The Ledger

By Becky Holland

Libraries remain one of the quiet cornerstones of a community, offering knowledge, resources and opportunity for residents of all ages. In Cochran, that mission continues each day through the Tessie W. Norris Cochran-Bleckley Library, where Gina Thomas has served as branch manager for the past 19 years.

Thomas, 55, is a graduate of Bleckley County High School’s Class of 1988. She is married, the mother of two children, and has spent nearly two decades helping guide one of the community’s most valuable public resources.

During that time, Thomas said one focus has been raising awareness of the library’s presence, along with its many programs and services.

That effort has included the use of social media, along with help from local officials who have promoted the library and its offerings.

The Tessie W. Norris Cochran-Bleckley Library currently has more than 17,000 books available, along with periodicals and materials covering a wide range of interests.

In addition to books, the library offers public access computers, free WiFi, digital books through apps such as Libby, and services including faxing, scanning and copying.

Thomas said those fees help support the day-to-day operation of the library.

“Fees for faxing and copying help run the day-to-day operation and keep the doors open,” she said.

Thomas noted those service fees have remained steady.

“We have been able to keep a tight budget,” she said with a smile. “We are better than Office Depot.”

Like libraries across the country, the Cochran-Bleckley branch has seen many changes through advancements in technology. While books remain central, today’s libraries also provide digital access and important public services many residents still rely upon.

“We still have a lot of people using our computers and services,” Thomas said.

She believes the future of the local library remains strong.

“We still have readers who like to check out books,” she said. “We have a strong patronage.”

Thomas said the library has often operated with limited funding and has had to make the most of available resources.

“A lot of times there hasn’t been extra funding available to help the library, and money is tight everywhere,” she said. “We have had the same budget and had to make it work.”

She added that citizens can help by speaking up for the library and supporting its mission.

“We are here to serve the public,” Thomas said.

Thomas’ love for libraries began early in life.

“Both my parents were readers, and Mom would bring me to the library,” she said. “I remember Virginia Blazer and Agnes Davidson.”

Today, Thomas hopes visitors feel comfortable the moment they walk in.

“We want people to feel welcome,” she said. “You can come and sit and read with your child or come in and decompress.”

Thomas works alongside staff members Kathy Jones and Mandy Winborn.

Summer is also around the corner, and the library is preparing for one of its most popular annual traditions. Thomas said the Summer Reading Program will begin May 27 with the theme Unearth A Story, featuring dinosaurs and a number of activities for children.

When it comes to reading, Thomas enjoys fiction and audiobooks, both of which are available through the library. She said she enjoys authors such as Freida McFadden.

Thomas also shared concern over the issue of banning books, saying she believes parents or guardians should make reading decisions for their own children.

“What one person might consider a bad book could be the best book ever to another,” she said.

“If a child is reading and loving to read, they should read what they love.”

Thomas said reading choices often depend on personality, maturity and reading level. She recalled that she and her husband made different decisions for their own children at different stages.

Their oldest child was not allowed to read the Goosebumps series when younger because it would have scared her, Thomas said, while their son later read the books because he could handle them.

“What is my cup of tea may not be your cup of tea,” she said.

For residents who have not visited in a while, Thomas has a simple invitation.

“We have so many things at the library, new and different,” she said. “You should come check us out.”

The library is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and is no longer open on Saturdays.

One of Thomas’ favorite quotes comes from author Neil Gaiman:

“Libraries really are gates to the future.”

Photos from Tessie W. Norris Cochran Bleckley Library Facebook Page