Meet Your Librarian

Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue:

Hudson Library’s Carlyn Morenus holds an entire library of skills and notions within her heart and mind.

Carlyn Morenus is the branch librarian for HudsonLibrary in Highlands.Q: Did you always aspire to become a librarian?A: Librarianship didn’t enter my head until just a few years ago.I had a successful career as a classical pianist and universityprofessor, ending with 17 years as a tenured full professor inIllinois.My husband and I had a house here, and we always planned toretire here, but we decided we didn’t want to wait that long tobe in these beautiful mountains. It was actually the retirementof Mary Lou Worley from Hudson Library in 2014 that got usthinking about a possible new career in public libraries. And themore we thought about it, the more we liked the idea!We both ended up getting second master’s degrees fromValdosta State University through their online degree program,which was a wonderful experience. And before we had quitefinished our degrees, we both got positions in the FontanaRegional Library system. I started out at Macon County PublicLibrary in Franklin, where I got to know the library systemwell, before becoming branch librarian for Hudson Libraryin 2017.My husband, Keith Barnett, started out in IT for theFontana system and has been the assistant county librarian atMacon County Public Library in Franklin since 2018.Q: What are a few highlights of managing a library?A: Being the sole librarian for Hudson Library has been quitean adventure. I do some of everything, from leading Storytimesto planning author events, choosing books for the collection,and removing stray snakes. I love the opportunities to connectwith patrons of all ages. One of the most rewarding things hasbeen forging partnerships with the many amazing organizationson the Plateau and across Western North Carolina.Q: Do you have a favorite book genre?A: Young adult novels. I have many favorite books, so it’s hardto pick just one.The Dark is Risingby Susan Cooper (middlegrade fantasy),Pride and Prejudiceby Jane Austen (classicadult literature), andAristotle and Dante Discover the Secretsof the Universeby BenjaminAlire Sáenz (young adult novel)are three that leap to mind.Q: What is something people would be surprised to learnabout you?A: A couple of my favorite adventures have been piloting asmall plane and mushing sled dogs.

by Deena Bouknigh

Current IssueSubscribeArchives
Subscribe to Laurel Magazine
Subscribe to Weekly Events

(828) 526-0173 | [email protected] | Copyright 2024 – All Rights Reserved.