Alicia Edwards Looking To Help Public Library Grow As New Director

Mrs. Jeanie Munsee Retires After 28 Years: "I have big shoes to fill for sure."

Current Library Staff, L-R: Ruth Parker-Adult/Children's Program Planner, Jason Miller-Bookmobile Librarian, Wilma Vincent-Circulation and Library Decorator, Alicia Edwards-Director, LuWanda Brooks-Assistant Director, Jeanie Munsee-Retired Director, Katie Bullock-Marketing/Social Media, Javonica Meredith-Circulation.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Alicia Edwards, a former familiar face with the EC Schools Family Resource Center, was recently named the new director of the Edmonson County Public Library and she is looking to help the Library grow as she and the staff continues to build on the good things the county has seen from the folks on Ferguson Street.

Edwards steps in for the departing Jeanie Munsee, who was the director of the Library for 28 years. Mrs. Jeanie is currently helping Edwards with the transition in her new role. Edwards said that while serving as the Family Resource Center Coordinator in seven out of the twelve years she was with the school system, she was blessed to be able to work alongside kids, schools, families, businesses, and community leaders.

"It was such a privilege for me to get to know everyone," she said. "While I will always treasure my time in FRC, I feel this role is perfect for me. I still get to work with everyone in Edmonson County and plan even more programs alongside my wonderful Library work family. I have partnered with the Library for many years and knew what an amazing place it was. I always felt it was the heart of a community! Jeanie Munsee was the Director for 28 years and is so loved by our patrons. I have big shoes to fill for sure."

Retired Director Mrs. Jeanie Munsee is helping new Library Director Alicia Edwards with the transition.

She described the opportunity as "incredible," and said the transition has been nothing but fantastic so far.

While she is still getting her feet wet with operating systems, budgets, and what is the norm around the Library, she is focused on working to better educate the community on all the products and services that the Library offers, and it's an extensive list.

"My goals and vision for the library are to find more ways to provide community involvement and some really exciting programs for ALL ages," she said. "We have a lot of ideas and goals for the upcoming year and we are looking forward to serving our community. Our community is the very best, and the more we can provide, the better we all are in the end."

She said she has already received some ideas from community members, for which she said she not only was grateful, but also welcomes it.

Currently, the Library currently offers the following programs:

• Story time weekly
• Ladies' Book Discussion
• Ladies' Craft Night 
• Summer Reading (month of June)

Library staff at work.

Mrs. Ruth Parker (front), Javonica Meredith, and Katie Bullock working at the Library.

Computer access is only one of the many services offered at the Library.

Goodie bags for the summer reading program participants.

In addition to the the programs, she said the Bookmobile is available to provide services right to one's home. 

"All you have to do is just call and we will put your home on the route."

Other services and products offered by the Library include the following:

• An amazing selection of books (if we don't have it, ask!)
• GED testing (starting in June)
• Workforce/Career resources
• Notary
• Genealogy 
• Senior Citizen Services
• Inter-library Loans
• Printing, Faxing, Internet and Computer Access
• Free Wi-Fi
• Tablets that are available to check out
• Audio books
• CDs
• DVDs 
• Magazines
• Digital Books and Magazines
• Little Libraries throughout the county 
• Tech and Board Room that is available to rent
• Manuals for CDLs, Driver's Manual, and other testing materials are available.

Edwards said she and the staff are already working to add to the lists above.

She also added that her new role also has some sentimental value, as her Mammaw, Judy Renfro, was the Bookmobile Lady for over 20 years.

"It makes the transition to this position even sweeter knowing I am able to follow in her footsteps and work where she loved working."

Library hours are 9AM to 4:30PM M-F, 9AM to 1PM on Saturday, and closed Sunday. It's located at 280 Ferguson St, Brownsville, KY 42210. You can call them at 270-597-2146.

You can also visit their Facebook Page here and their website by clicking here.