By JESSE HELLING

Messenger city editor

There's more to working at a library than handing out books.

While browsing the aisles, patrons are likely to take for granted that the lights are on and the heat is running as they ask the librarian about latest releases.

Working behind the scenes at the Fort Dodge Public Library, Deb Kern's job is to make sure the bills are paid.

As the library's administrative assistant, Kern handles the nuts-and-bolts operations of the facility.

"Every day it seems different things come up," said Kern, a graduate of Iowa Central Community College.

Kern, a native of West Bend, has worked at the library since 1991.

"I started out at three-quarter time and moved up to full time," she said.Kern is also a member of the local chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

"We get together and do service projects ," she said.

Among the largest changes Kern has been part of was the library's relocation in 2001.

That year, a new, 32,000-square-foot building replaced the former library, built in 1903 as one of hundreds of public libraries financed with money from Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The old library is currently the Carnegie Apartments.

More space for the library also meant more space for Kern, she said.

"In the old building, I was tucked away in a little corner near the steps on the top floor," she said. "When we moved, I got an office of my own."

Another change has been the explosion of technology in recent years, Kern said.

"At the old library, we had a couple computers for people to use the Internet,' she said. "Now, we have an entire lab."

Part of Kern's duties are booking use of the new library's meeting rooms.

"They're always in demand," she said.

One aspect of Kern's job that has not changed and is unlikely to do so - is her responsibility to keep track of costs.

"I work to make sure we do not go over budget," she said.

Contact Jesse Helling at (515) 573-2141 or jhelling@messengernews.net