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Elizabeth Ledyard, the Demopolis Public Library’s new director, jumped right into her duties on her first day on Sept. 10 and hasn’t slowed down since.

Ledyard has been focusing on bringing “more and bigger and better events” to the library, including plans to commemorate Alabama’s bicentennial. An avid Halloween-lover and football fan, Ledyard is also looking to celebrate Halloween and the Iron Bowl at the library.

“We’re going to have fun, and that’s what it’s all about, having fun and learning,” she said.

In addition to the events, the library’s website, along with its periodical section, will receive updates. Ledyard said more information on those updates will be available soon.

Ledyard came to Demopolis to be close to family, and prior to her coming here she worked as a librarian at Reid State Technical College. She cited the biggest difference between working at an academic library versus a community library is the demographic.

“You don’t have children in a college library,” she said.

Whether she is serving college students working on a school project or children looking to pass the time with books, Ledyard enjoys helping people discover new things.

“My wheelhouse is history and learning, and what do libraries do? They point people to where they can learn,” she said.

Ledyard expressed interest in joining some community organization and has also shown a penchant for fun events and not taking herself too seriously.

“I’m not your grandmother’s librarian,” she said.

Ledyard received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Middle Tennessee State University and her Masters of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alabama.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, September 19 issue of the Demopolis Times.)