Jan Jolliffe
Jan Jolliffe has joined the Converse County Library as its new Director. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and a Masters in Library Science from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. Her library career began in graduate school as an intern, then assistant librarian, to Frito-Lay’s Corporate Library in Irving, Texas.
From that start, Jan went on to serve as the Interim Director of Frisco Public Library and then as a school librarian. She served as an elementary, middle school, high school and district librarian. She was in Scottsbluff, Nebraska for two years as the Director of the Western Library System, one of four regional Directors within the State of Nebraska, providing support to all of the libraries in the Western region through training, consulting, networking, and promotion, in conjunction with the Nebraska Library Commission. She was drawn to the Converse County position as a result of her passion for community and the unique opportunity the library provides to connect at an individual level with both residents and visitors alike.
“We were raised in a household of readers. Libraries became a natural draw for me at an early age; I learned that education was important and an integral piece of the puzzle for success in life and work. I’ve always felt at home in the library.”
She appreciates that the residents of Converse County are welcoming and supportive of libraries. “Our community understands that a library provides a central hub to learn, relax, and pursue personal interests for both leisure and business opportunities,” she said. “Our libraries welcome everyone, and we help to strengthen our communities by being a trustworthy resource as a part of our mission. We offer something fun or educational for every age to learn, enjoy, and fulfill an interest or need.”
As director, she looks forward to partnering with other institutions to enhance business, arts, educational and health services within the system’s libraries. “It’s my hope that we can provide everyone with a useful foundation from which to learn, relax, and prosper through life’s journey.”