Beth Anderson, Administrative Assistant at Dixie Regional Library System, begins retirement at the end of June having dedicated 31 years to DRLS. Anderson first served as Pontotoc Branch Manager. During her five years as branch manager, she planned a variety of events from bedtime story times (complete with pajamas and stuffed animals!) to summer reading with tents and (pretend) campfires. Anderson recalls one particularly ambitious summer program where she hand-cranked snow cones for the entire group of summer reading program participants. She says family was integral during her time as branch manager – from her husband (AKA “friend of the librarian”) changing lightbulbs and fixing toilets to her mother portraying Mother Goose and manning the “make your own” sundae bar to her three sons growing up in the library - her days-old youngest child helping welcome Kindergarteners (including her oldest son) to the library during National Library Week. Promoted in 1995, her time as Administrative Assistant for the system has included juggling PERS, insurance, grant reporting, Dixie News newsletter (print & digital), payroll, accounts payable, procurement of summer library supplies for 8 branches as well as many other duties. Anderson’s creativity, diligence, and care is a great asset, and she will be greatly missed.
Submitted by:
Emily Sutherland
Assistant Director
Dixie Regional Library System
Pictured: Anderson (left) and Sissy (Lyons) Bullock with John Grisham at the 1991 MLA Author Awards Dinner (photographer unknown)