Nate Suttenfield, Callaway County Library District Board Member
Nate Suttenfield was born and raised in Holts Summit, where he currently lives with his wife, Amie, and his three beautiful children. He graduated from high school in New Bloomfield, then attended William Woods University on a baseball scholarship, where he graduated with a degree in psychology.
He’s currently the associate executive director for Cole County Residential Services, Inc., an organization providing residential, respite and community-based services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Nate loves knowing that the agency makes a positive contribution to the lives of individuals who need special services and support. “A community is only at its strongest when there is full inclusion and participation from everyone,” said Nate.
What do you like about living in Mid-Missouri?
I love the feel of a small community. I like that my children get to attend a smaller school where they feel comfortable. The Holts Summit area provides me and my family with everything we need.
What three words do you think best describe the library?
Resourceful, significant and influential.
When friends or family find out that you are on the library board, what do they say or ask?
I mostly receive congratulatory comments because they all know how passionate I am about reading and public libraries. If people read more and utilized their public libraries, the world would be a much better place.
What has surprised you most about serving on the board?
Even though I have only been able to attend board meetings via Zoom and have not been able to experience that “in person” vibe, I can tell how passionate everyone is about service to the library and the patrons. Everyone has made me feel very welcome, and I am fortunate to be part of such a great group of members who share the same passion and vision as I do.
What do you wish other people knew about the library?
I wish people knew more about the vast services the library offers. I think people view the library as a place to just check out books, but there are so many more resources the library has to offer for all age groups.
If you could have dinner with a famous author or book character who would it be?
I would love the opportunity to sit down and have dinner with Jack Carr. Jack Carr is a former U.S. Navy Seal turned New York Times bestselling author with a series of thrillers following the fictional character James Reece. I have finished the first three books of the series, and I am impatiently waiting for the fourth one to be released.
How is the library different today than it was 10 years ago?
Just like technology, the library has evolved, too. The library offers so many online resources for people of all ages. The services and resources offered now, compared to 10 years ago, have grown exponentially and will continue to change with technological advances.
Each library board member serves on his or her own district board as well as on the Daniel Boone Regional Library board, which is the governing body responsible for policy-making and fiscal oversight.