Winston County residents have been gifted to have librarian Beth Edwards. For many years now she has with staff, created databases of library materials. The library is organized so materials are easy to find. She and staff are very helpful in helping patrons to find the research material they need for academic projects and employment. When books, journals or other materials are recommended by patrons she does not hesitate to review the books and order them for the library. Because of her cooperation with patrons’ recommendations, the library is very diverse. Most recently during tours of the Black History Exhibit by Friends of Dean Park, Eiland Middle School students and teachers were very impressed and excited to see so many books with covers of people and authors that looked like them. Nearly 300 middle school students, over 150 Louisville High School, 4-H Club and NAACP Youth Council took the tours. Beth informed this writer that some of those students came back to the library to get a library card and they checked out books. Also during the tours, it was found that many students had never been to the library. Many parents and teachers thanked Beth for allowing such project as the Black History Exhibit to take place. This was the 14th year that this exhibit has taken place.
There are many activities taking place in the library for patrons of all ages. Notable is the Children’s, Teen’s space and the Genealogy room. The meeting room outside of the main library is useful for various community groups and library activities.
More than anything else, it is noticed that Beth is always polite, friendly and helpful to all patrons.
Beth diligently seeks funds to keep the library updated. She is often seen at the County Board of Supervisors and the City Council meetings giving reports as to what is transpiring at the library and what needs there are. Publicity is one of her greatest assets as she keeps the public informed via the Winston County Journal and Social Media of the activities and materials that are at the library. It appears that she has a good relationship with the Friends of the Library and they do many projects via fundraisers for the library.
This tribute is to thank Beth Edwards for all that she does at the Winston County Library for the Winston County residents. She will go down in the history of Winston County as one of its greatest assets.
