Love of libraries motivates new director

Allison Wakefield loves libraries.

When she was little, she and her family went to libraries in every town and city they live in.
“I loved it when we moved and I got to go see a new library,” she said.

When she got older, Wakefield began volunteering at the library and four years ago, she was approached to serve on the library board.

“I have been heavily involved since,” Wakefield said.

Wakefield, who was hired to be the new Ogden Rose Library Director, said she always dreamed of holding the title after watching Sandi Wienke, the former director, lead the organization.

“Being the Library Director has always been a goal of mine after I saw how much Sandi loved it and cared for the library,” she said.

Wakefield said her favorite part of the library is the community of people that is involved with the library.

“Everyone from patrons, to the board, friends of the library, and now my fellow employees,” she said.

Wakefield said she feels libraries are an important part of the community that holds important historical and cultural information as well as education recourses and adventures.

“You can come into the library, pick up a book and go on an adventure to anywhere,” she said. “They also serve as a place for people in the community that supports lifelong learning and literacy.”

Wakefield plans on holding more programs at the library that the COVID pandemic had prevented.
“I am excited to get summer reading back this year and build more programs in the years to come,” she said.