Meet the Board: J. Hasbrouck Jacobs

J. Hasbrouck JacobsBrouck Jacobs currently works as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Boone County and makes his home in Columbia, along with his wife who is a pediatrician at Tiger Pediatrics. They’re looking forward to becoming parents this month as they welcome a baby boy to their family. He enjoys borrowing biographies and history books from the library, as well as Teaching Company lectures on CD.

 


 

Why do you think libraries are important?

Libraries are important because they are timeless symbols of the value “we the people” place on our freedom — and responsibility — to learn and advance. Libraries provide a place in our communities to bring generations together, exchange and share our opinions, and explore a world of ideas. Libraries are so much more than a repository for books!

What is the role of the district board as you see it?

Since you’re asking a lawyer, I’ll refer you to Section 182.200 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, which outlines the duties of the board. Basically, the board appoints the librarian [the director], and must approve all major decisions facing the library.

What makes DBRL special?

I think the phenomenal facilities and the dedicated librarians and staff , overseen by library Director Melissa Carr, make our library special. It’s also special being located near a university community where there are diverse patrons — students, teachers, parents, grandparents, and young children — using it daily. The daily traffic makes it a vibrant place to read, study, or browse for books.

Do you have a favorite memory or story about libraries from your youth?

I grew up in Orlando, Florida. I was strongly influenced by my father’s and grandfather’s legal careers. My grandfather actively volunteered his time with the Orange County library in Orlando.

Growing up, the highlight of my weekend was going to the library on Saturday mornings. I usually chose books about dinosaurs, American history, or unexplained mysteries like the Bermuda Triangle or UFOs, and I would also get to pick out a couple of Disney movies.

 

Each library board member serves on his or her own district board as well as on the regional library board, which is the governing body responsible for policy-making and fiscal oversight.