10/16/2026
❤️ THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! ❤️
What a wonderful evening celebrating 20 years of our library! We had over 70 people come through our doors last night, and my heart is so full. Seeing familiar faces, meeting new ones, sharing fellowship, and walking down memory lane together made all the hard work worth it. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate this special milestone with us. You helped make it a night to remember!
Of course, an event like this doesn't come together alone, and I have some very special people I need to thank.
💕 My mom, Rita Starkey, for making all the delicious food and helping make the evening extra special. Everything was wonderful, and I appreciate you more than you know!
💕 My son, Tanner, who came in clutch yesterday helping me set up and running errands when I needed him. You saved the day more than once, and I couldn't have done it without you!
💕 My hubby, Lee J, for always supporting me, helping clean up last night, and getting everything back in order. Thank you for putting up with all my stressful nights, listening to me worry, and letting me be me through it all. 😂❤️ I know this celebration took a lot out of me, but you were right there beside me through every bit of it. I love and appreciate you!
💕 George and Kim, thank you for letting me borrow the things I forgot or didn't have. Sometimes it's the little things that save the day, and y'all came through for me!
💕 Sarah, thank you for being such a wonderful employee and always being willing to do whatever is asked of you. Having someone I can count on means more than you know, and I'm so thankful to have you on this team!
To my director, Darla and the mayor, ShawnNshannon Gorham for always supporting my ideas and projects. I appreciate both of you more than you know.
To former Rose Bud teacher, Glenda Hayes, the FBLA members who raised funds along with the 3 members who took the idea to Nationals back in 2003, and most importantly, Peggy Caldwell Brewer, the owner of the building who graciously has let us use the space for more than 20 years contributing more than most people will ever know. (More to come on that later)
Last night was about so much more than celebrating 20 years. It was about the people, the memories, the stories, and the impact this library has had through the years. Seeing everyone come together reminded me why what we do matters so much. This library is part of our community's story, and I'm so grateful to be part of it. ❤️
We are excited to permanently display the history and pictures we've gathered, and we can't wait to share the slideshow soon so everyone can take a walk through the years with us! There are so many memories worth preserving, and this is just the beginning of sharing them.
Now, I'm not going to lie... I'm worn out, and my body is definitely letting me know it! 😂 So I'm going to take the weekend to rest and recharge before getting back at it Monday. But I wouldn't trade the hard work, the late nights, or the memories made for anything.
Thank you for celebrating with us, supporting your library, and being part of our story. Here's to many more years of books, programs, memories, friendships, and serving this wonderful community. We couldn't do it without you! 📚❤️
With a grateful heart,
Thank you all so much!
