CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton has hired Melissa Poole as the new Library Manager of Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library.
Poole, with more than 10 years of library experience and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina, has a strong background in overseeing library operations. Since joining the Town of Clayton in 2022 as Circulation Supervisor, she has managed essential tasks and enhanced services, all while fostering a welcoming environment for the community and supporting the library’s growth.
“I am honored to step into this new role,” said Poole. “It’s thrilling to bring in fresh ideas and perspectives that will help strengthen our community connections. I look forward to expanding our programs and collections and working with local organizations to create exciting opportunities for everyone. Together, we can transform the library into a vibrant hub for exploration and creativity in Clayton.”
With a wealth of knowledge from her previous roles in library management, Poole has held positions at the Anderson County Library System and the Pickens County Library System, where she focused on team leadership, collection growth, and community program development. Additionally, she has successfully led special projects and optimized collection management processes in academic settings, including at Clemson University.
As Library Manager, Poole will spearhead several upcoming initiatives aimed at addressing community needs. Among these plans is the introduction of a “Library of Things” collection, which will allow patrons to borrow items beyond traditional library materials. She will also work on expanding adult cooking programs to promote culinary skills and healthy eating, as well as oversee planned renovations to enhance the library’s facilities and services.
Cultural Arts Director and Poole’s supervisor, Steven Langston, expressed his enthusiasm for her promotion, stating, “Melissa has played a significant role at the library during her time with us, and we are thrilled to see her advance to the position of Library Manager. Her dedication to serving our community and her strong leadership qualities have inspired our team. I am confident that under her guidance, the library will continue to evolve and thrive, meeting the varying needs of our patrons.”
Poole steps into the role of Library Manager, succeeding Joy Garretson, who served as Library Director for nearly seven years.
