Sparks Named as May’s Unsung Hero

I'm sure we all have memories of going to the library when we were kids. I remember the library being a place you could hang out (on the steps, that is) with all the kids from Sacred Heart when they got out of school. We did hang out a bit inside the library, but that usually required being quiet.

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I remember walking to the library with my little high school boyfriend for our "first date". He ended up checking out like, ten books and then not calling me for a week. Anyway. My point is, I'm sure everyone has a story or two like that - where a library was not just a source of information, but much more.

Public libraries are vital community hubs that offer free access to knowledge, technology, and opportunity. They’re not just about books. It's about internet access, job resources, educational programs, and a safe space for learning and connection. Libraries support lifelong learning for everyone, from toddlers to seniors, and help level the playing field regardless of income. In a noisy, fast world, libraries remain a quiet refuge where curiosity is welcomed, questions are encouraged, and everyone belongs.

That brings us to our next Unsung Hero, Jamie Sparks. She's the director of the Sedalia Public Library. Let's take a moment to hear from her nominator, Gayle Rooks.

Jamie is the best Unsung Hero because she is the Director of the Sedalia Public Library. She brings wonderful opportunities to the citizens of Sedalia. Under her leadership, the library has had a phenomenal amount of changes to preserve the building itself, as well as bringing many electronic sources to the forefront.

Jamie took the time out of her incredibly busy schedule to come in to our stations to talk with Randy about the summer children's reading program, her background in education, her plans for the rest of the year, and her college bound kids.

You should definitely go by and check out the Sedalia Public Library and everything they're offering these days.  As Jamie says, "It's not just books!"

Sparkingly yours,
Behka