Lifelong Learning | Quality of Life
I thought I had died and gone to heaven, books were everywhere.
As a child growing up in the southeast rural area of Georgia, I loved to fantasize about various places and things. However, in the 1950’s libraries were not available in our rural community.
I would read magazines like Jet, Ebony and any newspapers that were handed down to me from an aunt that lived next door. My brother-in-law had a book collection he acquired while serving in the U.S. Army. This was my haven away from reality.
Then one summer, we received notice that a library on wheels would be visiting our community. Hence the Book Mobile arrived and provided our quaint little community with books that we could check out and explore the world.
My first experience in a building with a library was at my elementary school, Bowls Elementary. I thought I had died and gone to heaven, books were everywhere. Then there was Bunche High, Savannah State University, Armstrong State University, Georgia Southern University, and Live Oak Public Libraries.
At first these libraries were a bit overwhelming, but with the assistance of the staff members in these facilities I was able to navigate the holdings and find materials that provided entertainment and research.
Without the support of these facilities, I would not have the degrees of Bachelors of Mathematics, Masters of Mathematics Education, Masters of Educational Leadership, and Education Specialist.
As the grandmother of six adorable children (three boys and three girls) from ages 21 to 9 years old, my visits to libraries have continued. During summer visits in Savannah, Live Oak Public Libraries has been an invaluable resource for my grandchildren.
They are all card bearing individuals and have enjoyed many presentations and activities at Thunderbolt Library (closed), Islands Library, Bull Street Library, and Oglethorpe Mall Library.
Granny duties expanded beyond the state of Georgia. When the necessity arose in Texas, trips were made to libraries in Pear Land, Missouri City, and Sugar Land.
Being a resident of Chatham County District 3, I was approached by Commissioner Lockett to become more active with community activities in our district.
After researching the various Boards with vacancies, we decided that the Library Board of Trustees would be an ideal opportunity to serve our community. Past experiences as Principal, Administrative Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Mathematics Teacher and mother have been a valuable resource to the Library Board.
I am serving my second and last term as a Board Member. This experience has expanded my knowledge and my desire to continue to work for my community.
~ Jere Williams
Chair, Buildings & Sites Committee
Member, Chatham County Library Board
Member, Regional Library Board of Trustees
May 23, 2023
