Library visitors interested in learning about Venezuela needn’t look for a book on the subject — they just ask the new head librarian, Fernando Este.

For more than two weeks, Venezuela native Este has served as head librarian at the Will Rogers Library — a position he’s taken to whole-heartedly.

“I’ve loved libraries my entire life, so for me to be a head librarian is truly an honor,” said Este, his accent still reflecting his South American origins. “There are so many opportunities available at libraries — educational opportunities, teaching opportunities — they are amazing sources of information and history.”

Este (pronounced “Estay”) worked for 20 years as a mechanical engineer in the oil and gas industry before earning his masters degree in library information studies from the University of Oklahoma.

“I had worked in the Tulsa City/County Library system for three years, when a friend of mine learned of the (head librarian) job opening here in Claremore,” Este said. “I submitted my application and ‘officially’ took over from (departing head librarian) Carol Willet on the 17th of August.”

Although Este spent much of his first two weeks as head librarian “learning the ropes,” he said he is ready to serve the public and is looking forward to helping library patrons “one person at a time.”

“Public libraries are such invaluable resources for communities — I think with the advent of the Internet, a lot of people have gotten away from using them,” he said. “The Internet is a good tool, which we have access to here, but I’m hoping to work with the public, to educate them on all our resources.

“I’m also wanting to get the public’s input on the kind of programs they’d be interested in seeing here,” he said. “Public libraries are here to serve the public, and they can make a positive difference in people’s lives if they just take advantage of them.”

Este said one reason he feels so passionately about public libraries is that social, class, and other barriers that tend to segregate persons don’t exist within its walls.

“Really, libraries are among the last bastions of democracy, where persons can come, regardless of their income or social status, and expect to be treated equally,” he said. “I look at all of our patrons as royalty, and I plan to treat all of them the same, no matter who they are.”

While Este said he’ll continue to live with his family in Tulsa, he’s looking forward to becoming a familiar face in the Rogers County community.

“I am really, really grateful for this opportunity to serve Claremore,” Este said, “and I’m honored to be a part of this community.”

Comments on this story? Write Tom Fink, maned@swbell.net, or call 341-0220.