Simpson County public libraries recently added two new hires. Alice Green was hired to fill the Youth Services Specialist position at Magee, and Sandy Orman took on the role of Circulation Clerk at Mendenhall.
Green came on board in August 2022 after having taught various science classes in the Simpson County School District for eight years. She received her bachelor’s degree from William Carey University and master’s in education from Belhaven University.
Even though she chose to leave the classroom for now, Green wanted to remain in the education field. “I’m from Magee and I love my hometown. I wanted to still try to help my community by doing what I love and that’s working with children.”
Green enjoys her job but admits that in the beginning it was a bit intimidating. “I didn’t realize how much went on at the library! I felt a little overwhelmed at first. A lot of people don’t realize what all we do. We have so much for the community here and I want to work with them as much as I can!”
The youth specialist is responsible for all things children, from tots to teenagers. Green leads Story Time for the littles on Wednesday mornings and has begun Dungeons and Dragons for tweens and teens. The game utilizes books, boards and participants’ imaginations. She is also working toward adding a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program monthly, a good fit with Green’s science background.
In addition to hosting Santa in December, Green developed two programs that lasted through the Christmas season for the younger children and another for the older kids, a Character Hunt with board books and a Christmas Scavenger Hunt.
Green enjoys her job. She says that she enjoys developing relationships with the kids and watching them grow. “I just love it!”
Orman entered the Central Mississippi Regional Library System by way of Richland Public Library six months ago. About a month ago an opportunity opened up at Mendenhall Library and she took it. “It worked out really well that I was able to come here; I’m really happy to be here,” she said. Orman lives in Harrisville and cares for her elderly parents.
A teacher for 12 years in Washington State, Orman returned to Harrisville in 2020 during the Covid pandemic with the express intent of taking care of her mother and father, 76 and 80 respectively. While in Washington she was mostly a school librarian for grades 5-8.
After returning to Harrisville she took a position teaching 6th grade at Simpson Central School. Orman left after a year due to the stress and difficulties of trying to balance teaching virtually and face to face in class with her students.
“I have a passion for books, reading and writing, and a passion to share that with other people. If I can’t be in the school system anymore the public library was the next logical jump for me,” Orman explained.
While Orman already has a degree in elementary education and an associate’s degree in library media sciences, she plans to begin work on a master’s degree in library science in 2023. The University of Southern Mississippi offers the program on line. That degree will afford her even more options. “The pay’s not that great so you don’t get into it for the money, the same with teaching. Nobody goes into it for the money – you go into it because you have a passion. I would like to become a branch manager one day or move into a more specialized version of archive or reference material. My goal is to try and learn as much from Kathy (branch manager) as I can.”
One of Orman’s favorite aspects of the job is finding books for people. “You hear it all the time ‘I hate to read; I don’t like books.’ To me the idea is we just haven’t found the right thing to read. For me one of the best parts of my job is to find books for people.”
Orman is also excited about the restart of the Mendenhall Library’s book club. The first selection has made, There, There by Tommy Orange, about the plight of urban Native Americans after they lost their land. “It’s pretty gritty and dark, but I’m excited to talk about books with people.” Orman admits she is a bit nervous about the book but is looking forward to the first meeting in January 2023.
Orman returned home as caregiver for her parents because she wanted no regrets.
“It makes me feel comforted and I know it makes them feel comforted. It’s hard being away from my own kiddos and grandkids but I just feel like this is the right thing for me to be doing right now. I’m glad to be here.”
