COLUMN: OCPL: A hub of knowledge and learning

Growing up in Owen County, I have vivid memories of visiting Owen County Public Library (OCPL), only I wasn’t there for books, I was there to check out the VHS of the musical Annie for the hundredth time. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined myself as the future director of the library.

The love of reading did not come naturally to me. My older sister could and would read anything put in front of her, while I could barely sound out simple words. My grandparents and parents rushed into action and found a tutor to help me. After more after-school tutoring sessions than I could count, I could figure out the words on the page, but that zest for reading still wasn’t there. And then it happened!

I feel like most avid readers are either born that way or can tell you the moment they become readers. For me, it hit my seventh-grade year at Owen Valley Middle School. I don’t know if it was having my first author visit, working at the student bookstore or hearing Darla Staley read aloud with all the character voices, but for the first time, books weren’t just piles of pages with ink on them. Books were suddenly alternate worlds that I wanted to be a part of. Almost immediately, I knew two things: I wanted to read every book I could, and I wanted to grow up and be one of the people who helped others want to read! So that is what I did, I went to school to be an English teacher.

After graduating from Indiana University, I was fortunate enough to get the job of my dreams, teaching language arts at Owen Valley Middle School (OVMS). Not only did I get my wish to show others the joy of reading, but I would get to do so in the place and with the programs that made me a reader.

I was re-introduced to the library after I started teaching at the Lifelong Learning Center (LLLC), the library’s adult education program, where I just celebrated my 10th anniversary. The LLLC offers a range of classes, from high school equivalencies to laser printing, digital literacy and Microsoft certifications, just to brush the surface. Being a part of adult education gave me a new perspective on the library system; it showed me that a library is more than a place to check out a book or movie, but rather a hub of knowledge and learning.

Looking forward, I cannot express how proud and privileged I feel to continue the legacy of OCPL. At any given moment, the library building is abuzz with patrons looking for books, using computers, learning new skills and even playing instruments. Some are even looking for movies like I did. I am constantly amazed by all the talents of the staff, seamlessly jumping from assisting one person to another. With their dedication, I know OCPL will continue to grow and serve the ever-changing needs of our community.

To quote Little Orphan Annie, “I think I’m gonna like it here.”