Source: Stephanie
Rock Hill Public Library’s Community Spotlight series features outstanding people in our community. This month, meet Stephanie, this year’s president of the Rock Hill Public Library Board of Trustees!
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1. How did you become interested in being on the Board of Trustees?
A. I heard about an opening on the Board of Trustees while attending the library’s book club. At the time there was a single book club, although now we also have the mystery book club. One of the book club attendees was already a member of the Board and told the rest of us about the opening. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to get involved in the Rock Hill community.
I had been living here for a few years at that point and was spending a lot of time at the library, retrieving and returning books, going to book club, etc. I’ve always loved libraries and reading, so I was really grateful for the opportunity.
2. What do you do when you’re not advocating for the library?
A. I work at a university. I was recently tenured and promoted to Associate Professor, which was very exciting! I teach Communication courses and conduct research in Health Communication. I also serve on committees as part of my job, so stepping into a role on the Board was somewhat familiar territory. I use the university library a lot to access the latest research in my field, so my connection to libraries spans my home life and work life.
3. What are you reading right now?
A. I actually want to mention a book I recently finished – A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes. The plot is essentially The Trojan War, but told from the perspective of the women involved in and affected by it. It was a really interesting perspective and, in many ways, heartbreaking. I’d give it 4/5 stars, only because I’m very selective about my 5-star book ratings. I currently have 5 books checked out that are next up on my to-be-read list.
Stephanie holding a book from the library’s Blind Date with a Book display
Source: Stephanie
4. When was the last time you belly laughed?
A. Probably yesterday. My child is fairly hilarious.
5. What do you find most rewarding about volunteering on the Board?
A. I like a lot of things about being on the Board. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the other Board members and the staff. Everyone is so kind – it’s inspiring to be around such great people. I think the most rewarding part, though, is knowing that I’m helping to support such an important resource for our community. Libraries are amazing and they contribute so much to our communities. Being able to play a part in that for our Rock Hill community means a lot to me.
Stephanie and her child at Storytime at the library
Source: Stephanie
Thanks for chatting with us, Stephanie! We are so excited to have you on the board.
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Volunteering for the Board of Trustees is a great way to serve the Rock Hill community! To apply for an open seat on the Board, visit https://www.rockhillpubliclibrary.org/about-us/#staff
