Lawrence County Public Library names new Interim Director
By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor
The Lawrence County Public Library announced an Interim Director during a special meeting Monday evening, Sept. 30, after long time director, Carlie Pelfry resigned citing it was for the betterment of her family.
In her letter of resignation Pelfry wrote the following:
“After thoughtful consideration, I have accepted a position reflective of my professional goals and the betterment of my family. This email is my notice of resignation as Director of the Lawrence County Public Library. My final date of employment will be Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.
I am proud of the tremendous growth and success of the library throughout my decade of employment. During my
tenure, staff and I have worked diligently to provide Lawrence County with quality educational and cultural services and experiences. Programming has grown exponentially and we worked meticulously to curate a collection reflective of all members of our community. To bridge the gap from past of future, we thoughtfully curated local digital collections and made those collections easily accessible on our website. To enhance Lawrence County’s educational ecosystem, we
developed a flourishing partnership with local public and private school systems. We encompassed the most rural areas of the county with outreach services and, with community input, created programs and services to enhance the lives of those we serve. Additionally, as administrator, I am proud to leave the library in excellent fiscal standing. By working cooperatively with previous boards to ensure prudent stewardship of taxpayer funds, we constructed an award-winning, state-of-the art facility to service Lawrence Countians for generations.
The hard work and dedication of the staff and myself is evident in our annual statistical reports, but more importantly we have witnessed first-hand the immeasurable impact a public library has on the lives of individuals. From feeding hungry children to servicing disabled and homebound patrons to providing a safe physical space for vulnerable populations - it so easy to see why this library, and so many others, are fundamental to the communities they serve. To list all the accomplishments of this organization and its staff would prove impossible. One thing so certain, the Lawrence County Public Library is now a vital community hub for learning, connection, and growth.
I am hopeful my successor will be equally dedicated to this organization and the library will remain a valued institution of lifelong learning, equitably servicing all citizens of this county. Carlie N. Pelfrey, MLIS, MA”
The person named by the Board of Trustees to be a stand in is Deanna Farris an employee of the library who although does not have the qualifications to be a director but has enough experience with the library that the board felt she could keep the library going until they could replace Pelfrey.
The Board of Trustees will be posting the job position along with the requirements and duties in the near future in hopes to get a replacement as soon as possible.
During the special meeting, some of the concerns were how bills would be paid since some of them will start being due as of Oct. 4 and there was some discussion that some were paid through an email account belonging to Pelfrey.
The board decided to ask Pelfrey to help them with that email account.
The board has also elected newly appointed trustee Lynn Perry as Treasurer and newly elected President Lenny Collins to be added to all bank signature card and be bonded as signees for library checks.
The Board of Trustee meetings are held the second Monday of each month at noon, at the library. Meetings are also streamed live on Facebook and archived on the library website. All information concerning the library can be found on their website www.lcplky.com.