Director of Houston County Public Library System, J. Sara Paulk – Getting the word out how local libraries can inform, educate

As Director of Houston County Public Library System, J. Sara Paulk oversees all the branches in Perry, Centerville, and Warner Robins. In doing so, she gets the opportunity, on a daily basis, to interact with people of all ages, and her job is multi-faceted. “When school groups come by and the children want to know who does what, I tell them that my job is to support everybody in every way needed. I help the staff to provide the best service possible for the citizens and users of the library services in Houston County.”

The library is a consistent source of enrichment for people of all ages. Six-year-old Jameyrria Manns sat on a beanie bag in the children’s reading area enjoying a book that she’d pulled from the shelf. Her mother stood closely by monitoring. Pointing toward her daughter, she said, “That girl loves this library. When she comes here, she doesn’t ever want to leave. She’s a bookworm. This is pretty much all she does.”

Perhaps Paulk summed it up best when she stated, “From birth to death, and from kindergarteners to retirees; we are all-encompassing in serving our community.” Despite our technological society, Paulk assured that the library is more relevant that ever. “We’re not slowing down at all. The number of books—and I mean printed books—that are being checked out per year is increasing,” she stressed. “E-books are popular, but still, more people than ever are checking out actual books.” According to Paulk, in Houston County alone, nearly 400,000 physical books were checked out through the library system between July of 2018 and June of 2019.

Offering the public chances to be actively involved is probably one of the reasons why. Houston County Public Library System presents several events on an annual basis that promote literacy. Among them is the Vacation Reading Program. During the summer, it alone can have 4,000 children—like Manns—in participation during the summer, and it includes a large base of literacy and literature-based activities and programs. In 2020, this program will begin on May 24 when registration begins, and then it’ll kick into full gear in the month of June.

Aside from books and other reading materials, the library offers several community perks. Many citizens may not be aware that free passes can be checked out for entrance into places such as the Macon Museum, the Tubman Museum, the Museum of Arts and Sciences, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and other interesting places. “All that’s needed to obtain these passes is a current library card,” Paulk said. “And all anyone has to do to get a library card is come by a local branch with a valid photo ID and proof of residency. There’s no cost involved.”

With the 2020 Census quickly approaching, it is a high priority item, and the libraries are offering opportunities for citizens to come to any branch and complete the information online using one of the library computers. “We are a member of the Houston County Complete Count Committee, and we’ll have some kickoff events,” Paulk stated. “This time with the Census, they’re encouraging everyone to complete online, so we’ll have computers in place for people who may not have computers at home.” Paulk wants everyone to know that library cards are not a requirement in order for people to come in the branches and use the computers to complete Census questionnaires. Everyone will be allowed a pass and can get online to provide the necessary information.

Getting the word out about the different services and opportunities the library offers can sometimes be one of their biggest challenges. “We’re hoping that some of the nice folks at Houston Home Journal will put in some great articles that help to get the word out to citizens of the county about the Census,” Paulk said, laughing. She added that social media would be used as an outlet for spreading the word as well. If there are questions regarding the Census, Paulk encourages people to reach out to Houston County Complete Count Committee Chair Jacob Cox via email at, jcox@houstoncountyga.org or by giving him a call at 478-542-2027.

The library strives to always be a viable resource to the community, and Paulk said organizations and individuals know this, and they respond favorably. “We get tons of community support and community partnerships,” she shared. “Last week, the Perry Library hosted a job fair for the Department of Corrections where actual job offers were extended. The AARP partners with us. They’re doing income taxes for elderly with reduced circumstances. Just yesterday, ” she went on to say, “folks came two hours early so that they could be sure to take advantage of that service. The Friends of the Library is another supporter. Each spring they organize and host a book sale at the National Fair Grounds.” The Houston County Public Library System is primary funded by the Houston County Commissioners, the Friends of the Houston County Public Library, and Georgia Public Library Service

What Paulk most wants the community to know is, “Your library is alive and well. We’re here to serve. We’re here to provide you with information, resources, and with books of all kinds and in all formats. We’re here to try and help you in whatever you need to make your life better. The library is a trusted source for so much information. We were here yesterday, we’re here today, and we’ll be here tomorrow. Come and use us.”

J. Sara Paulk has served in her current role for over five years, but she’s been employed in some capacity with numerous library systems up and down the east coast for all of her professional career life. “Librarian work is all I’ve ever done since getting out of school. I love books,” Paulk noted. “Not only books, but programming, serving, educating; the whole package. I love everything that has to do with what the library stands for. This is my life.”

For more information on the Houston County Public Library System, visit www.HOUPL.ORG.