Glass retires, Warf appointed director

Jennifer Moonsong

Central Division

General Manager

Jobe Publishing, Inc.

 

After nearly four decades of service to the MCPL, Director Rhonda Glass is retiring.

It was not an easy decision, but Glass is confident it is time.

“My decision to retire came after careful consideration and much prayer,” she said.

“The library has been such an important part of my life for 37 years and I have been blessed with so many friendships at the library. I am confident that this is the right time to retire. We have an experienced and dedicated staff that will continue to provide outstanding library service. In addition, we have a supportive library board that volunteers their time to make decisions and support the library.”

Glass says that her interest in becoming a librarian was rooted in her love of books.

“I have always been interested in reading and books.  At College, I was able to work at the library and gain an appreciation of what libraries do,” Glass said.

One of her favorite aspects of the job was working with children.

“I was able to instill that love of reading. After we appointed a children’s librarian, I continued to assist with story hour to share in the activities.”

And although Glass’s love of the library life have remained constant she has seen lots of changed in her 37 years there.

“When I started, we did not have computers.  I remember the first fax machine was purchased with a grant from the Ky Department for Libraries and Archives and I had to go to Grayson County for training,” Glass said.

“The community was so excited. We even received faxes for the newspaper and attorneys.  Our first computers were so large that we had to put them on a table.  It’s amazing to see all that we do today with technology including an online catalog, eBooks, and databases.

Glass says when she reminisces about her years at the library, her most cherished memories will include those times that she was able to be a part of services that change people’s lives.

“I will think of the many experiences that I have shared with the Library Board and Staff,” she added.

Kasey Warf has been appointed as the new Director. Warf has been a dedicated employee of the library for 16 years beginning as a Circulation Clerk, promoted to Children’s, and Program Director. In 2014, Kasey was appointed Assistant Director.

“As Director I hope to continue to offer traditional library services that patrons have come to expect, but look forward to working with the board, staff, and other community agencies to offer new services to ensure the library continues to play an essential role in our community,” Warf said.

Warf says that for her, establishing a career in public library work was not an intentional plan.

“The library was intended to be a part-time job while I worked my way through college. Over the years it became very apparent to me just how vital the library is to our community. The library is a community space for everyone no matter your socio-economic status. Being able to connect people to information and services is most rewarding. I love witnessing when patrons realize the library isn’t a place where they have to be quiet, but a place that is full of life!” Warf said.

She knows the path ahead of her will be both challenging and rewarding.

“Public libraries have fought hard to stay relevant in an increasingly digital age and I’m excited to continue to offer services and programs that truly serve the community,” she said.

“With new people coming in everyday, ever changing technology, innovative programs, and creative staff no day is ever routine at the library. On any given day, the library sees plenty of action! I look forward to continuing to ensure that the library remains the heart of the community.”

As for Glass, she has a few plans in store for retirement.

“I plan to spend more time with all of my family. I am looking forward to more time for reading, relaxing, and helping my husband on the farm,” said Glass. “We will travel to Bowling Green more frequently where our children and grandchildren live.  While I am anxious to begin this new chapter of my life, I will always think of the library as my Library family.”