Matthews
retires as Library Director
When Cathy Matthews started working at the Owen County Public
Library in 1986, it was a books-only facility, and they had just
gotten VHS.
Now, more than 20 years later, the library has become a Wi-Fi
hotspot, and provides a number of programs for children and adults
alike.
Matthews, who was named director in 2004, will retire this week.
“It’s been fun,” she said of her time spent
working at the library. “It’s a very changed environment
than it was 20 years ago.”
When Matthews first started working there, she said she helped
any way she could. She worked with children’s programs,
checked books in and out, and even shoveled snow.
In 2004, she was named Library Director.
“I was so flattered the (library) board gave me this opportunity,”
she said. “It’s been so interesting and so rewarding.”
Matthews credits her staff and the library board for the library’s
success.
“They are all committed to better library service,”
she said.
She added that having such a competent staff made her time spent
there much easier.
“The library is a nice place to be because of the people
who work here,” she said.
Matthews said her staff gives 110 percent at work and that it
has been a privalege working with them.
In her time at the library, Matthews has seen several programs
begin. Susan Hampton started “Family Fun Night,” once
a month. Jennifer Chancery began adult computer classes and monthly
movies.
Joan Goderwis and Becky Doolin have begun programs aimed at young
adults.
“We’re the unofficial teen center in the county,”
she said. “It’s important to offer (activities) for
teens.”
Matthews said she fell into working in a library “by accident.”
As a person who has loved libraries all her life, she used to
visit both Carroll and Owen counties’ libraries, but had
plans to work as a special education teacher.
One day the librarian in Carroll County asked her if she’d
fill in when some of the employees went on vacation.
Matthews said yes.
“I immediately felt like I’d found a home,”
she said.
It is a home that Matthews said she will miss.
“I will miss the people,” she said, “my co-workers,
the customers, the interactions.”
She said she will miss the satisfied feeling that comes from helping
someone.
But just because she’s leaving the job, doesn’t mean
she’s leaving the library.
Matthews said she plans to be the biggest library customer of
them all.
“I’m not leaving town,” she said. “This
is my library.”
She said she has a stack of books ready for her to read once she’s
retired and plans on reading as much as possible. She said she
looks forward to coming in and finding books on the library’s
shelves to read.
As of press time, there was no one lined up to take Matthews’
place as library director, but applicants are being reviewed.
She said there has been no decision yet, but she said the staff
is very competent and things will continue to run smoothly.
Whoever takes over as director will get a great staff, Matthews
said, as well as a great board of trustees.
“There is the potential for a high level of satisfaction
that comes from serving the community,” she said. “I
think it’s the best job in Owen County.”
Her last official day at work is Friday. The board of trustees
will hold a reception for her at the library from 4 to 6 p.m.
“Library customers have let me into their lives,”
Matthews said, “and it has been a privalege.”
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