Pam Hunter
By Kyle Siegel
Staff writer
Sedalia Public Library Director Pam Hunter, as of a few weeks ago, is a name that many in the community might not have known. After the current issues with the library, that may not be the case.
The News-Journal had a chance to sit down with Hunter to learn a little more about her.
Hunter was born in Rector, Arkansas, and there she attended Rector High School.
Hunter was involved in a large number of activities, as well as being a member of Future Teachers of America, class Valedictorian, and a member of the National Honor Society.
Hunter went on to attend Arkansas State University (ASU), where she received her bachelor’s degree of Science and Education in English.
Later in life Hunter attended then Central Missouri State University and received her master’s of Library Science and Information Services.
Hunter was asked if goal was to become a teacher, before beginning to work with libraries.
“I was actually going to be a teacher. I taught for a couple of years and then I got into the library,” Hunter said.
She added, “My first job with the library was as a community service librarian. I did programming for the library. That was in Salem County, Tennessee.
In July of this year, Hunter celebrated 10 years as the Sedalia Public Library director and she has enjoyed all 10 years.
“I love my job. I have really good board members to work with. We have accomplished a lot in 10 years,” Hunter said.
Hunter listed some of the accomplishments that library has achieved over the past decade.
“We have a new automation system, the computer lab upstairs is all new, all new computers, and then we have the early literacy computers for the children. That was all done with grants.
Pam has been married to her husband Preston for 39 years, and the couple met in college while at ASU.
Together they have two children, a son and a daughter, and two grandchildren.
With the current issues at the Sedalia Public Library, Hunter was asked if she likes the challenge.
“I always enjoy a good challenge. I have my hands full with one now.
“I enjoy construction projects, and I built a library. I also planned a library, but I moved before it got built,” Hunter explained.
Pam was asked if she has been a lifelong reader.
“My goal in elementary school was to read every book in the entire library. I didn’t complete it, but I tried,” she said.
Hunter was asked if she keeps a private library at her residence, and who she enjoys reading.
I probably have two hundred books. I love reading David Baldacci. He is a suspense writer, and he is a Virginia author. I discovered him when I was a librarian in Virginia.
Hunter and her husband are currently in the process of moving to Sedalia after spending the last eight years in Jefferson City.
Hunter was asked if she has any other hobbies beside reading.
“I like to cook, southern cuisine. I don’t like to use recipes. I like to use my own creations. I wrote some children’s books when I was in college. That has always been in the back of my mind for when I retire.”
