5 Things to Know about our Interim Executive Director

  • Posted on: 13 October 2020
  • By: Melanie Thornton

On October 1, Deputy Director Cindy Hewitt stepped in as Interim Executive Director for the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) after Laurel Best retired. She will serve as Interim for up to a year until the board of directors can safely conduct a search for the Library's new Executive Director.

  • Question: Are you a native or a transplant?

    While I am originally from Atlanta, GA, my family and I have called the Huntsville area our home for 26 ½ years.  My husband Ken and I raised our two children here.  I love the Huntsville community and the wonderful combination of a small town feel with multicultural layers.  It has often reminded me of a mini-Atlanta. 

  • Question: Have you always been a librarian?

    I have been a librarian for 24 years, first as a school librarian and then as a public librarian for the past 10 years.  I was the branch manager at Monrovia Library for 8 years before moving into the Deputy Director position a little less than 2 years ago.  I am excited to spend this year as Interim Executive Director and I hope to keep the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library moving forward in service to our community.

  • Question: What do you like to read?

    I read everything!  Fiction is my favorite, particularly mysteries, relational and historically based works.  I read nonfiction, too – mostly historical accounts around major life events and some “how to’s.”  As a former elementary and high school librarian, I also love young adult and children’s literature. 

  •  Question: What is one thing that most people don't know about the library?

    Did you know that you can now get married at the public library?

  •  Where do you see the future of our library system?

    HMCPL continues to be one of the busiest libraries in the state of Alabama.  In spite of COVID-19 restrictions, we have seen how much our community uses and loves the library system.  We hope to continue to be a place for creativity, exploration, and most of all,  a place where the community connects well into the future.

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