December Birthdays

Birthdays in December are often overshadowed by Christmas.  Planning a special celebration for a birthday is hard to fit in with all the holiday parties.  With four staff members celebrating birthdays this month, I came up with the idea of introducing them in our blog.   I also want to recognize these employees for their dedication and hard work.   The following introductions correspond to the photograph as listed left to right.

First I’d like to present Amy Jones, one of our newest employees. She began working here in September 2012 as a Youth Services Assistant.  One of her responsibilities is leading the Inditers group, a writing program for teens. She inspires young writers to explore their creativity and express themselves with written words.  When asked what she likes best about working at Ashe County Library Amy replied, “I feel a comfort in being surrounded by books in general, but at this library  I love the people I've met, both coworkers and patrons, and especially being able to work closely with children.”  In her free time she enjoys blogging and working with web formatting.  Amy also loves listening to music from around the world, specifically from Asian countries.  Even as an adult, Amy enjoys reading the same books she read growing up, naming Nancy Drew and the Trixie Belden series as all-time favorites. 

If you’ve borrowed books from the library, you may know Maria Holman and Karen Riddle.  They both provide excellent customer service at the circulation desk.   

Maria has recently been promoted to assistant circulation manager and is a pro at searching the customer database and online card catalog.  She says getting to know the patrons is the best part of her job, “I love when they give you a big smile just because you remember their name, or are able to help them find a book that they would enjoy.” Maria is a big collector of children’s books.  Amelia Bedelia books have been her favorite since childhood. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and playing with her little dog Frankie.

For Karen, meeting and working with library patrons is also the most rewarding part of her job.  “If we can help these patrons in any way, they are most appreciative.  That is what we are here for.”   In addition to assisting patrons, Karen keeps the information board in the front entrance up-to-date and organized.  There is a lot going on at the library and in the county, so be sure to take a look at this and pick up some brochures.  Karen’s all-time favorite author shares her first name … Karen Kingsbury.  She says, “I like her style because she relates to people and the everyday problems that come along and most always she has Bible scripture to refer to.”  When Karen is not at the library, she enjoys spending time with family, church, gardening and reading.

Judy Belvins works for the Appalachian Regional Library as the system’s financial and personnel manager.  Her office is in the Ashe Library, so you may see her from time to time on your visits here.  One of the best parts of working at the library for Judy has been getting to know all the great staff, friends, board members and volunteers over the last 21 years.  She can’t pick an all-time favorite book, and I certainly understand that.  There are so many good ones out there!  Judy says, “I just enjoy reading in general.”    When asked about life outside of the library, she says, “My husband Jimmy and I enjoy spending time outdoors in our free time, especially hiking and biking.  We also love to travel…something we’re looking forward to doing more of when we retire.    I have a 16 year old son (Jacob) and he participates in football and track at the local high school so we enjoy attending all of his events also.”  

As, county librarian, I am proud to present and privileged to work with these ladies!  I am also extending “best birthday wishes” from myself and the rest of the library staff!