Corbin Library Director stepping down in December

After four years leading the Corbin Public Library, Director Donna Chadwell will be leaving at the end of December.

Chadwell was hired in December 2017.

At the time, she worked for a local accounting firm and was keeping the library’s books.

Chadwell said that she is resigning to take a new opportunity to return to accounting.

“It was a hard decision, but it was the right decision for me,” Chadwell said of the opportunity. “It is an opportunity that is not going to come along too many times.”

Chadwell said at the time she was hired, the library board had already begun the building renovations, giving the members full credit for it.

As to what she is most proud of during her tenure, Chadwell said there are two things.

The first is keeping the library open to the public during the COVID–19 pandemic.

“We decided as a staff to keep the doors open,” Chadwell said giving credit to the staff for their willingness to keep going.

As part of that effort, Chadwell said employees were each assigned their own area of operations and remained within their areas to comply with social distancing requirements.

“It was very strategic,” Chadwell said.

In addition, Chadwell said the grant the library received for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Lab has been great for the community, even though the pandemic has not allowed it to be used to its full potential, yet.

“We do it by families to encourage family engagement,” Chadwell said.

One thing Chadwell noted that the STEM Lab has done is to expand children’s vision of STEM.

“Everybody thinks they want to do robotics until they see what all is involved,” Chadwell said.

Chadwell said leaving the job will be difficult.

“I have met so many great people, both staff and patrons,” Chadwell said when asked what she will miss most.

As to what advice she would offer to the next director, Chadwell kept it simple.

“Listen to the community and pay attention to what the community wants and needs,” Chadwell said.