We are incredibly excited to get to highlight one of our ‘00 alums, Jennie Garner. Jennie is currently working as the Library Director at the North Liberty Public Library, and was recently honored with the Iowa Library Association Distinguished Leadership Award last fall and this fall with the Association for Rural & Small Libraries Distinguished Service Award.

Jennie began her library career in 1993 by volunteering “kind of by accident,” where she’s asked the director about a new book and been told she could get it quicker if she volunteered: “she taught [Jennie” how to process materials, and [she] never looked back.”

“Not long after, in 1994, I was hired part-time as a library assistant, then quickly moved into full-time work. Since then, I’ve served as teen librarian, assistant director, and became director in 2014. Things have changed a lot since then. We built the 6300 sq ft library in the community center space we share with the rec department, pool, and the before and after school program. We had a renovation in 2014 and I started as the director shortly after. Our staff has grown from three (only one fulltime) when I started at the library to 22 staff (11 fulltime and 11 part-time) today.”

Jennie has also been an active member of the ILA for more than twenty five years, holding a variety of chair positions, as well as being a longtime member of the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, where she’s attended every conference since 2012, and served as the 2023 president. She is also a member of the ALA and PLA, having recently been appointed to the PLA’s Leadership Development Committee. 

When asked what advice she has for current SLIS students, she had several different pieces of advice: “If you are able, work or volunteer in a library while you’re in the program; it’s a great way to discover your areas of interest. Build your network by attending professional conferences if possible. Student rates are generally affordable and well worth it.

When you graduate, stay open to opportunities in small or rural libraries. While they may not pay as much, you’ll gain hands-on experience across many areas of librarianship.

Be active in your community. Volunteer, collaborate, and partner with others. Many of my own opportunities came from community involvement, showing up, and using my voice. Your work in the community adds visibility to your library.” And importantly, “You are an expert – you have valuable skills to share. Put yourself out there. Connect and build relationships with librarians and other professionals who can challenge your thinking, inspire new ideas, and offer guidance along the way.”