After 22 years Anne Hoskins has elected to call it quits as a member of the Corbin Library Board.
The retired nurse, who also serves on the Carnegie Center, Backpack Club, Fine Arts and Baptist Health Corbin Foundation boards had two tenures on the board beginning in the late 1980’s and again beginning in 2008.
While a board member is only permitted to serve two consecutive three-year terms, Hoskins was initially appointed to fill out someone else’s term, extending her time on the board.
“It was an honor and pleasure,” Hoskins said of serving on the board. “When the library means something to you, you are glad to do it.”
Hoskins said it was a daunting task when she was first asked to serve.
“I didn’t know what it was all about, so I went to a meeting and saw what they were doing and some of the needs,” Hoskins said.
One of the first needs, and one of the things she is most proud of, is the revitalization of the children’s reading program.
Hoskins said the program had ceased, but she was able to find a lady at her church who hosted a similar program there and was willing to come to the library.
“I was so glad to get that going again,” Hoskins said.
Hoskins said she has not been afraid to learn from other libraries around the country.
“I have been to libraries in five different states when I had the opportunity,” Hoskins said.
“We looked into any changes that would improve our library and did what we could,” she said.
Hoskins said moving the library from the old building next to the post office to the current location was one of the most rewarding projects she has been involved with during her time on the board.
In addition to providing additional space, it is a brighter and more inviting space.
“There was an awful lot of work involved, but all of worked together to make it happen,” Hoskins said.
That is the same advise she would offer to her successor, don’t make decisions based on personal preferences, but, instead, look for the best ideas.
“Consider all of the options before making a decision,” Hoskins said.
Hoskins said her work on the library board and the other boards said is part of her calling as a Christian to serve others.
“I feel like I have so many blessings that I can’t give back enough,” Hoskins said.
“I think Corbin is a great town and I am very fortunate to be a Corbin resident,” she said.
