Chumley named new library branch manager
Kathy Chumley has been a familiar face at the North Fort Myers Public Library since last October, working the Reference Desk and helping patrons find specific works and do computer research.
Now, she has been named new branch manager for the local branch.
It is one of the area’s busiest libraries, she said. “I like being busy.”
Chumley has been with the Lee County Library System since 2002. “I was originally in Cape Coral as a reference librarian,” she said. Before coming to Lee County, she was in the academic arena, serving as Extended Campus Services manager with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. “I coordinated library services for students taking online classes throughout the world.”
Chumley holds a Masters of Arts in Library and Information Science from USF, and has an undergraduate history degree from Stetson University in DeLand.
“My history background does help with the job,” she said.
She originally moved from New Jersey to Florida in 1968, and particularly likes the people she deals with in her new post.
“I like the patrons and we have a great staff. North Fort Myers is a wonderful, friendly community library.”
One of her duties includes leading monthly book discussions, usually held the third Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. Registration is requested.
This month the book was T. Coraghessan Boyle’s The Tortilla Curtain.
The following description was penned by library officials of the book: Los Angeles is home to two couples on a collision course. Liberals Delaney and Kyra Mossbacker lead an ordered sushi-and-recycling existence in a newly gated hilltop community. Mexican illegals Candido and America Rincon desperately cling to their vision of the American Dream as they fight off starvation in a makeshift camp deep in Topanga Canyon. From the moment a freak accident brings Candido and Delany into contact, the two couples and their opposing worlds gradually intersect in what becomes a tragicomedy of error and misunderstanding.
Patrons at the recent book discussion included Deanna Pipher, Karen Boulay, Emily Loube, Joan Sampedro, Debbie Clapp and Marilyn Campbell. Each had a unique perspective on the book, and many had personal views and personal stories on both the book and the subject of immigration, an underlying theme of the work.
“Lively discussions are what these gatherings are all about,” said Chumley.
She also researched topical immigration issues she shared with the group.
Chumley will also help host Books & Bites, a monthly social hour held at the library, generally on the first Monday of the month, sometimes with a date change to accommodate holidays. (The next is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 4. Call for dates.)
She said that library services have both changed and remained the same over the last few years. “People are still reading books, but they also use computers, many times for access to social services. Then we have the DVDs and books now come in a variety of formats. For example, there are the downloadable books, e-books and audio books.”
A Pine Island resident, she enjoys spending her spare time with husband Jim and two rescue cats Frankie and Sassy. “Besides spending time with them I enjoy traveling, gardening and crocheting,” she said.
And of course, reading.
The North Fort Myers Public Library is at 2001 N. Tamiami Trail NE in North Fort Myers. For more information about a program or to register, call the library at 533-4320. A sign language interpreter is available with five business days notice to library staff. Assistive listening system available; request at desk.