[ community ]
Photo by Elizabeth Skolny / Putnam Herald .
Megan Tarbett
PAIGE KOCOUREK
Community is at the heart of all Putnam County Library Director Megan Tarbett does . The West Virginia native lives by the adage not of building a higher wall but instead , building a longer table . As the library director , she not only tends to the administrative tasks required of her position , but she is directly involved with the people in both the library and county community . She is always looking for ways to connect , whether through reading a book at the library ’ s story time or setting up a booth during an event to educate others on everything the Putnam County Library has to offer .
“ Why am I doing this if not for the people I am serving ?” Tarbett explains . “ I need to know them and what they want , what they like and what they don ’ t like . They need to see me so they know who they can talk to and count on .”
Tarbett ’ s passion for her community began at a young age . Watching her parents ’ selfless service became a precedent for how she would live her life . Tarbett ’ s well-rounded career path began after receiving her bachelor ’ s degree in English from Bethany College . Her first job following graduation was with Pennsylvania ’ s WQED , the country ’ s first community supported television station , as the department assistant and literary editor . She later acquired a master ’ s degree in library and information science . Her diverse background gave her the skills necessary to be successful as the library director today .
Since 2015 , Tarbett has been growing the Putnam County Library ’ s network . When she started as director , she recognized that while the system in place was sustainable , it lacked programming .
“ If you program , they will come ,” Tarbett says .
Over the past six years , she has implemented expanded hours , Saturday story time , early literacy programs and senior programs in order to expand the library ’ s impact in the community .
The library is a dynamic community hub , and Tarbett has improved how it can help the people around her . For example , the extended hours allow working individuals to come in and use computers , printers , copiers and notaries outside of regular business hours . The senior programs advise on estate planning . The Saturday story times give families who can ’ t make it to events throughout the week the opportunity to attend .
A library is a place that inspires individuals to read . It allows people the space to find something they love and encourages them to enjoy it in their own time .
“ If you want to work in the library just because you like books , this is the wrong career for you ,” she says . “ In the dynamic
Photo by Scott Edwards .
community hub of today ’ s public library , it ’ s about the people . Working for the library is more than just literature , it is about teaching and inspiring people .”
Tarbett is proud of the Putnam County Library and her success in keeping in touch with the community . Although she is thrilled about the current state of the library , she is always looking for ways to grow and expand . On the immediate horizon , she hopes to construct a drivethrough book pick-up at each library in the Putnam County system .
“ Comfort is the enemy of progress ,” she says . “ When you are afraid to try , do it anyway .”
Tarbett ’ s outreach does not stop at the library ; she actively serves on various boards and committees and generously volunteers her time in more ways than one , including her involvement with Get a Life , a program that teaches children about budgeting and life skills , or the Putnam Area Community Enrichment Foundation , which supports community artists and encourages the growth of the visual art industry . When an organization or individual is in need , Tarbett is there to help .
“ We are all just walking each other home ,” she says . •
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