Linda Colwell-Smith, president of the Friends of Torresdale Library. Hornbach’s mom also attended the luncheon.
Hornbach, an Upper Holmesburg resident and former computer programmer, has served 15 years in city libraries, including the last nine in the Torresdale Branch at 3079 Holme Ave. Colwell-Smith and Peggie Finkbiner, recording secretary of the Friends group, wrote her nomination letter for the Dilworth Award.
“Every year we always nominate Ann because of the wonderful work she does, especially with the little guys and girls,” Colwell-Smith said. “The programs that she’s been developing finally came to fruition this year.”
Perhaps the most innovative of the bunch is the new Sensory Storytime, a reading program designed with the special needs of children with autism in mind. The library is partnering with the Center for Autism, Councilman Dennis O’Brien, Special People In Northeast, Holy Family and local grade schools.
“It’s a storytime designed with elements to make children with autism feel more comfortable,” Hornbach said.
The production includes special lighting, music, puppets and other components that help block out distractions and keep kids more focused on the activity at-hand, learning language skills. After testing the program successfully, the library is planning to host monthly Sensory Storytime events. The schedule is to be announced.
In general, the Torresdale Branch is usually buzzing with activity. It has more than 100,000 visitors per year, including about 8,000 a month during the school year and 12,000 during the summer. There are about 500 children in its summer reading program, which is still open for registration.
The mayor’s office cited Hornbach’s work with children and the disabled during the Dilworth Award presentation. Created by the Nutter administration several years ago, the awards “recognize the contributions of outstanding city employees whose work performance embodies excellence in public service.” They are named for the late former Philadelphia mayor, district attorney and school board president.
Barbara McCabe, director of stewardship for the Department of Parks and Recreation, won the Dilworth Award for Distinguished Public Service, while Philadelphia Police Detective Joe Murray won the Dilworth Award for Innovation in Government.
“(Hornbach) is known throughout the Free Library system for her service to children with autism and other physical and mental disabilities,” the administration wrote of Hornbach. “Ann has developed educational programming for a variety of teaching methods that accommodate different learning styles to (improve) each student’s chance of success.”
The administration also recognized the librarian for promoting the Literacy Enrichment After-school Program (LEAP), teaching computer skills to seniors, recruiting teen volunteers, helping kids with homework, helping job seekers and developing community partnerships.
“(Hornbach) won the Excellence in Customer Service award, which means she’s the best in the city in customer service,” Colwell-Smith said.
“For me, hospitality is a very big part of my personality, whether it’s (at work), at my church or at home,” Hornbach said. “Our whole staff is very customer oriented.”
Of the award, Hornbach said: “I knew they had been nominating me, but I never thought I’d win. I was nervous when the mayor called me. I also feel humility because I love to do the job and I’m honored to do it.” ••
The future is bright: Ann Hornbach was awarded the Dilworth Award for Excellence in Customer Service for her work as manager of the Northeast’s Torresdale Branch Library. One of her many missions is developing innovative educational programs for kids, such as Sensory Storytime, a reading program designed for children with autism. KEVIN COOK / FOR THE TIMES
