Mary Lin Maner, CCL’s new director
The Converse County Library (CCL) welcomed Mary Lin Maner as their new director in early January. Having recently relocated to Wyoming from outside of Augusta, Georgia, Mary Lin is loving her new position and is enjoying living in Converse County, Wyoming.
“The openness and beauty amazes me every time I go outside or look out the window,” said Mary Lin.
Holding several degrees from the University of South Carolina, including a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as both MLIS and SLIS degrees, Mary Lin was an elementary school media specialist for 16 years in Augusta, Georgia, after which she moved into the public library realm, becoming the County Libraries Manager for Columbia County in Georgia in 2009. During her time as the County Libraries Manager, she was tasked with the pros and cons of being a member of their current Regional Library System or breaking away and forming a new system. The system ended up breaking away and became the headquarters county for the new regional library system in 2013. Mary Lin was then the director for the new region, which consisted of four counties and eight buildings.
“I think coming from a large population with many libraries and counties, I have the ability to work with anyone,” said Mary Lin. “I think I will be able to network more consistently in Converse County to bring awareness to the libraries.”
Moving to Wyoming has fulfilled two lifelong dreams for Mary Lin–moving away from Augusta and moving to Wyoming, as she loves outdoor activities including hiking, walking, and bike riding. She would eventually love to try kayaking when the weather allows it.
“After college, my parents asked me to move back home for work. Little did I know of their plan; to retire and go sailing! So, for 25 years, I took care of their “stuff”, especially before everything moved online,” said Mary Lin. “They have been back home for a few years, so I decided it was time for me to spread my wings. When I saw the position advertised, I jumped on it and have not looked back!”
Now that she has been at the Converse County Library, Mary Lin has noticed that the library locations in both Douglas and Glenrock are vibrant and well used.
“Each community is different and each requires different resources and programs,” said Mary Lin. “I see this as a strength for Converse County.”
In regards to her goals for the CCL, Mary Lin hopes to bring more cohesion to the libraries, as well as enhance their programming and outreach to the communities each library serves. She also hopes to bring in more local partnerships from Douglas and Glenrock to their respective library locations.
Mary Lin is glad to be a part of the Wyoming library community and is excited to connect with other library professionals in the state.