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After 40 years, Shelly Shropshire is readying for her next chapter in her life.

This past week, Morristown-Hamblen Library Board members, Friends of the Library, staff, and community leaders gathered to celebrate Shropshire as she prepares for her upcoming retirement. Her last day with the library was0 Wednesday.

Shropshire has been an employee of the Morristown-Hamblen Library since 1985.

As Shropshire prepares for her departure, it was announced that current Children’s Librarian Amanda Baysinger will serve as interim director until a new director is hired.

When asked what her plans for retirement, Shropshire said that she was planning to travel a little and to take care of her family.

Since coming to Morristown-Hamblen Library in 1985, Shropshire served as Interim Director twice before getting the full-time job in 2017. In all, Shropshire has served at the Library for 40 years and four months.

Among Shropshire’s successes include completing of the Tennessee State Library’s Public Library Management Institute program and earning certification.

“I also began having the Library present in more outreach programs and community events, launched local author spotlights and the Hotspot program, and made library spaces available for individuals and groups to use for various educational and social gatherings,” Shropshire said. “My achievements reflect the contributions of Staff, Volunteers, and Board members over the years.

Shropshire will wrap up her career on Wednesday, but offered up advice about whoever takes her place should do to work with the community.

“One should strengthen relationships with visitors and patrons who come to the library,” she said. “Meet people where they are in life, regardless of age, and give them the information and space they need to grow. Over time, you’ll be glad you made that investment.

Baysinger Appointed as Interim Director

The Hamblen County Library Board of Trustees has appointed Amanda Baysinger, current Youth Services Librarian, as Interim Director. Amanda holds a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science and has worked at Morristown-Hamblen Library for eight years.

She brings broad experience in library services, including programming, materials selection, finance, reporting, and supervision.

She will oversee library leadership and operations throughout the transition.