Murphy – New head librarian Erika Gibby brings to the job an appreciation for small-town living and further innovations to the Murphy Public Library.
Gibby grew up in Jackson County and later, with her husband, lived in Haywood County. She worked at the Waynesville Library for nearly five years.
Her husband grew up in Murphy, so when he missed home, they moved here. Gibby appreciates the small-town character of her new hometown.
For her master’s degree capstone project in December, Gibby plans to implement a free Library of Things in the Murphy library.
The Library of Things includes everyday things that people may use occasionally, but don’t necessarily want to go out and spend the money to buy. Items such as pressure cookers, pressure washers and fishing poles, for example, could be checked out at no cost.
Gibby thinks retirement and Barker will get along famously.
“She’ll be greatly missed,” Gibby said. “I do wish her well. I think she’ll be very happy.”