Wren Library’s new manager wants to boost collection, programs

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SILER CITY — The new branch manager at Siler City’s Wren Memorial Library is a long-time book lover from a small town in Pennsylvania who loves what libraries can offer a community — and she hopes to boost the branch’s diverse collection of books and programs.

Tabatha Weaver, 28, began her new role in Siler City on Dec. 13. She hails from Hanover, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Clarion University in her home state with a master’s degree in Library Sciences in 2016.

Since then, she’s worked in various libraries across the country and now brings her expertise to Chatham County.

“I entered the Library Science field as an intern for a small public library in 2016 located in Dover, Pennsylvania,” Weaver said. “In 2017, I transitioned to the academic sector as a library assistant in an elementary school located in Tucson, Arizona. In 2019, I went to the collegiate level where I served at a private institute’s library located in York, Pennsylvania. Then in 2021, I went to a remote role conducting background work with an integrated library system.”

Growing up in a small, tight-knit community, Weaver always knew she wanted to help libraries in similar places and create more access to diverse collections of books and resource materials and a range of different programs.

“As someone who loves small towns but also likes taking day trips to the city, Siler City is the ideal location,” Weaver said. “Wren Library is exactly the kind of library I always envisioned myself being a part of and advocating for.”

Weaver dreamt of being surrounded by books. Her passion started when she was a young girl — making regular trips to her local library to dive deep into the worlds behind prose and poetry.

“I remember struggling to carry my overflowing bag of books home and then challenging myself to read them all in a timely manner,” Weaver said. “Since then, I have had an appreciation for the knowledge found through reading and understanding the importance of providing these resources to all.”

Weaver is more than just a bookworm — she also plays video games, crochets, bakes and hikes on trails in her spare time. But her goal in Siler City is to advocate for more resources, such as more educational and recreational programming, in libraries like Wren Memorial.

The new branch manager said she is working to provide a more extensive collection at Siler City’s only library, ranging from new novels on the shelves to unique clubs for children and adults alike.

“Wren Library is focusing on growing our collection to include diverse and relevant materials, and staff are planning new and engaging programs for all ages — Lego Club, Game Night and Book Club,” Weaver said.

Wren Memorial Library staff are also accepting suggestions for new activities to be offered in Siler City, according to Weaver, and those interested in providing ideas for clubs, programs or books the library should have should contact Weaver by calling her at 919-742-2016 or by emailing her at tabatha.weaver@chathamlibraries.org.

Weaver has loved her time at Wren Memorial Library so far, and the community has accepted her with open arms. She said she hopes to continue to meet more of the people who come to the library and wants to continue to work towards equitable access to information.

“Wren Library has been most welcoming upon my arrival, and I continue to enjoy getting to know the people utilizing the resources available here,” she said. “I look forward to interacting with patrons and the community at large as Wren Library evolves to meet the demands of the current environment.”

Wren Memorial Library is open on Monday from noon until 8 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Reporter Taylor Heeden can be reached at theeden@chathamnr.com.