If you’ve dropped into the Zachary Branch Library lately, you may have noticed a young librarian who is always wearing the absolute cutest dresses. That’s Branch Manager Ashley Clark, and she’s in charge of making our library run smoothly and efficiently. 

A Central native, Clark has been working in the library system since she was a high school student. She started as a Page and then became a Library Tech and then a Teen Librarian. After completing her degree in 2013, she became a Programming Librarian who oversaw programming for Teen Services across the parish for 5 years before heading the Teen Services Department at Greenwell Springs Branch. She became the Branch Manager in Zachary in 2021. 

“As Branch Manager I’m in charge of scheduling and supervising the Librarians and other staff, working with the department heads, and working the service desk if we’re short staffed. I also am the contact person for all outside projects. This past year I helped coordinate with Patricia Husband and Architectural Services from City-Parish for the roof replacement and painting projects for this branch,” Clark explains. “I am also here to make sure that my people have everything they need to best serve the community.” 

Community services are at the heart of the EBRPL mission to “connect our citizens with information, resources, materials, technology, and experiences in order to make a positive difference in their lives.”  Here in Zachary, we have a strong lineup of programs for the entire family. Starting with the amazing Lapsit Storytime which takes place on Tuesday mornings and is aimed at birth-18 months, teaching moms how to read to their babies, and continuing on to adult knitting and book clubs, the library serves as a true “third place” for the community. Clark herself is in the process of “trying to knit a 1951 vintage sweater pattern.”

There’s also fun one-off events such as these Spring Break programs that are sure to interest your elementary aged children:

 

 

In addition to books and programs, the EBRPL system also offers a bevy of digital services such as FREE access to Ancestry.com when you’re on library property and also several genealogical sites that are free to access from home. Ready to start living life as your own boss?  The library system has business services that can help you get your idea off the ground. “The business librarians are based at the Main Library, but you can book time with them to come out to meet you here in Zachary,” Clark explains. There are also Maker services at many Library Branches. Once you get your Maker’s Badge, you can book time to use cool machines like 3D Printers, Sublimation Printers, and Cricuts. 

Getting an EBRPL library card is simple. All you need is a piece of mail that shows your name and your home address and your photo ID. If you’re out of parish, then you’ll also need to either bring in a library card from your home parish or a letter stating that you’re in good standing. “Once you have a EBRPL library card, you have access to all the branches in the system. A lot of people don’t realize that,” says Clark, “You also get access to our bookable community spaces and programs, movies, printing, and access to the internet.” 

In the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting more cool programs available through the EBRPL system. Watch this space for everything from volunteer opportunities to big events like One Book, One Community and The Community History Festival.