Dorothy Carner, Columbia & Boone County Library District Board Member
Dorothy Carner and her family have lived in Boone County for 18 years. She was born and grew up in Springfield, Missouri and later received a B.S. and M.S. in biology and education from Missouri State University. She taught life sciences in Springfield Public Schools, anatomy and physiology at Missouri Baptist School of Nursing in St. Louis. When her family moved to Austin, Texas, she refocused her career ambitions on library science and attended library school at the University of Texas at Austin. She worked at UT Libraries as a business librarian for 12 years. After becoming empty-nesters, Dorothy and her husband moved back to Missouri. She retired in January 2022 after working as the journalism librarian at the University of Missouri for several years.
Can you share a cherished personal library memory?
I grew up in a rural area of Springfield, Missouri. The main library was quite a distance from my house, so my library was the bookmobile that visited my neighborhood. It was magical. My friends and I were always waiting, books in hand, whenever it was scheduled to come to my neighborhood.
What were your favorite books from your childhood?
Probably “Charlotte’s Web” and the Dr. Seuss books.
What makes DBRL different from other libraries?
DBRL is special because of its extraordinary staff. Not only does the space feel friendly, but the staff are welcoming and helpful and incredibly creative. The community tells us every time we poll them, that they love DBRL. They love DBRL people.
Which library accomplishments stand out to you?
The creation of the community resource team to assist library users with community resources. It solidifies the library as the community center.
I’m also thrilled that DBRL can be a part of the Excel Adult High School program which offers adults the opportunity to earn a nationally accredited high school diploma online.
Working with the new union, Daniel Boone Regional Library Workers United. We are a better team since that conversation began.
Why are libraries important to our community?
Libraries are centers of our community. They are places where everyone, all ages with any political and religious beliefs, can come to have fun reading; find community, refuge, freedom and safety; and where the staff is kind, helpful and accommodating. There really isn’t a more unbiased space than a library.
What books would you recommend to others?
I love all genres of literature, but my favorite is nonfiction history and journalism. So, I would suggest these books which represent the best in scholarship, history and journalism: Robert Caro’s “The Power Broker,” Aaron Ross Sorkin’s “1929” and Doris Kerns Goodwin’s “An Unfinished Love Story.” For fiction fun, I love the Michael Connelly books, especially the Harry Bosch series.