New Pettigrew Regional Library manager outlines classes, genealogy and outreach plans

Jackie Respess, the new branch manager for the Pettigrew Regional Library, briefed the Washington County Board of Commissioners on July 7 about programs and outreach she plans to expand.

Respess said the summer reading program has strong attendance and described partnerships with Beaufort County Community College to offer adult programming and with East Carolina University for digital skills training. She said NC Works will hold a resume workshop on July 28 and that she is coordinating with local partners to host suicide-prevention and mental-health programming through the East Carolina Injury Prevention program.

Respess told the Board she will survey patrons via the library website and Facebook to guide future programming, is planning a genealogy interest meeting in mid-August and hopes to reestablish preschool story time in September by coordinating with local daycares. She also raised the possibility of offering twice-weekly after-school tutoring and working with the new school to support students and teachers.

Commissioners welcomed Respess and encouraged outreach efforts; Commissioner Ann C. Keyes volunteered to help publicize library services.