Margrace Buckler, Columbia and Boone County Library District Board Member
New trustee Margrace Buckler has called Columbia home for 48 years. She grew up in Nevada, Missouri, came to Columbia to attend college and later married Kevin, a Columbia native. She worked in state government for 12 years and recently retired from the City of Columbia after almost 23 years of service. For most of her career, she worked in human resources. Now she gardens, reads and walks miles with her dog Marley. She and her husband enjoy fly fishing and traveling to national parks.
What were your favorite books from your childhood?
I loved Grimms’ Fairy Tales and any Dr. Seuss book as a child. Then, Nancy Drew took over. The first “real” novel I read was “The Count of Monte Cristo.”
What is one of your cherished personal library memories?
Waiting for the Summer Reading program list and activities to be announced, and then reading everything on the list.
What book would you recommend others read and why?
“The Stand” by Stephen King. I have read this book three times. Given that it’s based on a pandemic event, it is timely, and it’s a classic good versus evil story, Stephen King style. The best book I’ve read lately is “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell.
Why are libraries important to our community?
Libraries provide access to information and educational resources to everyone in the community. Library activities and programs build community. Finding an actual answer at the library is so much better than Google.
Name one library accomplishment that stands out to you?
The development of curbside pickup in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. What a great service!
Why were you interested in serving on the library board of trustees?
Since retirement I have been interested in finding ways to give back to my community. Being on the library board of trustees provides me the opportunity to serve all the members of our community. The broad services the library provides are really available to everyone.
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.