Laurel Sphar, 38
Library Director
Employer: St. Marys Public Library
Lives in: Woodbine
Professional responsibilities: Supervisory responsibility in accordance with policies, procedures and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring and training staff; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; schedule training and testing; coordinating leave time; and addressing complaints and resolving problems. Plans long-range goals, objectives, organizational structure and overall direction for the department.
Accomplishments/Honors: Master’s degree in library science.
Community Involvement: I do a lot of community out reach: Participate in events, etc., currently I have a community garden and seed library I started. Check out our Facebook. Too many things to list.
Why did you go into your particular field? It was accidental. I needed a full-time job, and I was part time at the fire department as their admin and the fire chief at the time (Robby Horton) set up an interview for me at the library. He believed I could accomplish a lot, and it would be a good fit for me. He was right.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Movie star.
What was your first job? Operated the kiosk at Crooked River State Park.
What’s your favorite thing about your job? Interacting with the people. I never know who is going to walk in and what they will want or need makes for an exciting day.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Libraries are more than just books!
Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? I have two, Connie Brazell and Janet Loveless. Connie took me under her guidance when I first started at St Marys library in 2011. I fell in love with youth services because of her. When I briefly worked in Florida, Janet took me under her guidance and help me become a better manager and helped me to have a better understanding for working as a team and how to solve problems.
When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Spend time outdoors.
What is something about you that most people don’t know? I am a first generation born American. My dad came to this country from London, England, with his family as a young boy.
How do you hope to grow in your career? I have just been accepted into the doctoral program at Valdosta State University for D.P.A.
If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? Something with criminal justice.