BOERNE — The Patrick Heath Public Library will soon turn the page on a new chapter with longtime director Kelly Skovbjerg set to retire after 22 years.
She began her career with the City of Boerne in 2002 as a reference librarian before becoming library director in 2003. Since then, the library has continued to be a gathering and connection place for the community.
“The way that we interact with the community and really listen to what it is they are asking for is how we make a difference,” Skovbjerg said. “I think people know if they come here, they will be treated well and with respect. That has helped us a lot to move forward initiatives that you wouldn’t necessarily see in all public libraries.”
Skovbjerg credits the library’s continued success to the flexibility of staff and the support of city leadership to try new things.
“I’m most proud of how we’ve evolved as an organization, how we’ve really tried to reach out and understand the demographics and the needs. That’s dramatically changed just over the last couple of years,” she said. “I’m proud that we’re never complacent, and that we’re always trying to make the community better.”
Skovbjerg said she always knew she wanted to work in writing or with books, which initially led her to a career in publishing. While working for science and higher education publishers, she earned her master’s degree in library science from the University of North Texas and began searching for a librarian position.
Her first librarian role took her to Germany where she worked for the U.S. Army at European Command in Stuttgart for three and a half years. She met her husband while living in Europe and the two later moved to the U.S., eventually settling in the Hill Country where she regularly visited her grandparents while growing up in Texas.
“I remember driving through Boerne at one point and looking at the library (the Dienger building) and thinking, ‘Oh, how awesome. I bet nobody ever leaves that place,’” Skovbjerg said.
Well, someone did leave, and she took the chance to apply for the job.
“It is hard to put into words the level of service enhancements and dedication Kelly has brought as library director,” City Manager Ben Thatcher said. “She has helped revolutionize the role of the library within our community and leaves an indelible mark on the community she served. Her commitment to service, professionalism, and continuous improvement has been the guiding force behind a library that truly reflects the heart of its librarian.”
The challenges of developing programs and services for patrons are many. But one challenge stands above the rest for Skovbjerg and her two decades at the library — the construction of the new library building that opened in 2011.
The new 30,250-square-foot building tripled the library’s space and opened a new realm of possibilities for serving the fast-growing community. Getting to that point was the culmination of years of diligent fundraising, planning, design, and community involvement.
“This was the biggest, most challenging thing I’ve ever done in my life. Most public library directors don’t get a chance to do this, so I was very fortunate that I got to do it,” Skovbjerg said.
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