"There is so much support for our programs," she said.

Erwin's proactive tactics to entice people to borrow books included a library card sign-up booth at the Willow Glen Farmers' Market.

"I felt like a carnival hawker," Erwin said. "But I was gratified by the number of people who held up their library cards or have had one since they were kids."

She added that Willow Glen Library is seen as a good place for those promoted into the head librarian position to start because the building is small and the community is welcoming.

Now she has moved to a new systemwide position buying books for children and youth at King Library, which is the city of San Jose's main branch.

While she didn't seek out the job, Erwin said she wants to make sure young people's interests are represented at the library.

"The city doesn't think about the library as a service point for kids," she said.

Her new role involves serving on many committees, including the city's All Children Achieve committee with District 6 Councilman Ken Yeager.

"I'm looking forward to learning new skills," she said.

Taking over for Erwin at the Willow Glen Library is Ruth Kohan, who comes from King Library, in a job swap like musical chairs. As Kohan takes Erwin's former position, Erwin steps into being the youth services coordinator. The former youth coordinator moved on to take the place of the retiring senior librarian at the South San Jose Vineland branch.

Kohan's background is in literacy training, and she managed the Partners in Reading program for adult literacy, Books for Little Hands, the day-care reading program, and My Books and I, for preschool children.

While that chapter closes for Kohan, a new one begins.

"Initially I didn't know which library I'd be going to, but I requested Willow Glen as my top choice, and I'm thrilled to be going there," Kohan said.

She added that she is looking forward to working directly with the public and developing ties with the community. Kohan begins her position on Aug. 2.

Erwin said that changes also lie ahead for the Willow Glen Library on Minnesota Avenue. When the new Evergreen branch opens in two years, Willow Glen's materials and staff are slated to move there. Future decisions will also have to be made as to whether the Willow Glen library should add a second story or extend the building into the parking lot.

"I'm sure the community wants to maintain its quaintness," she said. "But they'll have multiple public hearings before they make a decision."