Name:  Peggy Martin

Position: Library Director

Most recent position before coming to Powhatan:
I was the law librarian for a law firm in Savannah, GA.  Before moving to Savannah, I directed the Gunnison County Public Library in Gunnison, Colorado for 15 years.

What does the job of Library Director entail?
A director is responsible for planning, organizing, administering and coordinating library activities.  In conjunction with the library board, the director advocates for the library and informs the public about the library’s resources and programs.

What is at the top of your priority list as you settle in to your new role?
My first priority is to get to know the Powhatan county community.  I plan to work hand in hand with the other county departments in order to offer the best possible services for the public.  Investigating ways to enhance collaboration of public libraries in the region and on the state level is also a priority for adding value to local resources.

What are some of the challenges facing public libraries in general and Powhatan’s public library in particular?
Providing open, free and equitable access during the recent economic downturn with flat or reduced funding is the primary challenge for public libraries across the nation.  As the national economy sank, the use of libraries soared. The increased number of visitors utilizing services both in the library and remotely through online access to information has demonstrated that the value of libraries is growing and offering cost effective resources is challenging.
In Powhatan, the library has seen an increase in the circulation of books, audio books, and DVD’s but it recently had to reduce the hours it is open to the public due to flat funding.

With so many other industries being impacted by the Internet, do you ever see a time when borrowing a book from the library will seem quaint, or even become obsolete ?
A 2008 study by the American Library Association reported that more people than ever before have a library card.  In fact people who come to the local library and use the Internet borrow more books.  Libraries reinvent, redefine and evaluate new technology constantly to compliment and not replace books. 

If you could envision and the Public Library system in Powhatan 10 years from now, what do you think it would it look it?
I believe the library will remain an important educational, cultural, and social resource for the community.  The building will provide a family destination and a community center, which offers activities and resources for all.  Remote services will only increase, with databases that provide newspapers, journals and other information to help students with homework.  Adults will continue to use databases like Chilton’s to repair their cars or Heritage Quest to research family history.  10 years from now I would bet that Kindles will be replaced with a newer or better technology, but print books will remain.