The Ledger

By Becky Holland

COCHRAN — Tara Morris did not grow up planning to become a librarian.

But sometimes, she said, things simply fall into place.

Morris, 44, is the branch manager at the Tessie W. Norris/Cochran-Bleckley County Library, where she has found a role that combines people, community and a love of books.

Before coming to Cochran, Morris spent about 15 years working with Hilton Hotels, including time as a front desk agent and supervisor. She also worked as a sports photographer and at Dolphin Cove.

Her move into library work began when she needed a job and was looking for a way to get her foot in the door.

She was hired as a part-time circulation assistant in Dodge County. Just three weeks later, the branch manager position in Cochran became available.

She applied.

And, as Morris describes it, everything worked.

Today, she says she is simply happy to be where she is.

“I am just happy to be here,” Morris said.

For Morris, one of the best parts of the job is the people.

She describes the library staff as a great team and said the patrons are wonderful.

“Everyone has a story to tell,” she said. “I enjoy listening.”

That connection with people is part of what Morris wants the library to continue to be — not just a place to check out a book, but a place where people feel comfortable.

“This is like their second home,” she said.

She credits both the services the library provides and the team behind those services with creating that atmosphere.

And people are using the library.

In August, the Cochran-Bleckley County Library offered 14 new programs, with 232 participants overall.

The library also recorded 2,601 checkouts, an increase of 596 items compared with the same period last year.

Why the increase?

Morris keeps the answer simple.

People wanted the programs.

The library offers far more than shelves of books, and Morris pointed out that genealogy resources are among the services available to patrons.

She hopes that growth continues.

As branch manager, Morris said she wants to see the library grow while still keeping its history.

That balance — moving forward without losing what has made the library important to generations of local residents — is part of how she sees its future.

Away from work, Morris is the mother of four children, ages 2, 10, 11 and 12.

“My kids’ hobbies are mine,” she said.

With four children, she said her spare time stays busy.

She is also an avid reader and enjoys a variety of genres.

While her work life has included hotels, photography and other jobs, Morris said the library feels different.

When work does not feel like work, she said, it can brighten your day.

For Morris, that appears to be what has happened in Cochran.

And when asked what advice she would give her younger self, her answer reflected the same appreciation for everyday moments she now finds in her family, her work and the people who come through the library doors.

“Make time for the small things,” she said. “Enjoy the small moments.”

That may be good advice for a librarian.

And it may be good advice for the rest of us, too.