Clayton News Daily

By Diane Glidewell

dglidewell@jacksonprogress-argus.com

Don Taylor became the new library manager at the Jackson-Butts County Public Library on April 5, taking the reins of a vital asset in the Butts County community. Mr. Taylor comes to Jackson from the Satilla Regional Library based in Douglas. He also previously worked for the Statesboro Regional Library in Statesboro.

"I am glad to be in Jackson; I like the library and the people," said Mr. Taylor. "I am looking forward to the [youth] summer reading programs and have plans for more adult programming."

Mr.Taylor, his wife Karen, and their two young daughters will all move to Butts County. He earned his Master of Library Science at Florida State University; he earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and also a Masters in history from Valdosta State University. He worked in the college libraries while earning his degrees and eventually decided to pursue library science as a career.

Taylor has become Library Manager just in time to get involved in the budget sessions for the new fiscal year. He is pleased an important repair for the library building is being handled speedily: On April 23-24, the library was closed while it got a new roof.

"It is always important for a roof to protect a structure, but it is especially important to protect all of the books under this roof, " said Taylor.

Taylor has worked as Children's Librarian and is pleased with the Story Time and other children's programs in place at the Jackson-Butts County Public Library. The various Book Clubs and special groups like the Knit and Purl Gang, which is for anyone interested in knitting and other needle arts, will also continue to meet regularly.

Mr. Taylor anticipates beginning a computer basics program for adults which will meet as a monthly class. He also hopes to offer a class on job hunting on line for the community. Taylor is eager to help patrons access the multitude of valuable information available through the Internet, such as, career, medical, pharmaceutical, and geneology information, but he feels nothing can take the place of books.

"People will enjoy books for may years to come," said Jackson's new Library Manager. "I love to read to my daughters every night."