Jennifer Sackett
Library Director
Lincoln County Public Library
1. What was the first library job you had that made the little voice in your head go, “Yes—I have found the profession for me!”
My first library job was as a Graduate Assistant at Bob Jones University. Although I was ready to end my career as a college student, I agreed to attend Library School at the University’s request. So I guess the “voice in my head” was actually that of the Provost! While I held a variety of positions, serving as the University Archivist was my favorite. I enjoyed curating collections of photos and documents, designing displays, and researching the past but most of all preserving the personal stories of alumni and retired faculty. Overall, it was the opportunity to help others grow and explore new ideas that convinced me being a librarian was about more about than just books.
2. What part of your job keeps you going to work every day? How do you continue to find inspiration and passion in the library field?
I enjoy serving others and making a difference in my community. Hearing patrons talk about what the library means to them and how it transformed their lives is humbling. It’s exciting working with other organizations to broaden the impact of our services in the community. I’m especially interested in supporting the academic success of our children. Establishing strong partnerships that open doors and encourage our youth to dream big is an important part of our work. The Lincoln County Public Library has a strong school partnership with staff providing weekly STEAM programs both during and after regular classroom hours.
Being a Director, it’s easy to get tied up with reports, meetings, and deadlines. I spend as much time as possible interacting with people in the library and the community so I don’t
forget why I transitioned to public libraries. I also enjoy networking with so many talented colleagues across the state. Each community is different but I find the challenge of meeting unique needs extremely rewarding. It’s easy to be passionate about what you do when your work enables you to do things like sing songs with toddlers in storytime, make sure a reluctant reader gets the books he couldn’t buy at the school book fair or help a grandmother login to a computer for the first time so she can watch her granddaughter receive her doctoral degree. Every day is a new adventure. While what we do as librarians may not be brain surgery, we transform lives every day!
3. Who are your library heroes in North Carolina and beyond?
Dan Barron was my advisor in Library School at the University of South Carolina. When I moved to North Carolina I was inspired by his commitment to the AMY Regional Library and his community. His involvement with various organizations and efforts to improve the quality of life for local residents went beyond what you learn from textbooks.
Ruth Ann Copley has been a mentor and friend who not only encouraged me to dream but supported many of my “crazy, out of the box” ideas. Her work with the digital libraries showed me the impact one person can have on an entire state.
Finally there is Joyce Parks, my Public Speaking teacher in college, who not only taught me to walk with my toes pointed forward and never say “um” but also encouraged me to make a difference in the library field by staying involved professionally. Joyce always wanted to be a librarian but her father felt she needed a profession that would provide for her future so she went into teaching! She spent her summers working in the university library and served as a Parliamentarian for the American Library Association. She had the heart of a librarian and I cherish the many talks we had about the importance of libraries and advocacy.
4. Tell us a little about your interests and hobbies outside of the library.
Wow! Is there really life outside of the library?! When I moved to North Carolina in 2009, I was the last of my family to relocate in Lincoln County. Weekend adventures with my two nieces and four nephews are typically my priority. We spend time exploring parks, working on art/craft projects, going shopping, playing Pokémon, and occasionally visiting the library (important to raising future library advocates). Other than that I love American history and baking, especially gingerbread. One of these days I’m going to take up reading as a hobby but I figure that’s something to look forward to in retirement.