Gatesville welcomes new librarian

At the age of 8, Shea Harp began volunteering at the library and, in her words, “I was just trying to get out of the pre-school story time.”

Even at that young age, Harp had already begun her love of reading.

“I loved books as a little girl. I would look at the picture books and come up with my own story just by looking at the pictures. I could read Junie B. Jones (a book series) all by myself by first grade,” Harp said.

When librarian Faye Nichols retired after 28 years, Harp was named interim librarian. She became the official librarian on April 20.

Harp was home-schooled from sixth grade until her graduation. When she was 14 years old, Faye Nichols allowed her to start officially volunteering at the library. In 2015, she became one of two volunteers to be hired, and she’s been there ever since.

After receiving her high school diploma in 2016, she began attending classes at Central Texas College. Eventually, she transferred to Texas A&M Central Texas where she received a bachelor’s degree in social work.

“I did all of this while working at the library in part-time and full-time capacities,” she said.

When asked if she always wanted to be a librarian, Harp replied “I did not. I remember being told as a child that I needed to be a librarian one day and I decided that was not going to happen. However, while working on my social work degree, I realized how much I could help my community through the library. After I graduated, I decided I wanted to work towards my library degree and one day be the head librarian.”

While working under Faye Nichols, Harp admits that she learned a great deal from her – especially patience and determination.

“Most of what I know about the operation of a library, I learned from watching her through the years,” she said. “I will follow what I have learned from her, and the classes I will be taking in the future.”

As librarian, Harp said that her main goal is to have the library meet the needs of the community through books, technology, and education.

“One of the programs we are starting this fall is resume classes. I am excited to use this program as an opportunity to give our community a hand up when it comes to finding employment. Another project I have in the works is providing more free tax services next year,” Harp said.

People may wonder exactly what kind of books a librarian might read during their off time.

“I read everything and anything I can get my hands on, no matter the genre or format. When it comes to non-fiction books, I like to read the quirky ones that no one thinks about reading. My fiction books are usually picked out by my current mood,” she said.

Growing up, Harp confesses that her favorite children’s books included “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” and “Hank the Cowdog” series.

When asked what her favorite books of all time are, Harp narrowed it down to the series books “Elsie Dinsmore,” the novel “The Book Thief,” a classic “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” non-fiction “The Body Keeps Score,” and, of course, her Bible.

“All five of these books are my comfort reads. I read these several times a year and own several editions,” she added.

While continuing her job as librarian at the Gatesville Public Library, Harp plans to attend Texas Women’s University where she will pursue her master’s degree in library science.

About being librarian, Harp explains “I love working with patrons. I have many patrons who come in weekly, bi-weekly, and even once a year, but when they come in, it is like no time has passed. If I can make a person’s day by giving them a smile or doing my best to see their task/project completed, then it is a good day.”