Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1437729
Why are you driven to your work? The reason I am driven to my work is two-fold. I am passionate about serving the community, and I believe education is the key to success. The library opens venues to support both of these facets. What is the legacy you hope to leave? I always strive to do a job beyond what is expected. I hope others will remember me as someone who worked hard. What makes you feel appreciated? I feel most appreciated when I'm helping others strive for their best and achieve their goals. What do you want more people to know about your work? I would like others to know that branch managers in our rural libraries work really hard to offer outstanding programming. They receive very little funding, yet they are able to deliver phenomenal services to their communities. What lessons have you learned from working through the COVID-19 pandemic? What we learned was that we must always be flexible. We adapted to the needs of the community by offering programs virtually, curbside and allowing patrons to complete card applications online so they could have continued access to materials digitally. We definitely honor the mission of Middle Georgia Regional Library to connect all people to the information necessary to improve their lives through excellent services and materials. How can our community better support your work? The community can better support our work by patronizing the library more. We need everyone to come out and enjoy our great services. We have something for everyone: book clubs, movie DVDs, story-time for the kids, DENITA THOMAS Affiliate Services Coordinator, Middle Georgia Regional Library bingo, puzzles and computer classes. I could go on and on talking about our services. There is so much the library offers that you won't know about until you come check us out! When you wake up in the night, what do you think about? How can I be better than I was yesterday? What makes you get out of bed in the morning? Foremost is my family. Secondly, excitement for what the day has to offer. I look forward to learning what's new in the six libraries I serve. I like helping to facilitate their goals and accomplishments. What makes a "hero"? A hero to me is simply someone who shows up. You don't have to be extraordinary, just show up and give your all. If I had more time, I would: Go somewhere where the water is really blue. Only my kids would get that sentence. DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 | maconmagazine.com 75