August 24, 2015
FOR RELEASE: September 7, 2015
Marshall County Public Library Welcomes New Young Adult and Children’s Librarian
Benton, KY – Sara Dittman and Ashley Mattingly have recently joined the Youth Services team at the Marshall County Public Library. Dittman is working as the Children’s Librarian for the @Hardin branch, and Mattingly is the new Young Adult Librarian.
Dittman, a former social worker, has worked as a substitute teacher for St. Matthew Christian Preschool for the past six years.
“I’m thrilled to be doing something I love,” says Dittman, who is returning to full-time employment now that her three children are in school. “I truly enjoy working with kids – reading, playing games, and doing arts and crafts. The fact that I get to do these things in a library makes it even better.”
Dittman is no stranger to the Story Hour and After-School Programs at the library. For years she brought her own to children to the library’s various programs and calls herself “an avid library user,” a description with which Mattingly can strongly identify.
“I have loved libraries for as long as I can remember,” says Mattingly. “No matter where I have lived, I have always had a library card.”
Mattingly is a 2014 graduate of Murray State University, where she majored in History and minored in Religious Studies. As the Young Adult Librarian, she will be working with teens in grades seven through twelve throughout the county through after-school programs, library events, and school visits.
For Mattingly, the position is a perfect fit. “I’m a self-proclaimed geek, and really love many of the same things the teens do. I’m excited to share new book series and programming ideas with them, and if, at the same time, I can create an atmosphere where they feel safe and important, then I will feel as though I’ve accomplished my goal.”
Dittman and Mattingly will be joining Beth Kerrick and Hayley Fountain to round out the library’s Youth Services team. The four librarians work together to offer programming to children of all ages at all three branches of the Marshall County Public Library. After-School programs for both children (grades K-6) and teens (grades 7-12) will begin the week of September 14. For a complete list of upcoming programs and events, visit www.marshallcolibrary.org.
