CALVERT CITY – When Nancy Petty accepted a position as a substitute Bookmobile driver and Calvert City librarian she never imagined she would end up retiring from the Marshall County Public Library more than thirty-five years later.
“I remember being amazed that I actually got the job,” says Petty, who has been the @Calvert City Branch Manager for the past 29 years. “Every day I am grateful that I am given the opportunity to do something I love. I’ve never dreaded going to work because I’m excited and happy to be here.”
Petty moved from Tennessee to Kentucky in July of 1976 when her husband Jimmy was transferred here due his job with TVA. They had intended on being in Marshall County for only two years, but eventually decided to stay and raise their children, Jeri and Jim, here.
Over the years Petty has seen many changes come to the library. Typewriters became computers, and card catalogs became OPACs.
“Technology has definitely impacted the library system,” she says, recalling the days when much of a librarian’s time was spent on a typewriter trying to correctly type up four different cards for every book in the collection. “Fortunately, in Marshall County we had a good, solid system to start with, which made adding the technology easier. And in the long run, it’s been a very good thing. Information today is more accessible than ever before.”
One of the biggest changes for Petty came in 2006 when the @Calvert City branch moved from the basement of City Hall to their current location on Park Street. The new facility not only had more room for their collection, but also provided an opportunity to expand the number of public use computers and library programs.
“The one constant has been our patrons. We were started by a group of citizens who wanted a library in Calvert City, and people are still interested in what we’re doing and proud to have us as part of the community today.”
Director Kristi Tucker says Petty’s absence will be felt by all who frequented the library.
“Nancy will truly be missed in the community and by her peers. While we expect to continue to see Nancy as a patron and friend, we will miss her tremendously as a co-worker. Nancy’s hard work, love of books, ability to adapt with the ever-changing world of public libraries, and commitment to the our library and community has helped make the Marshall County Public Library system, especially the Marshall County Public Library @Calvert City, a treasured and valued library.”
Petty’s last day will be Wednesday, September 30. The library will be honoring her that afternoon with a reception from 1:00 – 3:00 PM in the @Calvert City meeting room. All patrons, past and present, are invited to attend.