The Calhoun County Library has a lot of great things happening and we’re making changes to better serve our community! One change we recently made was to honor a long-term board member with a special dedication.
In honor of one of
our long-standing library board members, we have dedicated one room to her and
have placed her portrait in the room along with a placard designating the room
name. We’re delighted to announce that the conference room to the right of the
front circulation desk is now named the Ann Kissam Thornton Board Room in honor
of Mrs. Ann Thornton of St. Matthews, one of our most loyal board members. Mrs.
Thornton has served on the Calhoun County Board of Trustees since 1979 and is
just as excited about the library’s impact on people’s lives now as she was
back then. She is actively involved in library programs, and she volunteers for
numerous children’s programs and events. You will probably see her at the Boo
Bash in October and at Cookies with Santa in December. Mrs. Thornton is an avid
reader herself and can frequently be seen at the library checking out her
favorite books. We are pleased to welcome the Ann Kissam Thornton Board Room,
available to the public upon request.
Mrs. Ann Thornton has been a member
of the Calhoun County Library Board of Trustees since April 27, 1979. We were
able to congratulate Ms. Thornton and have her join us for a quick little
interview.
Question: What led you to decide to be a committed member of the
Calhoun County Board of Trustees?
Answer: I had three young children and I always enjoyed reading to
them. Reading is just important as a whole and so is love for libraries, which
I had and passed down to my children. Although libraries are more than just
reading, we initially did not have lots of programs here in Calhoun County. I
wanted to get more people involved in reading.
Question: What has contributed to your longevity on the Library
Board?
Answer: I came to love the library more throughout the years. I
loved how the library was growing and the direction it was going in. I also
loved the other board members who shared the same desire to create the best
library possible.
Question: What are some of the best changes you have seen take place
at the library while serving on the Calhoun County Library Board?
Answer: One of the best changes is that we have witnessed people
realizing that there is more to a library than just books. From when I joined,
we have moved buildings, added more activities and programs, and created bigger
opportunities for everyone. For example, there is a sense of camaraderie
amongst the parents and guardians who bring their little ones to the Mother
Goose on the Loose program.
Question: How has serving on the Board impacted your life?
Answer: This is a deep and loaded question. The answer has to be
that it gave me purpose and belonging. That does not mean that it was easy
though. I was raising three children and working full time while being on the
Board. I am a big believer that if many do a little, a lot gets accomplished.
We would like to thank Ms. Ann Thornton for her many years
of devotion and commitment to the Calhoun County Library by serving on the
Calhoun County Library Board of Trustees. So, come by and see the Ann Kissam
Thornton Board Room!