Parker Williams scrapbook, volume 1 (1993-1998)

MEET YOUR LIBRARY STAFF Carol Lee, Branch Librarian Carol brings a wealth of experience to her position here. Transplanted to Victoria, TX from Missouri, she has a B.A. in history from the University of Houston and an M.L.S. from North Texas State. While branch librarian for 4 years in Crosby, she began a literacy program as well as a volunteer program and a Friends group. For 10 years before that, she worked in the Houston Public Library, with the Texas and Local History section, and the Business Science and Technology section. The Parker Williams Branch Library's collection now numbers some 40,000 items and keeps growing, with an average monthly circulation of 14,000 volumes (June's circulation was 21,000!). "We are especially interested in feedback from the patrons," Carol says. "We want to be responsive to the community we serve. " Mary Murray, Reference Librarian The semi-circular desk you see as you enter the library is Mary Murray's "command station." She helps patrons locate all sorts of information and materials, both in this library and other branches. With a bachelor's degree in English and a master’s in Library Science from Texas Woman’s University, Mary too has extensive library experience, much of it in the Dallas Public Library system prior to joining the staff here. Debra Hale, Children's Librarian Debra is our newest librarian, having received her master's degree in Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.) from the University of Texas in Austin in May, where she also earned a B.S.W. She likes working with people-adults and children— and is working with the many children's programs sponsored by the library, and planning future programs. Joe Bateki, Circulation If you’ve ever wondered how the library staff manages the flow of books and other materials in and out of the library, Joe's the man to see. A native of Camaroon, Joe worked as an administrative assistant for the City of Houston before coming to our library. He has a B.B. A. from Texas Southern University, as well as an M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration). He trains and oversees the desk assistants and shelvers and keeps the circulation area organized and running smoothly . Deborah Lee, Community Services Assistant Deborah is one of only two Community Services Assistants in the Harris County library system. With a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Houston, Deborah's background is in banking and the oil and gas industry. She has extensive experience as a volunteer with Big Sisters, Texas Children's Hospital, and M.D. Anderson. She loves to work with people, and that's what brought her to our library. Among other b things, she speaks to community organizations, takes loads of books every two weeks to the Oak Haven Retirement Center (where residents who cannot come to the library may still check out books and other materials), and works with the library's literacy program. Paulette Palm, Children's Assistant The hundreds of South Belt area children who frequent the library know Paulette; in fact, many of them spot her out on the hike-and-bike trail and around the community. The Minnesota native, with a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, has spent all her life working in libraries in one capacity or another. In Topeka, Kansas, she was children’s librarian; she has worked in the library at Houston School for the Deaf and has substituted in libraries of the Houston ISD.