Laurie Hodges Humble began her very first job in Grade 9 as a page at Library in Regina, and now years later, has found herself back in a Library but this time as the manager.
Hodges Humble recently took over as the new manager of the Innisfail Public Library after long time manager Colleen Hayden retired last month.
With a background in communications and a passion for writing and literature Hodges Humble said she has always been interested in libraries.
“I just love libraries, I love the written word in all mediums, whether it be in books, in film, or on the Internet,” said Hodges Humble, adding that she really feels in her element as the manager of a library.
After spending one month training under the former manager and having spent one month Hodges Humble said she is learning a lot and becoming more comfortable with the operation of the library.
“The staff are great and the friends of the library, library board, and council have all been really helpful. There is a great support network here,” said Hodges Humble of her transition into the management position.
Hodges Humble moved to Innisfail in the fall for a job that ended up falling through. When the library manager position came up she said she felt like everything must happen for a reason.
Previously to living in Innisfail Hodges Humble lived in High River where she worked for the town. She has also worked for the Town of Okotoks and a number of post-secondary institutions such as the University of Calgary and the University of British Colombia.
She has a BA in English Literature from the University of British Columbia and has written for a number of publications across Alberta, most recently as a freelance writer for the Innisfail Province.
Hodges Humble has always loved writing and has been a member of writers clubs and guilds, she hopes to incorporate her love for writing with her new job through some new literary programs at the Library. She is looking at setting up writing workshops and inviting speakers to come to Innisfail in the fall.
As the new manager Hodges Humble is planning to continue the existing programming at the library such as the preschool story time and the book club but is also looking at beginning more teen programming and possibly working on programming with the seniors when they move into the new building.
“I have found that there are a lot of teens here to read or use the computers that could use a few more activities,” said Hodges Humble.
Along with the other library staff Hodges Humble said that she is very excited to move to the new library building and is already starting to organize books to be moved out of their existing location. However, she said there are still a lot of considerations to be made before the move happens.
“There are still a few challenges ahead and some of them lay in fundraising. We still need to fund a lot of the furniture, office equipment, and book shelves,” said Hodges Humble.
“We have got great support from the community and service groups but are hoping to get some donations from some larger corporate sponsors.”
Along with fundraising Hodges Humble said she will be continuing to work on exploring all of the opportunities for the library that will available after the move.
