The next chapter

Thompson retires from public library

• The next chapter
• Thompson

Helen Thompson, who has served as the director of the Mount Pleasant Public Library for eleven years, has started a new chapter: retirement.

Thompson began working at the library in November of 2012.

“The ‘new’ library had been open for several months when I was lucky enough to be chosen as the director. I can remember driving by the building and thinking, ‘I wonder what it’s like to work there?’ Now, I know and it’s a wonderful place to work. We have a top-notch staff and I am so thankful,” Thompson said.

Before joining the staff at the public library, Thompson worked as the district librarian at Chapel Hill ISD for 23 years.

“It was a shock to find out how different a public school library and a public library are,” she said. “It seems to me that the only thing they have in common is books. Thankfully, the staff jumped in and ‘trained’ me and I am so grateful for their help.”

Her journey into library science began as a teacher.

“I was teaching at the high school in Mount Pleasant and my daughter was in elementary school at Chapel Hill. One day I stopped to pick her up and the principal, Jimmy Bassham, told me that he wanted a ‘real’ library with a ‘real’ librarian,” she said. “I asked him if someone were willing to go back to school for a master’s degree in library science, would he consider hiring her. He said, ‘If it’s you, you’ve got the job.’” “I enlisted my best friend, Carolyn Sargent, and off to school we went. In those days, all classes had to be attended in person. There were no online classes,” she said. “I began working as a librarian and a classroom teacher at CHS. For three years, on Tuesday and Saturday, we drove to Commerce. I loved my time at Chapel Hill, but my mother became ill and I retired in 2009 to be with her. At the same time, my husband and I ran a deli in my daughter’s dance school until I took this job. I’ve always loved books and this job fosters that love.”

Thompson said she has many good memories tied to the last 11 years.

“I guess my favorite memory is actually the people we’ve been lucky enough to serve. I feel like I have several hundred patrons who are now friends,” she said.

The future is bright when it comes to careers in library science; Thompson said she sees director job openings every week.

“If you are interested in becoming a library director, get to work on your master’s degree in library science. One of our employees, Lupe Herrera, received her master’s while working here full-time. Now that you can take classes online, the door is open to everyone,” Thompson said. “Libraries are growing and there will always be job opportunities. Not every library position requires a degree, but the degree will help you advance.”

Following Thompson’s departure, Herrera is now serving as the library director.

“The library will be left in very capable hands. Lupe Herrera will be a fantastic director,” Thompson said. “She and the staff will continue to make the library a welcome place to visit. I know MP citizens can look forward to seeing the library continue to flourish.”

Thompson hopes to travel and have more time with her husband, kids and grandchildren in retirement.

“Retirement is going to be an adjustment. The public library and public school libraries have been a big part of my life. I’m going to miss the city and the ladies I work with. I’m going to miss interacting with so many different people daily,” she said.